Outdoor Guide to The Woodlands
When you need an escape to nature’s embrace, look no further than The Woodlands. Located among lush pine forests just 30 miles north of Houston, this thriving destination is a bona fide outdoor playground. Whether you’re running on endless trails, conquering obstacles hanging high above ground or playing a round of golf on a picturesque course, you’ll find the kind of adventure that moves you here. Read on to get the full picture on some of the top things you can do outdoors in The Woodlands, then see everything else the town has to offer.
PADDLE BEAUTIFUL LAKE WOODLANDS
Adventure is never far away in The Woodlands, and nothing summarizes that better than Lake Woodlands. Sprawling over 200 acres just a few miles away from The Woodlands Mall, the lake is a paddler’s dream. Rent a kayak or a paddle board from Riva Row Boat House and your time on the water begins with a trip down the western portion of The Woodlands Waterway, a trek that takes you past Town Green Park and the occasional great blue heron perched on the bank. To start right on the lake, get your watercraft of choice from Lakes Edge Boat House in Hughes Landing. No matter where you start, you’ll have plenty of lake to explore. Paddle past restaurants on the northern end, then find your way through tranquil coves on your way down to the southern tip, home to an art installation that looks like the Loch Ness Monster.
If you’re looking for a way to get outdoors with your younger kids, Riva Row Boat House has the solution. Climb aboard your very own swan pedal boat and navigate your way down The Woodlands Waterway, passing The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Waterway Square and art benches along the way. Each swan boat seats up to four, affording an easygoing afternoon outdoors with your family.

Town Green Park
Town Green Park is a four-acre green space that features a large lawn that plays host to some of the largest events in The Woodlands like The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival... Learn More
Lake Woodlands
The Woodlands is known as an oasis on the water surrounded by the woods, and Lake Woodlands is a premier spot to experience it firsthand. This 200-acre freshwater lake offers... Learn More
Places to Stay
When you book a room in The Woodlands, you’ll rest easy knowing all of our hotels offer prime locations, amenities and value regardless of where you stay. If that doesn’t... Learn More
Lakes Edge Boat House
The best way to take advantage of the mild weather and abundance of water throughout The Woodlands is to spend the day paddle boarding or kayaking in The Woodlands. Lakes Edge... Learn More
Town Center Trolley
The Trolley provides easy transportation along a 4.1-mile route connecting The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, The Woodlands Waterway, and Hughes Landing. This free... Learn More
Hughes Landing
Hughes Landing is a 66-acre mixed-use upscale “lifestyle” development that features Restaurant Row. Here can you go to enjoy great food, live music, shopping, the arts, boat... Learn More
Visitor Info Center
The Visitor information desk at Market Street offers a variety of services and assistance to visitors of The Woodlands. Through a partnership between Market Street and Visit... Learn More
Market Street
Market Street 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... Learn More
The Woodlands Mall
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,... Learn More
Riva Row Boat House
The best way to take advantage of the mild weather and abundance of water throughout The Woodlands is to spend the day paddle boarding or kayaking in The Woodlands. Riva Row... Learn More
Swan Boats
Enjoy a fun afternoon pedaling down The Woodlands Waterway on a swan boat. Riva Row Boat House offers a variety of rentals for water recreation including swan boats, water... Learn More
Waterway Square
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 Waterway... Learn More
The Woodlands Waterway
The Woodlands Waterway can be considered the lifeblood of the city. It winds through the Town Center, spilling into Lake Woodlands and connecting all the attractions along its... Learn More
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Woodlands is home to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of the most popular places for concerts and live music. Consistently ranked as one of the “Top 10 Outdoor... Learn More
Texas TreeVentures
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... Learn More
Golf
From disc golf with the family or a serious round of PGA approved golf with the gang, The Woodlands area has plenty of options to fulfill all of your golf needs. Area courses... Learn More
PLAY AMONG THE TREETOPS
With one hand in front of the other, you swing from one rung to the next on a set of monkey bars. Try not to look down, as you’re about 40 feet above solid ground. Welcome to Texas TreeVentures, an aerial challenge course unlike any other in the Houston area. Climb high in the canopy of a verdant pine forest on a journey that will test your physical and mental strength. You’ll crush more than 70 obstacles throughout your three-hour ascent, from hanging balance beams and platforms to cargo nets and a floating rock wall. Your reward for making it to the top, besides tired forearms and sore fingers, is a fantastic view of the scenic George Mitchell Nature Preserve.
Climbers as young as six can take on the course, making it the perfect day out for when you’re traveling with kids. Learn more about Texas TreeVentures.
TEE OFF ON WORLD-CLASS GOLF COURSES
Rolling fairways flanked by towering pines, lakeside greens and ever-present sand traps that challenge your accuracy. This is what a typical round looks like in The Woodlands, where golf is anything but ordinary. Home to two 18-hole courses, The Woodlands Resort is a great place to start. Grand oaks frame inviting fairways on The Oaks course, which culminates with an 18th hole that borders picturesque Lake Harrison. Panther Trail, on the other hand, incorporates stunning water features and more than 20 acres of Texas wildflowers to create a playing experience that is as breathtaking as it is challenging.
Insider tip: To book a tee time on either course, you need to either be a resort guest or you need to make your reservation one week in advance.
For a quick round, play through the nine-hole course at Spring Valley Golf & Disc Golf, which is where you’ll also find a 28-hole disc golf course that partially follows the traditional course’s route. If that’s not enough for you, there are an additional 45 holes at Bear Branch and Terramont Park disc golf courses. Regardless of what kind of golf you prefer, you’ll find The Woodlands has the kinds of courses that’ll keep you coming back for more.
EXPERIENCE ONE OF TEXAS' BEST RUNNING DESTINATIONS
Winding trails shrouded by oaks and pines merge with long straightaways that provide all the distance you would ever need for a morning run, whether you’re training for a 5K or a marathon. With more than 220 miles of interconnected paths largely separated from traffic, The Woodlands is a safe and scenic place to get in your mileage. See some of The Woodlands’ highlights while you get a workout by running along The Woodlands Waterway, a more than 2.5-mile loop that takes you past The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Koi Garden and several eye-catching art installations.
Not far away, Northshore Park provides a great starting point for a longer run. Follow the trail west and it will eventually take you around to the south side of Lake Woodlands, where you’ll wave at kayakers and spy wading shorebirds as you pass over a long bridge. You can pick up another trail in Hughes Landing that takes you along Research Forest Drive for as far as your legs can take you. Just make sure to leave enough in your tank to make your way back.
While all these trails are ideal for running, they work just as well for a sunny afternoon stroll. Yet if you’re into hiking, you’ll find that here too. Hit shaded pathways of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, a sprawling forest that is part of the larger Spring Creek Greenway. Immerse yourself in The Woodlands’ native flora and fauna as you explore five miles of trails. Located within the Central and Mississippi flyways, the preserve is a birdwatching hotspot where you can see blue jays, cardinals, gold finches and more. Make sure to bring your binoculars so you don’t miss out while you’re here.
SAVOR GREAT FOOD & ABUNDANT SUNSHINE
There’s nothing better than a great meal shared with friends. Unless you’re enjoying fresh air and eye-catching scenery, of course. That’s exactly what you’ll get in The Woodlands, where seemingly every restaurant has its own outdoor patio. Dig into wood-fired pizzas and pub favorites at The Goose’s Acre or Sorriso’s timeless Italian comfort dishes while taking in a view of The Woodlands Waterway. For vibrant sunsets and lake views, head to Hughes Landing. Here you’ll find sophisticated eateries like Del Frisco’s Grille and The Blue Fish that serve a tantalizing array of cuisine with extensive selections of wine and craft beer.
Prefer to be your own chef? Pack a lunch and head out to one of these first-rate picnicking spots in town. Whether you’re with your friends, family, or looking for a date night, add a bit of fresh air to your dining in The Woodlands.
When you feel the need to escape to the great outdoors, The Woodlands is the place to be. Not only does it offer a wide range of experiences, its location just 30 miles north of Houston means it’s easy to reach. Learn more about The Woodlands and plan your visit here.