Guidebook for The Woodlands

Awesome Experiences
Awesome Experiences
Guidebook for The Woodlands

Things To Do

Go from a quiet afternoon of kayaking to a fist-pumping night of live music, or a walk through the woods to exploring the local shops. Here, you'll find a destination perfectly tailored for any kind of adventure.
Head to The Woodlands Mall, a distinguished fashion center with more than 160 shops and restaurants under one roof, for unbelievable finds. This luxury mall has fine dining, fabulous stores, and family fun including an indoor carousel. It’s conveniently located in Town Center along The Woodlands Waterway. The Woodlands Mall hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Happy shopping in The Woodlands!
269 locals recommend
The Woodlands Mall
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr
269 locals recommend
Head to The Woodlands Mall, a distinguished fashion center with more than 160 shops and restaurants under one roof, for unbelievable finds. This luxury mall has fine dining, fabulous stores, and family fun including an indoor carousel. It’s conveniently located in Town Center along The Woodlands Waterway. The Woodlands Mall hours are noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Happy shopping in The Woodlands!
OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER Enjoy a fist-pumping night of live music at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, consistently ranked as one of the “Top 10 Outdoor Amphitheaters in the World,” according to Pollstar magazine. The long list of past performers here includes Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Johnson, Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Kenny Chesney. You can also catch performances by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and Texas Music Festival Orchestra here.
134 locals recommend
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
2005 Lake Robbins Dr
134 locals recommend
OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER Enjoy a fist-pumping night of live music at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, consistently ranked as one of the “Top 10 Outdoor Amphitheaters in the World,” according to Pollstar magazine. The long list of past performers here includes Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Johnson, Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Kenny Chesney. You can also catch performances by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and Texas Music Festival Orchestra here.
Waterway Square features a water fountain with synchronized choreography to music, along with a variety of outdoor art. The one-acre public plaza is the home of the Waterway Nights concert series as well as a host of restaurants with spacious patios and waterfront views. The Waterway Square area is ideal if you are planning a trip to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion or other popular spots nearby. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and a great view.
31 Waterway Square Pl, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA
Waterway Square features a water fountain with synchronized choreography to music, along with a variety of outdoor art. The one-acre public plaza is the home of the Waterway Nights concert series as well as a host of restaurants with spacious patios and waterfront views. The Waterway Square area is ideal if you are planning a trip to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion or other popular spots nearby. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and a great view.
Texas TreeVentures is an outdoor aerial adventure course that will have you climbing to new heights! Set amongst the trees, this unique course is both mentally and physically challenging, offering a great activity for families, friends, and groups to enjoy as they attempt to traverse a series of poles, cables, and other elements for three hours. Located on the campus of The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, the course neighbors the 1,800 acres of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve which is home to wildlife and hike and bike trails which adds to the itinerary of a visiting adventurer and nature lover.
26 locals recommend
Texas TreeVentures
6464 Creekside Forest Dr
26 locals recommend
Texas TreeVentures is an outdoor aerial adventure course that will have you climbing to new heights! Set amongst the trees, this unique course is both mentally and physically challenging, offering a great activity for families, friends, and groups to enjoy as they attempt to traverse a series of poles, cables, and other elements for three hours. Located on the campus of The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, the course neighbors the 1,800 acres of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve which is home to wildlife and hike and bike trails which adds to the itinerary of a visiting adventurer and nature lover.
Lakes Edge Boat House, a place to rent kayaks and other water recreation options in The Woodlands. Choose from single or tandem and leave space for your dog if you have one who needs some outdoor time. Don’t we all! Bring your fishing pole if you'd like—Lake Woodlands is a catch and release lake. At the end of the day, this is a prime spot to watch the sun set.
Lakes Edge Boat House
1970 Hughes Landing Blvd
Lakes Edge Boat House, a place to rent kayaks and other water recreation options in The Woodlands. Choose from single or tandem and leave space for your dog if you have one who needs some outdoor time. Don’t we all! Bring your fishing pole if you'd like—Lake Woodlands is a catch and release lake. At the end of the day, this is a prime spot to watch the sun set.

Shopping

There are 4 Walmart stores in The Woodlands!
11 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
1025 Sawdust Rd
11 locals recommend
There are 4 Walmart stores in The Woodlands!
Southern Living magazine calls The Woodlands “One of America’s Best Shopping Destinations,” and Market Street is one of the biggest reasons why The Woodlands received that accolade. This sprawling development offers luxury boutique shopping in an open-air main street atmosphere. You’ll love their complimentary umbrellas and on-site concierge with a bag check and assistance with restaurant and limousine reservations.
153 locals recommend
Market Street
9595 Six Pines Dr
153 locals recommend
Southern Living magazine calls The Woodlands “One of America’s Best Shopping Destinations,” and Market Street is one of the biggest reasons why The Woodlands received that accolade. This sprawling development offers luxury boutique shopping in an open-air main street atmosphere. You’ll love their complimentary umbrellas and on-site concierge with a bag check and assistance with restaurant and limousine reservations.

Breakfast & Brunch

Drop by Levure Bakery & Patisserie at Creekside Park for traditional French provisions with a contemporary twist. Levure bakes specialty breads like roasted jalapeno, cheddar, blue corn, and white chocolate walnut daily with organic ingredients. Refresh with a velvety mocha or an affogato and enjoy fresh plates like the Kouign Amann sandwich with bacon, runny egg, arugula and aioli or the brie apricot and ham sourdough. Get a box of giant cinnamon rolls, croissants and danish just out of the oven from this popular French bakery in The Woodlands. Open diary 8:00am - 3:00pm
11 locals recommend
Levure Bakery and Patisserie
26400 Kuykendahl Rd
11 locals recommend
Drop by Levure Bakery & Patisserie at Creekside Park for traditional French provisions with a contemporary twist. Levure bakes specialty breads like roasted jalapeno, cheddar, blue corn, and white chocolate walnut daily with organic ingredients. Refresh with a velvety mocha or an affogato and enjoy fresh plates like the Kouign Amann sandwich with bacon, runny egg, arugula and aioli or the brie apricot and ham sourdough. Get a box of giant cinnamon rolls, croissants and danish just out of the oven from this popular French bakery in The Woodlands. Open diary 8:00am - 3:00pm
Treat yourself to delicately delicious meal at Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café in The Woodlands. Take your pick from their long list of breakfast, savory and sweet crêpes, alongside soups, salads and paninis. Sweet Paris has over-the-top milkshakes and espresso drinks as well as beer and wine. Open diary 8:00am - 9:00pm
7 locals recommend
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
9595 Six Pines Dr
7 locals recommend
Treat yourself to delicately delicious meal at Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café in The Woodlands. Take your pick from their long list of breakfast, savory and sweet crêpes, alongside soups, salads and paninis. Sweet Paris has over-the-top milkshakes and espresso drinks as well as beer and wine. Open diary 8:00am - 9:00pm
The Kitchen in The Woodlands serves chef-inspired cuisine alongside retail wine and craft beer. Fresh selections at this favorite spot to hang out with friends and to meet collogues include breakfast and brunch dishes, wood-grilled gourmet burgers, and creative entrees like tenderloin brochette chipotle pasta and pumpkin and sweet potato ravioli. Save room for old-fashioned milkshakes and artisanal pastries! Open diary 7:00am - 9:00pm Mondays closed
18 locals recommend
The Kitchen
4526 Research Forest Dr
18 locals recommend
The Kitchen in The Woodlands serves chef-inspired cuisine alongside retail wine and craft beer. Fresh selections at this favorite spot to hang out with friends and to meet collogues include breakfast and brunch dishes, wood-grilled gourmet burgers, and creative entrees like tenderloin brochette chipotle pasta and pumpkin and sweet potato ravioli. Save room for old-fashioned milkshakes and artisanal pastries! Open diary 7:00am - 9:00pm Mondays closed
You’ve heard it said breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Dosey Doe Breakfast & BBQ is where that comes true. Partake in a true Texas feast at one of the favorite spots for breakfast in The Woodlands where they roast coffee and smoke meats daily. Dosey Doe’s menu includes treats like fried green tomato BLT, jalapeno sausage, huevos rancheros, biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak and eggs, and 16-hour smoked brisket. Check DDBBQ’s shelves for treasures like harvested honey, specialty pickles, barbecue sauce, and Betty’s State Fair of Texas Blue Ribbon Marmalades. Pick a record from their long list of vinyl and they’ll play it for you while you enjoy a delicious meal in this popular restaurant in The Woodlands. Hidden within the Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ, and Whiskey Bar is a special surprise for those who know where to look. The Dosey Doe Speakeasy is an intimate space that will transport you back to Prohibition era with every sip of your cocktail. You may not be able to spot the Speakeasy at first glance, but keep your eyes peeled and ask around. The mystery is half of the fun! Open diary 7:00am - 9:00pm
Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar
You’ve heard it said breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Dosey Doe Breakfast & BBQ is where that comes true. Partake in a true Texas feast at one of the favorite spots for breakfast in The Woodlands where they roast coffee and smoke meats daily. Dosey Doe’s menu includes treats like fried green tomato BLT, jalapeno sausage, huevos rancheros, biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak and eggs, and 16-hour smoked brisket. Check DDBBQ’s shelves for treasures like harvested honey, specialty pickles, barbecue sauce, and Betty’s State Fair of Texas Blue Ribbon Marmalades. Pick a record from their long list of vinyl and they’ll play it for you while you enjoy a delicious meal in this popular restaurant in The Woodlands. Hidden within the Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ, and Whiskey Bar is a special surprise for those who know where to look. The Dosey Doe Speakeasy is an intimate space that will transport you back to Prohibition era with every sip of your cocktail. You may not be able to spot the Speakeasy at first glance, but keep your eyes peeled and ask around. The mystery is half of the fun! Open diary 7:00am - 9:00pm

Happy Hour

Feast to your heart’s content at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse in The Woodlands on Restaurant Row. This Brazilian steakhouse at Hughes Landing boasts beautiful views of Lake Woodlands, outdoor patio seating, delicious meats and fresh salads and sides. Dining at Fogo de Chão is truly an experience. One where we slow down to appreciate the finer things in life.
16 locals recommend
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
1900 Hughes Landing Blvd
16 locals recommend
Feast to your heart’s content at Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse in The Woodlands on Restaurant Row. This Brazilian steakhouse at Hughes Landing boasts beautiful views of Lake Woodlands, outdoor patio seating, delicious meats and fresh salads and sides. Dining at Fogo de Chão is truly an experience. One where we slow down to appreciate the finer things in life.
Treat yourself to classic, high-quality, and absolutely delicious plates in a sophisticated atmosphere at Del Frisco’s Grille in The Woodlands. Located right on Restaurant Row in Hughes Landing, Del Frisco’s serves up signature hand-selected steaks with sides that threaten to steal the show like truffle macaroni and cheese, roasted beets with whipped goat cheese, and charred broccoli with honey tahini. Other entrees and seafood favorites are also an option. Save room for desserts like Nutella bread pudding and cocktails like Honeymoon in Paris. Group dining options for up to 150 reception-style are available at Del Frisco’s Grille. Open diary 11:00am - 10:00pm
7 locals recommend
Del Frisco's Grille
1900 Hughes Landing Blvd
7 locals recommend
Treat yourself to classic, high-quality, and absolutely delicious plates in a sophisticated atmosphere at Del Frisco’s Grille in The Woodlands. Located right on Restaurant Row in Hughes Landing, Del Frisco’s serves up signature hand-selected steaks with sides that threaten to steal the show like truffle macaroni and cheese, roasted beets with whipped goat cheese, and charred broccoli with honey tahini. Other entrees and seafood favorites are also an option. Save room for desserts like Nutella bread pudding and cocktails like Honeymoon in Paris. Group dining options for up to 150 reception-style are available at Del Frisco’s Grille. Open diary 11:00am - 10:00pm
Order freshly-prepared Mexican food at Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila in The Woodlands. Celebrate time with those special people in your life with margaritas on the rocks and favorite Mexican cuisine like cheesy quesadillas, spicy enchiladas, and sizzling fajitas. This popular restaurant on Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing is a great place to enjoy weekend brunch and happy hours, too! Open diary 11:00am - 9:00pm
Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila
Order freshly-prepared Mexican food at Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila in The Woodlands. Celebrate time with those special people in your life with margaritas on the rocks and favorite Mexican cuisine like cheesy quesadillas, spicy enchiladas, and sizzling fajitas. This popular restaurant on Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing is a great place to enjoy weekend brunch and happy hours, too! Open diary 11:00am - 9:00pm
Located at Hughes Landing on the shore of Lake Woodlands, Truluck’s sits just off I-45, amid tall pines and upscale shops. Truluck’s is committed to serving the freshest seafood available, and creating memorable moments nightly for our guests. Our chefs honor and elevate seafood dishes with superior ingredients, precise execution, and classic presentation. We are committed to serving the ocean’s finest seafood and fresh Florida Stone crab. From the traps to your table in less than 24 hours. Your table is waiting. Open diary 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab
Located at Hughes Landing on the shore of Lake Woodlands, Truluck’s sits just off I-45, amid tall pines and upscale shops. Truluck’s is committed to serving the freshest seafood available, and creating memorable moments nightly for our guests. Our chefs honor and elevate seafood dishes with superior ingredients, precise execution, and classic presentation. We are committed to serving the ocean’s finest seafood and fresh Florida Stone crab. From the traps to your table in less than 24 hours. Your table is waiting. Open diary 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Lunch & Dinner

If you’re not from Texas and don’t know what a Whataburger is you have to try it. The most traditional burger in Texas!
Whataburger
If you’re not from Texas and don’t know what a Whataburger is you have to try it. The most traditional burger in Texas!

City advice

Getting around

Parks and Pathways

The Woodlands has more than 220 miles of hike and bike trails and 150 parks for you to enjoy. Pathways are a great way to explore via bike or just take a stroll with family and friends. Many parks have amenities like swimming pools, spraygrounds, lighted tennis and basketball courts, jogging trails and much more. Please contact us for a map of the closest parks and pathways!
Travelling with kids

Take the kids to enjoy a Splash pad!

If you’re looking for a place for the kids to run and play while cooling off, check out these areas that are sure to be a splashing good time! Some splashpads are within walking distance of plenty of restaurants so you can dine-in or order to-go for a picnic while the kids play. Ask us for help to find the closest to you!