Visitor Information
Plan Your Visit
Welcome to Buffalo Bayou! Vibrant green spaces, an extensive trail network, and unique destinations await along the waterway between Shepherd Drive and the Port of Houston Turning Basin.
Learn more about hours, rules, closures, and opportunities to engage below.
Park & Trail Hours
Open Daily
Lighted areas: 6am – 11pm
Other areas: Dawn to dusk
Visitor Center at The Water Works and the Buffalo Bayou Boutique: 9am – 6pm
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern: Closed January 20 – February 28 for repairs.
Restrooms: 8am – 8pm
Johnny Steele Dog Park: 7am – 8pm
Dog park is closed Tuesdays from 7am-4pm and Fridays from 1 – 2:30pm for maintenance and cleaning
Please help us keep Buffalo Bayou Park safe and enjoyable for all by following these rules:
- Pets must remain on leashes except in the dog park.
- Owners must clean up after their pets (ORD. 2003-1275, SEC. 6-24)
- Leave no trace – please dispose of trash in the receptacles provided.
- Do not feed, remove, or disturb wildlife or plants.
- Cooking is permitted only in designated, fixed barbeque grills.
- Please be respectful of others and keep noise levels down.
Prohibited:
- Smoking, vaping, electronic smoking devices, alcoholic beverages, and glass containers
- Motorized or electric riding devices beyond parking areas, with the exception of mobility aids as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Parking in unauthorized areas or outside of marked vehicle zones
- Swimming
- Littering or dumping
- Hunting, the use of firearms, or fishing (Article II, SEC. 32-35)
- Staking, erecting structures, tents that are not transparent or open-sided, or sign postings
- Open fires or camping (ORD. 1206 – 65, SEC. 32-28)
- Damaging public property (Title 19, Chapter 191, Government Code of Texas)
For questions or concerns: Dial 311
Emergencies: Dial 911
Restrooms
- Restrooms are open daily from 8am – 8pm at Lost Lake (3422 Allen Parkway) and The Water Works (105-B Sabine Street).
Food and Drink
- Food trucks can be found in the entry court of The Water Works throughout the week.
- FLORA, A Mexican Kitchen is located at Lost Lake (3422 Allen Parkway).
Bike Rentals
- Bayou Bike Rentals are located at The Water Works (105-B Sabine Street).
Kayak & Canoe Rentals
- Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours is open throughout the year, operating in Buffalo Bayou Downtown at the Sunset Coffee Building on Allen’s Landing (1019 Commerce Street).
WINTER STORM UPDATES: WEEKEND OF JANUARY 23
In preparation for freezing weather, water fountains will be shut off in beginning Friday, January 23 and will be reconnected once safe. Public restrooms at Lost Lake and The Water Works will remain open and available during this time.
JOHNNY STEELE DOG PARK
Closed for maintenance and cleaning Tuesdays 7am – 4pm and Fridays 1 – 2:30pm. Check the Johnny Steele Dog Park page or BBP social media for additional updates.
BUFFALO BAYOU EAST TRAIL CLOSURES
Construction is underway on improvements to the Kinder Trail east of downtown as we work toward greater connectivity in Buffalo Bayou East.
Current Closure: US-59 to Tony Marron Park (South Bank)
Detour: US-59 to Meadows Street (North Bank)
UPCOMING HIGH-TRAFFIC EVENTS & ROAD CLOSURES
A number of community walks will be using the trails of Buffalo Bayou Park and Allen Parkway in the following months. Please expect increased foot traffic on trails during the following days/times:
- January 31, 6am – 2pm: Hot Chocolate Run
- Bike lane closure of outbound Allen Pkwy
- Lane closures along Memorial Dr.
- February 1, 8:30am – 10:30am: Art Car IPA Social Run
- Increased traffic along trails
- February 7, 7am – 10:30am: The Best Races
- Increased traffic along trails
- February 14, 7am – 10:30am: The Best Races
- Increased traffic along trails
- March 7, 2026, 4pm – 10pm: Houston Roast Run & Comedy Show
- Increased traffic on trails
- March 8, 7:30am – 10:30am: Bayou City Classic
- Lane closure along Dunlavy and Allen Pkwy
- Increased traffic along trails
Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
THE WATER WORKS
Limited parking available at The Water Works (105-B Sabine Street) and may vary based on special events.
CITY LOT H
More than 400 spaces are available for public parking. Pricing may vary by day of the week.
ALLEN PARKWAY
Parking is available 9am – 7pm Monday – Sunday. There are 140 parking spots between Sabine and Taft streets with pricing at $1 for 3 hours, a 3-hour maximum (including Saturday and Sunday).
ALLEN’S LANDING PARK
Paid parking is available adjacent to Allen’s Landing Park in the Bayou Lot (901 Commerce St) located behind El Centro Downtown. The parking lot entry is located at the intersection of Travis Street and Commerce Street.
ADDITIONAL PARKING
Additional parking is available along city streets surrounding our spaces. When parking along city streets, please pay close attention to signage, be neighborly, and use pedestrian bridges to safely access parks and trails.
Whether you are on the Buffalo Bayou Park’s trails for exercise or for fun, enjoy! Be considerate of your fellow trail users and follow these basic cycling tips:
-
- Ring when passing
- Reduce speed under 10 mph and maintain a 3-foot distance from pedestrians
- Always wear a helmet
- Ring your bell when passing
- Announce “passing on the left” when trying to get around someone
- When stopping for any reason, move completely off the trail
- Look ahead and behind you before turning around on the trail
- And don’t forget, Buffalo Bayou Park asphalt trails from Shepherd to Sabine Street are for walkers/runners only
Emergencies: Dial 911
Please note that some activities require permits. Click here for more information on permits or reach out to us at permits@buffalobayou.org.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers numerous unique venues to host festivals, celebrations, and events along the bayou. Find more information on available venues here.