Top Picks for Camping in Jefferson County

Sea Rim State Park

Location: Sabine Pass, Jefferson County

Sea Rim State Park is a spot where campers can wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. This state park features beachside camping, making it one of the best camping spots on the Upper Texas Coast to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico’s beauty. Fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing are just a few activities you can enjoy here. Sea Rim State Park offers fifteen campsites with electricity and water hookups. You’ll find 75 drive-up primitive campsites on the beach and one floating primitive campsite accessible by boat. The park offers 5.2 miles of Gulf shores and 4,000 acres of marshlands.

Sea Rim State Park is highlighted in our Explore Nature and Balancing Act Trip Plans.

Best Camping Spots in Galveston County

Galveston Island State Park

Location: Galveston Island, Galveston County

Galveston Island State Park is located on what locals call the “west end” of Galveston Island, even though it is smack-dab in the middle. Offering access to both beach and bay, this park offers everything. Go fishing and birdwatching, hiking, paddling, kayaking and swimming. The park provides both beachside and bayside camping options, including beach wheelchairs, ensuring that visitors have a variety of experiences to choose from.

Galveston Island State Park is highlighted in our Explore Nature Trip Plan. 

Top Camping Spots in Brazoria County

San Luis Pass County Park

Location: Follet’s Island, Brazoria County

At the eastern-most end of Follet’s Island, San Luis Pass County Park offers beachside RV camping with views of the Gulf of Mexico and San Luis Pass. Campers can enjoy fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing. San Luis Pass offers paved full-service RV camping, cabins, and a climate-controlled meeting room. There’s also an interpretive center, a pavilion, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, paved parking, and a boat launch. No tent camping allowed.

Quintana Beach County Park

Location: Quintana, Brazoria County

Further into Brazoria County is Quintana Beach County Park, a 52-acre beachfront park with day-use amenities and overnight facilities. The park offers paved, full-service RV campsites and self-contained cabins. There are restrooms and showers, covered pavilions, picnic tables, grills, a playground, a volleyball court. Explore the hiking trails, pedestrian beach, fish on a wooden lighted fishing pier, and access to the west jetty. No tent camping allowed.

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for updates on a new camping option along the San Bernard river at the Beal Unit of Hanson Riverside Park in Brazoria County – coming soon! 

Recommended Camping Spots in Matagorda County

Matagorda Bay Nature Park

For those seeking a tranquil coastal camping experience, Matagorda Bay Nature Park is a unique and scenic spot where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Nestled along the shores of Matagorda Bay, this park offers a variety of recreational activities, including kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing. The park provides ten beach bungalows, four airstream campers, and waterfront campsites.

Matagorda Bay Nature Park is highlighted in our Explore Nature and Balancing Act Trip Plans.

The Upper Texas Coast offers scenic camping opportunities for nature enthusiasts in Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. So pack your camping gear and get ready to embark on a memorable outdoor adventure! Check out our Great Outdoors Blog for tips on kayaking and fishing. 

This is just a glimpse of things to do along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. Download our new Trip Plans for more ideas for experiencing Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. 

About Lone Star Coastal Alliance

The Lone Star Coastal Alliance is a 501(c)3 created to preserve and promote the upper Texas Gulf Coast region in a manner that enhances coastal resilience while fostering economic development focused on conservation and tourism, elevating the unique natural, cultural, and historical assets of the region and benefitting quality of life within the communities.

The post <strong>Exploring the Best Camping Spots on the Upper Texas Coast</strong> appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.

Jefferson County

In Jefferson County, during Labor Day Weekend, stop at the Sea Rim State Park near Port Arthur. Reserve an overnight spot or explore the park for the day. The park offers 5 miles of natural beach, paddling trails on the marsh and Gulf side, fishing, campgrounds, and even a floating raft. You can kayak or canoe at the paddling trails, which range from 1.79 miles to an advanced 9.59-mile trail. Bring your kayak or rent one at the park.

19335 S. Gulfway Drive, Sabine Pass, TX 77655 

For entertaining the little ones, Cattail Marsh Wetlands Education Center is hosting its Cattail Explorers: Kids United with Nature on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 11 to 2 p.m. And the best part is it’s Free. 

4233 Babe Zaharias Drive, Beaumont, TX 77705

Galveston County

Foodies, you’ll want to put Galveston County on your list for the Galveston Island Wine Festival on Sept. 1 thru 3 at Moody Gardens in Galveston. The One Night Grand Event featuring Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting in the Aquarium offers an opportunity to taste 50 wines. 

1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

And, if you want to get some sand between your toes, you’ll find Sunrise Yoga on the beach offered through SUP Gulf Coast, free Sandcastle Building Lessons at East Beach adjacent to the East End Lagoon Nature Park and Preserve, and Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours all on Saturday, Sept. 2, on Galveston Island. 

Brazoria County

If you’re planning on making your way to Brazoria County, families should schedule a guided 45-minute hatchery tour at Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson. You can also request a guided wetland tour or explore on your own. Tip: Ask the greeter desk for a copy of the Aquarium Scavenger Hunt.  

302 Medical Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 77566  

Matagorda County

In  Matagorda County, make plans early for camping at Matagorda Bay Nature Park during Labor Day Weekend. In addition to the campsites and airstream campers, the park recently opened ten beach bungalows. Or visit for the day and enjoy beachcombing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and just enjoy the area’s beauty. Bring your kayak or rent one at the park.

Matagorda Bay Nature Park, 6430 FM2031, Matagorda, TX 77457
This is just a glimpse of things to do along the Upper Texas Coast. Download our new Trip Plans for more ideas for experiencing Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties.

Lone Star Coastal Alliance is committed to promoting nature and heritage tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities in Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. 

The post <strong>Things to Do During Labor Day Weekend on the Upper Texas Coast</strong> appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.

Fun Fact: Studies show that being outside in nature relaxes us and reduces our stress and cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rates. While June is National Great Outdoors Month, don’t you think you should enjoy the “great outdoors” year-round? We have some ideas for enjoying the great outdoors on the Upper Texas Coast.  

Kayaking on the Upper Texas Coast

The Upper Texas Coast is generally kayak-friendly year-round. Put these spots on your list: 

• Big Thicket National Preserve (Jefferson County)
• Village Creek State Park, which is on the outskirts of Big Thicket (Jefferson County)
• Sea Rim State Park in Sabine Pass (Jefferson County)
• East End Lagoon Nature Preserve in Galveston (Galveston County)
• Galveston Island State Park in Galveston (Galveston County)
• Clear Creek Paddle Trail in League City (Galveston County)
• Sugar Mill Stretch of the Stephen F. Austin Trail on the Brazos River (Brazoria County)
• Gulf Prairie Run of the Stephen F. Austin Trail on the Brazos River in Lake Jackson (Brazoria County)
• Matagorda Bay Nature Park, operated by the LCRA (Matagorda County)
• Riverside Park in Bay City (Matagorda County)

Fishing on the Upper Texas Coast

Did someone say fishing? The Upper Texas Gulf Coast offers great fishing spots for anglers to enjoy. Find a pier, rent a johnboat or kayak, or book a fishing charter with a guide. For more experienced fishermen, you can also find guides specializing in fly fishing.  

• Big Thicket National Preserve (Jefferson County) 
• Sea Rim State Park in Sabine Pass (Jefferson County)
• Galveston Island State Park in Galveston (Galveston County)
• Seawolf Park on Pelican Island in Galveston (Galveston County)
• Bastrop Bayou Public Fishing Area and the Salt Lake Public Fishing Area in Freeport (Brazoria County)
• Quintana Beach County Park. (Brazoria County)
• Matagorda Bay Nature Park, operated by the LCRA (Matagorda County)
• Riverside Park in Bay City (Matagorda County)

Bookmark, download, and scan our Balancing Act Trip Adventure and see our kayaking and fishing blog for more ideas on exploring the Upper Texas Coast. 

About Lone Star Coastal Alliance

The Lone Star Coastal Alliance is a 501(c)3 created to preserve and promote the upper Texas Gulf Coast region in a manner that enhances coastal resilience while fostering economic development focused on conservation and tourism, elevating the unique natural, cultural, and historical assets of the region and benefitting quality of life within the communities. 

The post <strong>Enjoying the Great Outdoors on the Upper Texas Coast</strong> appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.

Texas Parks and Wildlife requires almost everyone over 17 to have a fishing license, and in public waters except in Texas State Parks, details and purchase options can be found here.

Jefferson County Fishing Spots

Let’s start with Jefferson County with the Big Thicket National Preserve, operated by the National Park Service. This park spreads across six counties, including Jefferson County. Kayak launch areas are popular spots for fishing along with the bay side. Plus, staff recommends Collier’s Ferry Park in Beaumont and Lower Neches Valley Authority’s Saltwater Barrier. During the summer, the Preserve offers two free family fishing days on Saturday, June 3 and Saturday, Aug. 26. While the Preserve doesn’t provide kayaks or canoes, there are nearby rentals. Check their calendar for details on the family fishing days. Texas Parks requires a fishing license to fish at this park.

Look for Sea Rim State Park in Sabine Pass in Jefferson County. It has 5.2 miles of Gulf shoreline and 4,000 marshlands. Visitors are welcome to fish in the surf or marsh areas. No Texas Fishing License is required.

Another great stop is Sabine Lake, a 90,000-acre saltwater estuary on the Texas-Louisiana border. The lake, some 14 miles long and 7 miles wide, is formed by the convergence of the Neches and Sabine rivers. The lake borders Texas’ Jefferson and Orange Counties and Louisiana’s Cameron Parish, and Port Arthur, Texas. Texas Parks requires a fishing license to fish at this park.

Galveston County Fishing Spots

Next up in Galveston County, aim for the Galveston Island State Park on the island’s west end. The State recently completed a $10.6 million redevelopment project at the park, including new campsites and three kayak launch locations. You can fish on the bay side or the beach side. In addition, the park offers canoe and kayak launches and a fish-cleaning station. You are not required to have a Texas Fishing License.

Another popular spot for fishing is Seawolf Park on Pelican Island, also in Galveston. The fishing pier at Seawolf Park is one of the most popular spots for fishermen on the island. The fishing pier is open to anglers 24 hours a day with a wristband. A fishing pass gives access to fish anywhere at the park. The park offers bathroom facilities, but anglers should bring their food and beverages. Seawolf Park is also home to the Galveston Naval Museum. Texas Parks requires a fishing license to fish at this park.

Brazoria County Fishing Spots

In Brazoria County, look for the Bastrop Bayou Public Fishing Area and the Salt Lake Public Fishing Area in Freeport. The parks are part of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. The Bastrop Bayou Fishing Area offers a 200-foot pier, paved parking, and lights for night fishing. The Salt Lake Public Fishing Area is located near the Discover Center in the Big Slough Public Use Area. Texas Parks requires a fishing license to fish at this park.

In Brazoria County, you’ll fish at “one of the best-kept secrets on the Gulf Coast,” Quintana Beach County Park. This park is on Quintana Island. The small park offers a lighted fishing pier, an expansive boardwalk, covered pavilions, a full-service RV park, and quaint cabins available for rent. Texas Parks requires a fishing license to fish at this park.

Matagorda County Fishing Spots

In Matagorda County, you’ll want to fish at the Matagorda Bay Nature Park, operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The park offers kayak rentals for paddling in the river, a boat launch, waterfront campsites, full RV hookups, and bungalow and airstream rentals. Texas Parks requires a fishing license to fish at this park.

For Matagorda County, there is Riverside Park in Bay City. The Park is on the Colorado River and is south of LCRA Dam. The city completed a $1.2 million renovation to the park and reopened in July 2020. Texas Parks requires a fishing license to fish at this park.

This list offers a sampling of things to do on the Upper Texas Coast. For more ideas, click Things to Do and search by category and download/bookmark our Trip Plans.  

About Lone Star Coastal Alliance

The Lone Star Coastal Alliance is a 501(c)3 created to preserve and promote the upper Texas Gulf Coast region in a manner that enhances coastal resilience while fostering economic development focused on conservation and tourism, elevating the unique natural, cultural, and historical assets of the region and benefitting quality of life within the communities.

The post <strong>Best Fishing Spots on the Upper Texas Coast</strong> appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.

ExploreLoneStarCoastal.com is a project of the Lone Star Coastal Alliance (LSCA) created to preserve and promote the Upper Texas Coast as a national treasure and a point of pride for Texans. This website offers more than 300 points of interest along the Upper Texas Coast. The goal is to promote the area in a way that enhances coastal resilience while encouraging conservation and tourism that elevates the region’s unique natural, cultural, and historical assets. As part of this mission, you’ll find travel tips and, coming soon, “Trip Adventures,” focusing on nature, history, culture, and balancing progress while preserving the community.

We’d love to share these trip ideas with as many people as possible! Join our Road to 1,000 Followers Giveaway and you could win a $100 Visa (or similar) gift card. 

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Explore Lone Star Coastal, Road to 1,000 Followers Giveaway — 

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For more ideas about exploring the Upper Texas Coast, click Things to Do and search by category.  
Lone Star Coastal Alliance is committed to promoting nature and heritage tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities in Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties.

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Birding Festivals in the region include the following:

March 24 – 26, Matagorda Bay Birdfest in Palacios. Choose from fourteen bird tours, enjoy the Saturday Palacios Parade of Birds, raptor display, and various speakers during the Birdfest weekend. Matagorda County leads the nation in the number of bird species counted in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for 20 of the last 25 years. (Matagorda County)

April 1, High Island Sanctuaries Free Admission Day. Houston Audubon is opening its sanctuaries to free admission from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Explore the Kathrine G. McGovern Canopy Walkway, The Rookery at Clay Bottom Pond at Smith Oaks, the drip at Katrina’s Corner at Smith Oaks, Purkey’s Pond at Boy Scout Woods, and enjoy miles of trails and boardwalks. Check-in at visitor kiosks at Smith Oaks and Boy Scout Woods.

April 1, Wings Over Surfside hosted by Bird City Surfside. The event offers speakers, a live birds of prey program, crafts, art, wine tasting, and other activities. Activities take place at the Surfside Bird and Butterfly Trail at 418 Parkview.

April 20-23, FeatherFest Birding & Nature Photography Festival. Whether you’re a serious or casual bird-watcher, nature photographer, or someone who wants some exercise, fresh air, and a touch of sunshine, purchase tickets to FeatherFest. FeatherFest is four fun-filled days of incredible birding and nature photography field trips throughout the area, including Anuhuac, Beaumont, High Island, League City, Pearland, Seabrook, and more. (Galveston County and Jefferson County)

April 29-30, Migration Celebration at the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Campus. Activities at San Bernard include a Birds of Prey show, air rifle target shooting, bow and arrow target shooting, butterfly encounters, fishing, a touch tank, kayaking, and more. The Migration Celebration is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service event from the Texas Mid-coast National Wildlife Complex underwritten by the Friends of the Brazoria Wildlife Refuges. (Brazoria County)

For more ideas on exploring the Upper Texas Coast, click Things to Do and search by category.  

Lone Star Coastal Alliance is committed to promoting nature and heritage tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities in Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. 

The post Not to Miss Birding Festivals on the Upper Texas Coast appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.

Most Fridays, Classic Movie Nights at Jefferson Theatre in Beaumont. What started as a way to showcase a historic theater is now a regular event both locals and visitors love. Classic Movie Nights are most Fridays when families gather to watch their favorite classic movies inside the beautiful Jefferson Theatre in downtown Beaumont. (Jefferson County)

March 2 – 12, Beaumont Restaurant Week in Beaumont. From Tex-Mex to sushi and everything in between, Beaumont Restaurant Week invites you to explore eating out in 50+ restaurants offering special fixed menus priced at $10, $20, and $30. Savor the cuisine that Beaumont residents enjoy during this week-long culinary celebration. (Jefferson County)

March 11, St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Surfside Beach. This parade is one of the long-standing traditions in Surfside. Festivities include a colorful parade, a costume contest, and a reenactment of the Battle of Velasco. Don’t forget to wear your green. All proceeds benefit the Surfside Beach Police/EMS and Volunteer Fire Departments. (Brazoria County)

March 13 – 17, Spring Camps with Artist Boat in Galveston. Art meets science in Artist Boat’s 2023 Spring Break Eco-Art Camp sessions for kids 5-10. Campers experience science and art enrichment with the creation of eco-art. Each camper creates high-quality art projects illustrating what they learned in camp. A second ECO-Camp is tailored for kids ages 11-15 and offers an opportunity to explore the wetlands through canoeing and nature walks. They’ll also learn to fish with a seine, cast netting, and crabbing. Both day camps are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. (Galveston County)

March 14-17, Spring into Action at The Center for the Arts and Sciences in Clute. From Shakespeare to puppets, to “The Accidental Astronauts” planetarium show, watercolor card painting, and ending with St. Patrick’s Day fun, you’ll find plenty to keep the kids entertained during Spring Break at the Center for the Arts and Sciences in Clute. (Brazoria County)

March 18, Spring Market Day & Food Truck Festival in Freeport. This seasonal Freeport event is held in downtown Freeport and features local vendors offering hand-made items and popular area food trucks from 10 am to 4 pm. (Brazoria County)

March 18, Spring Astronomy Day at the BASF Planetarium at The Center for the Arts and Sciences in Clute. Enjoy safe solar viewing, mini Planetarium shows, and astronomy-related demonstrations from noon to 3 pm. Plus, this event is free and open to the public. (Brazoria County)

March 21 & 29, Coastal Creations at Matagorda Bay Nature Park. Create a coastal-themed painting instructed by our amateur park resident artists during an afternoon visit to the park. The class is from 2 to 3:30 pm. You’ll love the view and the solitude of Matagorda Bay Nature Park. The cost is $25 with all materials provided. (Matagorda County)

March 24 – 26, Matagorda Bay Birdfest in Palacios. Choose from fourteen bird tours, enjoy the Saturday Palacios Parade of Birds, raptor display, and various speakers during the Birdfest weekend. Did you know Matagorda County leads the nation in the number of bird species counted in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count for 20 of the last 25 years? Put this on your calendar. (Matagorda County)

April 1, Jimmy Simmons Jazz Festival at the Jefferson Theatre in Beaumont. Calling all jazz lovers, Lamar University is hosting its 4th Annual Jimmy Simmons Jazz Festival Saturday, April 1. Special guests for the event will be 17-time Grammy-nominated Yellowjackets, featuring music from their most recent release. (Jefferson County)

April 1, Cajun Heritage Fest in Port Arthur. Cajun Fest is Port Arthur, Texas’ twist on celebrating Cajun music, dancing, and flavors drawn from their Louisiana neighbors. This is a  day of making new friends and catching up with old ones. (Jefferson County).

April 8, Space Center Cruisers Spring Car Show in Walter Hall Park in League City. This car show benefits youth scholarships and the Texas Lions Camp for Children. The show is from 7 am to 4 pm (Galveston County)

April 13 – 16, Tall Ship Galveston at Pier 21. The 2023 Tall Ships® Galveston festival offers tours of participating ships, special events, sail-away excursions, music, food, and fun in a family-friendly setting. Galveston Island is one of three ports for the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Gulf Coast 2023 Series, which features a fleet of ships traveling across the Gulf of Mexico as they visit other participating cities. (Galveston County)

April 20, May 11, and June 21, Sundown Concert Series in Beaumont. This free outdoor summer concert series is a free live music escape you and your kids will enjoy. Families are encouraged to picnic around the lake, enjoy the playground, visit the resident ducks and enjoy live music as the sun sets. (Jefferson County)

April 20-23, FeatherFest Birding & Nature Photography Festival. Whether you’re a serious or casual bird-watcher, nature photographer, or someone who wants some exercise, fresh air, and a touch of sunshine, purchase tickets to FeatherFest. FeatherFest is four fun-filled days of incredible birding and nature photography field trips throughout the area, including Anuhuac, Beaumont, High Island, League City, Pearland, Seabrook, and more. (Galveston County)

April 21 – June 24, Coming Home: Paintings by Forrest Bess at the City by the Sea Museum in Palacios. Born in Bay City, Forrest Bess’ paintings are exhibited throughout the country, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, and numerous others. These “Coming Home” paintings are on loan to the Museum from private collections from Matagorda County, with some never seen publicly. Bess is also known for designing camouflage during his time US Army Corps of Engineers. (Matagorda County)

April 22, Rally on the River in Bay City. Stop by our annual Rally on the River at Riverside Park and enjoy games, crafts, activities, and food trucks from 10 am to 2 pm. Plus, there’s a river paddle and river clean-up at 9 am. And the park offers campsite rentals. (Matagorda County)

April 29, The Grand Kids Festival in Galveston. The Annual Grand Kids Festival celebrates children, families, and folk art in Galveston’s historic downtown Cultural Arts District. Presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House, this family event offers live entertainment, street performances, Missoula Children’s Theatre performance, and various children’s activities. This year’s theme is “Texas Western.” Admission is free. (Galveston County)

April 30, VIVA! Beaumont Hispanic Heritage Festival in Downtown Beaumont. The festival highlights local artisans, restaurants, groups, attractions, and more, shining a light on the Hispanic culture of Beaumont during this FREE event. Enjoy food vendors, entertainment, activities, and games. (Jefferson County)

April 29-30, Migration Celebration at the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Campus. Activities include a Birds of Prey show, air rifle target shooting, bow and arrow target shooting, butterfly encounters, fishing, a touch tank, kayaking, and more. The Migration Celebration is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service event from the Texas Mid-coast National Wildlife Complex underwritten by the Friends of the Brazoria Wildlife Refuges. (Brazoria County)

April 28 & 29, Riverfest in Freeport. Come out for barbecue, live music, boat races, and more at this annual event at the Freeport Municipal Park. Plus, the kids will love the petting zoo, face painting, nightly fireworks, inflatables, and a crocodile experience. The festival is from 6 pm to midnight on Friday and from noon to midnight on Saturday and admission is free. (Brazoria County) 

May 6-8 & May 13-14, Galveston Historic Homes Tour. Every May, the Galveston Historical Foundation offers public tours through privately owned homes and Galveston’s architectural history during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. In addition to the tours, the GHF hosts numerous special events, allowing guests unique experiences in many tour homes and historic sites across the island. (Galveston County)

This list of must-do events is just a sampling of things to do in the Upper Texas Coast. For more ideas, click Things to Do and search by category.  

Lone Star Coastal Alliance is committed to promoting nature and heritage tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities in Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties.

The post Not-to-Miss Spring Events on the Upper Texas Coast appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.

Jefferson County

Beaumont Murals 

While visiting Jefferson County, make sure to download the City of Beaumont’s Mural Guide, which lists 15 murals to visit. Highlights include the Mermaid Mural and Barbara Lynn Tribute Mural. There are a variety of themes, and all are worthy of a quick picture and post to Instagram. 

Texas Artist Museum in Port Arthur

Going through Port Arthur, plan to stop at the Texas Artist Museum. Residents started the museum in 1972 to feature artists of the Golden Triangle region. The museum is open Monday thru Friday from 1 to 4 pm.  

Galveston County

Galveston Tree Sculptures

The tidal surge of Hurricane Ike in 2008 killed thousands of trees in Galveston. Some homeowners decided to hire local artists to repurpose these trees into works of art. Galveston has more than 20 tree sculptures scattered across the east end of the island. Some of the more popular are the Tin Man and Toto, a great dane whose owners dress him for every holiday, and two crested herons. The Galveston CVB offers a listing on its website. 

League City Butler Oak Sculptures

Similarly, League City repurposed two dying Butler Oak Trees into works of art. Jimmy Phillips, who worked on the tree sculptures in Galveston, is creating a series of four sculptures for League City, including a firefighter rescuing a puppy, a young girl reading a book to a dog, and a railroad engineer holding a signal light. The engineer pays homage to the town’s history as a stop on the rail line. You can find the first two sculptures of the series at Hometown Heroes Park, 2105 Dickinson Ave. and Helen Hall Library, 100 W. Walker St. The city website also offers a map of their newly painted traffic boxes. 

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea (Dec. 10 thru March 5, 2023) in Galveston

Galveston Island is hosting a temporary exhibit to create awareness around the effects of plastic in the world’s waterways. You’ll find 19 art installations across the island. Imagine a shark made of plastic and a bald eagle with a 17-foot wingspan. You’ll see buckets and shovels as a reminder of the importance of keeping our beaches clean. This is the first time these sculptures are available free to the public for viewing in the United States, so it’s a great excuse to go for a road trip.

Brazoria County

Angleton’s Traffic Box Art

Typically, traffic boxes are pretty plain except in the City of Angleton. The City of Angleton’s Keep Angleton Beautiful partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation to create temporary traffic box wraps to beautify the city’s right-of-way. Area artists created stunning designs focusing on nature. Among the highlights are an ibis, butterflies, blue jays, and cardinals. It will give you an excuse to smile during your drive. 

Murals and 1836 Pocket Park in West Columbia

West Columbia makes another great option in Brazoria County for murals. This small town offers 11 murals, with most painted on Brazos Avenue. You’ll want to spend a little time at the 1836 Pocket Park, which was recently revitalized from a vacant lot to a welcoming park with seating, a mural, and a fountain. A park grant through Texas Parks and Wildlife funded the updates along with the West Columbia Economic Development Corporation and its partners. 

Matagorda County

Statue and Mural in Palacios 

In Palacios, you’ll want to see the Fisherman’s Memorial, which overlooks Matagorda Bay. The 15-foot statue of Jesus serves as a memorial to all fishermen lost at sea and to protect those sailing out. Palacios, home to roughly 400 vessels, is the third-largest shrimping port in Texas and proclaims itself the Shrimp Capital of Texas. Currently, a mural is painted at the Pirate Queen Designs building, 405 Main Street-a shop with a little bit of everything. The city expects more murals to come. 

Murals in Bay City

You’ll find at least four murals in Bay City. In celebration of being one of the top locations for birding, you’ll find a “cheat sheet” of birds painted on one mural called Birds of a Feather Flock Together. Look around town for Zeinab Ghais’ numerous  Wings of Matagorda County murals. They are definitely IG-worthy. 

For more ideas on exploring the Upper Texas Coast, click Things to Do and search by category.  

Lone Star Coastal Alliance is committed to promoting nature and heritage tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities in Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. 

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Jefferson County Foodie Stops

Let’s start our Foodie Tour of the Upper Texas Coast in Jefferson County. Our first stop is at J. Wilson’s, 4190 Gladys Avenue, in Beaumont. J. Wilson’s, which opened in 2016, keeps the community coming back for more with favorites like their Man Candy, which is slow, smoked pork belly tossed in habanero jelly. You’ll also want to order their Oyster Nachos. Locals also recommend their flatbreads and burgers. Insider Tip: Sit at the bar. They offer 25 bottles of bourbon and a rotating beer tap. 

Next, we’re heading to Port Arthur for Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, 3400 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. Locals recommend Cajun Fried Ribs, Steak Nachos, and Shrimp Etouffee Stuffed Pistolettes. Their Facebook page describes their food as MEXICAJUN. You’ll also find a Tia Juanita’s in Beaumont.

Galveston County Foodie Stops

Next, we’re heading to Galveston County for Smokin’ D’s BBQ Fusion, 2625 SH 35 N, Unit 191, in Alvin. The Cooking Channel has featured Owner and Chef Dustin Jimenez, a third-generation pit master. Locals love his Brisket Macdilla, BBS Baos, Fried Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts, and any of his BBQ plates. He incorporates Tex-Mex, Asian, and Creole flavors into his cooking style.

Another must-do stop in Galveston County is Maceo Spice & Import Company, 2706 Market, in Galveston. Rosario Maceo is the nephew of the legendary muffuletta maker Toni Lovi from New Orleans. He brought his family recipe to Galveston. His son Ronnie Maceo continues the tradition. Maceo Spice is in a popular area called West Market. 

Brazoria County Foodie Stops

Let’s continue to Brazoria County.  Since you’re traveling along the coast, you’d better stop at the Red Snapper Inn, 402 Bluewater Highway, in Surfside Beach. Red Snapper Inn prepares its fresh gulf seafood with a taste of Greek and Cajun influence. Locals recommend the Crab Florentine. According to Texas Monthly, Texas Highways, and numerous other publications, this is one of the best seafood establishments on the Texas coast. 

Matagorda County Foodie Stops

Next on the list are two stops in Matagorda County. First, stop at the Fat Grass Restaurant and Bar, 1717 7th Street, in Bay City. Chef Shawn C. Watkins has traveled around the world and trained in the French method of cooking, known as “Le Cordon Bleu.” Their specialty is the Fat Grass Ribeye and Grilled Sirloin. Check their Facebook page for specials.  

Who would have thought a convenience store would make an excellent stop for Foodies? Our last visit is at The Point, 601 First Street, in Palacios. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown featured The Point in the Houston segment, which aired in October 2016. Locals enjoy their comfort food, like meatloaf, and their Vietnamese specials. You’ll also see delicious comfort food on their menu: picture Maple Pecan Crusted Pork Chops or Pork Guisado with Mexican Rice. Check their Facebook page for their current specials. 

We encourage you to look for those locally owned small restaurants as you explore the Upper Texas Coast. One of the great things about Texas is people are always willing to give a recommendation. Search our website’s Things to Do section for suggestions for the Upper Texas Coast and download/bookmark our Trip Plans.

About Lone Star Coastal Alliance

The Lone Star Coastal Alliance is a 501(c)3 created to preserve and promote the upper Texas Gulf Coast region in a manner that enhances coastal resilience while fostering economic development focused on conservation and tourism, elevating the unique natural, cultural, and historical assets of the region and benefitting quality of life within the communities.

Restaurant Cheat Sheet:

J. Wilson’s, 4190 Gladys Avenue, in Beaumont

Where to Stay in Beaumont: MCM Elegante Hotel

Drive Time/Miles to Port Arthur Restaurant: 20 min/18.7 miles

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, 3400 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., in Port Arthur, TX

Where to Stay in Port Arthur: Sabine Lake Lodge

Drive Time/Miles to Alvin Restaurant: 1 hr, 51 min/108 miles

Smokin D’s BBQ Fusion, 2625 SH 35 N, Unit 191, in Alvin, TX

Drive Time/Miles to Galveston Restaurant: 42 min/33.5 miles

Maceo Spice & Import Company, 2706 Market, in Galveston, TX

Where to Stay in Galveston: The Tremont House

Drive Time/Miles to Surfside Restaurant: 59 min/39.4 miles

Red Snapper Inn, 402 Bluewater Highway, in Surfside Beach

Where to Stay in Surfside: Breeze Hotel & RV Park

Drive Time/Miles to Bay City Restaurant: 59 min/49.6 miles

Fat Grass Restaurant and Bar, 1717 7th Street, in Bay City

Drive Time/Miles to Palacios Restaurant: 28 min/28.5 miles

The Point, 601 First Street, in Palacios

Where to Stay in Palacios: Hotel Blessing 

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