North Houston Vacation Guide to Attractions and Activities

A vacation in North Houston offers the chance to enjoy year-round outdoor recreation and access to big-city attractions. iTrip has vacation rentals in Conroe, Lake Livingston, Spring, Tomball, Magnolia, Huntsville and The Woodlands, so guests can customize their trip while seeing great destinations in southeast Texas.

Art, History & Culture

• The Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville stands 67 feet tall and is the world's largest statue of an American hero! Stop by the visitor center to learn more and snap a photo with this Texas-sized tribute.
• The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is a must for Texas history buffs! Located on the SHSU campus, you can explore historic homes, personal artifacts, and learn all about the life of one of Texas's greatest leaders.
• THouston's Museum District is packed with world-class institutions—from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It’s an easy day trip from Conroe and a great way to dive into art, culture, and history all in one place!
• Space Center Houston is a one-of-a-kind experience just outside the city! Explore real spacecraft, astronaut training exhibits, and hands-on fun for the whole family. A must for any space lover!

Kid-Friendly Attractions and Family Fun

• Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe offers day passes that give families access to the resort’s pools, lazy river, and splash zone! Great for all ages, but especially fun for kids 4–12 who want to swim and play while parents relax lakeside.
• P-6 Farms in Montgomery is the go-to seasonal spot for fall festivals, corn mazes, sunflower fields, and more! Best for ages 3–10, it’s full of outdoor adventure with animals, rides, and sweet treats.
• Rob Fleming Aquatic Center in The Woodlands is a splash-tastic destination with a lazy river, huge water slides, and play areas for little ones. Ideal for ages 2–12 and perfect for cooling off on a Texas summer day!

Outdoor Adventures

• Lake Conroe is a highlight for outdoor lovers, offering everything from fishing and kayaking to boat rentals and marinas! Whether you're cruising the water or casting a line, it’s a perfect spot for lake days.
• The Woodlands Waterway is a scenic place for a relaxing walk or jog, but for more active adventures, explore the extensive trail system throughout The Woodlands! With over 200 miles of hike-and-bike trails, you’ll find routes for every pace and fitness level.
• For paddling fun, consider kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Woodlands.

Favorite Dining

• Akashi Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar is a waterfront favorite on Lake Conroe off 105. Fresh sushi, unbeatable views, and great lunch specials make it a go-to spot. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy!
• Sixty Vines in The Woodlands brings wine country to Market Street with 60 wines on tap and seasonal dishes perfect for sharing. It’s beautifully decorated with a fun bar and patio, and the whole Market Street area is a true Woodlands experience.
• Tony’s Italian Delicatessen is a hidden gem off 105 near April Sound serving up authentic, overstuffed Italian sandwiches. You won’t be disappointed with a true Italian sub at Tony’s. This local spot never misses!
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse offers an upscale experience right by The Woodlands Mall and Waterway. If you want a fine dining experience and the best steak, go to Fleming’s! Don’t miss the dry-aged steak or their burger during happy hour.
• Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen in Conroe is a go-to for classic Tex-Mex with something for everyone! You can’t skip Tex-Mex—it’s a must when visiting the area, and the fajitas are always a crowd favorite.

Bars, Clubs and Nightlife

• Conroe Lake House is a laid-back, family-friendly spot right on the water with live music, a playground for the kids, and crawfish when it’s in season! It’s the perfect place to grab a drink after a day on the lake or just kick back while the kids run around and you enjoy the view.
• The Waterway in The Woodlands is the go-to nightlife hub in the area! With plenty of bars all within walking distance, it’s great for bar-hopping or just finding a table and settling in. Expect a fun, lively vibe that stays active until 2 AM—everything from chill cocktails to DJs and dancing as the night goes on.
• B-52 and Southern Star Brewing Co. in Conroe are local brewery favorites with big outdoor spaces, food trucks, and casual vibes. Grab a flight, bring the kids, and check out their events or live music on weekends!
• H-Wines in Montgomery is a cozy little wine bar that’s all charm and French wines. It’s not your nightlife spot—it’s your unwind-and-chat kind of place. The owner is incredibly welcoming, and it’s the perfect hidden gem for a quiet glass of wine.

Annual Events

• Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas is held every April in The Woodlands and brings top athletes from around the world to swim, bike, and run through town. It’s a huge event with an electric atmosphere and a great one to spectate!
• The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion hosts major concerts, symphonies, and performing arts events from spring through fall. This open-air amphitheater is a local staple and a great spot to catch big-name artists under the stars!
• The Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival takes over downtown every October with Texas country music, carnival rides, vendors, and plenty of Cajun eats. Don’t miss the catfish and dancing in the streets!
• TThe Texas Renaissance Festival in nearby Todd Mission is the nation’s largest, running weekends from October through November. Step back in time with themed villages, jousting, turkey legs, and costumed fun for the whole family!
• The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Texas tradition held every March! Just a short drive away, it features rodeo events, concerts, a huge carnival, and more cowboy culture than you can imagine.

Sample Itineraries

4-Night Stay

• Day 1: Spend the day on Lake Conroe cruising, swimming or fishing. Then head to lunch at Tony's Italian Delicatessen and finish the night with a sunset dinner at Akashi Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar. End the night at Conroe Lake House for live music.
• Day 2: Walk or bike the Woodland's scenic trail system followed by lunch at Sixty Vines. Spend the afternoon shopping on Market Street and end the day with dinner at Fleming's Steakhouse.
• Day 3: Drive up to Huntsville and visit the Sam Houston Statue and Memorial Museum. Enjoy dinner at Gringo's Mexican Kitchen.
• Day 4:Head into the city for Houston's Museum District. They are plenty to choose from. Grab dinner at Southern Star Brewing Co.

5-Night Stay

• AAdd Day 5: Grab a day pass and head to Margaritaville Lake Resort in the summer or P-6 Farms in the fall. For dinner visit Conroe Lake House.

6-Night Stay

• AAdd Day 6: Take a walk on Lake Woodlands and grab sushi or sandwiches. Relax at H-Wines in the afternoon and end the night at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion with a show.

Peak Fun Awaits

Discover the best of North Houston with a mix of relaxation, world-class dining and cultural day trips.

Read more travel tips from our blog for even more in-depth recommendations.