Things to Do Near Bay City, TX: A Visitor's Guide

Bay City, Texas does not always make the top of travel lists — and that is exactly why people who discover it keep coming back. Tucked along the Texas Gulf Coast in Matagorda County, this area offers world-class fishing, uncrowded beaches, incredible birding, and a genuine small-town pace that is hard to find anywhere else.

Whether you are staying for a night or a month at Bay City Holiday RV Park, here is your guide to making the most of the area.

Matagorda County is a serious fishing destination. The combination of Matagorda Bay, the Colorado River, and easy Gulf access makes this one of the top spots on the Texas coast for both inshore and nearshore fishing.

Matagorda Bay is a shallow, productive estuary that holds redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum year-round. Wade fishing is popular here — the flats are accessible and the fish are plentiful.

Best times: Fall (September–November) is peak season for speckled trout. Spring brings big redfish into the shallows.

The Colorado River empties into the Gulf just south of Matagorda. The river mouth and surrounding areas are excellent for flounder and redfish, especially during fall migrations.

Matagorda Beach sits at the end of FM 2031, about 25 miles from Bay City. It is one of the least crowded beaches on the Texas coast — wide, clean, and open. Surf fishing here targets redfish, black drum, and whiting. There is also a boat ramp for those launching into the Gulf.

Tip: A Texas fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase one online through Texas Parks and Wildlife.

This area sits along the Central Flyway, one of North America's major migratory bird routes. During spring and fall migration, the coastal prairies and wetlands of Matagorda County fill with warblers, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl.

The Mad Island Marsh Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, is one of the premier birding spots on the Texas coast. It hosts thousands of wintering waterfowl and is a critical stopover for neotropical migrants. Access is limited — check with The Nature Conservancy for visiting guidelines.

Located near the mouth of the Colorado River, this park offers excellent birding along the shoreline and in the coastal scrub. Roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, and various egrets are common sights.

Bay City itself is a friendly small town with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The Matagorda County Museum on Austin Street tells the story of the region — from early settlers and the cotton economy to the oil and gas industry that shapes the area today. Admission is free and it is worth an hour of your time.

Bay City has a solid lineup of local restaurants. A few favorites among our guests:

• El Toro Mexican Restaurant — a local institution for Tex-Mex
• Whataburger — yes, it counts when you are in Texas
• Local BBQ spots — ask at the office for current recommendations, as the best spots change

H-E-B is the go-to grocery store in Bay City — well-stocked and convenient for RV travelers picking up supplies. Walmart is also nearby for hardware, camping gear, and general supplies.

Palacios is a small fishing town on Matagorda Bay with a charming waterfront, a historic hotel, and excellent shrimping. The Luther Hotel, built in 1903, is worth a visit. The town's shrimp fleet makes Palacios one of the best places on the coast to buy fresh Gulf shrimp directly from the boats.

The Brazoria NWR covers over 44,000 acres of coastal prairie, wetlands, and tidal flats. It is exceptional for birding and wildlife photography. Alligators are common — keep a respectful distance. The auto tour route is accessible by regular vehicles.

For a full day trip, Galveston offers the Strand Historic District, Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and miles of Gulf beach. It is a popular day trip for guests staying at the park for a week or more.

• Spring (March–May): Bird migration peaks, redfish in the shallows, mild temperatures
• Summer (June–August): Beach season, warm Gulf water, busy weekends at Matagorda Beach
• Fall (September–November): Best fishing of the year, duck season opens, cooler weather
• Winter (December–February): Excellent birding, uncrowded, mild Gulf Coast winters

Bay City Holiday RV Park puts you right in the middle of all of it. We are a short drive from the bay, the beach, and everything Bay City has to offer — with full hookup sites, Wi-Fi, laundry, and a quiet, well-maintained park to come home to after a day on the water.

Come stay a while. Matagorda County has a way of keeping people longer than they planned.