5 Must Do Things in Texas City

In our Must Do Things Around Greater Houston series, we take a look at Houston’s vast array of communities, neighborhoods and destinations to bring you five fun, tasty, surprising and enticing reasons you should give each one a visit.

Over on the southwest shoreline of Galveston Bay, the deepwater port of Texas City is the third-largest city in Galveston County, right behind League City and Galveston itself. It plays home to what locals call “the world’s longest man-made fishing pier,” a resort-style lagoon, and plenty of great ways to spend the day.

Here’s what to do in and around Texas City:

5 Must Do Things in Texas City

Spend some time out on the bay

Take kiteboarding lessons with Houston Kiteboarding, charter a boat with Fishin’ Hookers or Triple D Charters, or go fishing over at the Texas City Dike, a man-made fishing destination stretching 5.3 miles into Galveston Bay and offering amenities from a beach and picnic areas to restrooms and fish cleaning stations.

Swim, drink & play at Lagoonfest Texas

Now open for its third season, this crystal clear lagoon nestled in Lago Mar is the ultimate summer destination, offering a resort-style experience, luxe amenities, and warm weather activities. Snag an Aqua Fun Pass ($50, not including admission) to hit the Aqua Course, Bumper Boats, and 42’ Titan Slide; take out a kayak, sailboat, aqua trike or stand-up paddle board; and unwind at beachside and floating cabanas, loungers, and a the swim-up bar. Hours are Thursday through Monday from 11am to 7pm.

Go birdwatching at Texas City Prairie Preserve

On the southwest shoreline of the bay, the 2,303-acre Texas City Prairie Preserve is a restoration area for native plants and important habitat, including birds from white ibis and white-tailed hawks to brown pelicans, American oystercatchers, and other shore and wading birds.

Dive into past, present & future at Texas City Museum

History buffs and train enthusiasts will find plenty of fascinating stuff at this 30,000 square foot museum, including a Civil-war era Dahlgren cannon from the USS Westfield; exhibits on the founding of Texas City, the 1947 Disaster, and subjects such as blues musician Charles Brown; and the Galveston County Model Railroad Club Exhibit.

Admission is $7 ($5 for seniors, $4 for students, free for ages 6 and under) and hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm (train exhibit open on Saturdays only).

Get Central Texas ‘que at Smokin’ Z’s BBQ

Just a little ways south down in Bayou Vista, you’ll find bbq food truck Smokin’ Z’s, where husband and wife team Zaid and Mallory Al-Jazrawi put their spin on Central Texas–style barbecue. Dig into things like Beef Ribs, Pork Belly BLTS, ”Not Yo Madre’s Chorizo” Sausage, and Banana Pudding Brownies on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am ‘til sold out.