Memorial Park

The Best of Houston's Uptown + Galleria

"Runners flock to Memorial Park to run its 3-mile loop one, two, or five times. But there’s so much more to discover here, like30 miles of hiking trails, a golf course, a swimming pool, and facilities for tennis, softball, croquet, and volleyball. Cyclists will fall in love with the biking trails, which range from beginner to expert levels. Originally opened in 1924, the park, located in Houston’s Memorial neighborhood, spans 1,466 acres, making it one of the largest urban green spaces in the United States."

Sporty and Outdoorsy in Houston

17 Best Things to Do in Houston

"What sets Memorial Park apart from most other urban parks is that 75 percent of the 1,466-acre municipal space is unmanicured. There are more than 40 official park activities, including a golf course, a public pool, croquet, tennis, and various sports fields for softball, baseball, soccer, and flag football. There are more than 30 miles of forest trails for mountain biking, cycling, and hiking; there's also a very popular three-mile running loop. The park recently unveiled the Clay Family Eastern Glades in 2020, the first major project since 2015. The transformed 100-acre area has picnic areas, native wetlands, savanna, pine-hardwood forests and wide- open green spaces." - Charu Suri

"Let’s start big picture. What’s the scene here?What sets Memorial Park apart from a lot of urban parks is that three-quarters of the 1,466-acre municipal space remains untouched. There's more than 30 miles of forest trails for mountain biking, cycling, and hiking; there's also a three-mile running loop. Not to mention, there are more than 40 official park activities, including a golf course, a public pool, croquet, tennis, and various fields for softball, baseball, soccer, and flag football. The park recently unveiled the Clay Family Eastern Glades in 2020, the first major project since 2015. The transformed 100-acre area has picnic areas, native wetlands, savanna, pine-hardwood forests and wide- open green spaces. Is there anything we shouldn't miss while we're there?Take in views of the skyline as you pull into Memorial Park. Within minutes, lose yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness by running around the three-mile Seymour Lieberman Trail. What's it like navigating the park?Memorial Park is working on increasing its signage and accessibility. For now, there are some signs, a visitors' center (currently closed), and an online map; additionally, many miles of the trails are paved. Anything else you'd like to share?Thanks to subsidies from the city, everything at the park is free or available at a low cost. More than 10,000 people visit Memorial Park daily, according to official data, hailing from more than 170 regional—and 300 national—zip codes." - Marcy de Luna

Memorial Park

8 Best Parks in Houston

Gabriel Rodriguez

Google

Whether it's the 3-mile walking/running loop, golf course, bike trails, running complex, picnic areas, or simply observing and enjoying the beautiful southeast Texas natural habitat, Memorial Park has an outdoor activity for everyone! The addition of the Kinder land bridges are a great way to access the mountain bike trails or walk around the bayou wilds and observe the wildlife. The new Cullen running complex is also a great addition where avid runners can train on a dedicated track. Memorial Park is a much needed natural getaway in the middle of the hustling and bustling Houston concrete jungle.

Keith James B

Google

Its 1,000 acres and has everything you’d wanna do outdoors…golf course, different running trails, tennis courts, baseball fields, volleyball courts,picnic areas, bicycling areas, numerous trails that go on for miles…swimming pools…etc. wonderful park.. very central.

Gisselle Zarate

Google

Great place to hike, jog, or casually stroll! Many different paths to take with clear directions, benches and brightly lit paths. Beautiful to visit at night under the stars and the city lights from afar.

Thomas Piland

Google

Memorial Park is the crown jewel of the Houston park system. This park has it all and is larger than Central Park in New York. I recommend the three mile Lieberman Loop and if time walk around the Eastern Glades. It’s also worth taking in the view from the land bridges over Memorial Drive.

Dee Bee

Google

Perfect place to run! I used to come with my friends and different run clubs when I lived here. It was a great, relatively flat 3 mile loop. I tend to stick with 5k distance, so coming here was a no brainer. I walked my dog a few times too and enjoyed the scenery, the parks, the water fountains, etc. Really nice spot to stay active, hang out, read, or just enjoy being outside for a bit.

Tommy Wallett

Google

I love this place it is one of the best things in houston and bigg thanks to Mrs Ima Hogg for making sure it stays a natural gem of houston and a huge thanks to the people who help to run and keep this place clean and safe. The staff is so helpful and friendly I recently lost a skate board and they made sure to help me find it and were so helpful and attentive. I really do appreciate it!

Joseph T Flores

Google

So any MTB trails it was bumpy with roots but man It was so fun I'm going back tomorrow maybe next week too please check off this place

Maria Elena

Google

Memorial Park is an excellent place for hiking, running, and biking. It is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful place where we can enjoy nature. It is kids and pets friendly. Also, It is free for the whole family 😃

A C.

Yelp

Great for outdoor Houston excursions and burning off part of your pinchaninch from that recent meal of exceptional excess. You know the one. The decadent, delectable pile of joy and...guilt. In the moment you savored it, but an hour or two later that celebration gave way to the thought that that meal's only return on investment will be fattening if you don't act quick. Get off the couch. Get out of the car. Get those endorphins. The remake of the eastern edge of the park, now the eastern glades, is impressive and a great place to achieve this.

Ashia H.

Yelp

Memorial Park is a great park to exercise, to run, maybe even throw a picnic, it's gorgeous! The park is huge, you could easily go on a multi-mile run but they also have a new rubber track thats nice. When you go, be sure to check out the land bridge at sunrise or sunset. The views of downtown are spectacular. The only issues that I have with Memorial Park are that it's pay to park (typical of Houston) and that, at night there are not enough lights so it may become dangerous for lone runners.

Huyen C.

Yelp

I love Memorial Park. The city invested so much money and you can tell. Plenty of parking (free and for a cost). I love walking or running the 3 mile loop, dirt trail, and my husband loves the golf range. Depending on the day and time, it can get very crowded with people and dogs. I think they did such a good job adding trees to help with shade on hot days. In certain areas, they have restrooms. They also have water stations, for both humans and dogs! My only complaint (and it's not the park's fault), but on days it's less crowded, cars will get broken into. Mine did at 3pm on a weekday and that was a bummer. :(

Tyler H.

Yelp

Great place to walk in the city! We usually park in the parking lot on the south side of Memorial and walk the new land bridge to the walk/run loop. It's an easy 3.8 mile walk. Highly recommended!

Deedrah B.

Yelp

Thomas S.

Yelp

An expansive semi urban park located in the near west part of Houston. Acres and acres of native plants, numerous trails, and athletic facilities make up this park. Admission is free with plenty of parking spread out over the park. My youngest daughter and I stopped by to do some walking exercise around the Land Bridges area of the park. We had no particular trail in mind. We just basically did a Land Bridge loop that included a walk on top of the Memorial Drive tunnels. This trail connects the north and south parts of the park that are separated by Memorial Drive. Trails were well maintained and clearly marked. There were clean bathrooms available. Even though it was winter, there were evergreen trees and native plants everywhere. Lots of joggers, walkers, and bikers on the trails. If we live closer, we would be here almost everyday for jogging and walking.

Jennifer V.

Yelp

This is one of the parks I love the most. I enjoy coming here to run, walk, or simply relax and enjoy a sunset while reading my favorite book. It's a beautiful place! If you want to visit with your family, you'll have a view of a small lake where you can sit peacefully and soak in the calm atmosphere. Parking is free, and there are restrooms available.

Jennifer L.

Yelp

This is an amazing park and perfect to run or walk the 3mile loop. It's always other runners out and On the weekends it's packed either people which is great. I feel safe running here cause of the crowd the park attracts. The parking is plentiful. It's so pretty with the beautiful landscape. One of Houston's best parks

Kimberly E.

Yelp

Love all the different trails and the scenery. Love the fact you can shower after your hike.

Keith T.

Yelp

I really like this place. Every morning I go to this park to walk and breathe the fresh air of nature. I feel very peaceful and comfortable and healthy

Jonathan C.

Yelp

Beautiful park full of nature, Wild life and sights to see. It es huge and hard to See all in one visit.

Christina A.

Yelp

Tried memorial park with a friend! A lot bigger trail then the regular by your home park. There's a lot of other establishments part of the park such as golf field , a volleyball field and some walking attractions. We went when various events were happening so parking was horrible. Tip if you go when it's super busy with events go a lot further towards the mostly trail part. We were able to find parking by the playground

Mariah M.

Yelp

Though I'm really sad about all of the trees they've torn down at this park we really do enjoy how pedestrian friendly they've made it. There are tons of trails and nature to enjoy! I would highly recommend coming as the sun as rising in the cooler months with coffee or cocoa It can get very busy with bikers and runners so if that bothers you try to come at a non peak time (very early or closer to closing time on weekends) Now that they've activated the park with more scenery there's lots to see and you can sign up on the conservancy site for events!

Demetrius P.

Yelp

Whenever I am in Houston, I like to run with the other runners at this wonderful park.

Crystal G.

Yelp

My favorite running park in Houston... Memorial Park has come such a long way. The new renovations are fantastic! Great for running pros, beginners, friend walks, or just family fun. The ONE negative addition to memorial park is all the paid parking. I don't care who says what, I pay to park just about everyone else in Houston, I do not want to pay when going for a stroll at memorial. Luckily, there's still free parking options if you are quick! Check it out, a true Houston staple.

Zo M.

Yelp

Been awhile since walked or ran at this park. A few memories returned to the 100's of miles covered across their dirt hard trails.I even did a few 20 mile runs here getting ready for my 2 marathons . It was heavily crowded and parking is terrible on a Sunday.Many inconsiderate furr babies owners walk their dogs there and leave their remnants there. It used to be so much better in the past. Would not recommend going there due to the multiple car breakins .Plenty of shady looking people and not the usual runners / triathletes we used to see. Parking : hard to find Trails: dirt hard packed , not well maintained with bikers ruining it for others Shade: not many places to rest almost all in the sun Return: not likely

Andrew W.

Yelp

I love coming to this park! It has variety of trials and paths where you can choose! Small lakes are the ones I like a lot! Beautiful place to be with friends and family!!! Come for those who need refreshments! Cheers

Benjamin P.

Yelp

This is one of the largest, if not the largest, urban parks in the US. I love what they've been doing with it lately! I just walked with some friends and children over the land bridge over Memorial Drive, and the kids loved watching the cars go into the tunnels from above, and waving at them - many waved back! Fun for all.

O K.

Yelp

Our favorite afternoon couple-activity! You can walk around the park as a workout or explore the park before/after a restaurant or just picnic inside the park!

Lauri B.

Yelp

Beautiful remodel and addition to the old Memorial Park! Nice winding pathways, a pretty lake with cute Lilly pads and croaking bull frogs, a covered pavilion with a couple foods trucks, plenty of restrooms and water fountains, even for the pups! We did 4 miles today in the gorgeous sunshine, among the lovely flowers and great energy from everyone around. Parking is paid. They take credit cards. It was $1.00 for 2 hours. Highly recommend this delightful area. They did such a good job!

Charlene P.

Yelp

I'm embarrassed that I have missed all the cool trails here for years. I'd normally just walk/run the 3 mile loop where everyone goes but I decided to explore more of the park because of the expansion. We wandered through all the forested trails today. They are beautiful! And surprisingly had elevation. Parking was super easy on a Monday and only a handful of people were on the trails. Tons of new additions to the park. Loved it so much!

HsiaoCheng W.

Yelp

Good for jogging. I think. I mean, I don't jog there. But many folks do. I just walk. Lots of metered parking nowadays. What's up with that. In the parking lots. Not the parallel parking, which still looks free.

Brittany S.

Yelp

Almost every visit to see family in Houston comes with a visit to Memorial Park. Given the ever-changing landscape and programming of this park, it feels fresh and new with each visit. From the natural landscaping and the ponds filled with turtles to the covered picnic spaces and trails, this park has got it going on. What else can you find at Memorial Park? -Free fitness classes like Tai Chi (I'm jealous, Houston!) -mountain biking -playgrounds and spaces ideal for family/friends gatherings -tennis and volleyball courts -art installations like "The Fence" that was temporarily in place to cover construction zones in a creative way -croquet -they even have food trucks on site seven days a week (newer addition) These are just a few of the hundreds of reasons to enjoy this park. Already looking forward to my next visit!

Daniela D.

Yelp

Memorial Park is MASSIVE! Before going into the park, we rented bikes from the BCycle app from uptown and rode them all throughout the park. Be warned: if you haven't ridden a bike in a while and you're doing those inclines, you WILL feel it that night and it will be very painful (I know from experience). If you're an experienced bike rider, it's great. Lots of bike riders and runners and walkers and doggies. Lots of tree coverage for picnics. Even better when it gets cold out.

Fox E.

Yelp

A dog, if excited, may bark A lightbulb, when broken, goes dark And Barbie, when frisky Does something quite risky She gets nude in Memorial Park So many times now, I've forgot Basically whenever she's hot She moans and she purrs And shows off to Voyeurs In the bushes or the parking lot In missionary, sometimes doggers The car we're in needs 5 de-foggers Or she'll show off her *ss On the wet morning grass And give heart attacks to lots of joggers Her fake nails always leave a mark And she bites into me like a shark And the rivers start flowing And she's coming, not going... Our bedroom is Memorial Park. It's probably one of the world's greatest parks if you think about it, because it's absolutely enormous and takes up a huge portion of the city, which they have cleverly dedicated to being a beautiful Park, and I don't think they could really have a much bigger or better part for Houston than this one. They're currently in the middle of masses of construction for this park too, which just makes it all the more awesome, because it's going to be all efficient and futuristic and user-friendly, and less car-friendly. If I was going to take a star off it, it'd be for the fact that people do 60 through the 30-40 limit Memorial Drive next to the running track, so people are literally 5 feet from out of control trucks and SUVs and sports cars and work vans where the drivers are texting and not paying attention. Someone is going to die soon because of this. They need to fix it and make it safe. Like now. A barrier would be good. A lower speed limit next to the track too, on the main part of the drive. There are lots of other smaller and similarly good parks, but this one is top-notch and I guess my other issue with it would be the unfortunate fact that the running trails are gravelly (in fact they're gravely gravelly), so they're dangerous and they mess up your shoes, but it's full of such beautiful girls doing ab workouts and running and what not, wearing sexy outfits, scandalously dressed like Barbie, lots of plastic body parts on show too, particularly Barbie (as well as oiled up muscle boys no names mentioned Fox) and it's hard not to love it, such a show offy place. And it's not a BBQ place, otherwise it'd be Memorial Pork.

Madisyn H.

Yelp

Beautiful Park Great spot for family hangouts/cookouts Amazing trails/views HOWEVER- Do not bike on any of these trails. We rented bikes and started our bike ride. There were other cyclists in front of us so we were not expecting the ride that we had. When we were far enough out onto a trail it was a little bumpy at first but then when we went to take a trail out it turned into the worst experience ever. So many bumps, rocks, hills we had to push the bikes up and so many mosquitoes that were eating us alive. If you are an experienced cyclist then go for it!! Just bring your bug spray

Dane H.

Yelp

Great park for running, mountain biking, picnics, chillin. The three mile loop is wide and nice for running. Since they've put in the land bridge over Memorial Drive, I like to run from the three mile loop to the back trails for a shaded, more private trail.

Victor H.

Yelp

Probably the most well known park in Houston. Th eres all kinds of stuff to do here. Obviously running/walking is done around the 3 mile loop which is the most popular activity. Additionally, there's trails for biking, picnic tables, a driving range/ golf course, Beck's Prime Drive-In, and a track area. I'm always running here a couple times a week. While I can't run the entire 3 mile loop, I still finish it and feel liberated afterwards. I see some who can run this multiple times w/o stopping. Someday I hope to be in shape like that!

Kruti G.

Yelp

Good spot to go for a walk. The trail is nice and shaded. Ample parking. The paid parking is reasonably priced. Can also go hit golf balls also reasonably priced. Love the new picnic areas. Very pretty

Jenny C.

Yelp

Very beautiful park in a busy City, Lovely place for pictures, family picnic and nice walk around the walking trails !

Tim C.

Yelp

My son walked with me and we've tried a few different paths 2 of the last 5 days. I like the separate bike paths.

Requel P.

Yelp

Great park for walks, nature time, & photos. Love the walking trail, minus the rocks that gets in my socks lol. But definitely a great, clean, & spacious park to walk with family & friends. Plenty of space and tables at the picnic park for reunions and such. Has a bike trail with rentals as well. Has a man made pond and a trail within the woods. There's also a golf course, tennis court, a community pool & other sport courts around. And a food truck area as well.

Sarah M.

Yelp

View on the walk to the canoe dock at Woodway and N Post Oak. Lovely little bit of Houston with bayou and Uptown backdrop.

Karen 2.

Yelp

this is such an amazing park. i highly recommend visiting here. such beautiful scenery and the boardwalk part is a must. free on thursdays too

Jahnabi C.

Yelp

My review is focused on Memorial Park's South Picnic Loop. Highlight of this picnic area is that you can drive through the loop and park right next to your spot (Not daily but on specific days). Gate to the picnic area is usually open all day during weekends and in the mornings on weekdays. However, once on a Saturday, we found the gate closed. Also, I've known from a friend that the gate was open during the afternoon on a weekday. Apparently gate opening times are not rigid. But, gate closed doesn't mean you cant go at all. Gate closures just doesn't allow driving. If you are planning on carrying picnic gears then be prepared for those occasional gate closures. Its not too dense but a nice wooded picnic area. Lots of picnic benches, some benches with nearby grills, few water fountains and restrooms. The road is shared by cars and bikes when the gate is open. We love coming here and spending the day in the woods. A nice getaway amidst the city's hustle.

Cristina K.

Yelp

Watch out! On Saturday we just had our car broken into. The window.was completely smashed and my purse with all belongings stolen. According to the police, these incidents are happening very often at the park. There are gangs on the look out! They work in groups and just wait until you leave the car and check if there are any belongings left in the car. Where is the patrol/police? Nowhere to be seen! Surveillance cameras need to be installed asap!!!

Wendy T.

Yelp

This park is my go-to since the pandemic started and the gyms closed-- a big loop, lots of greens, a new lake/walkway, and even more new construction ongoing, Memorial Park is probably one of the best parks in Houston! They have water stations to fill your water bottle, doggie fountains, benches along the way, and nice scenery to enjoy along the trail. The newly opened area heralded by cute string lights is huuuuuge with tons of grassy space where families can play ball or set down a picnic. There's also a lot of walkways to meander~ Each loop is around 3 miles, and the majority of the trails (and all of the outer trail) are well lit even at night. Even better? The restrooms with sinks (i.e. not the port-a-potty) finally reopened, so now you can run for as long as you want and not worry about your bladder, whoo! I love coming here to puppy-watch, and with the weather cooling down, you'll find me hanging around here a lot more-- check this park out and happy running! :D

Stephanie M.

Yelp

Great park for a easy run. Be ware, the park's running trail around the golf course is gravel, so if you are training for a run/marathon, you may want to run on the opposite side or another park altogether. The trail is great for walking or running. Note the elevation of the trail doesnt change much. So, you are pretty much running on flat gravel. Other than that I see police presence at the park often, which is comforting. Besides the running trail, there are other amenities like Tennis, Golf, etc. It looks as though they are making park improvements, which is great!!! Can't wait to see the finished product!!! Parking.... ugggggh. On beautiful days, please prepare to go early or during off peak times. Parking gets packed fairly quickly. Although there are quite a bit of parking spots, you sometimes will have a difficult time parking and may end up circling around.

Edelyn C.

Yelp

Love this trail! It's great because you can run anytime during the day and if you do run at night, there are a lot of people and the trail is lit up throughout the entire path. There are a few spots were the lights aren't super bright but nothing too scary as the roads are busy, as well. It's a 3 mile trail all the way around and there are tennis courts and a golf range, as well. Definitely recommended for night joggers!

Jason D.

Yelp

This is a bomb spot for anything exercise. From running, to golf, and any sport involving balls. You can rent out fields,courts, take the kids to the playground. They have host running and biking events often. Many if the workout groups/organizations are out here rubbing and doing their fitness camps. I've even seen the military groups out here doing PT on a couple of weekends. My dog and I frequent the running trail often. They have water fountains every mile or so for both humans, and furballs. The running track is pretty wide so there's enough rooms for all the folks coming through. Even so, there always seems to be a DAB that thinks they own the path :) A very good spot to get your run game on. Pretty crowded on weekends.

B Martin U.

Yelp

Really great park, I go here almost 4 times a week to just take in the scenery and run. If your looking for a long trail to test your endurance this spot is great. They have cool water fountains on the trail and mile markers to track your distance, definitely would recommend this park!

Jason Z.

Yelp

Park smack dab inside the 610 loop. Here's one thing; the main loop is VERY busy and parking can be a PITA. I like to park across memorial and run inside the wooded trails or walk the dog there. The natural expanse inside the loop is really nice to have for running, biking, or walking.

Andy V.

Yelp

Moved to Houston from Dallas, and found that this park is my favorite. In terms of being able to run extensive routes, and biking on some occasions. I never get tired of it; seeing lots of others working out there really just motivates me more to be healthy.

Christine L.

Yelp

Great park with 3 mile loop and plenty of parking, but now many spaces are paid only. Construction is tough and it's dark at night. Swimming pool is only open a few months. No enclosed dog park, be careful of owners who let their big dogs go off leash. Growing pains but very exciting to see what happens next! Recommended!

Nancy C.

Yelp

"Must love running" was on a dating profile I came across recently. Sorry buddy, buts that's not the choice of words I'd use, as most of my life after one minute of it i was cussing under my breath. Just a gene my 10 miles a day runner of a dad didn't pass down. Now I should love it, as I know I need more cardio in my life. This is the very park I made my very first non-stop 3 mile run just 4 years ago. Its not the most convenient close to home workout but sometimes i just need a nice change of scenery. When i think of Memorial Park it usually only consists of that 3 mile loop. Its actually over 1000 acres which includes various trails and many other recreational activities. I like the parking lot for skating and cycling. My kids enjoy bicycle rides on the trails. They disappear into them for hours with my dad. I prefer hiking the trails. The volleyball games look so much fun and even though its one of my favorite activities I've never played a game here. Mostly due to not having enough friends who enjoy it as much as I do to even form my own team much less two for a decent game. They have tennis courts, baseball field, playground, soccer field, a pool and who knows what other hidden jems. Come explore it all yourself.

Erica G.

Yelp

I have been running at this park for YEARS.. I went running today and could not pass it up bc it was so beautiful! I have to give a shout out to who ever designed the new layout that Memorial Park has been adding. It's becoming more amazing. They made resting spots with water fountains, benches and a bathroom towards the front of the park. I know they are only going to add more throughout time and enhance what is already a great 3 mile run!

Diana A.

Yelp

Great place, hate to share it however I'm learning how to grow. Sharing is caring. Fantastic outdoor gym for kids, pets, well for everyone. Walkers, runners, joggers, soccer, volleyball, tennis, swimming, heck there is cycling and church nearby. If you are thirsty for something other than fruit smoothies & water, there is even a bar within running distance which is also dog friendly. Best part is most of of it except for tennis, golf & showers are free. But even that's a steal at the price they charge so pretend you are at a club and make a donation/tip.

Jennifer B.

Yelp

The fact that Houston has a park so large is unbelievable considering all of the people and buildings around. I love that I am able to come here and get a nice walk, jog or even a run for that matter, just depends on how I'm feeling! Lol, I would come here probably two times a week but what I really like is the fact that I can ride my bike through the streets around the park at night time as traffic is not extreme during those hours. I have been coming to this park for years and really enjoy the scenic area along with water stations and lighting. This is a great place to bring a friend and you can enjoy the nature aspects of the park and talk.

Arsala K.

Yelp

I just don't get the hype! How is this park sooo much better than the other parks around Houston and it's suburbs. I mean there is always construction and dust, it's short on parking, you have to pay for parking, cars get broken into, need I go on? I have tried going there several times and all I see are trees, trails, kids play equipment and not so great grass. Every park has this stuff, actually some have it better, so what is so special about this one?

The Best of Houston's Uptown + Galleria

Sporty and Outdoorsy in Houston

17 Best Things to Do in Houston

Memorial Park

8 Best Parks in Houston