"Having come from a very small town, Houston was a big adjustment, I like it far more than I expected. The intramural sports and the trails along the bayou were great for getting out to move. Trying different restaurants has probably been my favorite of coming to Houston."
- Regan Hoelscher, Health Professions Student
With professional teams representing baseball, football, basketball and soccer as well as college sports teams, fans will never be bored.
Houston is a golfer's paradise with more than 165 public and private courses. And for tennis enthusiasts, Houston hosts both the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships at the Westside Tennis Club.
There are many sports and recreation clubs, gyms, yoga studios, and many other options for Houston athletes, and plenty of public parks in which to get some fresh air.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to find that Houston is just an hour from the beaches of Galveston Island and 40 minutes from Kemah Boardwalk and its cluster of restaurants, rides and shops. Houston also has more than 308 parks, and several recreational lakes and rivers.
*Please note that Baylor College of Medicine is not providing endorsements, but an informational reference list. If you have any recommendations for additional information, please email pa-webteam@bcm.edu.
"In Houston, you can be outside all year and the sun is almost always shining. I can be at the beach in 45 minutes or just head out for a run or bike ride anytime."
- Elijah Bidwell, Health Professions Student
Houston Park Highlights
Houston is not only a hub for the arts, culture, entertainment, and great food, but houses some of the most beautiful parks.
- Hermann Park is one of the most visited public parks in Houston. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the Japanese pagoda garden or use the paddle boats on the lake in the middle of the park.
- Discovery Green is a 12-acre park in the middle of downtown Houston.
- Memorial Park Conservancy Memorial has more than 30 miles of trails, tennis courts, a swimming pool and the highly regarded Memorial Park Golf Course. You can join the 10,000 Houstonians who daily enjoy this 1500-acre park and golf course.
- Anahuac Wildlife Preserve is great for bird watching. Look out for alligators!
- Brazos Bend State Park Enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, birding, camping and star-gazing.
- Sam Houston National Forest is great for camping, biking, fishing and hunting.
My Houston - Brian Ching of the Houston Dynamo
Video courtesy of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.