at the mouth of the Brazos River here in 1821. Today, Brazosport is known for its beaches, nature
sites, museums and sports. Recreational activities include freshwater and saltwater fishing, boating, surfing and crabbing. For deep-sea fishing, party and charter fishing vessels are for hire at several docks. RV facilities are available on or near the beach. Two 18-hole public golf courses are just minutes from the beach.
ALDEN B. DOW OFFICE MUSEUM —See the re-created 1943 office Dow used to design the city of Lake Jackson’s buildings and streets. The building also housed the first post office, city hall and barbershop. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Admission by donation. 101 S. Parking Place in Lake Jackson. 979/297-1570.
www.lakejacksonmuseum.org.
BRYAN BEACH —This beach is on the Gulf of Mexico, Intracoastal Waterway and Brazos River. Activities include fishing, beach recreation and primitive camping. From Freeport, southwest two miles on F.M. 1495, then three miles south. 979/233-3526.
www.freeport.tx.us.
GULF COAST BIRD OBSERVATORY, THE —This facility, on 33 acres of Columbia Bottomland forest, has self- guided nature trails. Birds include woodland species, spring and fall migrants, as well as winter residents. Free maps are available at the office. Free. 103 W. Texas 332. 979/480-0999.
www.gcbo.org.
JACKSON PLANTATION ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE — A Texas Antiquities Archeological Landmark, the plantation, on the banks of Lake Jackson, was destroyed by a 1900 hurricane. The ruins of eight buildings are the subject of study. From Lake Jackson, one mile northeast on F.M. 2004 from Texas 332. 979/297-1570.
www.lakejacksonmuseum.org.
LAKE JACKSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM —The facility chronicles the history of the city. Exhibits include the prehistoric era, plantation era and development of the area’s petrochemical industry. Gift shop. 249 Circle Way in Lake Jackson. 979/297-1570.
www.lakejacksonmuseum.org.
QUINTANA BEACH COUNTY PARK —Day-use facilities include a fishing pier and playground. Elevated boardwalks with wheelchair ramps connect shaded pavilions. Coveney House has a period museum and natural history display. Reservations accepted for camping. Admission charge. From Texas 288 in Freeport, take F.M. 1495 south 1.7 miles; C.R. 723 east three miles to park entrance. 800/872-7578.
www.brazoria-county.com/parks.
SAN BERNARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE —Geese winter in this 27,000-acre refuge. The bird list for the refuge contains nearly 250 species. Auto tours, hiking trails and boardwalks are great for spotting birds. Open sunrise-sunset daily. For access, hunting and fishing information, contact the field office at 2547 C.R. 316 in Brazoria (979/964-4011). Free. 979/964-3639.
www.fws.gov/refuge/san_bernard.
SEA CENTER TEXAS —This marine hatchery, aquarium and education center includes rearing ponds, a saltwater marsh demonstration project and a visitor center. It also has a “touch tank,” displays on marine life, and multiple aquariums. Hatchery tours by reservation only. 300 Medical Drive in Lake Jackson. 979/292-0100.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/seacenter.
SHRIMP BOAT MONUMENT —The former trawler Mystery honors the colorful shrimp industry of the Brazosport area. This 60-foot boat, built of cypress timber, brought in millions of pounds of Gulf shrimp for about 25-years. Mystery is on display for photo opportunities (no climbing). At the head of Brazosport harbor channel on Texas 288 in Freeport. 979/233-3306.
www.freeport.tx.us.
SURFSIDE BEACH —The name is both a town and a description of this resort-recreation area. Miles of sandy beaches teeming with seashells and marine life make this a perfect recreational retreat. Beach house rentals, motels, fishing charters, restaurants and shops are available for beach goers.
Breeze into Beaumont and add a little lagniappe to your Texas vacation. Blaze a trail through the Big Thicket National Preserve and enjoy the thrills of Gator Country. Satisfy your cravings for gulf-fresh seafood, impressive museums, historic homes and world-class birding. This is Texas with a little something extra!
Start planning! Call 1-800-392-4401 or visit
BEAUMONTCVB.COM for your free vacation guide.
@VISITBEAUMONTTX 55 Baytown Nature Center Ever dream of kayaking in the glow
of the San Jacinto Monument?
www.VisitBaytown.com
TEXAS WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA.
family, history & nature
GULF CO AST
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