The Complete Guide to The Woodlands, Houston 

The Woodlands is not merely a plain old community north of Houston. There’s much that The Woodlands can offer to visitors and locals alike. 

If you’ve never been to The Woodlands before, then you’re in luck. We’ve put together a carefully curated guide of places to stay, eat, and things to do the next time you visit The Woodlands. 

What is The Woodlands known for? 

The Woodlands is known for its rich parks and extensive recreation. Additionally, the dining and nightlife diversity makes The Woodlands desirable to visitors and locals. 

Where should I stay in The Woodlands?

No matter where you stay in the Woodlands, all hotels offer luxurious amenities and natural scenery. To lessen your search for the perfect stay in The Woodlands, we’ve listed just a few of the highly regarded accommodations.

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Woodlands Resort is a four-star resort on Lake Harrison. Families and entrepreneurs alike rush to The Woodlands for peaceful vacations. 

It offers four hundred and two rooms spread across the resort grounds, lagoon-style pools, tennis courts, restaurants, bars, and a lazy river.

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center

The Woodlands Waterway rolls out the red carpet for all of its guests. With an on-site Starbucks and various dining options available, there is no chance of going hungry during a stay at The Woodlands Waterway. 

A unique feature of the Woodlands Waterway is the sky bridge hotel where guests can walk across to get to the amphitheater, where all live concerts sound like you’re with the musicians in a recording studio. 

The Westin at The Woodlands

This property is not only romantic and famous among the ladies, but it has its own on-site caterer to satisfy any of its guests with hungry stomachs late into the night. 

In every room, The Westin provides an espresso machine, a flat-screen TV, and all the free toiletries a person may need. 

Moreover, a private conference room is available for those traveling to The Woodlands on business and a car for hire. 

Hyatt Centric The Woodlands

Hyatt Centric is in the Market Street shopping and feasting locale of The Woodlands, Texas. The lodging flaunts a vast edge pool with a contemporary style reflected in each room. 

Market Street Kitchen, the on-location eatery, serves breakfast, lunch, and supper. All rooms at the Hyatt Centric have a level screen TV, a cooler, microwave, and even a minibar for your own private cheap happy hour, no matter what time of day. 

Furthermore, the business community and the wellness office at Hyatt Centric The Woodlands are open 24 hours every day for visitor comfort. Visitors can enjoy massages, or sip on a glass of wine around the fire on the outside patio. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston-Woodlands-Shenandoah

This all-suite inn in The Woodlands includes a b-ball court, day-to-day buffet breakfast, and roomy suites with a kitchenette. The kitchenette has a fridge, microwave, and burner burners perfect for anyone attending a cooking class in The Woodlands. 

Each suite also has a parlor with a couch bed, a 37-inch LCD TV, and an MP3 surround sound speaker. Of course, visitors can access the relaxing hot tub and rec center after wandering around town all day to wind down their evening.

Which restaurants should I go to in The Woodlands?

While in The Woodlands, take a break from eating street tacos and dine at these must-visit restaurants. After all, The Woodlands is made famous by its culturally diverse eateries. 

Killen’s Barbecue

One of the best barbecue places in all of Texas calls The Woodlands home. Their barbecue turkey legs, beef ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausages are beloved favorites to anyone who dines at Killen’s Barbecue. 

On Saturdays, Killen’s Barbecue switches its routine by offering wagyu burnt ends for a reasonable price. No matter what day of the week, this is the place to go for the finest smoked meats. 

Amrina

Amrina is not your average restaurant; they also are a lounge open until 2 AM, bringing your tastebuds to life with authentic Indian flavors and the ultimate street food chaat tasting experience. 

Their chef, Jassi Bindra, doesn’t fail to put a modern twist on classics such as lamb tandoori, ostrich kebabs, chutneys, butter chicken kulcha, and for vegan lovers, jackfruit biryani.  

Even their desserts leave your mouth watering for more, like the cardamom chocolate mousse covered in 24-carat gold flakes or their traditional masala chai cake. 

The Olive Oil Restaurant

No need to go to Greece to have an authentic Greek feast. The Olive Oil Restaurant in The Woodlands offers sampler plates and full-course entrees of the best Greek cuisine. 

For example, gyros, lamb, grilled chicken, and souvlaki paired with mezze and fresh pita bread. Of course, it’s only fitting that all of their dishes contain Greek olive oil. 

By the way, don’t forget to try their delicate baklava. 

TRIS

According to steak lovers, TRIS is one of the best upscale steak restaurants in The Woodlands. Thanks to the chef’s international travels, all of their steaks come with a unique tasting flair bound to have you savoring every bite. 

Most popular are their dry-aged steaks presented with elegance and seafood sides like kimchi crab pancakes. Indeed, TRIS is the place to go if you’re up for a white tablecloth experience.

What recreational activities are there to do in The Woodlands?  

The Woodlands is an oasis for nature and outdoor lovers who enjoy basking in the sun and absorbing every fresh breath of air they can get. Here are a few outdoor recreational activities in The Woodlands for anyone to enjoy. 

Texas TreeVentures

Climb new heights with Texas TreeVentures, an adventure course up in the tops of the trees. The obstacles make a great way for families to bond, or if you go solo, you can challenge yourself physically and mentally. 

All participants have the opportunity to overcome the fiercest of nature elements and traverse poles and cables for three hours. Don’t worry: there are staff members on the lookout for safety measures, so no one will get left behind up in the trees. 

Water Recreation

The Woodlands is home to plenty of parks, which means making use of daylight and giving paddle boarding or kayaking a try. Swan boats and water bikes are also great ways to get in shape without breaking too much of a sweat. 

Riva Row Boat House and Lakes Edge Boat House offer rentals for these recreational water activities at reasonable rates. 

George Mitchell Nature Preserve

George Mitchell Nature Preserve is a popular place to enjoy outdoor recreation in The Woodlands. 

Various hiking trails allow you to see migrating birds and other wildlife. Or you can breeze through the dirt trails with your bike, surrounded by lush florals and the tallest trees. 

Spending the day at George Mitchell Nature Preserve presents the perfect opportunity for nature lovers to surround themselves with the breathtaking beauty of The Woodland’s very own forest. 

Golf

Golfers from all over come to The Woodlands to test their skills. 

A popular course called The Oaks, found at The Woodlands resort, provides golfers with generous fairways and greenside bunkers. The towering Oak trees and Lake Harrison also serve as the perfect backdrop for professional golf photography and videography. 

Augusta Pines, an 18-hole golf semi-private club, features a state-of-the-art practice facility with sand bunkers and six target greens. Oaks, dogwoods, and mature pines scattered throughout the Baby Bermuda grass create vibes of serenity throughout the entire 30 acres. 

For those looking to try disc golf,  Bear Branch Sportsfield Park is filled with elevation and terrain changes. It’s also 18-holes. 

The Farmers Market

It’s not a secret that some of the best produce is locally grown. The Woodlands Farmer’s Market occurs every Saturday morning, and it’s an easygoing, enjoyable recreational activity for all, no matter what age. 

Local artisans, farmers, and purveyors gather at the Farmer’s market to sell buckets of fruits and vegetables. Yes, you can sample their finest pickings! 

Besides fruits and vegetables, you can find unique souvenirs, one-of-a-kind art, handmade soaps, etc., from various vendors. 

Where to go for spa & wellness in The Woodlands? 

Retreating to The Woodlands should leave you stress-free and enjoying life. Thankfully, there are a variety of spas in The Woodlands. 

The Woodlands Resort & Spa

Their signature services, like the green tea pedicure with actual honey from their on-site resident honeybees, is a pampering experience that makes you feel like royalty. While you’re at it, try one of their rejuvenating facials to help keep the stress away. 

The Spas on Market Street

Luxury spas line up down Market Street in The Woodlands. 

Thrive Drip Spa, one of the wellness spas you’ll find, offers cryotherapy and nutritious vitamin treatments. Of course, a consultation with their certified nurses or medical consultants is a must before getting any spa treatment done. 

The Woodhouse Day Spa offers special loose-leaf teas and relaxing treatments for those tired hands and feet. 

Where to go for The Woodlands nightlife? 

The Woodlands nightlife is vast. Once the lights go down in town, you have a free range of choices between gastro pubs, wine bars, live music, etc. 

Here are our top choices to close out your night in The Woodlands. 

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is one of the USA’s highest-ranked outdoor amphitheaters. 

Their ever-changing lineup of famous and local musicians brings concerts throughout the year. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion also hosts events dedicated to those who’ve taken up the performing arts.

Market Street

There’s no rule against going shopping at night. Market Street allows people to experience luxurious outdoor boutique shopping. 

Besides shopping, Market Street also hosts concerts in the evening—yes, the concerts at Market Street are free. Artists from all music genres like country, jazz, Latin, and the Top 40 put on a show for all at Market Street. 

Of course, shopping is not a requirement to enjoy their free concerts. Simply bring blankets and lawn chairs to relax and groove under the stars to covers of top songs and original compositions. 

The Woodlands Mall 

The Woodlands Mall is considered one of Houston’s most distinguished shopping centers. Come ready to shop the night away with over 160 stores and restaurants combined and a nostalgic carousel. 

CRU Food & Wine Bar 

CRU Food & Wine Bar is always adding new wine to its inventory. Some wines served here cannot be purchased anywhere else in The Woodlands. 

So make a beeline for CRÚ Food and Wine Bar for delightful wine pairings with craftsman cheddar flights and charcuterie loads up. Their Pizza Mondays and Champagne Thursdays are also crowd pleasers.

Blend Bar 

This cigar lounge presents the finest luxury bourbons and premium cigars in The Woodlands. Specifically selling Davidoff of Geneva, since they are the only licensed retailer.  

Besides cigars and bourbons, Blend Bar has an impressive list of wines, scotches, spirits, and ryes. 

Glade Gallery 

The Woodlands has a dynamic art collection that can be observed during the day and at night. Glade Gallery is a famous art gallery in The Woodlands with art from all over the world. 

A majority of their pieces are for sale too. So if you spot a painting that you can’t take your eyes off of, don’t hesitate to ask. 

Glade Gallery does not just display unique art pieces. It transforms into an event space after dark for comedy nights, dinner theater events, and intimate concerts. 

With everything there is to see and do in The Woodlands, planning your next visit can be overwhelming. Thus, don’t hesitate to use this well-researched guide to make your trip planning to The Woodlands a lot easier.