Overview
The West Inner Loop encompasses many of the poshest, most upscale neighborhoods and business areas in Houston.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 10 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about West Inner Loop
Bayou Bend
A branch of MFAH (Museum of Fine Arts Houston), housing American art, in a 14-acre landscaped garden.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is Houston's premier urban park. The park's 2.88-mile jogging trail is very popular with runners and walkers year-round. The park also has miles of mountain bike trails, several tennis courts, and other opt…
River Oaks Theatre
Houston historical landmark theatre.
River Oaks Country Club
Very, very exclusive club. If you can meet and resident that is willing to take you, there is golf, tennis, fine dining, and swimming. You cannot get in alone. You either have to be a member or have someone who lives in …
Running Complex
South of the Memorial Park. Trail runs, track, 4.7km running loop. Possibility to shower, rent towels and sports drinks.
Picnic Loop and North Picnic Area
American style Picnic Area.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 95°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Oct. (climate data from nearby Houston)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HOU William P. Hobby Airport, Houston — 12 mi away (major hub). Directions
- IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
This affluent neighborhood is easily accessible from Kirby, Willowick, Inwood, and River Oaks Blvd.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bayou Bend, River Oaks Country Club
- Lunch Epicure Cafe
- Afternoon River Oaks Theatre
- Dinner La Griglia
- Evening McGonigal's Mucky Duck
Day 2
- Morning Memorial Park, Picnic Loop and North Picnic Area
- Lunch Chuy's
- Afternoon Running Complex
- Dinner Ragin' Cajun
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Long known as Houston's most exclusive neighborhood, River Oaks is home to a large collection of eye-popping mansions.
Get in
This affluent neighborhood is easily accessible from Kirby, Willowick, Inwood, and River Oaks Blvd.
See
See Memorial Park
Memorial Park is Houston's premier urban park. The park's 2.88-mile jogging trail is very popular with runners and walkers year-round. The park also has miles of mountain bike trails, several tennis courts, and other options for outdoor recreation. There's an arboretum, a nature center, picnic areas, and sports fields. Located just inside the I-610 Loop along Memorial Drive.
Do
Buy
Eat
Budget
Eat 100% Taquito
Trendy, authentic Mexico City-type taco joint.
Eat Goode Company Barbeque
One of the city's most reputed barbeque restaurants.
Eat House of Pies
The best diner in town. Always open, it is a great option for late night eats serving delicious breakfast, hot coffee, and of course a vast array of pies.
Eat Ragin' Cajun
A slice of Louisiana for the Bayou City. Authentic down-home Cajun cooking. Order a bucket of crawfish and get messy at one of the many picnic tables, indoors or out. Gumbo, etouffee, boudain, hush puppies and dirty rice round out the menu. Awesomely funky dining room where there's always zydeco on the juke.
Mid-range
Eat Epicure Cafe
Tasty European food in a small European like cafe.
Eat Mission Burritos
A few (two?) locations, but 2245 West Alabama has more charm. Biggest, best burritos in town; they always have a 'Burrito of the Month' that is a sure bet.
Eat The Original Ninfa's Uptown
Tex-Mex restaurant, which claims to have invented fajitas in the 1970s.
Splurge
Eat Churrasco's
Expensive and delicious South American and Brazilian food.
Eat La Griglia
River Oak's favorite place to eat lunch and have a fine dinner.
Drink
Drink McGonigal's Mucky Duck
Local bar, probably the best bet to find a variety of special and cask ales. Frequent live music.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Nearby
Stafford
City / town · 2 listings · 13 mi away
Pasadena
City / town · 4 listings · 14 mi away
Sugar Land
City / town · 5 listings · 15 mi away
Pearland
City / town · 2 listings · 16 mi away
Katy
City / town · 16 listings · 24 mi away
Webster
City / town · 5 listings · 24 mi away
Alvin
City / town · 3 listings · 26 mi away
The Woodlands
City / town · 12 listings · 27 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.