Built in 1872, the lighthouse shined every day but two until its retirement in 1933. Since it was auctioned in 1947, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse has been privately owned and maintained by descendants of E.V. Boyt and his sister Ila Maxwell. Structurally, it is historically significant as one of only two iron lighthouses on the Gulf; and symbolically, the lighthouse is significant as she not only weathered hurricanes and friendly fire, but has also offered safe harbor to the residents and visitors of Bolivar seeking shelter.

The story of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse is one of courage, trauma, loneliness, peace, family, death, and staying power. It is a living piece of the history of Bolivar, a symbol of this community, and it is now in dire need of restoration.

The Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation 501(c)(3) is a Texas-based non-profit historical preservation organization dedicated to saving the 1872 Bolivar Point Lighthouse and sharing her with the people of Texas.

419 Everett Ln Port Bolivar, TX 77650

Mailing Address: Bolivar Point Lighthouse Foundation, P. O. Box 385, Port Bolivar, TX 77650

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Palacios is small town America at its best. The people are friendly. The scenery is fantastic. The sunsets over the water are spectacular.

Want to know more? Explore the website, especially the Visit Us tourist page and pay us a visit sometime.

Drop by our office located at 420 Main Street in Palacios open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm

You’ll be glad you did!

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A few of the multiple attractions on the Kemah Boardwalk include:

The Boardwalk Beast – with shark teeth painted on the outside of the boat, the Boardwalk Beast takes you on a 25 minute ride 4 miles out into the Galveston Bay. You will be blasted with wind (from the speed of the cruise), music, entertainment, and maybe even a splash of water when adventuring the Galveston Bay on the Boardwalk Beast.

The Boardwalk Bullet – Standing at 96 feet tall, the Boardwalk Bullet is one of the few wooden roller coasters in the USA. Within seconds, you are flying down a 92 foot vertical drop only 5 feet away from the edge of Galveston Bay – the Boardwalk Bullet also has 42 crossover tracks, which is more than any other wooden roller coaster!

C.P. Huntington Train –  a replica of the 1863 C.P. Huntington Train, this relaxing ride will take you on a tour of the entire boardwalk.

The Aquarium and Stingray Reef – The Aquarium has many exhibits including a rainforest exhibit and Stingray Reef. At Stingray Reef you are able to see, feed and touch the live stingrays in a way that’s safe for both you and them!

Restaurants on the Boardwalk include:

The Aquarium – located in the Aquarium is the Aquarium Eatery where you can get anything from Mahi Mahi to fried calamari. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more grass-fed, the Aquarium has a good American Burger too.

Saltgrass Steakhouse – a chain well-known in Texas, enjoy a signature Saltgrass steak while watching the ships cruise by.

The Flying Dutchman – a seafood house of choice for decades, watch the boats go by while enjoying some of the best fresh seafood creations in Kemah. With choices from Island Redfish to the Dutchman Cobb Salad (Jessie’s favorite dish), The Flying Dutchman is one of our families favorite places to go. Alexie’s favorite part of The Flying Dutchman is the playground connected to it. Sitting outside, watching the boats roll by, and letting the little ones play is the perfect way to end the day.

Bayside Grille – looking for something a little lighter, or even a breakfast to start the day? The Bayside Grille offers soups, sandwiches, beignets, morning coffee, and more!

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But First, Brunch – J.Wilson’s

A relaxed neighborhood gem, J.Wilson’s new American cuisine is upscale comfort food. Indulge in pecan waffles, biscuits and gravy, and hearty artisan benedicts, and don’t miss the signature man candy, candied bacon. Order a few dishes to share because there’s no way you’ll be able to choose just one.

Too Hot to Trot

Work it off by riding off into the sunset at Tyrrell Park Stables. Beaumont’s premier equestrian center, whether you’re a regular horse whisperer or new to the saddle, the staff is there to help guide you on a trail ride and ensure you’re comfortable on your steed.

Picnic in the Park

Grab some goodies from Abbie’s Imports, which boasts artisan sandwiches, Mediterranean salads, and European pastries for a tasty afternoon treat. You can post up at the free botanical gardens in Tyrrell Park or head to Cattail Marsh, which has a beautiful wetlands boardwalk along with painted picnic tables.

Sip and Swirl

Have you ever heard of a winery on a bayou? Enjoy flights of wine, sangria, and charcuterie boards overlooking the vines at Free State Cellars or cozy up at the Italian themed tasting room at Cotton Creek Winery. Find your favorite pour as you sample the local grapes.

Have a Splurge Meal

The ultimate date night dinner, dine under the twinkling lights of the patio at Finch Hutton. One of Beaumont’s best fine dining establishments expect succulent steaks and seafood on white tablecloths as you treat yourself to dinner under the setting sun.

Grab a Nightcap

Whatever your scene, Beaumont has drinking spot to set the mood. Swing life away at the Little Woodrow’s patio, which has outdoor fire pits, lawn games, and a relaxed vibe. Catch live music at Madison’s on Dowlen or the Logon Café. Put on your dancing shoes to two-step at Sawdust Saloon or play some pool and bar games at Fast Eddie’s.

More Ideas:

·      Work up a sweat kayaking the Big Thicket or Village Creek Paddle Trail.

·      Strike out with a whimsical bowling date at Crossroads or Star Lanes.

·      Go retro at the roller rink – whip out your best ‘80s gear and hit up Manning’s Texas on Wheels.

·      Make it a sp-aah day. Treat yourself to a much-needed couple’s massage.

·      Explore the craft beer scene. Sample the local pours at Pour Brother’s high-tech tap wall or share a flight at Struggle Street.

·      Get cultured at the symphony, opera, ballet, or catch a show at the Jefferson Theatre, which is known for their bi-monthly Classic Movie Nights.

·      See a wildlife show and hold baby gators at Gator Country.

·      Go for a swamp safari or airboat ride and feel the air rushing through your hair.

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Enjoy Project SIT today by doing your own self-guided tour by walking or biking along Galveston’s beautiful Seawall Blvd. These benches are spread out along the Seawall from 6th Street to 60th Street.

Each bench is shot in full without the background scenery and the title, artist, and location on our site page: https://www.artistboat.org/project-sit/

Project SIT was completed by commissions to artists through a juried process and student work created during Artist Boat Eco-Art Residencies.  Bench beautification began with bench sponsorship.  Artist Boat then sent out a CALL TO ARTISTS to submit a design.  Designs had to: interpret the theme (visual or text), be accurate, and beautiful.  The Jury was made up of six professional artists and scientists that are also community stakeholders.  The jury reviewed each submission before approval was given to the selected artist.  The artists were provided with tiles, glazes, and brushes to complete their bench.  Upon completion, artists returned tiles to the Artist Boat office for firing and installation.  Artist Boat contracted a professional tile company to repair benches and install mosaic tile.

Project SIT stands to be an important educational legacy in Galveston. The Seawall is an important vacation destination and a cornerstone of Galveston’s tourist economy.  In the 2014 fiscal year, 6 Million visitors came to Galveston and generated $145 million in tax dollars during their stay.  Seawall construction began in 1902 and since has become a cultural landmark that defines Galveston’s pride and resilience. Project SIT is a once in a generation opportunity to leave a culturally significant legacy on the Seawall for many years to come.

Since 2011, all 70 benches were sponsored.  The artists were supported through private donations and Artist Boat’s Eco-Art Residency program. Collectively, students from KIPP Coastal Village, Satori School, Crenshaw Elementary, Yorkshire Academy, Jefferson, Dowling, and Lyons Elementary painted seventeen benches, while individual artists painted the remaining benches.  Artist Boat raised over $270,000 to complete Project SIT including large contributions from Reliant (an NRG energy), the City of Galveston, Federal Transit Administration, the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees, and Harris County Department of Education.  Smaller contributions from over 30 individuals, groups, and families contributed nearly $100,00.

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Tram Rides
Our guided tour on a safari tram allows you to see everything our zoo has to offer without trekking through the vast premises on foot.  Each ride lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes, and you will see many types of deer, antelopes, buffalos, camels, zebras, and other exotic animals. During the tram ride, you feed the animals for an up-close encounter!

Addie Lou’s Barnyard
Wander through Addie Lou’s Barnyard to see typical farm animals to exotic and rare animals. In the barnyard, you will encounter a Wallaby, Pygmy Goats, Lemurs, and much more! Please note at this time, animals cannot be touched or petted in order to keep them safe.

The Big Red Barn
Stop by our big main bar to meet giraffes and Annie, our pet Water Buffalo. While in the barn, stops by the Bayou General Store for snacks and souvenirs. The store offers cold drinks, ice cream, nachos, candy and more! You will also find t-shirts, stuffed animals and toys to remember your trip to the zoo.  The Bayou General Store is only open on weekends.

Our Zoo
Come and spend the day with us to get to know all the different parts of our zoo. While walking between the different areas are alligators, kangaroos, and more! You are invited to bring your own lunch and eat in our covered picnic area. We also have an on-site snack bar. You will find a variety of lawn games in our picnic area for your enjoyment.

Admission Prices & Requirements
Adults $22.00
Children (Age 2 – 11): $12.00
Children Under 2: Free (One per Paying Adult)
Group Rates & Season Passes are Available (not available per CDC guidelines)

Cash or Credit Card (no checks)

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Sea Center Texas is a marine development, aquarium, and education center that can produce 20 million fingerlings annually, primarily red drum and spotted sea trout, for release into Texas coastal waters. Visit the 20-foot touch pool and handle marine animals such as blue crabs, hermit crabs, urchins and anemones. Or come face to face with one of the large fish in the Gulf of Mexico aquarium. Tour one of the largest red drum hatcheries in the world and marvel at the replicas of Texas state record saltwater fish.

Learn about the history of the area through interactive exhibits from the plantation era to modern industry at the Lake Jackson Historical Museum. A life-like animatron will help you find out why streets in Lake Jackson are named This Way and That Way.

The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory is a birding research and education facility that sits on 34 acres of Columbia Bottomland forest in Lake Jackson and has a great bird-banding program the third Saturday of each month. Native woodland birds and migrants can be found on the many trails at the GCBO and around the Avian Conservation Science Center.

Hit the links at the Wilderness Golf Course in Lake Jackson. Exceptional bunkering and putting surfaces will challenge players of every skill level. Surrounded by natural landscapes that native wildlife and birds thrive on, it’s fitting that the Wilderness is a certified Audubon Sanctuary golf course.

Host your next event at the Lake Jackson Civic Center. It can host up to 500 people in the ballroom and has additional rooms for multiple configurations. There is also outdoor space available for rent. The MacLean Park complex is host to many community events and has a great two-mile walking trail.

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The Center for the Arts & Sciences is a cultural and educational complex located in Clute. The facility has an art gallery, a science museum, a planetarium and two performance theaters. It features the longest running community theater on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Museum has one of the most extensive seashell collections in the South along with dinosaur and wildlife exhibits.

In 2003 the remains of two Colombian Mammoths were discovered in a Clute sand pit. The sand pit was later developed into a scuba park, Mammoth Lake Scuba Park. The on-site restaurant has an exhibit of the mammoth tusk replica.

The Clute Municipal Park consists of a pavilion, playground, gazebo, horseshoe pits, basketball courts and more. Enjoy walking along the trail in the wooded portion of the park while eyeing the many birds and squirrels who frequent the area. Try your hand at the nine-hole disc golf course, perfect for beginners. The Clute Event Center is located in the park complex and is a great venue for any occasion.

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Recreation is our business. Recreation is our passion. Come discover all of the exciting programs we have to offer … we truly have something for everyone.

Birding in Texas City
Texas City is a regional and national destination for birding with several great places, like the Texas City Dike, where you can find rare birds that are unique to this area. Be sure to follow the Birds of Texas City Facebook page below for the latest sightings in Texas City!

Heritage Square Park
109 3rd Avenue
North Texas City, TX 77590
Homes in Heritage Square Park
The Davison Home — open to the public on the first Sunday of each month from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m.
The Engineer’s Cottage
The Moore Home
The Lee Dick Home
The historical homes in Heritage Square Park are managed by the City of Texas City and the Texas City Historical Preservation Corp. The Texas City Heritage Association plays a vital part in the interior restoration of the homes.

Texas City’s roots go back to the coming of the first Anglo-Americans to Texas.

One early settlement near the present city was by Lt. Jim Campbell, a follower of Jean Lafitte. Another was by James Perry, brother-in-law of Steven F. Austin. In 1892, the three Myers brothers of Duluth, Minn., and Capt. A.B. Wolvin bought most of the surrounding land and changed the name of the small town from Shoal Point to Texas City.

These developers brought Frank Davison to be resident manager of the Texas City Improvement Company. He and his wife Florence completed their home in 1897. This house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Texas City Dike
The Texas City Dike is the longest man-made fishing pier in the world, stretching 5.3 miles into Galveston Bay. The Dike is one of the most popular boat launch and fishing areas on the entire Texas gulf coast due to it’s location, ease of access and great amenities like Dike Beach, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, picnic shelters and more. The base of the dike has a huge playground, hike & bike trails, bike rentals, 18-hole disc golf course and more — there is something for everyone! Bring the whole family to experience this unique destination and find out why the Texas City Dike has 4.5 stars on Google reviews!

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Bolivar Peninsula Through My Eyes
What we have on Bolivar Peninsula is like no other place on the Texas Gulf Coast. It’s a 27 mile stretch of paradise rich in history. A sand between your toes kind of place that you can drive on and fish off of, enjoy the time here with the family and friends. It’s the laid back communities of Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, High Island and Port Bolivar, with plenty to do. Were the sun comes up over the Gulf with an impressionable view like no other and sets over East Galveston Bay melting into the horizon. Once you’ve been here you hate to leave and once you leave you can’t wait to come back. We have most everything we need with no BIG chain stores, mostly family owned businesses where it’s the owner that opens in the morning and closes after the sun sets. Adults and kids spend most the day and part of the night outside with no or minimal electronic usage (we do have cell service here) and don’t miss it. Time slips away when your on Bolivar Peninsula in a good way. You can cook on the pit outdoors at your house or enjoy one of the many restaurants Bolivar has to offer, from Burgers, Seafood Baskets and pizza to Steak and or Gilled or Fried Shrimp, we have it all here, no need to leave Bolivar.

f the beach isn’t an all day thing for you, maybe around of golf at our public golf course or hit one of the shops, Surf Shops, Kite Shops or the Big Store that has it all. We have Golf Cart Rentals by the day or week for you to use to drive endlessly down the beach, you can’t do that anywhere else I know of. We have a Water slide on Bolivar for the kids with shade for the adults to watch and relax.

If you really need to get away Bolivar has several local fishing guides for a morning on the bay for Specs, Reds and Flounder depending on the time of the year. In the Spring the Bird Watching on Bolivar and in High Island is known to be some of the best on the Gulf Coast and in the United States.

Home builders of all kinds that know what it takes to build a house to survive a storm like “IKE”. Beach House vacation rentals from all price ranges and RV parks ready for your family get-away. People from all walks of life have discovered Bolivar Peninsula, many as vacationers to start and now proud home owners.

I guess what I’m trying to let everyone know is the Bolivar Peninsula/Crystal Beach Texas area is like no other. I’m a business owner here, live here and proud of it and want to share it with you. Come see us to Relax, Vacation and Live!!!!

Capt. David Harris

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Freeport is the departure point for charters to the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary. This premier diving destination is about 100 miles off the coast of Freeport. The northernmost coral reefs in the continental United States are located here.

Beach goers drive and park on Bryan Beach, which is still in its natural state. It’s perfect for sunbathing, camping, birding, fishing and relaxing.

The Freeport Wetlands Trail & Bird Observatory is the perfect place for bird watching year-round. During the winter months visitors can see hundreds of ducks and geese at this fresh water marsh.
The downtown area consists of blocks of early 1900 buildings surrounding Memorial Park and The Freeport Historical Museum. They have exhibits for all ages including a permanent Children’s Exhibit along with a Maritime area and a theatre. The museum expanded to include a newly restored 100-year old building available for rental.

RiverPlace, a convention center on the banks of the Brazos River, is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and offers an unparalleled view of the water. It is at the Freeport Municipal Park Complex which is home to many community events including the Fishin’ Fiesta, and RiverFest.

Freeport Golf Course is an 18-hole links-style course, open and challenging with the gulf breezes. The course offers golf lessons, a driving range, a pro shop, carts and club rental.

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