Hermann Park was set up after George Hermann donated a tract of land to Houston to create the first city park in 1914. That initial gift of about 285 acres has since grown into a 445-acre site that features some of the best parts of Houston, all grouped together on one gorgeous city park. The park is crisscrossed with jogging trails, there's the Hermann Park Golf Course for those who prefer their long walks spoiled, and paddle boats run on McGovern Lake for those with a hankering to get a little nautical while also being outdoorsy. We always love checking out the McGovern Centennial Gardens, and we've spent countless hours taking in the Japanese Garden, but on top of simply being a beautiful and relaxing expanse of greenspace nestled between the Museum District, Rice University and the Texas Medical Center, Hermann Park also has a mini-train! How can any other city park even hope to compete?
READERS' CHOICE: Hermann Park