The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a city in the Deep East Texas region of Texas 28 miles north of downtown Houston along Interstate 45. Although it began as a suburban development and a bedroom community, it also has attracted corporations and unique shopping to the area. In addition to residential and corporate housing, The Woodlands features a shopping mall, seven golf courses, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Regional Concert Venue, and a 4 star rated The Woodlands Resort.
Get in
By car
For the concert hall and most shopping, take I-45 North from Houston and exit Woodlands Parkway, then right on Six Pines Dr. You can usually find plenty of free parking, but be wary of evenings when concerts are occurring.
Get around
By car
Be careful of parking. The Woodlands is close to several high-end hotels, shops, and a major concert area. Traffic and parking can be troublesome, so use caution. Under normal circumstances, The Woodlands Mall parking lot is a safe bet, although other garages may be open as well. Enter at your own risk.
On foot
There are over 60 miles of trails and sidewalks within the Woodlands, although the majority service the local neighborhoods. Although most homes are not within reasonable walking distance, It is perfectly possible to park in the shopping center and take on foot to the hotels, movie theatre, and the local shops. Be careful of traffic and use signals when possible, and always cross at crosswalks. Texas drivers are not known for yielding.
- Woodlands Trolley. Not to be confused with the Water Taxi, the Trolley is a free-bus service traveling among the restaurants, shops, and hotels. It operates M–Th 11AM–9PM, F Sa 10AM–10PM, Su 11AM–9PM (Aug 2019).
By bike
The Woodlands is one of the very few areas in Houston where biking is practical. Most shopping malls and shopping centers provide bicycle parking in central locations. As with other pedestrians, be wary of traffic and other individuals. The use of lights, reflectors, and helmets is highly recommended.
Do
- 🌍 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, ☏ +1 281 363-3300. The Houston area's premier outdoor music venue, featuring big national and international acts of all genres. There are also park-grounds located next door, perfect for a picnic on non-concert days. Occasionally, special festivities may be held. Check website for schedule.
Buy
There are hundreds of shops, many upscale and sometimes unique and pricey. The primary sections can be classified into four sections. All but the I-45 Corridor are within reasonable walking distance, although sidewalks may not always be available. When in doubt, ask for directions or use the free trolley service. Be careful of traffic and other hazards.
- 🌍 The Woodlands Mall, 201 Lake Woodlands Dr, ☏ +1 281 363-3409. The older of the four, primarily with standard layout and selection, but newer additions include direct access to the Woodlands Trolley and a selection of shops outdoors.
- 24 Waterway. Located among the hotels, office buildings and waterway. Primarily a selection of restaurants and bars with a movie theatre. The lower level near the river (northside) includes a larger-than-usual fountain display with music and a children's play area.
- Market Street. Immediately west of the mall. Upscale shops, HEB, several restaurants, and a small theatre. The grounds include a smaller, but well-designed water-play area for children and a grassy-greens area for picnics or soccer.
Eat
There are always new restaurants opening in the area, from local to international, chains to one-of-a-kind.
Budget
- HEB, 9595 Six Pines Rd, ☏ +1 281 292-2080. Actually a grocery store, but has a quick-serve with indoor and outdoor self-seating. Inexpensive.
Mid-range
- Beck's Prime, 2120 Buckthorne Pl, ☏ +1 281 367-3600. Excellent gourmet hamburgers cooked over a mesquite grill Moderate.
Splurge
- Amerigo's, 25250 Grogan's Park Dr, ☏ +1 281 362-0808. Italian-influenced dishes. Expensive.
- Jasper's, Market Street Square, ☏ +1 281 298-6600, fax: +1 281 298-6621. Upscale backyard cuisine. Expensive.
Sleep
- Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands, 9595 Six Pines, Suite 1100, ☏ +1 281 203-5005.
- 🌍 The Woodlands Resort, 2301 N Millbend Dr, ☏ +1 281-367-1100. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM.