Bluebonnets around Houston: An overview

The iconic bluebonnet is known as the official state flower of Texas. What you may not know is that Texas technically has five state flowers. These five flowers are all variations of the Bluebonnet that grow in different regions and have slight differences in appearance. It is perfectly legal (and encouraged!) to grow these beauties at your home, though it's best to plant them in the fall, from around September through mid-November. While there is a widespread myth that you cannot pick bluebonnets, truthfully, there is no law prohibiting bluebonnet picking. Bluebonnet enthusiasts are nonetheless discouraged from taking large swathes of the flowers when picking.

When it comes to taking photos, don't be discouraged if you only come across a small patch. Remember: angles, angles, angles. How you position your child and the camera angle can turn a tiny patch into a sprawling field. Lastly, be kind to the flowers; try to minimize the stomping and squashing!

Bluebonnet photos are a Texas tradition. Photo courtesy of Sweet Pecks Photography

Best Places To See Bluebonnets in Houston's Inner Loop

1. Buffalo Bayou 

The park usually has patches across its entire property, and in years past, there have been more bluebonnets on the south bank of the bayou. You can park at The Dunlavy, walk the trail about half a mile, and you'll usually find them past the first bridge. Address: 1800 Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive, Houston. Check out our insider's guide to Buffalo Bayou Park to make a day of it! 

2. Stude Park

Located off White Oak Bayou at Studemont and White Oak (near I-10), this park usually has a decent patch of bluebonnets. Because this is a park, you won't have to struggle to find parking or places to sit. Address: 1031 Stude, Houston.

3. Various spots off Memorial Drive

If you park off Memorial Loop, there are bluebonnet patches just a short walk away near the road all the way to Loop 610. We also recommend heading to Memorial Park, as they usually get some good blooms, and there are a lot of outdoor activities you can take advantage of while you're there. Address: 6501 Memorial Dr., Houston.

4. White Oak Bayou near Loop 610 and 18th St.

The stretch of the bayou that runs alongside TC Jester from W. 34th St. to Ella Boulevard (near 18th St.) typically has tons of flowers perfect for pictures.

5. Medical District

The corner of Almeda Road and S. MacGregor Way has a beautiful patch each year, though it can be challenging to access this field of blue beauties.

6. Montrose/Fourth Ward

Spotts Park usually has large patches each year on the southwest side of the park, so check here if your search for bluebonnets along Memorial Drive isn't fruitful. Address: 401 S. Heights Blvd., Houston.

7. Hermann Park

Nestled in the heart of the Museum District next to hotspots like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hermann Park typically sees enough bluebonnets to make it a picture-worthy spot. Plus, you can pack in other fun activities while in the area. Address: 6001 Fannin St., Houston.

8. Mason Park

The protected marsh area of Mason Park usually sprouts a crop of bluebonnets. Address: 541 S. 75th St., Houston.

Bluebonnet Patches in North & East Houston

9. The Woodlands

Visit the spacious Rob Fleming Park for patches of bluebonnets. The park is perfect for an afternoon out, so make a day of it and bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the amenities, from fishing to the various playgrounds. Address: 6055 Creekside Forest, The Woodlands.

10. Humble

The Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens has a small patch in the native wildflower/flower section—just don't expect a massive field. Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble.

Northwest Houston's Bluebonnet Spots

11. Cypress

If you head to Fallbrook near the Wortham subdivisions, you can usually find a good patch of bluebonnets. Additionally, both the front and back of the Bridgeland neighborhood have bluebonnets planted. 

12.: T.C. Jester Park

You can typically find bluebonnets along this northwestern park's hike and bike trails. Address: 4201 TC Jester Blvd., Houston.

Bluebonnets are the Texas state flower. Matthew Lancaster/Unsplash

Top Places to See Bluebonnets in Southeast Houston

13. League City

Flowers grow yearly in League City on Hwy. 96 between I-45 and Hwy. 3. Check out nearby Hometown Heroes Park for an opportunity to see the bluebonnets. Address: 1001 E. League City Pkwy., League City.

14. Pasadena

Make your way to the Beltway and Crenshaw for a field usually full of bluebonnets and other wildflowers. 

15. Pearland

Bluebonnets bloom yearly on the roadside of 1-35 W between Pearland and Alvin.

Southwest Houston Bluebonnets

16. Westbury/Southwest Houston

The spanning green spaces at the Willow Waterhole Greenway typically have plenty of patches of Bluebonnets. It's a huge park (291 acres, to be exact), so you won't feel crowded by your fellow Houstonians. Address: 5300 Dryad Dr., Houston.

17. Sugar Land

Master-planned community Telfair has bluebonnets that bloom along the river that runs north-south through the territory, specifically near the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, which is at New Territory and University Blvd. 

Bluebonnet Patches in West Houston

18. Energy Corridor

Terry Hershey Park often has plenty of flowers to go around, and the park has fun amenities to make for a good afternoon out, from playgrounds to fishing holes to hiking trails and more. Address: 15200 Memorial Dr., Houston.

19. Far West Houston

Blessington Farms plants bluebonnets every year in its flower patch. It's best to call ahead to check their status before planning your visit. Address: 510 Chisholm Tr., Wallis.​

There are plenty of places to see bluebonnets in Houston each spring. Photo by Elizabeth McGuire, courtesy of austinparks.org

​Other Places Bluebonnets Grow Near Houston

• If you drive along I-10 west toward San Antonio, you will likely encounter several bluebonnet patches along the highway not far past Katy. 

• Drive out on Hwy. 290 toward Austin, and there are usually large patches of bluebonnets near Washington County and east of Brenham. You could make a fun day trip out of this and visit the Blue Bell Ice Cream Creamery. There are also tons of spots in and near Brenham to take pictures, including Old Baylor Park and Washington on the Brazos historic site.

• Head north on I-45 toward Conroe and take exit 89; several bluebonnet patches can be found along the road.

If you have a favorite bluebonnet spot to share, let us know!