The Esplanade on Navigation - Image 1
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The Esplanade on Navigation

4.8
·26 reviews·Houston, United States

A vibrant urban concourse in Houston's EADO, featuring colorful shipping container shops, lively markets, and public art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy markets

CrowdMedium
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The Esplanade on Navigation - Image 1

The Esplanade on Navigation

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy markets

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant urban concourse in Houston's EADO, featuring colorful shipping container shops, lively markets, and public art.

4.8
(26 reviews)

"A beautiful addition to the neighborhood, host to weekend markets and a great place to walk, shop, and relax."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Markets and events are the main draw; plan your visit around them!

🚗 Free Parking Available

Street parking and a gravel lot are usually easy to find.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Shipping Container Shops

Vibrant Shipping Container Shops

Along the Esplanade

Discover unique art, crafts, and goods from local vendors housed in colorful shipping containers.

Instagram+1
Community Markets & Events

Community Markets & Events

Throughout the Esplanade

Experience lively weekend markets, from farmers' markets to flea markets and food festivals.

Reddit+1
Public Art & Murals

Public Art & Murals

Various locations

Admire the eye-catching murals adorning shipping containers, adding a splash of color to the area.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Events and markets are the main draw, so check schedules before you go. Weekends are busiest, especially during festivals. Arrive early for prime spots and to beat the crowds. Reddit

Parking & Access

Free street parking is generally available, with a gravel lot also an option. It's usually not too crowded, even during events. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy markets
Crowd
Medium
When
Event evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere and special offerings
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pasig River Esplanade FAQ If you have anything to add, feel free comment down below ❤️ #winsfoodtrips #foodtrip #esplanade #pasigriver #jonesbridge
@winsfoodtrips
9K likes • 235.8K views

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Markets and events are the main draw; plan your visit around them! InstagramReddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Street parking and a gravel lot are usually easy to find. Reddit

See you here HTX⭐️📸 2800 navigation blvd Houston Tx 77003 (we will be located at the end of the esplanade) 12PM-4PM tote bag line starts at 11:40AM⭐️☝🏼 #houston #houstonthingstodo #htxthrift
@her_market_htx
4.1K likes • 38K views
Music Box 📻🎶 Love the new murals on shipping containers over in #eado 📍 The Esplanade on Navigation #houstonmurals #houstonchica #musicbox 🎨 @hannahbullnectar
nildameliza
6 likes • 376 views

🛍️ Support Local Vendors

Discover unique crafts, food, and more from creative local businesses. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll and Relax

Enjoy the green space, benches, and tables for a peaceful outing. Reddit

Come on out to the Navigation Esplanade. It's cooler then you think! Sal a la Navigation Esplanade. ¡Es más genial de lo que piensas! #ElSegundoBarrio #SecondWard #SuperNeighborhood63 #SN63 #NavigationEsplanade
secondward_63
116 likes • 7.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Markets and events are the main draw; plan your visit around them! InstagramReddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Street parking and a gravel lot are usually easy to find. Reddit

🛍️ Support Local Vendors

Discover unique crafts, food, and more from creative local businesses. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll and Relax

Enjoy the green space, benches, and tables for a peaceful outing. Reddit

🎨 Admire the Art

Don't miss the vibrant murals on the shipping containers! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(26 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise The Esplanade on Navigation for its vibrant atmosphere, unique shipping container shops, and engaging community markets. Many appreciate the free parking and the relaxed, welcoming environment, making it a worthwhile destination for exploring local art and culture. Some minor drawbacks include the potential for crowds during peak event times.

"Beautiful area! Enjoyed walking The Esplanade with hubby! We came to the Comp La Flor Market! People are really nice and all. Vendors very creative and humble! Food was good and we found parking for free!"

Patricia Maldonado

"This is a very nice public concourse with trees, sidewalks, and space for small shops and vendors. Parking is easy to find along the street or in a gravel lot next to it. It's usually not very crowded, even during weekend events (pictures from 12/3/22 Tamales Festival)"

David Hsu

"This is a beautiful addition to the neighborhood. It's host to weekend Farmer's Markets, Flea Markets and Music venues. Otherwise you can take a walk, rent a bike, relax on numerous benches and bring a lunch and sit at a table under the trees. Or order from several Mexican restaurants across the street. Free street parking is available and there's no fee."

David Scott

What People Like

Vibrant community markets
Unique shipping container shops
Colorful murals

What People Dislike

Can get crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Esplanade on Navigation is located at 2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003. It's accessible by car, and public transport options may be available depending on your starting point. TikTok

Yes, free street parking is generally available along the street, and there's also a gravel lot next to the esplanade. Parking is usually not an issue, even during events. Reddit+1

The concourse features sidewalks and open spaces, making it generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit

Yes, you can rent a bike and ride to the esplanade. There are also benches and tables available if you bring your own lunch. Reddit

The best way to explore is on foot to fully appreciate the shops, art, and atmosphere. You can also rent bikes for a different perspective. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to The Esplanade on Navigation itself is free. However, individual vendors or specific ticketed events may have their own admission fees. Reddit

The Esplanade is a public concourse and is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific market or shop hours vary, so it's best to check event schedules. TikTokInstagram

The markets themselves are typically free to enter. You'll only pay for any items you purchase from vendors. Reddit+1

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check specific event rules or local ordinances regarding pets. Many outdoor public spaces allow leashed dogs. Reddit

Admission fees for special events like festivals can vary. It's recommended to check the event organizer's details for specific pricing information. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

You'll find a variety of local vendors in shipping containers selling unique crafts, art, clothing, and more. InstagramReddit+1

There are often food vendors at markets, and several Mexican restaurants are located across the street. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The local vendors often have handmade items and one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for souvenirs. Reddit

Yes, the markets feature creative and humble local vendors, offering a great opportunity to support small businesses. Reddit

Prices can vary widely depending on the vendor and the item. You can find affordable crafts as well as more unique, higher-priced art pieces. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful shipping container murals are fantastic photo backdrops. The general concourse area also offers pleasant scenery. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, public spaces often allow personal photography. For commercial shoots, it's best to inquire about permits. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of other visitors and vendors, and avoid intrusive photography. Instagram

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the murals without harsh shadows. Evenings can offer a different, atmospheric glow. Instagram

The 'Music Box' mural and the vibrant shipping container installations are highly recommended for unique shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Esplanade on Navigation offers a family-friendly environment with plenty of space to roam. Kids will likely enjoy the colorful murals and the excitement of the weekend markets, where they can discover unique toys or treats. InstagramReddit The open concourse is great for strollers, and the availability of benches and tables makes it easy to take breaks or enjoy a picnic lunch. Reddit Consider visiting during a farmers' market for a lively yet manageable experience. Reddit

🛍️ Budget Travelers

This is a fantastic spot for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the Esplanade and most markets is free, and you can find affordable parking readily available. Reddit+1 While browsing the unique goods from local vendors, you can set your own spending limits. Plus, you can pack your own lunch and enjoy it at one of the many tables, saving on dining costs. Reddit

🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts

For art lovers, The Esplanade on Navigation is a must-visit. The shipping container shops are adorned with vibrant and diverse murals, creating a visually stimulating experience. Instagram+1 Beyond the visual art, the regular markets and occasional music events offer a taste of local culture and creativity. Instagram It's a great place to discover local artists and immerse yourself in the EADO neighborhood's artistic spirit. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of EADO: Art and Community

The Esplanade on Navigation is a vibrant hub in Houston's East Downtown (EADO) neighborhood, transforming underutilized spaces into a lively public concourse. It's particularly known for its shipping container shops, which house a diverse array of local artisans and vendors. These colorful structures aren't just retail spaces; they are canvases for striking murals, turning the entire area into an open-air art gallery. Instagram+1

This space actively fosters community engagement through regular weekend markets, including farmers' markets, flea markets, and specialized events like the Comp La Flor Market. These gatherings provide a platform for local entrepreneurs and offer visitors a chance to discover unique, handmade goods and delicious food. Reddit+2 The atmosphere is often described as friendly and relaxed, making it a welcoming spot for both locals and tourists looking to experience the creative pulse of Houston. Reddit

Beyond the markets, the Esplanade offers a pleasant environment for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or simply relaxing on one of the many benches. It's a testament to urban revitalization, showcasing how public spaces can be transformed into dynamic centers for art, commerce, and community connection. Reddit

Navigating the Markets and Events

The Esplanade on Navigation truly comes alive during its various markets and special events. These are the prime times to visit if you're looking for a bustling atmosphere and a wide selection of goods. Weekend markets are a staple, often featuring everything from fresh produce to handcrafted jewelry and vintage finds. Reddit+1

Social media buzzes about specific events, like the Comp La Flor Market and Night Markets, highlighting the diverse offerings which can include food trucks, live music, tarot readers, and aura photography. TikTokInstagram To make the most of these events, it's advisable to check the Esplanade's or associated organizers' social media pages for the most up-to-date schedules and vendor lists. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended to avoid the largest crowds and secure the best parking. Reddit

For those interested in vending, opportunities often arise, as seen in posts seeking participants for night markets. This indicates a dynamic environment where local businesses and creators are encouraged to participate and showcase their talents. Instagram

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