Innerpage Banner - Hunter Real Estate Group

Home » 10 excellent places to spend some quality downtime in Houston

10 excellent places to spend some quality downtime in Houston

The great thing about living in Houston is having all the conveniences of a thriving metropolis, while also being surrounded by so many options for rest and recreation.

Here are 10 great places you can go to when you want to catch a break from your daily grind:

Buffalo Bayou Park

Covering 160 acres, this sprawling recreation area features multiple walking and bicycle trails, public art installations, a dog park, and plenty of shaded green space that are sure to rejuvenate any weary visitor.

Cockrell Butterfly Center

Marvel at the exquisite beauty of one of nature’s most graceful creatures. Whether you are visiting with kids or dropping by on your own, you are guaranteed an educational and visually rewarding experience.

Discovery Green

Considered an urban oasis in the heart of the city, this 12-acre park sustains and grows a strong sense of community around the area. Regular events staged here include concerts and movie nights, yoga classes, and storytelling for toddlers.

Downtown Houston Tunnel System

More than six miles of the city’s best attractions are located 20 feet underground. Downtown Houston’s tunnel system started out as a link between two movie theaters. Now, it’s a thriving commercial center, complete with restaurants and retail outlets.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

You don’t have to go far to commune with nature and breathe in some fresh air amid Houston’s urban sprawl. Access to the arboretum’s hiking trails is free of charge and you can visit the nature center for special shows, events, and classes.

Houston Zoo

Regarded as one of the best zoos in the United States, the Houston Zoo houses and cares for more than 6,000 animals, including one of the most diverse collections of bird species. Special sections include a giraffe feeding platform, petting zoo, and a dedicated “Bug House.”

Historic Market Square Park

This spot delivers various modes of fun and enjoyment in a compact square block in the heart of Downtown Houston. Whether you want to shop, eat, watch a show, or mingle with the local crowd, you’re sure to get your fill here.

The Menil Collection

Part of Houston’s famed Museum District, this free museum showcases artifacts from prehistoric times, medieval art, pieces from the early modern period, and a wide selection of pop and contemporary art. The collection – which totals approximately 17,000 works of art – is available for viewing free of charge.

The Gerald D. Hines Water Wall Park

One of the most picturesque attractions in Houston, this park deserves a spot in everyone’s list of go-to R&R places. The landmark is a 64-foot-tall fountain that drops 11,000 gallons of water per minute along the inner and outer walls of the monolithic structure – definitely a sight worth seeing every once in a while.

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

Drive up around sunset to watch hundreds of bats emerge from their daytime dwelling under a bridge. It’s an astonishing sight, with just the right amount of creepy to make it even more unforgettable.

Want to learn more about what it’s like to own a home in Houston? Get in touch with the local experts at Hunter Real Estate Group. Call 713.572.0824 or send an email to trace(at)hunterrealestategroup(dotted)com to learn more.