A Weekend in The Woodlands

Where to stay and play on a summer weekend getaway in The Woodlands

Summer isn't over just yet. There's still time to trade the daily routine for a weekend that feels worlds away. Just three hours from Dallas, The Woodlands offers an effortless escape where towering pines, luxury accommodations, exceptional dining, outdoor adventure, and vibrant entertainment come together in one beautifully walkable destination.

Whether you're planning a family getaway, a weekend with friends, or a relaxing retreat for two, The Woodlands makes it easy to disconnect from the everyday. Perfectly positioned for a quick road trip from Dallas-Fort Worth, it's a place where fresh air, scenic waterways, and curated experiences invite you to slow down and savor every moment.

Where to stay
With 14 hotel properties and plenty of activities, the ideal accommodations are easy to find. The Woodlands Resort strikes the perfect balance of relaxation, recreation, and refined hospitality. Make a splash at the onsite Forest Oasis Waterpark & Lazy River, or enjoy two championship golf courses, five resort pools, elevated onsite dining, and more.

The Westin The Woodlands The Westin in Waterway Square.Photo courtesy of Visit The Woodlands

Another elevated option is The Westin at The Woodlands, located in the heart of Waterway Square. Complete with a rooftop infinity pool and stylish guest rooms, it also grants great access to upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Where to play
Once you've settled in, it's time to get out and explore. Outdoor activities abound in The Woodlands, from kayaking and paddleboarding at Riva Row Boathouse to aerial adventures at Texas Treeventures. Plus, 220 miles of walkable pathways connect the entire town — which boasts 150 parks!

kayaking in The Woodlands Kayak or paddle away in The Woodlands.Photo courtesy of Visit The Woodlands

After your adventure, hop on board the free Town Center Trolley, which connects The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, The Woodlands Waterway, and Hughes Landing, giving you a fun way to visit tons of attractions. To wrap up the evening, catch a show under the stars at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion — one of the top amphitheaters in the world. Coming up this summer are John Mellencamp (August 6), Chicago and Styx (August 20), and Jack Johnson (August 28).

Where to eat
From decadent waterfront restaurants to swanky wine lounges and cozy cafes, there's something on the menu for everyone in The Woodlands. Need help narrowing down the choices? Charolais, the highly anticipated new restaurant from esteemed chef Austin Simmons, is the hottest reservation in town this summer. Now open in Hughes Landing, it builds on the legacy he established at Tris, with signature dishes such as a kimchi crab appetizer, tuna sushi pizza, and bigger-than-ever steak boards.

Other highlights for your weekend itinerary include Local Public Eatery for patio dining in Market Street; modern Japanese cuisine at Kokoro in Waterway Square; and contemporary American at The Audrey, overlooking Market Street's Central Park.

Audrey restaurant in The Woodlands Contemporary fare at The Audrey.Photo courtesy of Visit The Woodlands

Where to shop
With its abundance of luxury boutiques, high-end department stores, and locally owned gems, it's no wonder Southern Living magazine calls The Woodlands "One of America's Best Shopping Destinations."

For top luxury brands, Market Street is your destination, from Louis Vuitton and Chanel to David Yurman, Gucci, and more. Or shop 'til you drop at The Woodlands Mall, featuring 160 stores and restaurants under one roof. Love local? Boutiques and shops are sprinkled throughout town, such as must-shop Piney Rose Floral, Jen Loves Paper, and Tumbleweeds & Notions.

Shopping in The Woodlands Premier shopping awaits. Photo courtesy of Visit The Woodlands

From luxury accommodations and exciting outings to delectable dining and premier shopping, The Woodlands makes planning your next getaway a breeze. Wrap up summer with a well-deserved weekend in The Woodlands. Plan your trip today.

Photo courtesy of Visit The Woodlands

Stay and play at The Woodlands Resort.

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Toast to Texas

Texas Hill Country uncorks No. 3 ranking among best U.S. wine regions

Texas Hill Country Wineries

Texas Hill Country wine

The Lone Star State's booming Hill Country wine scene is about to get a lot busier, as it was just declared the No. 3 best wine region in the country for "a grape getaway."

The Hill Country was honored in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Wine Region in 2026. The 10Best awards program puts a spotlight on the best travel destinations, the best food and drink spots, local attractions, and must-visit shopping locations. A panel of experts and 10Best editors select their top picks to present to readers, who then vote to decide the winners.

The Texas Hill Country was ranked higher than some of the most well-known wine regions in the U.S., including California's esteemed Temecula Valley, Anderson Valley, and Paso Robles.

USA Today estimates there are over 60 wineries spread across scenic towns like Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas, and New Braunfels. National acclaim for the Hill Country has transformed its vineyards into can't-miss tourist destinations for locals and out-of-towners alike.

"This American Viticultural Area is one of the largest in the country, growing varietals like tempranillo, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and an increasing acreage of warm-weather grapes," editors wrote.

The Hill Country previously ranked as the 9th best wine region in the nation in 2025, so its elevation to the top three this year is a testament to local wineries' dedication to providing top-notch wines and excellent service for patrons.

This summer is teeming with events and festivals in the area, such as grape-stomping shindigs and seasonal passes for discounts and deals at participating members of trade organization Texas Hill Country Wineries. Dallasites can take the scenic route to traverse the region's small towns, and there are plenty of hotels, cabins, campgrounds, and resorts for an overnight stay.

"Being named the No. 3 Wine Region in the country by USA Today readers is a huge honor for our entire Hill Country wine community," said THCW executive director January Wiese. "We've been proud to see this region recognized among the nation's best before, and this year's ranking is a testament to the incredible growers, winemakers, and hospitality teams who make Texas Hill Country a true wine destination. We can't wait to welcome visitors to experience it for themselves."

Grape Creek Vineyards has three locations in the Hill Country. Courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

One Fredericksburg winery also offers an immersive tour that rivals the most prestigious California wineries. Grape Creek Vineyards ranked No. 5 nationally in USA Today's separate list of the Best Winery Tours. The signature Taste & Tour features a tram ride through Grape Creek's estate, with stops inside production facilities where attendees can try tastings right out of the barrel.

Heath Family Brands CEO and owner Brian Heath, who owns Grape Creek, was honored by the award recognition and praised the brand's dedicated team members "who work every day to make sure every guest leaves with a story to tell."

"Fredericksburg is home to some of the best wine tourism in the country, and it means the world to be recognized alongside it," Heath told CultureMap.

Taste & Tour experiences are offered at Grape Creek Vineyards' Highway 290 location for $45 per person. Tours are limited to six guests per group, and must be booked in advance.

The top 10 best wine regions in the U.S. in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Rogue Valley, Oregon
No. 2 – West Elks, Colorado
No. 3 – Hill Country, Texas
No. 4 – Paso Robles, California
No. 5 – Augusta, Missouri
No. 6 – Anderson Valley, California
No. 7 – Loudoun, Virginia
No. 8 – Willamette Valley, Oregon
No. 9 – Yakima Valley, Washington
No. 10 – Temecula Valley, California

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