Although Houston is a vast metropolis, city planners have placed an emphasis on developing the city’s park system over the past few years, giving residents many places to enjoy the outdoors both within and outside of city limits. 

Residents inside Houston can visit Hermann Park. Located south of the Museum District, the park welcomes six million guests per year. Hermann Park was first envisioned in the early 1910s as a park for city-dwellers, and the park was gradually completed over the following decades. In 1992, the Hermann Park Conservancy took over maintenance of the park, which was suffering from a lack of funding and upkeep. Today, it makes for a fantastic daytime destination for Houstonians. Here’s your guide to Hermann Park’s many attractions.

The Houston Zoo

Elephants at Houston Zoo

Occupying nearly half of the area around the park, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals spread out across multiple exhibits, such as the Kipp Aquarium, the African Forest, and the Sea Lion Habitat. Over 2 million guests visit the zoo every year to see the resident elephants, gorillas, okapis, and other exotic animals. The zoo is also home to views nature lovers will appreciate, including long pathways that run beside pools of water and beneath the overhead boughs of trees.

The Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Located north of the zoo and across McGovern Lake, the Japanese Garden is a daimyo-style garden. It’s divided into a tea garden, kaiyushiki stroll garden, and scroll garden. Upon arrival, visitors first pass through a gatehouse, known as a nagayamon, before strolling along curved paths. These paths lead beside ponds and alongside myrtle trees native to Japan. Guests will notice cranes along the waterways, stone lamps along the paths, and a teahouse that exemplifies Japanese architecture. This is an enticing destination for anyone hoping to get a glimpse of traditional Japan.

McGovern Lake

McGovern Lake photo by Shutterstock

Located at the western edge of the park and separating the zoo from the Japanese Garden, McGovern Lake spans eight acres and offers plenty to see and do. The lake includes several islands that act as protected habitat for different plants and wildlife. Of particular note is Bird Island. While these islands can’t be visited by pedestrians, it’s still possible to birdwatch from the opposite shores or from the lake aboard a paddle boat. Even people who love to fish can join in on the fun. Visitors can toss out their lines for some catch-and-release fishing on the lake.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Photo courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theatre

Moving east from McGovern Lake, guests will find the Miller Outdoor Theatre. The venue has both pavilion seating and seating on the lawn and hosts ballet, jazz, classical music, and Shakespearean performances. 

McGovern Centennial Gardens

McGovern Centennial Gardens

Northeast of the Miller Outdoor Theatre are the McGovern Centennial Gardens. The gardens cover eight acres and were custom-made for Hermann Park. The Arid Garden features plant life from dry environments while the Rose Garden includes a variety of different roses, like the Old Blush China Rose. The Centennial Gardens are an ideal destination for guests hoping to spot plants from all across the world.

The Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail

Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail photo courtesy of Hermann Park 

Moving south from the McGovern Centennial Gardens, guests can step onto the Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail. This trail encircles the Hermann Park Golf Course and gives residents views of some of the park’s most attractive features. Commemorative statues and shallow pools help beautify the two miles of trail that surrounds the golfing course.

Pinewood Cafe

Photo courtesy of Pinewood Cafe

Returning back west and to the shores of McGovern Lake, visitors to the park can finish their days at the Pinewood Cafe. Serving up salads, sandwiches, burgers, and smoothies, the cafe is a popular choice for guests visiting the park.