The biggest soccer tournament of the year is headed to Houston between June 14 and July 4, 2026! Witness your favorite teams go head-to-head with top rivals from around the world—without battling the bustle of the big city. Just 28 miles north of the action, The Woodlands is a breath of fresh air. With its abundance of natural beauty, upscale hotels, and a walkable Town Center, this must-visit destination offers you a place to kick back after all the excitement.
Still need a reason to book your stay in The Woodlands? Here are three ways The Woodlands can elevate your trip to the Greater Houston Area!
A VISITOR-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
The Woodlands is widely recognized for its hospitality, safety, and thoughtful design that makes it easy for visitors to feel comfortable exploring the area. The community is built around a plethora of parks, scenic waterfronts, and cultural venues that create an inviting escape for guests from around the world.
True to its name, The Woodlands is known for its natural beauty. More than 150 parks and 220 miles of pathways wind through this scenic landscape, making it the perfect place to unplug and unwind. If you take a stroll along The Woodlands Waterway, you’re bound to see a variety of public art pieces as well—from murals and mosaics to benches and bike racks!
Blending seamlessly into this natural backdrop, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is a world-class entertainment venue with a calendar packed full of festivals and events. This gorgeous outdoor amphitheater welcomes millions of visitors every year, demonstrating its capacity to host large numbers of guests in an enjoyable and accessible setting.
WHY IT MATTERS: International visitors want places that are safe, easy to navigate, and culturally welcoming—and The Woodlands offers exactly that experience.
A WALKABLE TOWN CENTER
Visitors may be in town for the most exhilarating soccer championship in the world, but their free time between matches will shine just as brightly in The Woodlands. In Town Center, visitors can find four lively pedestrian hubs that are conveniently walkable and connected by complimentary Town Center Trolleys.
- Market Street features more than 90 boutique shops and restaurants, the Hyatt Centric hotel, and Central Park—all set in an open-air main street atmosphere.
- The Woodlands Mall is a distinguished fashion center housing 160+ restaurants and retailers under one roof. You can also ride an indoor carousel, kick back for movies on the lawn, or enjoy a Swan Boat ride down The Waterway.
- Waterway Square is best known for its nightlife, including local favorites like Como Social Club and The Goose’s Acre. Stop by for happy hour and stick around for Waterway Nights, a free concert series performed seasonally in the main plaza.
- Hughes Landing offers gorgeous waterfront dining along Lake Woodlands as well as boutique shopping, public art, the seasonal Rock The Row concert series, and a boat house for kayak and paddleboard rentals.
WHY IT MATTERS: Visitors can enjoy dining, nightlife, and shopping all in one walkable area—making The Woodlands an attractive destination between matches and during extended stays.
LUXURIOUS HOTELS
The Woodlands provides luxurious, resort-like hotel experiences just north of Houston, ideal for international travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
At the heart of Town Center, you’ll find The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. This flagship property features amenities such as a full-service spa, heated outdoor pool, spacious rooms, extensive meeting and event facilities, and multiple restaurants on-site and within walking distance.
The Westin at The Woodlands is mere steps from Waterway Square, providing convenient access to fan-favorite bars and restaurants along the water. The property features a rooftop infinity pool, 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa treatments, an on-site social club, and more.
If you’re looking for a getaway experience while surrounded by nature, explore The Woodlands Resort. This private oasis is home to two championship golf courses, tennis courts, heated lagoon-style pools, and a lazy river. There are also multiple on-site restaurants and nearby hiking trails.
Embassy Suites offers a phenomenal view of Lake Woodlands and sits within walking distance of Hughes Landing. Unwind with the rooftop infinity pool, hit your health goals with the 24-hour fitness center, and dine like royalty on-site or at Restaurant Row.
WHY IT MATTERS: International visitors can enjoy a resort-style stay while still being close to Houston’s stadiums, airports, and major attractions.
IN CONCLUSION
The Woodlands offers an exceptional combination of hospitality, walkable entertainment, and world-class accommodations, making it a natural hub for international visitors traveling to Houston for the biggest sporting events of the year.
