Heights Bungalow and Beverage Loop

The Houston Heights was historically a dry precinct where liquor sales were banned for a century, but today it functions as the city’s premiere walkability laboratory. This route leverages the neighborhood's grid system and the Paul Carr Jogging Trail to connect high-brow antiquing with low-intervention coffee. Start the morning at August Antiques, located in a former residence on Heights Boulevard. While most local treasure hunters head to the massive galleries in Spring Exploring Houston's Best…, August Antiques maintains a specialized focus on hardware and rare paper August Antiques - Housto…. It is one of the few places in the city to find authentic vintage glass ornaments in the middle of a Texas summer heatwave Houston Glass Club Show…. Transitioning from objects to atmosphere, the walk toward Kaboom Books reveals the structural integrity of the Heights’ original bungalows. Kaboom avoids the curated sterility of modern bookstores; its floor-to-ceiling stacks are organized with an internal logic that demands a solid hour of browsing. The trek then moves south to the Paul Carr Jogging Trail. This gravel spine is the neighborhood’s social artery, flanked by rotating art installations and massive oak trees that provide the rare commodity of natural shade. Unlike the concrete sidewalks nearby, the trail's center path is designed for a slower pace that mirrors the residential tempo of the area. Finish the loop at New Heights Coffee Roasters, a space that understands the distinction between a 'vibe' and a quality product. While the neighborhood has seen a surge in flashy hotel bars like Soluna New Tropical Poolside Co…Soluna Restaurant and Ba…, New Heights focuses on technical precision. The menu avoids the standard syrup-laden traps found in generic chains, opting instead for complex textures in drinks like the Chantilly Cream. It serves as the logical endpoint for a 5.8-mile exploration, providing the necessary caffeine spike before returning to the grit of the broader city.

What to Expect

The total distance is roughly six miles; while the path is flat, Houston humidity is a factor even in the morning. Wear athletic shoes for the gravel portions of the Paul Carr trail. Budget approximately $50 for coffee and a used book, though antiquity finds can easily push that into the hundreds. Most shops open around 10:00 AM. Street parking near August Antiques is generally available, but avoid blocking residential driveways to prevent towing.

The Route

1

August Antiques

67

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity80

Infrastructure51

Terrain100

Safety68

Lighting100

Amenities42

Transit16

"Dig through the massive collection of architectural hardware and vintage books, but the real star is their massive stash of glass Christmas ornaments available year-round."

30-45 min32 min

32 min · 1.7 mi67

2

Kaboom Books

67

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity80

Infrastructure51

Terrain100

Safety68

Lighting100

Amenities42

Transit16

"Lose yourself in the 'mini maze' of floor-to-ceiling stacks, then snag one of the hidden corner seats or head to the adorable back patio to start your new read."

30-45 min42 min

42 min · 2.2 mi70

3

Paul Carr Jogging Trail Park

70

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity63

Infrastructure64

Terrain100

Safety81

Lighting95

Amenities51

Transit23

"Skip the sidewalk and stick to the center gravel trail to admire the rotating art sculptures under the canopy of massive oak trees."

30-45 min19 min

19 min · 1.0 mi67

4

Sara's Inn on the Boulevard

67

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity58

Infrastructure67

Terrain100

Safety75

Lighting100

Amenities50

Transit22

"Skip the sterile chain hotels and book the Rooftop Suite for a private balcony with a view. Don't forget to grab the complimentary wine and snacks before heading out to the nearby shops."

30-45 min16 min

16 min · 0.9 mi67

5

New Heights Coffee Roasters

67

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity64

Infrastructure49

Terrain100

Safety59

Lighting97

Amenities66

Transit25

"Skip the basics and order 'The Clearing' or the heavenly Chantilly Cream; it's hands-down one of the best curated menus in Houston for a focused work session."

45 min - 1 hr12 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions