River Oaks is a verdant, upscale neighborhood nestled between Montrose and The Galleria. Renowned for its grand estates, seasonal Christmas lights, and diverse array of international dining options, River Oaks in Houston is also one of the more walkable areas in Houston. Check out our list of the best things to do in River Oaks, Houston!
Things to do in River Oaks Houston
1. See the Christmas Lights
While Houston is full of fantastic light displays during the holiday season – ranging from full-scale winter wonderlands, to newly-minted light festivals, and twinkling rooftop lazy rivers – the age-old tradition of neighborhood Christmas light displays is still alive and well. In no better neighborhood in Houston is this more true than River Oaks. For any holiday lovers, a night drive through River Oaks is an essential Yuletide experience!
2. Go for a walk
Houston is by no means a walkable city. That said, there are areas here and there where we like to pretend that it is. To that end, River Oaks is one of the most walkable places in Houston.
Rice University for one, festooned with tree tunnels suspended over wide streets, as well as verdant spaces, provides a beautiful backdrop to an afternoon or nighttime stroll.
Also in the vicinity is the historical Broadacres subdivision. In addition to its series of magnificent, 20th-century homes, cottages, and stately mansions that we couldn’t dream of affording in a dozen lifetimes, the area is home to a series of esplanades idyllic for afternoon strolls.
3. Catch a Movie at the Historic River Oaks Theatre (soon)
After a turbulent couple of years, the historic River Oaks Theatre is ready to roll this fall. Slated to reopen this October, the theater will host screenings of a cinematic assortment of cult-classics, indie hits, and arthouse gems.
2009 W Gray St
4. Explore the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Ima Hogg is one of the most revered Texas women of the 20th century. The American Society Leader and renowned philanthropist was a patron and collector of the arts. Located on the grounds of MFAH in River Oaks, her former estate remains as a living museum showcasing priceless paintings, silver, ceramics and American furnishings. .
Beyond the walls is a 14-acre garden. Home to a dazzling array of pristine hedges, trees, and flowers, the garden is one of the most beautiful in the entire city.
6003 Memorial Dr.
5. Putt Putt through the ’80s and ’90s
Opened earlier this year, Holey Moley Mini-Golf Club is a thrilling indoor putt-putt venue, karaoke bar, and restaurant. The ’80s/’90s-themed facility features 27 holes as well as an Americana-inspired kitchen and 104-seat Caddyshack bar.
3839 Weslayan St #101
6. Go shopping at Highland Village
The Highland Village shopping center in River Oaks is home to some of the best shopping in the city. Here, shoppers can bounce around its numerous outlets including Anthropologie, Away, Boll & Branch, Bonobos, Brandy Melville, Brighton, Chico’s, Crate&Barrel, J. Crew, Kendra Scott, lululemon, Pottery Barn, Vineyard Vines, and more.
4055 Westheimer Rd.
7. Take a Spa Day at Milk + Honey
Milk + Honey is a renowned national day spa chain providing an extensive array of spa services. Clients can pamper themselves with skin, hair, and nail care services as well as massages, laser services, waxing, chemical peels, and more.
Additionally, the spa offers advanced med spa procedures, including microneedling, alongside a comprehensive selection of salon treatments.
2800 Kirby Dr. Suite A-134
Where to eat and drink in River Oaks
8. Little Hen
Looking for a darling spot for weekend brunch in River Oaks? Look no further than Little Hen. The English-inspired boutique is beautifully adorned in lush greenery, floral accents, and colorful plush furnishing.
Here you can enjoy delicious pastries, brunch staples, healthy options, as well as Little Hen signatures like the Rose Petal Pancakes. For the full experience, partake in the British tea tradition.
4444 Westheimer Ct H110
9. MAD
Travel to the sun-kissed city of Madrid in River Oaks at MAD restaurant. Emulating the likes of a Spanish discoteca, the whirling assortment of lights, mirror, and installations doesn’t distract from its incredible Catalan cuisine. Don’t forget to get a pitcher of Sangria to christen the night.
4444 Westheimer Rd Suite C180
10. Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Enjoy homespun Italian comfort cuisine at Giocamo’s Cibo e Vino neighborhood cafe and wine bar. The River Oaks Italian diner specializes in scratch-made pasta dishes that warm the soul. Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino also features a curated list of Italian wines.
3215 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
11. Red Lion British Pub
Red Lion Brisih Pub is a no-frills English pub is a go-to for pints of beer, whiskies, and cider. The neighborhood pub features a dart board per UK tradition as well as a cozy fireplace for colder months. Stop by for brunch on weekends for a Full English Breakfast.
2316 S. Shepherd Drive.
12. Santé Lounge
Say “cheers” to Santé Lounge – a newly-opened, European-inspired cocktail bar and lounge in River Oaks/Upper Kirby. The upscale new European nightlife features signature cocktails called the “Gallery Collection”, including cocktails named after Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Diego Rivera, and more. Santé Lounge’s food menu is comprised of a classy selection of Hors d’oeuvres, flatbreads, oysters, and caviar. Santé Lounge enforces an upscale dress code after 8 pm.
2309 Richmond Ave