Beaches and Bayfronts
Matagorda Beach
Twenty miles of beach are accessible by automobile; the remaining thirty-five miles are accessible only by boat, making it an unblemished paradise isolated from much of the public. Matagorda beaches are a beachcomber's dream-come true. Also available to the public is a fishing pier and beachside picnic area. Permits are required for vehicles entering the beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for areas on the beach beyond the first three miles.
Palacios Seawall
Palacios' seawall stretches across 3 miles and is a favorite spot for many walkers. There are also three public boat ramps and numerous lighted jetties and piers for fishing and 2 miles of lighted sidewalk. The historic Luther Hotel is along the seafront.
Palacios Sand Beach
Along the west end of the south bay seawall at Railroad Park is a man-made sand beach, perfect for launching small sailboats, building sand castles, sunbathing, and beach picnicking.
Sargent Beach
Only 90 miles from Houston...Get away from the big city life! Great fishing, beach combing, shelling and bird watching. Actually an island bordered to the north by the Intracoastal Canal, to the East by the San Bernard and to the West by Mitchell's Cut. Sargent Beach is protected by an 8 mile Granite Revetment Wall which protects the Gulf side of the island and offers a road east and west, behind the wall, for a combined distance of 8 miles down the beach.
Harbors, Intracoastal Waterway, Locks and Swing Bridges
Port of Bay City
www.portofbaycity.com
979-245-5831
Matagorda Harbor and Swing Bridge
Craig Hlavinka, Harbormaster
979-863-2103
Port of Palacios
Three large commercial turning basins two recreational marinas, and three boat/ship repair facilities. Home port to the largest shrimping fleet on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Tony Rigdon – Port Director
361-972-5556
www.portofpalacios.com
info@portofpalacios.com
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Sargent Swing Bridge
www.sargent-tx.com
La Salle Odyssey
A series of exhibits in seven museums tells the story of La Salle’s ill-fated expedition and the remarkable discovery and excavation of La Belle and Fort St. Louis 300 years later. Two Odyssey museums and La Petite Belle, the half-scale replica of the ship, are located in Matagorda County.
Matagorda County Museum
Tells the story of the incredible excavation of La Belle; exhibits many artifacts from the excavation including one of the three bronze cannon recovered.
2100 Avenue F, Bay City
979-245-7502
www.matagordacountymuseum.org
Palacios Area Museum
Tells the roll that the town of Palacios and its residents played in the search for La Belle and the succeeding recovery. Many artifacts from the excavation are exhibited.
416 Commerce Street, Palacios (temporary location)
401 Commerce Street, Palacios (permanent location)
361-972-1148
For additional info call 361-972-3960, -2270, or -0495
www.palaciosmuseum.org
La Petite Belle
Half-scale replica ship of La Salle’s La Belle berthed at the South Bay Marina in Palacios. For additional information call 361-972-3960.
Other Attractions
Birding Nature Center
The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center spans 34 acres on the Colorado River and offers nature trails, gardens, boardwalks, bridges, and an outdoor education center. Call for guided tours. Pavilion rentals available for special events. Open 7 days a week (daylight hours) $3.00/person; $5.00/car; members free
1025 State Hwy 35 South
Bay City, TX 77414
979-245-3336
www.mcbnc.org
Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail
Fourteen state-recognized sites are located in Matagorda County, nine of which are in and around the immediate Palacios area. Birding maps are available at local chambers and at the Birding and Nature Center.
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/birdingtrails/coastal_trail
www.mcbnc.org
NatureTourism@tpwd.state.tx.us
Historical Markers
Matagorda County is host to over 85 Texas State Historical markers. Maps are available at Bay City Tribune, local chambers, and area museums.
www.matagordatourism.com
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