Scenic Routes: Best Views and Photo Spots in Houston Texas & Video

Scenic Routes: Best Views and Photo Spots in Houston Texas

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Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is one of Houston’s most scenic routes, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the bayou. With over 160 acres of green space, visitors can enjoy walking, biking, or jogging along the trails while taking in the picturesque scenery. The park also features various art installations, picnic areas, and a dog park. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful sights!

  • Waugh Drive Bat Colony: Witness the largest urban bat colony in the United States as thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Waugh Drive Bridge at sunset.
  • Eleanor Tinsley Park: This park within Buffalo Bayou Park offers fantastic views of downtown Houston and is a popular spot for outdoor concerts and events.
  • Lost Lake: A serene spot within the park where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Hermann Park

Hermann Park is a beloved green space in the heart of Houston, offering a variety of scenic routes and photo spots. The park is home to numerous attractions, including the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Japanese Garden. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or enjoying a bike ride, there are plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful moments.

  • McGovern Centennial Gardens: This stunning garden features beautiful flowers, fountains, and a rose garden, providing the perfect backdrop for photos.
  • Houston Zoo: Explore the zoo and capture photos of exotic animals from around the world.
  • Mirror Lake: A tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for capturing reflections and serene nature shots.

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Houston Texas

Discovery Green

Located in downtown Houston, Discovery Green is a vibrant urban park that offers a variety of scenic routes and photo spots. The park hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year and is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

  • Gateway Fountain: This iconic fountain provides a stunning backdrop for photos, especially when it’s illuminated at night.
  • Art Installations: Discovery Green features various art installations, including sculptures and murals, which add an artistic touch to your photos.
  • Manicured Gardens: Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and capture the colorful flowers and greenery.

San Jacinto Monument

The San Jacinto Monument is a historic landmark and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Climb to the top of the monument for a panoramic view of Houston, the Houston Ship Channel, and the Battleship Texas. Don’t forget to visit the nearby San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, where you can learn about the Battle of San Jacinto, a significant event in Texas history.

  • Observation Deck: Enjoy sweeping views of the Houston skyline and the ship channel from the observation deck of the San Jacinto Monument.
  • Battleship Texas: Explore the historic battleship and capture photos of this iconic piece of history.
  • San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site: Learn about the Battle of San Jacinto and its impact on Texas history while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

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Houston Texas

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a Houston landmark known for its impressive 64-foot tall water fountain. The cascading water and surrounding greenery create a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts.

  • Waterwall: Capture the beauty of the towering waterwall as it creates a mesmerizing waterfall effect.
  • Reflection Pond: The calm waters of the reflection pond offer the perfect opportunity for capturing stunning reflections.
  • Picnic Area: Enjoy a picnic in the park while taking in the scenic views and capturing memorable moments.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of African American soldiers in the United States. In addition to the exhibits, the museum’s exterior features a beautiful mural that serves as a backdrop for meaningful photos.

  • Museum Exterior: Capture photos in front of the mural that depicts the bravery and contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers.
  • Exhibit Galleries: Explore the museum’s collection of artifacts and exhibits, capturing photos that tell the story of the Buffalo Soldiers.
  • Outdoor Memorial: Pay tribute to the soldiers at the outdoor memorial, which features statues and plaques honoring their service.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a historic mansion and museum surrounded by breathtaking gardens. The lush landscapes and meticulously maintained gardens provide a serene setting for photography enthusiasts.

  • Formal Gardens: Explore the formal gardens, featuring elegant sculptures, fountains, and manicured hedges.
  • Woodland Gardens: Discover the peaceful woodland gardens, filled with native plants and tranquil pathways.
  • Mansion Exterior: Capture photos of the stunning architecture and grandeur of the Bayou Bend mansion.

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Houston Texas

Sam Houston Park

Sam Houston Park is Houston’s oldest park and offers a glimpse into the city’s history. The park is home to several historic buildings, including the Old Place Cabin and the Kellum-Noble House, providing unique photo opportunities.

  • Historic Buildings: Capture photos of the well-preserved historic buildings that showcase different architectural styles.
  • Heritage Society Museum: Visit the museum to learn more about Houston’s history and capture photos of the exhibits.
  • Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic in the park while surrounded by the historic charm of Sam Houston Park.

Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou offers a scenic route for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, allowing visitors to explore Houston’s waterways while enjoying beautiful views of the city skyline and natural surroundings.

  • Kayaking or Canoeing: Embark on a water adventure and capture photos of the Houston skyline from the bayou.
  • Paddleboarding: Glide along the water on a paddleboard and capture unique perspectives of the city and the bayou.
  • Nature Photography: Explore the natural beauty of Buffalo Bayou and capture photos of wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Conclusion

Houston, Texas offers a multitude of scenic routes and photo spots for visitors to explore. From urban parks and historic sites to lush gardens and waterways, there is something for every photography enthusiast. Whether you’re capturing the stunning skyline, nature’s beauty, or the city’s rich history, Houston has it all. So grab your camera and get ready to capture unforgettable moments in the diverse and vibrant city of Houston.

References

  • buffalobayou.org
  • hermannpark.org
  • discoverygreen.com
  • sanjacinto-museum.org
  • waterwallpark.org
  • buffalosoldiersmuseum.com
  • mfah.org/bayoubend
  • heritagesociety.org
  • houstontx.gov/parks/samhoustonpark.html
  • buffalobayou.org/visit-buffalo-bayou-park