Situated within Hamilton Pool Preserve, the Hamilton Pool Waterfall is about 3 hours away from Houston. The 50-foot waterfall flows into the natural jade green pool and is not only a majestic sight but the waters are quite popular for swimming. Given that the pool is not chemically treated, swimming may be restricted at times. There are massive limestone slabs all around the pool, and the rocky terrain offers visitors a chance to sit and enjoy the view or go hiking. The area is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, namely the eastern red bay, the chatterbox orchid, the Ashe juniper and the golden-cheeked warbler, amongst others, and is thus an ideal location for nature viewing. There is an entry fee charged and reservations can also be made for the pool area. Pets aren’t allowed.
Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, United States
Location: Travis County Park
Distance from Houston: 190.1 miles (3 hours 5 minutes away)
Waterfall Height: 50 feet
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entrance Fee: USD 8 (ages 13 to 61), USD 3 (ages 62 and above), Free (ages 12 and under)
Things to Do: Swimming, hiking, relaxing, nature viewing, photography
Pets: Not allowed
Airfield Falls is situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, within Airfield Falls Conservation Park, and happens to be the tallest natural waterfall of the area. It flows from the Trinity River and is surrounded by jagged limestone rocks that resemble steps. Some of the main attractions of the area include a bridge, creeks, tiny waterfalls, small ponds and pools filled with fish and tadpoles, and a butterfly garden. The picnic pavilion is perfect for sitting down and having lunch while the trails are ideal for hiking or even biking. The natural pools are ideal for swimming and the rocks provide a place to sit on. The waterfall is quite close to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base and the Lockheed Martin plant.
Address: 200 Pumphrey Dr, Westworth Village, TX 76114, United States
Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
Distance from Houston: 268.4 miles (3 hours 45 minutes away)
Main Attractions: Main waterfall, tiny waterfalls, natural pools and ponds, creeks, bridge, picnic pavilion, butterfly garden
Things to Do: Swimming, relaxing, hiking, biking, nature viewing
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, often known as The Waterwall, is not exactly a natural waterfall but rather a multi-storey sculptural fountain located in Houston’s Uptown District. Its construction was completed in the year 1985 and it is a popular attraction in the city, especially during the summers, since the 64-foot U-shaped fountain sprays water as it flows. This urban waterfall is quite famous for being photographed, and the grounds, lined with tall oak trees, are perfect for lounging around. There is plenty of area to walk around, play with a ball or a frisbee, or even set up a cosy picnic. Moreover, a number of concerts and events are organised at The Waterwall.
Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Location: The Galleria
Timings: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Nickname: The WaterWall
Opened: 1985
Things to Do: Photography, relaxing, reading, playing ball or frisbee, picnicking, attending concerts/ events, walking
While there are no natural waterfalls in the Gus and Lyndall Wortham Park, it is still considered a hidden gem of the city since it is located within the Texas Medical Center. It is known best for its water fountains as well as tall water concrete waterfalls. The park has an old-school feel to it owing to its columns which are predominantly ivy-covered, the tiny waterways and the vine-covered pergolas.
Address : Holcombe and Main Houston, TX 77030, Main St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Admission Fee : None
Timings : Dawn to dusk
Location : The Texas Medical Center
Designated Parking : Not available
The Japanese Garden is a 5.5-acre garden which is known for its many natural and architectural elements representative of Japan. Visitors to the garden enter through a gate known as the Nagayamon which has pine and oak trees around itself. The waterfall, falling off a granite cascade, happens to be one of the main highlights here along with the lush green land and the flora.
Address : 6000 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Timings : 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Area : 5.5 acres
Location : Hermann Park
Admission Fee : None
Main Attractions : Waterfall, bridge, arbour, teahouse, Yumi style stone lantern, Nagayamon, cherry and peach trees, dogwoods, Japanese maples etc.
Oyster Creek Park is one of the most beautiful and serene parks in the city of Houston. It is home to a pond which is adorned with rocks of all shapes and sizes, and has tiny waterfalls falling off of them. The water feature, which is a fountain, and the different public art pieces are also some of the attractions at the park.
Address : 4033 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478, United States
Timings : 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Area : 111 acres
Parking : Available
Things to Do : Strolling, hiking, biking, picnicking, relaxing
Created along the Buffalo Bayou Banks to commemorate the 150th birthday of Houston, Sesquicentennial Park is a multi-level park spanning over 20 acres. It is quite renowned for its waterfalls, fountains, promenade, lighting, hiking and biking trails, green areas, and waterways.
Address : 400 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
Activities and Attractions : Buffalo Bayou Regatta, The Common, biking and walking trails, waterfalls, fountain, gazebo, promenade, memorials and monuments
Parking : Bike parking
Built-in 2014 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hermann Park, McGovern Centennial Gardens was converted from the Houston Garden Centre Site which previously stood there. The garden is spread across 15 acres of land and attracts a lot of visitors due to its custom-made gardens around a spacious lawn called the Centennial Green. Some of the gardens that are there are the Arid Garden, Rose Garden, Celebration Garden, Woodland Garden and the Family Garden.
Distance from Houston: : A 30 minutes’ drive from Houston
Attractions Nearby: : The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy and the Houston Metropolitan dance centre.
Suggested Duration: : 3-4 hours
Address: : 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Open Hours: : 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM
Pets: : Pets are allowed
Note :
Perfect for a day trip from Houston, Krause Springs in Spicetown, Texas is a well-known camping and swimming destination. The property is owned by the Krause Family and is part of the National Registry of Historical Sites. The area comprises of twin waterfalls cascading down the rocks and falling into the natural pools. In fact, there are 32 springs and several natural and man-made pools, ideal for swimming, which go on to join Lake Travis.
Address : 424 Co Rd 404, Spicewood, TX 78669, United States
Location : Hill Country of Texas
Timings : 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Area : 115 acres
Distance from Houston : 195.6 miles (3 hours 20 minutes away)
Things to Do : Swimming, strolling, relaxing, camping, nature viewing