Paddle Boarding Houston, Texas: 14 Spots You Can't Miss

Houston is a vibrant city with a rich culture, diverse cuisine, and plenty of attractions. But did you know that it also has some amazing paddle boarding spots? Whether you are looking for a relaxing ride, a challenging adventure, or a scenic view, you can find it in Houston. Here are 15 paddle boarding Houston spots that you can't miss.

DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a paddle location, ensure that the location still allows for paddle boarding and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.

1. Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou, renowned as a prime paddle boarding destination in the heart of Houston, delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. This outdoor paradise, spanning an impressive 26 miles, holds a special place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts. Despite its central location, Buffalo Bayou offers a genuine escape to the wonders of the natural world. The abundance of access points ensures everyone can easily partake in its splendors.

Source: Unsplash

Surprisingly, the distinctive color of the water doesn't signify impurity. It's a unique feature attributed to Houston's red clay terrain. While the water may appear somewhat turbid, no lurking alligators pose a threat. Buffalo Bayou's mix of salt and freshwater is far from ideal for these creatures. Buffalo Bayou's central location is particularly appealing for summer paddle boarding Houston excursions.

Tip:

• Bring your own equipment, or rentals are available at places like Bayou City Adventures if needed.

2. Lake Houston

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Lake Houston. This large reservoir offers calm and clear water for paddle boarding. You can also fish, swim, or camp at the lake. You are guaranteed a chilled paddle around the lake as it remains relatively quiet while you enjoy the city skyline of Houston.

Tips:

• Make sure you bring your own SUP and gear for this spot, as rental companies are hard to find in the area. Lake Houston Marina has a couple locations where you can purchase a board or carry your own.
• Set off from River Grove Park and check out the island area for the ultimate experience.

3. Clear Lake

Clear Lake is another fantastic spot for paddle boarding near Houston. It is a brackish water bay off a larger bay and managed by the Clear Lake City Water Authority. This brackish lake connects to Galveston Bay, offering picturesque views of boats and yachts gliding along the water. Book a board at Pinky's Kayak Rental or take your own.

Note:

As for launch points, there are several options:

• Clear Lake Park: This park is very popular with locals because of the playground facilities and the ability to launch boats for fishing or pleasure.
• Legend Point Marina: Located in Clear Lake Shores, nestled between Houston and Galveston Island, this marina has over 250 boat slips available to accommodate boats up to 50 ft.

The conditions at these launch points can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the current status before you go.

4. Galveston Bay

Galveston Bay is the place to go if you are looking for some saltwater paddle boarding. This large bay offers a variety of paddle boarding Houston options. You can paddle in the open water, explore the marshes and wetlands, or visit some islands and sandbars.

Source: Unsplash

Galveston State Park boasts several paddling trails perfect for any level of paddle boarder. Three main trails vary in length from 3 to 5 miles long. The three main trails in Galveston State Park are:

1. Oak Mott, Eskimo Curlew, and Clapper Rail Loop: The 1.9-mile track passes through coastal prairie, mudflats, overwater boardwalks, and meadows. It's a great place to see coastal birds.
2. Clapper Rail Trail and Caracara Trail Loop: This 1.1-mile trail is great for the whole family, offering views of wading birds feeding along the bayous and roosting in trees.
3. Prairie Trail to Freshwater Pond Loop Trail: This 2.3-mile walk covers a coastal prairie area with picturesque ponds and marshes.

Pro Tips

• Use the campgrounds at the park and enjoy a weekend in the wild.
• This is another location paddle boarding Houston where you do need to bring your own gear. Prepare your paddle board and all the accessories you may need.

5. Lake Conroe

This is another large reservoir that offers excellent paddle boarding near Houston. Lake Conroe is about 40 miles north of the city and has over 20,000 acres of water to explore. You can paddle in the open water, see wildlife, or visit islands and coves.

Lake Conroe is a popular getaway location to escape the city. This lakeside paradise is just a short trip outside of Houston, making it a perfect spot for a day trip. Lake Conroe is an ideal day out for families and groups of friends and makes for a great road trip for just one day. Whether you are looking for stand up paddle boarding Houston or enjoy the outdoors, you certainly won't be disappointed.

Note

• There is not a lot of shade while you are out on the lake, so remember your hats, sun lotion, sunglasses, and other vital paddling accessories for the trip.

6. Lake Woodlands

This small but scenic lake is located in The Woodlands, a master-planned community north of Houston. You can paddle around the lake with a fountain, a waterfall, and some bridges. You can also enjoy the surrounding nature trails, parks, and shops.

Nestled within the city, this spot is surrounded by a few trees that frame its edges. Its central location in Houston provides access to a wide range of rental shops, parking, and docks that you can use to launch your SUP. Furthermore, several amenities for recreational activities are perfect for family outings.

Tip:

• Stay out on the water late to listen to snippets of Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion concerts.
• Make the most out of some of the cheapest SUP rental options in Houston here, starting from $20 per hour and only $5 for each additional hour.

7. Sheldon Lake State Park

Sheldon Lake is a reservoir on Carpenters Bayou in the San Jacinto River basin. It was created in 1943 when the federal government built a dam to provide fresh water for shipbuilding and shipping industries on the Houston Ship Channel during World War II.

Source: Flickr

Sheldon Lake State Park boasts a 1,200-acre lake, perfect for paddleboarding Houston. You can paddle around the lake with islands, coves, and fishing piers. You can also see some birds, alligators, and turtles along the way. Sheldon Lake State Park offers board rentals or you can grab your own.

Note:

As for launch points, there are a couple of options at Sheldon Lake State Park:

• Garrett Road Fishing Area: You can throw in a line at the fishing area off Garrett Road.
• South Boat Ramp on Pineland Road: Boats can be launched from the south boat ramp on Pineland Road. Please note that boats must not exceed headway speed while operating on the lake.

8. 288 Lake

This private lake is open to the public for paddle boarding and other water sports. 288 Lake is located south of Houston and has crystal clear water fed by an artesian well. You can paddle around the lake with some sandy beaches and shaded areas.

This spot is considered one of the more peaceful locations for paddle boarding in Houston with its oasis vibes. Perhaps some SUP yoga to truly relax? This is the perfect place to practice your warrior pose on your SUP with the clear waters underneath.

Note: The lake's entry fee is $15 per person for the day. If you don't have your own equipment, there is also a rental shop available.

9. Lake Jackson

Lake Jackson is located south of Houston and has clean, calm water surrounded by trees and grass. This is another private lake that is open to the public for paddle boarding Houston and other water sports. You may rent one from SUP The South.

Note:

As for launch points, the Authority does not own or maintain canoe/kayak launch points on the Brazos, and the specific launch points in Lake Jackson are not mentioned. However, many put-in and take-out locations are available along the Brazos River. You can paddle around the lake with some docks and picnic tables. Still, checking with local authorities or a boating organization for the most accurate and current information is always a good idea.

11. Lake Nassau Park

Lake Nassau is a city park that features a 178-acre lake that is perfect for paddle boarding Houston. You can paddle around the lake with islands, bridges, and wildlife habitats. You can also enjoy the park's amenities, including playgrounds, pavilions, and trails.

Note:

As for launch points at Lake Nassau Park, several facilities could potentially serve as launch points:

• David Braun Park is a nice boardwalk, which could be used for launching small watercraft like paddle boards, kayaks, or canoes.
• The park also has baseball fields, tennis courts, a large covered basketball court pavilion, restrooms, picnic tables, gazebos, and a fenced dog park. It's a great place to watch motorboats and sailboats too.
• Paddle EZ provides boards, or you may use your own.

11. San Marcos River

If you are looking for some adventure, you can try paddle boarding on the San Marcos River. This spring-fed river flows through central Texas and offers some rapids and currents for an exciting ride. You can also see some beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way. The views are incredibly breathtaking.

San Marcos is a little further afield between Houston and Austin, with some spectacular SUP spots. This waterway is one of the most treasured locations in Texas, promising excellent views and an exhilarating day out.

Note: Unlike the lakes, the San Marcos River has plenty of shade along the way and a few small rapids to test your SUP balance skills.

12. Trinity River

Trinity River rises in northern Texas, a few miles south of the Red River. It is a 710-mile river, the longest with a watershed entirely within the state of Texas. With a nearly 18,000-square-mile Trinity River basin, the Trinity River runs through the city and has some sections suitable for paddle boarding.

You can paddle along the river with urban views, bridges, and parks. Bayou City Adventures offers rental boards, or you are welcome to bring your own.

Note:

As for launch points, there are several options along the Trinity River:

• Trinity River Paddling Trail: This interactive map provides details such as the launch site physical address, launch site GPS coordinates, location, distance and name of the nearest take-out point, trail description, dams and water hazards, and safety information.
• RiverView Launch: This page serves as your 'put-in' (or boat ramp) for a virtual trip down the Trinity River.

13. Armand Bayou Nature Center

This nature center features a 2,500-acre preserve that includes some bayous and ponds for paddle boarding Houston. You can paddle along the waterways with mangroves, marshes, and forests. You can also see some wildlife, such as birds and deer. If you want to go boating at Armand Bayou Nature Center, you can either rent a board or carry your own.

Snaking through Houston's urban landscape, Brays Bayou offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's hidden gems. Paddle along the bayou and discover its diverse neighborhoods, street art, and parks, all from a refreshing vantage point.

14. Lake Livingston

If you're yearning to retreat from the city, head to Lake Livingston, the second-largest lake in Texas, which offers some fantastic paddle boarding Houston areas. This serene lake is perfect for paddle boarding and an unwinding environment. The expansive waters and lush green surroundings provide a sense of freedom and peace.

Source: Unsplash

You can paddle on the lake, which has over 450 miles of shoreline, some islands, and peninsulas. You can also fish, swim, or camp at the lake. You have two options if you want to visit Lake Livingston State Park. You have the option of renting a board from the park or bringing one from home.

Tips

• The water here is usually calm in the warmer months.
• The price for renting a stand up paddle board for an hour is about $20.
• There's nowhere to put your things if you do SUP, so you would say leave valuables in your car.
• Be aware that the area can get pretty busy on weekends, so try to come during the week if you can.

Wrap up

Paddle boarding Houston spots are diverse for paddle boarding enthusiasts. You can find a variety of paddle boarding spots in and around the city, from urban lakes and rivers to natural bayous and reservoirs. You can also enjoy the diverse culture, cuisine, and attractions that Houston has to offer. So grab your board and head to Houston for some paddle boarding fun, and don't forget to visit iROCKER.