The color of downtown is green…with more than a dozen of parks and public plazas to chose from, take a break from the hectic pace and relax.  You can easily check out park locations by viewing our Interactive Map on the left!

Allen’s Landing
Often described as “Houston’s heart,” Allen’s Landing is the spot where in 1836 that August C. and John K. Allen stepped ashore and claimed Houston as their own. The confluence of Buffalo and White Oak bayous became Houston’s first port and a thriving commercial hub. Currently, 1.76-acre Allen’s Landing is undergoing major revitalization and rejuvenation.

Championship Park
A little-known but carefully-designed spot, Championship Park is located across from the University of Houston Downtown, on the north side of the Main Street Bridge. Built for the Harris County Flood Control District, the park contains several concrete terraces that allow visitors close access to Buffalo Bayou. A wide variety of wildflowers makes Championship Park a relaxing, beautiful experience.

James Bute
Located near Buffalo Bayou on McKee St., this land was originally known as the McKee Street Bridge Habitat. It was renamed several years ago after James "Jim" Bute IV, owner of the Bute Paint Company and an original contributor to the McKee Street Bridge project, and his grandfather, James Bute I, the founder of Bute Paint and a significant contributor to the development of the city of Houston. The park includes 12.5 acres of land around the historic Frost Town Site and Buffalo Bayou.

Fish Plaza
The Ray C. Fish Plaza, located at the entrance of the Wortham Theater Center has hosted everything from tented social galas and concerts to Houston Grand Opera's amazing, live outdoor "plazacasts"! For those seeking a central and very unique location to hold an outdoor event, Fish Plaza might be just what you need.

Johnny Goyen
Located between the University of Houston Downtown campus and Buffalo Bayou, Johnny Goyen Park is part of an effort by UHD group Birds and Bats on the Bayou to restore urban habitat for migratory birds along White Oak and Buffalo Bayous. The park is operated by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Located on Main at Buffalo Bayou.

Jones Plaza
Located in the heart of the Theater District, Jones Plaza has a long history as downtown Houston's outdoor centerpiece, dating to its construction in 1966. The plaza, one block square across the streets from both Jones Hall and Alley Theatre in the heart of the Theater District, is bounded on the north and south by Texas and Capitol Avenues and on the east and west by Louisiana and Smith Streets. Recent renovations added features such as pedestrian ramps, a permanent stage, concession facilities and restrooms. Visitors can enjoy five shade-providing canopies, a fountain and Mexican sycamore trees.

JP Morgan Chase Park
Located at the intersection of Milam and Capitol Streets, next to the Houston Club Building and across from the JPMorganChase Tower, this little park offers murals, a waterfall and other subtle delights. Wrought-iron chairs let world-weary visitors and regular downtown denizens sit for a spell amid this miniature urban oasis.

Market Square Park
Bounded by Travis, Milam, Preston and Congress, Market Square is the geographic heart of downtown and the site of the city’s original commercial center. Market Square Park was the site of City Hall from 1841 through 1939. On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the park hosts Market Square Market, an open-air shopping venue recreating the air of the street market it hosted until the 1920s.

Old City Hall Clock Plaza
Here, the Louis and Annie Friedman Clock Tower, a.k.a. the Market Square Clock Tower, protects and displays a key city artifact, a clock originally commissioned more than a century ago for Houston's City Hall, then located on Market Square. Now, the clock tells time downtown paired with an antique fire bell from Houston's third City Hall.

Root Memorial Square
Root Memorial Square, across from Toyota Center, was donated to the City of Houston in 1923 by descendants of Alexander Porter Root and his wife, Laura Shepherd Root, for the purpose of perpetuating their memory. Renovations on the Square were completed in 2005, adding new sidewalks, civic art, new irrigation, a basketball court, a shade pavilion, a fountain and improved lighting.

Sam Houston Park
In 1900, Mayor Sam Brashier purchased the Kellem-Noble land and house on the edge of town and created the city’s first park. The 19-acre Sam Houston Park has been the home of The Heritage Society since 1954, with eight historic structures including a log cabin and St. John Church, dating back as far as 1823. 1100 Bagby. The Museum of Texas History is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Sesquicentennial Park
Created to commemorate Houston's 150th birthday in 1986, Sesquicentennial Park features cascading waterfalls, distinctive lighting, a gazebo and promenade. Visitors can enjoy the waterway, green spaces, hike-and-bike trails, boat launches and other nearby. While visiting the park, pay a visit to the monumnet of President George H.W. Bush and artist Mel Chin's seven 70-foot pillars that pay tribute to Houston past and present. The Commons area has hosted the Buffalo Bayou Regatta and other exciting events.

Sisters of Charity Park
Set at St. Joseph Parkway at LaBranch and operated by Christus St. Joseph Hospital, Sisters of Charity Park provides a tranquil spot for rest, meditation or just a brief escape. The park is named for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who founded the hospital that would eventually become St. Joseph's. A rocky waterfall provides a background soundtrack for those who want to sit or stroll around and study the stained-glass windows or landscaping.

Tranquility Park
Tranquility Park was built to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969. It includes walkways, pools, and cylindrical water fountains, offering an oasis of calm amid the hustle of downtown.

Discovery Green
Scheduled to open in March 2008, this park, encompassing 12 acres, will be surrounded by the convention center, hotels and downtown sports arenas. The park is being developed by the Houston Downtown Park Conservancy, a group of leading local foundations, philanthropists and civic officials. "Downtown's new backyard", this dynamic park with include 2 restuarants, kids play area, man-made pond, 2 dog runs, multiuse amphitheater, event lawn and more. An underground parking garage with space for more than 600 cars will also be built underneath the park.