The beauty of the Gerald D. Hines in Houston, TX

Image by Jimena Gonzalez

Image by Jimena Gonzalez

Image by Jimena Gonzalez

Image by Jimena Gonzalez

Houston, TX boasts a truly gorgeous, breathtaking hidden gem that is absolutely worth visiting.

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park makes the ideal place for unforgettable photoshoots, particularly graduations, quinceañeras, senior proms, engagements or simply to check this spot off your Houston bucket list.  Or, if it is a hot day in Houston, the Waterwall offers the ideal spot to cool down. In fact, it is Houston's most photographed spot.

The Waterwall Park's name honors real estate magnate Gerald D. Hines, who passed away in 2020.

The U-shaped Waterwall stands 64 feet tall and has water flowing down its inner and outer walls. It pumps 78,500 gallons of recycled water every 3 hours and 20 minutes. The number 64 was specifically chosen by internationally acclaimed architectural team John Burgee and Philip Johnson as a reference to the number of stories of the Williams Tower.

Construction of the waterwall began in 1983, according to Houston-based real estate investment firm Hines. That same year, construction also began on the 64-story Transco Tower, later renamed Williams Tower. However, the Waterwall was not completed until 1985.

According to Houstonia Magazine, both Williams Tower and the Waterwall Park were commissioned by Hines as part of the development close to his nearby creation, the Galleria.

The Waterwall Park officially opened in April 1985 with a dedication ceremony. With the push of a button by then-Houston mayor Kathy Whitmire, over 5,000 pink and white balloons, along with 1,000 doves, were released into the sky.

The postmodernist design has references an ancient theatre stage with its three Roman-style "entrance" arches.

While the park does not have a playground, there is plenty of space available for a picnic. In addition, children can run around the grass and play with their imagination at the Waterwall.

The Waterwall Park is open to the public for free. However, some parking may require a payment. Williams Tower parking garage offers the most convenient parking for visitors, just a short walk away. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.