Often described as “Houston’s heart” and Houston's “Plymouth Rock,” Allen’s Landing is an area that truly defines Houston. It was here 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 also became Houston’s first port and a thriving commercial hub.

In Anahauc National Wildlife Refuge, the coastal marshes and prairies are host or home to an abundance of wildlife, from migratory birds, as many as 27 species of duck, to alligators to bobcats and more. Park activities include birding, canoeing, educational programs and observation of wildlife in the 34,000-acre refuge.

Visit this astonishingly beautiful part of the Texas Gulf Coast and "reconnect with nature." Visitors can learn about plant and animal inhabitants, bird-watch, hike on the Nature Center's trails or view live animal displays of snakes, spiders, hawks and bison.

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, a freshwater slough winding through salt marshes, is on a key location on the Texas Gulf which helps Freeport draw one of the highest Audubon Christmas bird counts in the nation - more than 200 species. Visitors can also look for alligators year round, upland birds, coyotes and armadillos. Besides birding, activities include boating, fishing and hiking.

Brazos Bend State Park offers a scenic haven for birdwatchers and wildlife observers. Hiking and biking trails meander through the park´s varied terrains, and several lakes offer excellent fishing. More than 270 species of birds and 21 species of reptiles and amphibians have been spotted. For stargazers, the George Observatory is located within the park.

Buffalo Bayou, the 52-mile slow-moving waterway that was the site of Houston's founding in 1836, has become a destination for outdoor recreation near downtown Houston.

The Buffalo Bayou ArtPark features a constantly rotating collection of public art at the Sabine Street bridge between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive.

With downtown’s skyline as its back drop, Houston’s premier greenbelt winds from Shepherd Drive on the west to Bagby Street on the East End. Buffalo Bayou Park includes hike and bike trails, exercise stations, a boat launch, children's playground, recreation center, the Buffalo Bayou ArtPark and more.

Discovery Green, a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston, officially opened to the public on April 13, 2008. The long-awaited destination fulfills a commitment from Mayor Bill White and major private Houston foundations to create and preserve green space within Houston’s central city. With its proximity to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center, Discovery Green is an ideal location for the city’s newest attraction.

You and your dog are invited to enjoy the vast amount of park space in the Bayou City. Houston knows that most dogs love to run free and most dog owners would like to provide their pets with the opportunity to do so. Houston maintains many dog parks for you and your four-legged friend(s) to enjoy.