In 1974, real estate developer George P. Mitchell dreamed of creating a new kind of planned community north of Houston focused on environmental stewardship. Fifty years later, nearly one-third of The Woodlands, population 120,000, is green space. As the community continues to welcome more restaurants, residents, and tourists along its scenic waterways, the steady hum of activity is tempered by the tranquility of thick forests and 151 parks. “Over this 50-year history, this dream and vision Mitchell had for a better hometown has come to fruition because of the work of thousands of people,” says Visit The Woodlands president Nick Wolda, who has helped shape and promote the area for over 25 years. The town might be considered a trailblazer in terms of environmental placemaking, but with the spread of Houston dining culture, outdoor recreation, and events planned almost every weekend, it’s also full of amusement for day-trippers.
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Houston
30 minutes
Austin
2.5 hours
Dallas
3 hours
San Antonio
3.5 hours
El Paso
11 hours
1 ⁄ THE WOODLANDS RESORT
This resort and hotel was one of the community’s first tenants. Watch ducks and turtles from a balcony overlooking the pond, float along a tree-lined lazy river, or dine at Harrison’s or Back Table Kitchen & Bar overlooking the golf course. Rooms start at $218/night.
2 ⁄ MARKET STREET
This outdoor shopping and dining district along romantic canals has splash pads and play areas nearby and a free trolley. Reel Luxury Cinema offers restaurant service, private booths, and blankets to create an upscale movie experience.
3 ⁄ AMRINA
Walk into this swanky eatery and you’re likely to hear bicycle horns from patrons signaling they’re ready for their next course from the tapas menu. That’s just one playful element dreamed up by Chef Jassi Bindra, who serves up vindaloo, samosas, and chaat at this contemporary Indian restaurant.
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4 ⁄ XALISKO
Chef Beatriz Martines, who formerly worked at a local elementary school cafeteria, realized her dream of opening a fine dining restaurant in 2023. At Xalisko, she pays homage to her hometown of Jalisco within a sunny, art-filled space serving tacos ahogados and cochinita pibil.
5 ⁄ TEXAS TREEVENTURES
Make your way across tightropes, wooden planks, tires, and swinging loops at this public ropes course. A three-hour experience gives you plenty of time to test your bravery and endurance across three increasingly challenging levels.
6 ⁄ RIVA ROW BOATHOUSE
Explore the human-built waterways of The Woodlands aboard a rental swan boat, kayak, or paddleboard. The swan boats are big enough for four people, with two paddling in front and two lounging in the back.
