Our week in Goliad is when we really began to feel immersed in the Texas landscape, history and culture. It ended up being one of my very favourite stops of the entire 2-month trip, which was a pleasant surprise because I had picked the location randomly, simply because it was in between two stops I had already locked in (Austin & Corpus Christi). It was a peaceful, interesting and charming place to visit!
Below you’ll find plenty of ideas for your own trip, including:
Things To Do
There is plenty to do when visiting the Goliad area. Here are some of the highlights:
Mission Espíritu Santo
Directly within the State Park is the historic Spanish colonial-era Mission Espíritu Santo (also pictured in the main photo above). This historic mission was restored in the 1930’s and you can tour the chapel, enclosure and exhibits. This gave us our first taste of Texas history and the role this area played in settlement, trade and war.
Presidio la Bahia
Just down the street from the State Park is the Presidio la Bahia, a Spanish frontier fort. It is said to be the most fought over fort in Texas history, participating in six National Revolutions/Wars for independence. The exhibits were really interesting and we learned a lot about Texas history.
Biking & Trail Rides
There are beautiful trails throughout the area that run through the State Park. We took a bike ride on the 2.5-mile Angel of Goliad Hike and Bike Trail that stretches from the Angel of Goliad statue south of the park north to downtown Goliad. We also considered doing a trail ride with Grace Ranch.
Angel of Goliad
While visiting the Presidio la Bahia or biking along the Angel of Goliad trail, it’s convenient to take a moment to visit the Angel of Goliad statue. This statue honours Francita Alavez who was responsible for saving the lives of Texas prisoners of war in the Goliad massacre.
Children’s Discovery Museum
We took a drive to nearby Victoria, Texas and visited the Children’s Discovery Museum. The kids loved the giant lite-brite, miniature grocery store, medical clinic for stuffed animals, playhouse theatre, ranch home, jurassic lab and outdoor construction area. It was a great hands-on experience!
Places To Eat
Two Scoops & More
If you bike or hike into the historic main square in the heart of Goliad, you may find that you’ve worked up an appetite for ice cream! Two Scoops & More was the perfect stop for a delicious and refreshing sweet treat.
Agave Jalisco
One of the best parts about visiting Texas was all of the delicious Tex-Mex food we ate! The food at the Agave Jalisco restaurant was delicious and the atmosphere was authentic and fun.
Where We Stayed
Goliad State Park
Goliad State Park was a great place to stay in this area. The white-washed walls of the Spanish colonial-era Mission Espíritu Santo were just steps from our campsite. Plus, the trail system led up the street to the Presidio de la Bahia, as well as in the other direction to the heart of the historic town.
