Scenic outdoor parks, coastal golf courses, and museums containing nearly 500 years of Texas history are among the many attractions in Matagorda County. Located halfway between Corpus Christi and Houston, the county is a natural treasure well known for its beautiful beaches and world-class fishing and birding. Full of quaint towns, the county has plenty to see and enjoy for just about anyone. Discover its attractions below and start planning your retreat to the Texas Gulf Coast today.
Downtown Bay City
Stepping into downtown Bay City is like wandering back into the past. Historic storefronts housing an array of charming shops and restaurants line the Matagorda County Courthouse square, an easy-to-walk area with plenty to see and do. Don't miss Market Day on the Square on the third Saturday of each month, when local arts and crafts vendors set up shop in the downtown area.
1700 7th Street
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 244-7680
LeTulle Park
Challenge your friends on an 18-hole disc golf course, delight in an afternoon picnic, or simply get outdoors at this park in Bay City. Bring your camera or binoculars to see the abundance of wildlife in the park, including alligators, raccoons, turtles, and numerous types of birds.
TX-35 West
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 323-1660
Matagorda Bay Nature Park
Encompassing 1,333 acres of coastal marshes and two miles of Gulf of Mexico beachfront, Matagorda Bay Nature Park is ideal for anyone looking to revel in the outdoors. Birdwatch in the marshlands, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the Colorado River, swim and fish on the beach, and go horseback riding. Tent camping and full hookup RV sites are available for rent.
6430 FM 2031
Matagorda, TX 77457
(979) 863-2603
Matagorda Beach
With 58 miles of sandy beaches, Matagorda Beach is a sunbather's paradise. Drive to your perfect spot along the shoreline on the 23 miles of beach east of the Colorado River, or rent a kayak and paddle over to the isolated portion west of the river that is only accessible by watercraft. Work on your sun tan, swim in the surf, explore tranquil sand dunes, and camp on the beach once the sun sets.
Matagorda, TX 77457
Matagorda County Birding Nature Center
Matagorda County is known as one of the best birding destinations in North America, and there are few places better to experience it than the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center. Stroll quiet trails along the Colorado River and smaller waterways and keep a keen eye out for the ducks, geese, herons, woodpeckers, and other native and migratory species found in this part of the Gulf Coast. Along with the birding trails, the nature center has a variety of gardens to visit, such as the Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, and Palm & Bamboo Gardens.
1025 TX-35
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 245-3336
Matagorda County Children’s Museum
Step into a bygone era at the Matagorda County Museum. Home to a fully realized turn of the 20th century town, the museum includes a one-room schoolhouse, a General Store, a barber shop, and an old-fashioned post office. Full of hands-on activities, the museum is a treat for the young and the young at heart.
2100 Avenue F
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 245-7502
Matagorda County Museum
See artifacts from one of the most important shipwreck discoveries in North America, the La Belle Shipwreck, and discover the history and heritage of Matagorda County at this museum in downtown Bay City.
2100 Avenue F
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 245-7502
Palacios City by the Sea Museum
Admire a half-scale recreation of La Salle's ship La Belle (La Petite Belle) and get to know more of this part of Matagorda County's history at this museum.
401 Commerce Street
Palacios, TX 77465
(361) 972-1148
Palacios Golf Course
Test your long and short game on this nine-hole Gary Player-designed golf course in Palacios. Featuring wide-open fairways and water hazards, the course offers a fun and challenging round for players of all skill levels.
289 R. B. Trull Boulevard
Palacios, TX 77465
(361) 972-5947
Rio Colorado Golf Course
Rolling fairways bordering coastal wetlands create the backdrop for the scenic Rio Colorado Golf Course. Designed by World Hall of Fame member Gary Player, this 18-hole wonder takes you through oak and cottonwood forests teeming with wildlife. A variety of tees on each hole makes the course accessible to all skill levels, while the natural hazards and greenside bunkers will make you think twice before each shot. Call the course to arrange tee times.
7320 FM 2688
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 244-2955
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