Biking through Houston: Sights, Shopping, Food and Drinks

Houston is known for its oil and gas industry, but its investment in bike trails and bike lanes has also made it one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Whether you ride your own, or rent one from a local store, you don't want to miss out on the chance to explore Houston by bike. Before you begin any biking adventure, take a gander at the Bike Houston website for up-to-date maps, path openings and closures, and clearly stated Texas biking laws and regulations.

Downtown

Downtown Houston Skyline over Bayou

If you only visit one park while in Houston, make it Discovery Green. Nestled in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center, its impeccable design and meticulous upkeep add to all it has to offer. Guests are welcomed with an extensive playground, sculptures and art installations, eateries, an interactive water display, and a pond to sail wooden boats. The park has a schedule packed with free events, from yoga classes to film screenings to concerts.

Cross under US 59 to see Shell Energy Stadium, Houston's soccer stadium and a drink at the nerd pub Neil's Bahr or an iced beer at Little Woodrow's.

Museum District

Hermann Park McGovern Centennial Garden

Stay in some of Houston’s most incredible hotels to extend your ride. Wake up refreshed in the morning and make your way to the museum district. Start with Hermann Park, a 445-acre oasis begging to be explored. The park has miles of paths and green space as well as a reflection pond and world-renowned art installations. Miller Outdoor Theatre, which hosts free shows and films from April to November, provides a unique entertainment unmatched in the city. At the edge of the park are the Houston Zoo, The Health Museum and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Just south of Hermann Park are miles of safe riding on the Brays Bayou Trail.

Fine art can be found just a few short pedals away from the park. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston has two buildings full of masterworks as well as a theater and traveling exhibitions. The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston resides across the street from The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and is always free.

End with other museums in the area, including the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Children's Museum of Houston and the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, among others.

The Heights

Heights Shopping District

Four miles northwest of downtown is a beautiful, funky part of the city referred to affectionately as The Heights. With quaint homes and winding paths down Heights Boulevard (as well as a designated bike lane), this little section of the city has a hip, cozy, and small-town vibe. Nineteenth Street is a shopper and foodie's dream come true with one-of-a-kind spots like Vinal Edge for records, Casa Ramirez for traditional Mexican gifts and Manready Mercantile, a shop that carries only products made in the United States by men, for men. Refuel at Boomtown Coffee, Torchy's Tacos.

Montrose

Montrose Pride Crosswalk

Head north on Yoakum and you'll run directly into one of Houston's favorite restaurants, Niko Niko's. For eclectic shopping, stroll Westheimer. Visit Space Montrose, which carries artistic and funky handmade products from across the US. There are high-end thrift shopping opportunities at shops like Pavement. In the evening, try the bars Poison Girl or Anvil Bar and Refuge, or get a formal meal at Hugo's. For more casual fare, enjoy eating inside or out at Brasil or Empire Café.

The Buffalo Bayou trail system offers the longest paved riding opportunity and connects to numerous other trail systems throughout the city. Bike Houston's maps clearly label dedicated bike lanes, shared-use trails and signed bike routes. Whichever direction you choose to explore, you are sure to find great food, architecture and gardens along the way.

By Jenn Haight

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