Bay City - Matagorda County

Miles of soft sand beaches; quaint towns full of mouthwatering restaurants, boutique shops, and historic hotels; and 500 years of history is what you’ll find in Matagorda County. Settled halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi where the Colorado River meets the sea, Matagorda County is a natural treasure. Bask in the sunshine, go fresh and saltwater fishing, and spot as many as 300 species of migratory and native birds in what is known as the “Birding Capital of North America.” All of this just scratches the surface of what you’ll experience when you visit Matagorda County. Continue reading to discover all this Texas Gulf Coast destination has to offer.

Cities in Bay City - Matagorda County

Bay City

Window shop in a breathtaking historic courthouse square before settling in for a delicious meal at a one-of-a-kind restaurant. Play a round of golf at the 18-hole Rio Colorado Golf Course and explore the tranquil trails and gardens at the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center. This is just a taste of what you can do when you visit Bay City, Matagorda County’s largest city. With boutiques and cafes, as well as some of the top attractions in the county, Bay City offers a convenient starting point for your time in this part of the Texas Gulf Coast. 

Matagorda

Soft sandy beaches, waterside restaurants, and plenty of sunshine is what you’ll find in the appealing village of Matagorda. Nestled on the eastern bank of the Colorado River near where it meets Matagorda Bay, this easygoing village is the place to go to enjoy the outdoors. Fresh and saltwater fishing abounds here, as does kayaking, swimming, and birdwatching at the Matagorda Bay Nature Park. When you need a break from the sunshine, explore the beach-themed stores and art galleries or treat your taste buds to the wide variety of restaurants in Matagorda.

Blessing

Located on the road from Bay City to Palacios, Blessing is an inviting community home to a historic hotel (the Blessing Hotel), a few restaurants, and a quilt shop. Stop in for lunch at the country buffet and do a bit of browsing before continuing on to your next destination in Matagorda County.

Palacios

Overlooking the pristine waters of Tres Palacios Bay, Palacios has everything you need for a Gulf Coast getaway. Browse for marine-inspired artwork and hunt for unique finds in Palacios’ specialty shops, savor foods ranging from Asian and Italian to Tex-Mex and seafood, and cast your line from a pier or charter a deep-sea fishing trip. Get a taste of local history at the City by the Sea Museum, then head to South Bay Marina to see a half-scale recreation of Robert de La Salle’s ship La Pettie Belle. Once the sun sets over the bay, relax in a charming bed and breakfast or waterfront hotel and recharge for your next adventure in Matagorda County.