Towering pine trees, forested lands, and lakefront thrills await in Conroe, a quiet retreat about 45 minutes north of Texas’ largest city of Houston. Take a stroll through the walkable downtown area full of eateries, nightlife, merchants, art galleries, and theaters. Then head into nature, where the real adventure begins in the form of water activities, hiking, birdwatching, and more.
Lake Conroe
At 22,000 acres and with 156 miles of shoreline, Lake Conroe is an aquatic playground. Relax on its shores, or take to the open water for paddling, boating, fishing, and watersports. Whether you’re reeling in a record-size largemouth bass or hiring a fishing guide to look for other fish such as black and white crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill, Lake Conroe promises a day of fun.
Several marinas on the lake make it easy to fuel up, grab some bait, or a bite to eat before heading back out onto the water. Don’t have your own vessel? Rent a private boat, jet ski, kayak, or canoe from 1097 Watersports and spend the day exploring Lake Conroe as you wish. North Lake Conroe Paddling Company, with its waterfront location, makes it easy to get straight into your adventure.
For additional water-based relaxation and celebration, check out Cruisin’ Tikis, which offers raft-based tiki huts complete with a floating bar that allows you to enjoy your favorite drink. The Southern Empress Cruises, a 131-foot paddle-wheeler boat, provides romantic dinner cruises on Lake Conroe—combining delicious dining with drinks and dancing. Meanwhile, Waterpoint Marina’s Little Palm yacht also offers dinner and sunset cruises.
Texas Tidbit: Aside from the Lake Conroe Dinner Cruise, the Southern Empress Cruises offer an array of different trips, including lunch cruises, cocktail cruises, and even a murder mystery cruise.
Sam Houston National Forest
Back on land, lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails at Sam Houston National Forest, one of only four national forests in Texas. Covering more than 163,000 acres, it is home to the Lone Star Hiking Trail—a 128-mile path, the longest wilderness footpath in Texas, with three major sections running through Conroe.
Camping is available in the forest at Cagle, Double Lake, and Stubblefield Recreation Areas. Canoes and paddle boats can be rented at the concession stand at Double Lake, which is stocked with bass, catfish, and bream for fishing.
This national forest also features 85 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riding, biking, hiking, and off-highway vehicles. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy opportunities to spot deer, squirrels, bullfrogs, quail, doves, turkeys, foxes, and ducks.
Texas Tidbit: Hikers love to visit the Lone Star Hiking Trail during spring and winter months to avoid the extreme Texas heat.
William Goodrich Jones State Forest
Just south of the town of Conroe, W.G. Jones State Forest is one of the nation’s largest working urban forests, attracting around 80,000 visitors a year. It is recognized by the American Bird Conservancy as one of the 500 most important areas in North America.
The forest is home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, one of the few locations where you can still find this unique black and white bird. Bring your binoculars to see if you can spot this woodpecker, which creates cavities in live pine trees for nesting and roosting. Note that nesting areas are closed from March 15 through July 15 to minimize disturbances and enhance nesting habitats for the birds.
Activities such as geocaching, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, and gardening are available throughout the forest.
Margaritaville Lake Resort
After all your outdoor pursuits, head to Margaritaville Lake Resort on the shores of Lake Conroe for a bit of relaxation. This Jimmy Buffett-inspired resort offers 303 suites and 32 waterfront cottages, along with several bars and restaurants across the property.
The family can enjoy the resort’s 3.5-acre waterpark, featuring slides, a lazy river, splash pad, as well as swimming pools and hot tubs. Alternatively, break away for a round of golf at The Golf Club, an 18-hole course meandering through tall pines, beaches, and waterfalls. St. Somewhere Spa provides massages for ultimate relaxation, while tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a fitness center keep you active.
Looking to venture out on the water? Rent a boat, paddleboard, or pedal boat from Einstein’s Surf and Boat Shop, located at the resort. The dining options are plentiful, with License to Chill open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving casual fare such as salads and wraps. Twice, don’t miss drinks at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere swim-up pool bar.
Texas Tidbit: Through Labor Day, the resort offers a two-hour sunset cruise around Lake Conroe aboard a tiki hut party barge.
Whether you’re there for a long weekend or a weeklong retreat from reality, Conroe will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and inspired by nature.
