11 things you must do at Houston's Buffalo Bayou Park

Views of the Houston skyline? Check. Plentiful scenic hiking and biking trails? Check. A skatepark, dog park and boat tours? Check. Buffalo Bayou Park checks all the boxes for an awesome adventure.

Whether you decide to stroll, jog or cycle your way through the 160-acre urban oasis, prepare to be simultaneously relaxed and energized. Here are 11 things you must do in Buffalo Bayou Park to make the most of your visit to Houston's epic green space.

1. Enjoy a picnic in the park

There are several options for eating in the park. If you opt to pursue Buffalo Bayou Park picnic areas, your best spot is the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion. The nature-inspired playground is nearby and there's no shortage of picnic space. (The playground includes a boulder rock scramble, climbing logs and stones, a rolling lawn, a stream, a waterfall, a tri-level tree house and boat deck with climbing net and a 33-foot slide).

When it comes to restaurants near Buffalo Bayou Park, you can't beat the scenic dining areas at Flora. Here you can enjoy cuisine inspired by small towns in Mexico while taking in stunning views of the park. Additional nearby options for food and drink include Mint Thai Kitchen, BlendIn Coffee Club, Bludorn and Clarkwood.

Find it: Flora, 3422 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019; 713-360-6477

2. Tour Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

This underground former drinking water reservoir, better known as the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, spans 87,500 square-feet—that's the equivalent of one and a half football fields. At full capacity, the cistern can hold 15 million gallons of water. Guided tours are available of the space that was named "the Cistern" because the reservoir reminded a landscape architect of ancient Roman cisterns underneath Istanbul. In addition to taking a tour, marvel at the bold art installations in this space.

Dating back to 1926 when the reservoir was built for Houston, a leak rendered the reservoir decommissioned in 2007. A few years later, as the city wanted to demolish the area, the park's partnership discovered the site, recognized the architectural and historical meaning, and restored and repurposed the Cistern.

Find it: 105b Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007; 713-752-0314

3. Catch a performance at The Water Works

Another must-see during your visit to the park is The Water Works, an open-air performance and event venue at Sabine Street in Buffalo Bayou Park. The Brown Foundation Lawn is an elevated plateau framed by trees that offers spectacular skyline views; and the elevated site of the Hobby Family Pavilion is ideal for events and performances. Restrooms are available at the visitor center and bike rentals are available on weekends.

Find it: 105 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007; 713-752-0314

4. Add a lock to the Love Lock Bridge in Eleanor Tinsley Park

Don't miss the Love Lock Bridge above Allen Parkway in Eleanor Tinsley Park. Here you can take in great views of the Houston skyline and perhaps add your own lock to declare your love. As a park within a park, Eleanor Tinsley Park is also a quintessential spot for a picnic, to toss a Frisbee or to ace those volleyball skills at the nearby sand volleyball court. There's also an open-air pavilion, nearby gardens and a trail that connects to the Sabine Promenade.

Find it: 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019; 832-394-8805

5. Behold a bat emergence at Waugh Drive Bridge

At sunset, stroll toward the Waugh Drive Bridge when more than 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats cascade through the sky. Whether you find a spot on the bridge or catch a glimpse of the Buffalo Bayou Park bats, on a nearby boat tour, your best shot at this free activity is to go during warmer months. (Bats typically don't emerge when the weather is cold).

Find it: Waugh Dr., Houston, TX 77002; 713-752-0314

6. Sail away on a boat tour

Several types of Buffalo Bayou Park boat tours are available, during which you can glide across the water while spotting jumping fish or an occasional alligator. You can opt for a bat colony boat tour to see bats fly, or even take a private boat tour with your group. Children under age four aren't permitted on the boats. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time.

Find it: Departs from 1019 Commerce St. (at Main St.), Houston, TX 77002; 713-752-0314

7. Rent bikes and hit the trails

Considering the beautiful trails within the park, you may want to explore Buffalo Bayou Park bike rentals (available Friday through Sunday for two hours or half-days). A popular loop from downtown to Shepherd Street Bridge to the west runs on both sides of Buffalo Bayou Park and encompasses stunning downtown views for a total of 5.6 miles.

Find it: 105 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007; 713-955-4455

8. Hike, bike or kayak at Sabine Promenade

Think of the Sabine Promenade as an incredible waterfront park of 23 acres full of hiking and biking trails connecting Buffalo Bayou Park with Sesquicentennial Park downtown. Toss in a pedestrian bridge, canoe and kayak launches and lush landscaping and it's no surprise why this area has won 13 national and local awards.

Find it: Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007; 713-752-0314

9. Explore Johnny Steele Dog Park 

Got dogs? The Johnny Steele Dog Park in Buffalo Bayou Park is an ideal space for your dog to run and play among its two acres, including a big pool. Just be sure to adhere to the city's leash laws—dogs must be leashed before entering and upon leaving the park. Also, owners must have a leash visibly shown for each dog at all times.

Find it: 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019; 713-752-0314

10. Shred at Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark

Even if you don't skate, you may want to check out the 30,000-square-foot Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark that overlooks Buffalo Bayou. Here you'll find one of the largest cradles in any skatepark in America. It's free and skaters of all levels are welcome; helmets are a must. If you're not shredding, don't miss the colorful aerosol art on display in Skater Alley.

Find it: 103 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007; 713-222-5500

11. Find art throughout Buffalo Bayou Park

Spot all of the thought-provoking public art strewn throughout Buffalo Bayou Park. Among the many works is a series called Monumental Moments by Houston artist Anthony Shumate. It's comprised of six four-foot-tall sculptures that beckon your attention on a visit. Look for the single words that read: Listen, Pause, Reflect, Explore, Emerge and Observe on the bayou-side of the Kinder Footpaths.

Find it: Throughout Buffalo Bayou Park at 1800 Allen Parkway & Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77019; 713-752-0314

How to get to Buffalo Bayou Park and where to park

Buffalo Bayou Park is located from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive. It's open daily in lighted areas from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. In other areas, it's open from dawn to dusk. Buffalo Bayou Park public parking is metered—with some areas free after 6 p.m. weekdays and on weekends—and spots are available at Lost Lake, Eleanor Tinsley Park, The Water Works, Allen Parkway, Memorial Drive and city streets adjacent to the park.

Before you go, peruse the Buffalo Bayou Park map to plan your day, and be sure to pack some snacks, a Frisbee disc or a kite, sunscreen, refillable water bottles. And remember to wear comfortable footwear.