When exploring the Upper Texas Coast, you’ll find that three of the nation’s top 10 Christmas bird count locations are in this region, as are significant historic districts from the Victorian Era, right alongside our nation’s energy story – from the discovery of oil at Spindletop that changed the world to nuclear, wind, and solar that are leading the energy transition. Historic sites representing the six national flags flown over Texas have miles and miles of amazing places to fish, kayak, paddleboard, and otherwise enjoy nature. Foodies will love exploring local picks for barbecue or oysters. Or plan ahead for festivals and holiday events in the Upper Texas Coast. 

Unique Stops When Exploring the Upper Texas Coast

Here’s just a sampling of things you can only tour when exploring the Upper Texas Coast:

• Step back in time in a replica boomtown at Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown in Beaumont. Check their Facebook page so you can be there for a gusher re-enactment.
• Visit the hometown of Janis Joplin in Port Arthur and tour the Museum of the Gulf Coast.
• Go kayaking in the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve and leave with a painting with Artist Boat in Galveston.
• See an original Andy Warhol painting at The Bryan Museum in Galveston 
• See the largest red drum hatcheries in the world at the Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson,
• Paddle through one of the most incredible ecological systems in our region in the Sugar Mill Stretch of the Stephen F Austin Trail on the Brazos River in Brazoria County.
• Savor breakfast at Hotel Blessing coffee shop and restaurant in Matagorda County.
• Go sailing on half scale seaworthy reproduction of Rene-Robert Cavelier’s ship LaBelle in Palacios, TX 

Cities like Beaumont or Palacios make a great start to a weeklong tour through this varied region. This is a tiny glimpse of things to do in the Lone Star Coastal region along the Upper Texas Coast. Stay tuned for more exploration ideas for Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties.

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. 

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.

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In Jefferson County during Labor Day Weekend, make a 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 |????https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sea-rim

If you make your way to Galveston County and you love country music, we recommend you plan on Red, White & Bayou Texas Music Festival & Tailgate in Dickinson on Sept. 3 and 4. This city-sponsored country music festival makes its return after a 5-year hiatus following Hurricane Harvey. It’s coming back bigger and better, featuring Jake Worthington (star of The Voice) on Saturday and Muscadine Bloodline on Sunday. Gates open Saturday from 11 a.m. till 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. The music festival features local bands throughout the day, a tailgate and cookoff competition, a vendor market, and family activities, including kids’ crafts and a kid zone. Tickets are $10 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday, and $21 for both days. VIP Passes are available for $120/day. 

4512 Hwy 3, Dickinson, TX 77539 | ????http://www.redwhiteandbayou.com 

In Brazoria County, families should check out the Youth Fishing Day at Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3. This event is for kids aged 16 and younger. Sea Center Texas is an aquarium, fish hatchery, and education center. While the event offers volunteers with nets, you’ll need to bring your fishing rods, bait, chairs, sunscreen, and other essentials. This is a catch and release fishing event. 

302 Medical Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 | ????https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas   

In  Matagorda County, there are two different events at Matagorda Bay Nature Park during Labor Day Weekend. On Friday, Sept. 2, Matagorda Bay Nature Park is hosting Savor the Outdoors, a dinner event at Matagorda Beach. Picture coastal cuisine served on the beach by Chef Max Frisbie from Mill Scale Metal Works and live music by singer-songwriter Drew Kennedy, stargazing, beach bonfires, and a look at the park’s newest beach bungalows. Tickets are $150/per person and are limited. 

Matagorda Bay Nature Park, 6430 FM2031, Matagorda, TX 77457 | ????https://www.eventcreate.com/e/savortheoutdoors 

On Saturday, Sept. 3, Matagorda Bay Nature Park is hosting a free Beach House Bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing tours of their new Beach Bungalows, games, food, prizes, kayak races, and a vendor market.

Matagorda Bay Nature Park, 6430 FM2031, Matagorda, TX 77457 | ????https://fb.me/e/1Jc51Gcc0

This is a tiny glimpse of things to do in the Lone Star Coastal region along the Upper Texas Coast. Stay tuned for more exploration ideas for Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. 

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