Houston isn’t traditionally known for being a pedestrian-friendly city, but its neighborhoods have been keeping a secret. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend half a day exploring the city like a tourist, these walkable areas will surprise you.

2+ Mile Loop: Heights Blvd, MKT Trail, Nicholson St, W 11th St

The Heights is a dream for those who love to explore on foot. The entire walkshed of the Heights Hike and Bike Trail is dotted with shops, coffee spots, juice bars, and bakeries—so pace yourself!

Start at Heights Mercantile

No matter how you plan to spend your day, we recommend arriving by bus or bike.
🚗 Pro Tip: Park along Heights Blvd street parking. It’s free and allows you to leave your car behind while you explore the neighborhood.

Head West to Lawrence Park & MKT Shopping Center

There’s a lot to see here, so start your morning with an açaí bowl from Pressed, a coffee, and a breakfast taco from Taco Deli at Forth + Nomad.

☕ One common sight around the trail? Coffee cups from La La Land Kind Café—most of the year, they’re bright yellow, but during the holidays, they switch it up: red for Christmas, orange for Halloween, pink for Valentine’s Day. If you stop here, order online to skip the long lines.

🌿 Optional Detour: Extend your route with a loop around the Houston Heights Reservoir, a detention pond that stores rainwater from I-10. Dug out in 2012, this urban forest was planted with 10,000 trees by TxDOT, creating a hidden green oasis in the middle of the Heights.

Continue straight a little further to explore MKT Shopping Center and Lawrence Park, or take Lawrence St to 8th St, then pick up the Nicholson St Trail heading north toward 11th Street.

Along Nicholson St Trail: A Neighborhood Full of Character

Stroll past a mix of charming row homes and historic houses that front the trail. If you visit during the holidays, you might spot The Holiday House at 827 Nicholson, famous for its rotating seasonal decorations—from Mardi Gras and Easter to Halloween and Christmas.

When you reach 11th Street, turn right and head east.

🍪 Foodie Stops:

• The Bearded Baker – Home to Food Network-featured desserts.
• Hando – A cozy, authentic hand roll bar (check hours for its hidden speakeasy, Kanpai Club).
• Camaraderie – Run by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Shawn Gayle.
• Bespoke by GJCD – A designer gift shop that hosts live music soirées and is home to Bungalow Revival, an interior design studio.
• Another Place in Time – A beloved neighborhood nursery with native plants and flowers.

As you approach Yale St, you’ll find even more tempting stops:

🍹 Best Regards – Perfect for a craft cocktail or brunch.
🌮 Eight Row Flint – Delicious appetizers and drinks.
🍽 Dish Society – Great food at any time of day.
🥐 Kolache Shoppe – Serving up authentic Polish sweet and savory kolaches.

Back to Heights Blvd: A Scenic Stroll

At Heights Blvd, take a moment to admire the Lombard Lamp, a gift from Hamburg, Germany to the City of Houston. The flower beds surrounding it are lovingly maintained by the Heights Garden Club.

Now, head south along the Paul Carr Jogging Trail in the middle of Heights Blvd.

Before leaving, pause at the Houston Heights WWII Memorial & Plaza, where you can read about the local impact of World War II. This somber and moving tribute is cared for by the Heights Rotary Club.

Finishing the Loop: Heights Boulevard’s Grand Esplanade

Take your time strolling down Heights Boulevard’s 60-ft-wide esplanade, shaded by towering trees. Depending on the season, you might spot sculptures from the rotating True North art installation, featuring local artists (March–November).

🏡 Sara’s Inn, a historic bed & breakfast, stands out with its colorful facade and inviting gazebo. Once upon a time, they hosted a decadent Sunday brunch—we’d love to see that return!

📍 Stop at August Antiques (803 ½ Heights Blvd) for vintage finds before completing your loop back to Heights Mercantile.

On your way back, soak in the lively energy of the hike and bike trail, the sound of cyclists zipping by, and the charm of Donovan Park, a railroad-themed playground lovingly maintained by Houston Heights Association volunteers.