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 our spaces, hours, rules, closures, and opportunities to engage below.
Park & Trail Hours
Open Daily
Lighted areas: 6 AM – 11 PM
Other areas: Dawn to dusk
Visitor Center at The Water Works and the Bayou Boutique
Open daily, 9 AM – 6 PM
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Closed January 20 – February 28 for repairs.
Johnny Steele Dog Park
Open daily, 7 AM – 8 PM with the following exceptions:
- Closed Tuesdays from 7 AM – 4 PM for maintenance and cleaning
- Closed Fridays from 1-2:30 PM for pond cleaning
Park Rules
Please help keep the park safe and enjoyable for everyone by following these rules:
- Pets must remain on leashes except in Dog Parks.
- 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 with the exception of mobility aids as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Motorized vehicles beyond parking areas
- Parking in unauthorized areas or outside of marked vehicle zones
- Swimming
- Littering or dumping
- Fishing, hunting, or the use of firearms (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. 32-38)
- Damaging public property (TITLE 19, CHAPTER 191, GOVERNMENT CODE OF TEXAS)
Dog Park Rules
Owners are legally and financially responsible for their dogs’ behavior. Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the City of Houston are not liable for injuries.
Failure to follow posted Dog Park rules, City of Houston codes, or directions from park personnel may result in removal or fines.
- A maximum of two (2) dogs per person is allowed per visit.
- Dogs larger than 25 pounds and/or taller than 15 inches are not permitted in the Small Dog Area.
- Dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated with City of Houston registration and rabies tags visible on each dog’s collar.
- Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the Dog Park, and owners must carry a leash for each dog at all times.
- Owners must clean up after their dogs and place waste in designated receptacle.
- Dogs must always remain under voice and visual control.
- Dogs showing aggressive behavior must be leashed and removed from the park immediately.
- For safety reasons, children 11 and under are strongly discouraged from entering the Dog Park.
Prohibited:
- Puppies under four (4) months of age
- Dogs in heat
- Sick dogs
- Dogs with a known history of dangerous or aggressive behavior
- Human or dog food/treats
- Abandoning dogs
- Running, shouting, chasing dogs, or petting another person’s dog without permission
Playground Rules
Use of the Playground is at your own risk. Failure to follow posted rules or directions from park personnel may result in removal or fines.
- Only children 13 and under may use the playground.
- Only adults actively supervising children may enter the playground area.
- Proper clothing, including footwear, is required.
- Adult supervision is required at all times.
- Use equipment only as intended and in accordance with age guidelines.
- Check surface temperature of play equipment before allowing children to play.
- Do not use equipment when it is wet or exceedingly hot.
- Leave no trace – please dispose of trash in the receptacles provided.
Prohibited:
- Pets of any kind
- Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, skates, and any recreational electric or motorized devices
- Glass bottles or sharp objects
- Pushing, rough play, or bullying – be respectful of others
- Private reservations
For questions or concerns: Dial 311
Emergencies: Dial 911
Restrooms
- The Water Works (105-B Sabine St.): open daily, 8 AM – 8 PM
- Lost Lake (3422 Allen Parkway): open daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Food and Drink
- Snacks and drinks can be purchased at the Bayou Boutique in The Water Works Visitor Center (105-B Sabine St.) open daily from 9 AM – 6 PM.
- 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).
Visitors can explore Buffalo Bayou Park on foot, by bike, or on the water. Bicycles, kayaks, and canoes are available to rent through our partner vendors. Please visit their respective websites for more information about rentals and hours of operation.
Bike Rentals
Bayou Bike Rentals are located at The Water Works (105-B Sabine St.) and open:
- Fridays, 11 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours is located at the Sunset Coffee Building on Allen’s Landing (1019 Commerce St.), hours vary and reservations are recommended.
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK CISTERN
The Cistern will be closed from January 19 – February 28 for necessary repairs. Check the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern page or BBP social media for additional updates.
BUFFALO BAYOU BRIDGE REPAIRS
Various pedestrian bridges in Buffalo Bayou Park will be undergoing repairs in the coming weeks. Find current closures and detours below:
- The Carruth Bridge is closed from 7 AM – 5 PM for repairs. For detour options, please use the Rosemont Bridge or Sabine Street Bridge to travel between the north and south banks of the bayou.
TRAIL CLOSURE: JOHNNY GOYEN PARK BY UH-DOWNTOWN
The trail segment between Louisiana St and Main St on the north bank in downtown is currently closed for repairs being led by Houston Parks Board. Construction is slated for completion in August 2026. Find updates on their Bayou Greenways map.
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:
- March 7, 2026, 4-10 PM: Houston Roast Run & Comedy Show
- Increased traffic on trails
- March 7, 2026, 7 AM-12:30 PM: Bayou City Classic
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- Lane closures along Allen Parkway
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- March 8, 7:30-10:30 AM: Bayou City Classic
- Lane closure along Dunlavy and Allen Pkwy
- Increased traffic along trails
- March 14, 10 AM-2 PM: Houston St. Patrick’s Day
- Lane closure along Allen Parkway between Bagby and Taft
- March 27 at 7 PM – March 30 at 3 AM: Bayou City Art Festival
- Lane closures along Allen Parkway
- April 10, All Day after 2 PM: Art Car Parade 2026
- All Allen Parkway Parking Space
- April 11, 7 AM-6PM: Art Car Parade 2026
- Lane closures along Allen Parkway
Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
THE WATER WORKS
Limited parking available at The Water Works (105-B Sabine St.) and may vary based on special events. The parking lot is closed after park hours.
CITY LOT H
More than 400 spaces are available for public parking at 1643 Memorial Dr. Pricing may vary by day of the week.
ALLEN PARKWAY
Parking is available 9 AM – 7 PM 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). Parking areas are closed after park hours.
ALLEN’S LANDING PARK
Paid parking is available adjacent to Allen’s Landing Park in the Bayou Lot (901 Commerce St.) located behind Conejo Malo. 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.
