Hermann Park is open from 6 am to 11 pm daily.
Summer: 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6:45 pm)
Fall: 9 am to 7 pm (begins September 5, 2023)
Winter: 9 am to 5 pm (begins November 6, 2023)
Spring: 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 6:45 pm)
9 am to 6 pm (March 1 through October 31)
9 am to 5 pm (November 1 through February 28)
10 am to 6 pm
10 am to 4 pm (fall/winter)
10 am to 5 pm (spring/summer)
Free parking is available near the Sam Houston Monument (Lot A), the large central parking lots in front of the Houston Zoo (Lots G and F), across the street (Lot H), near Miller Outdoor Theatre (Lots E and D) and beside the McGovern Centennial Gardens (Lot C) located on Hermann Drive. Metered parking is available on the streets adjacent the Park. To view a parking lot map, click here.
Please note: On weekends, holidays, and during special events, the Park is extremely busy and parking can be difficult. We strongly encourage you to utilize public transportation, ride your bike (bicycle parking is available), park outside of the Park and walk in, or carpool for a more stress-free experience. Accessible parking is available in each parking lot.
We encourage you to utilize METRORail especially on heavy traffic days. There are three convenient stops near the Park:
• Hermann Park/Rice University stop at Fannin and Sunset
• Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo stop at Cambridge and Fannin Streets
• Museum District stop between Ewing and Binz Streets.
To see a METRORail schedule, click here.
Yes. The covered pavilions in Hermann Park are available to rent. The option to rent pavilions in the Commons will become available online soon, but if you are interested, please email info@hermannpark.org. For information on other pavilions, please call the Houston Parks and Recreation Department at 832-394-8805. To reserve a pavilion online, click here.
No. All individual picnic tables are available on a first come, first served basis to Park users. To see picnic areas on the Hermann Park interactive map, click here.
Selling food, drinks, merchandise or services in the Park require a permit. For more information, email visitorservices@hermannpark.org.
The cost for an all-day pass on weekdays is $6 per person and $7 on weekends and holidays, for adults and children one year and older. A 30-minute ride on a pedal boat (holds four people) costs $14.50. For more information and hours, click here.
There are venues (and the Hermann Park Railroad!) available for private rental. Please visit our Facility Rentals page to learn more about hosting a birthday party or special event in the Park.
The City of Houston and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department have made the decision to limit the number of organized exercise programs/groups operating within Hermann Park. Hermann Park Conservancy has been asked to assist them by implementing a permit program for exercise programs/groups in Hermann Park. For information about obtaining a permit for exercise programs, click here.
Proposals in the McGovern Centennial Gardens are available Sunday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The proposal fee is $250 and proposals are limited to 20 total guests including photographer/videographer. For full details on the proposal booking process, click here. To submit your reservation request for a proposal, click here.
The McGovern Centennial Gardens offer rental space for weddings and other special events in the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion and the Celebration Garden. The newly restored Lott Hall is also available for rent. For rental information, click here.
Any commercial use of any city property requires a permit. A professional photographer must obtain a permit for a photography session in Hermann Park by calling the City of Houston at 832-394-8805. Professional photography is not permitted in the Japanese Garden. All photographers must follow all posted Parks and Recreation Department rules and regulations. Drone photography is not allowed in the Park per FAA regulations.
Dogs are allowed on a leash only. There are no off-leash areas. All city municipal codes pertaining to dogs must be followed, including cleaning up after them. No pets are allowed on the Hermann Park train, pedal boats, in the Zoo or any buildings (except for service dogs).
The Marvin Taylor Trail offers runners and walkers a picturesque two-mile path, much of it under the shade of historic live oaks. There are distance markers every 1/4 mile. To view the trail on our interactive map, click here.
Yes, however, tents cannot be staked into the ground.
No.
Ginger Kale is a cafe open on McGovern Lake, next to Kinder Station. Food carts and trucks are in the Park on certain weekdays and on weekends, and serve a wide variety of snacks and meals. There are also many restaurants located nearby and within walking distance of Hermann Park.
Yes.
Yes, there are 17 grills scattered throughout the Park. They are available on a first come, first served basis.
Fishing is permitted at Bob's Fishing Pier along the western side of the lake beyond the green buoys. It is restricted to those aged 12 and younger and 65 and older (Sec. 32-35 City of Houston Municipal Code). A Texas fishing license is required for those aged between 12 and 65. “Catch and release” is recommended. To find Bob’s Fishing Pier on our interactive map, click here.
No.
Yes, but not in glass containers.
Still have a question? If so, please email info@hermannpark.org.