With lakefront paths, large swaths of green spaces, and perfectly ordered residential streets, The Woodlands is a planned community that stretches for 27,000 acres. Located just half an hour north of downtown Houston in southeast Texas, The Woodlands is surrounded by two scenic bodies of water and thousands of acres of protected pine forests, so there are plenty of options for enjoying the outdoors. Swan boats and paddleboards drift along the Woodlands Waterway, which runs through the center of town, and the 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve offers over 220 miles of trails for hiking and biking.

In town, you can find a variety of shops on Market Street and at The Woodlands Mall, as well as dining options along the Woodlands Waterway. From sophisticated rooftop bars to traditional Texas barbecue restaurants, The Woodlands’ upscale vibe blends with its Texas roots. The outdoor Pavilion regularly hosts some of the biggest musicians in the country. Within close proximity to downtown Houston as well as Lake Conroe, the Woodlands is a great home base for exploring Houston and its surrounding areas.

The Woodlands has hot, humid summers and cold, rainy winters. Both fall and spring are short but offer perfect weather for outdoor activities. Spring is a popular time to book a vacation rental in the Woodlands as temperatures are pleasant, and the wildflowers are blooming. There are fun events in the spring, such as Bike the Woodlands Day in May. Summer can be quite hot, especially in July and August, but there are plenty of shady areas and public splash pads throughout the city where you can keep cool.

Fall is generally warm until November. You can experience the Lighting of the Doves Festival in November, where the entire city celebrates the start of the holiday season with games, activities, and a fireworks show. Although it rarely snows in The Woodlands, temperatures can reach freezing, so you will want to pack layers. The ice rink in the town center is a popular activity during the winter months.

George Mitchell Nature Preserve

In connection with adjacent Montgomery County Spring Creek Greenway, George Mitchell Nature Preserve includes hundreds of miles of smooth, dirt paths for biking, hiking, or the casual walk. Head out on the hiking trail loop and watch out for the migrating birds or listen for the woodpeckers in the trees. There is also a lake within the preserve that welcomes you to gorgeous views during your trek.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Close to Market Street, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is an open-air amphitheater that hosts music festivals, nationally acclaimed live music acts, and local performing arts groups, like the Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, and Texas Music Festival Orchestra.

Lake Woodlands

There are several boat rental options at Riva Row Boat House, which is located near the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. From the boat house, you can paddle through a scenic canal surrounded by tall grass and pine trees until you reach the lake, where you will have terrific views of the city. You can also rent a pedal kayak or even a swan boat.