The top things to do in Baytown, TX, are not just by the water.
Baytown is truly a gem –there is something for everybody in this town! The top things in Baytown, TX, include family adventure, the marina lifestyle, learning rich Texas history, and more. You’ll also find plenty of free things to do – which is always nice. Baytown, Texas, is located north of Galveston within the Gulf Coast Region and is 26 miles from Houston and 254 miles from Dallas. Let’s go have some fun!
15 Top Things To Do In Baytown, TX
Baytown is ideal for a family road trip when wanting to spend a fun day by the water or at the waterpark or watching for wildlife and eating delicious food—plenty of Baytown parks to have a picnic and play area.
Depending on what time of year you visit, one main attraction you don’t want to miss is the Baytown Nature Center – complete with nature trails, wildlife, picnic areas, and so much more. It’s the value of a dime.
If you are in Baytown for a while, you’ll likely cross the Fred Hartman Bridge. It’s the longest cable-stayed bridge in Texas and the tallest (but not the highest). If you’re afraid of heights, hold on! I’ve driven over a few bridges along the Texas Gulf Coast area, which are pretty scary.
Spend some time in downtown Baytown at the Baytown Town Square to see shops of every style, bakeries, and many restaurants.
Public Art
1. Baytown Art in the Downtown Arts District
The Downtown Art District is located in the Texas Avenue area, where you can walk and immerse yourself in a modern art experience with bright murals.
Frida Kahlo’s portrait, Salvador Dali, and Smiling Mona Lisa are famous paintings recreated and placed as windows in a brick building. It’s located at the back of the Art League of Baytown’s Gallery.
Art Venture is part of the Baytown Geocaching adventure but focuses on public art. You will visit nine public locations that include murals, sculptures, etc. Install the “Adventure Lab” mobile app and search “Baytown’s Art-Venture Lab.”
2. Lee College Performing Arts Center
Beat the heat and head indoors to see a musical. The art center is diverse, and I think the whole family will love going.
3. Baytown Sculpture Trail
Like several other cities globally, Baytown has a fun outdoor immersive art installation for perfect Instagrammable pictures or silly TikTok clips. The trail is a mix of 20 unique statues featuring artists from the U.S. and Canada.
This free public sculpture trail will take you on a beautiful venture of the many cultures in the Downtown Arts District.
Fishing
Photo Credit: Visit Baytown
4. Fishing In Baytown
Baytown is home to saltwater and freshwater fishing, and guided fishing trips are available to take you out from several boat launch locations around Baytown.
Catching a fish is a big deal in Baytown! There are many places to fish by boat and land, fresh or saltwater. It’s all about finding that perfect spot! The local favorites are Roseland Park, Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center, and Baytown Nature Center!
Things To Do In Baytown, TX – City Parks
5. Roseland Park
Roseland Park is a local favorite park in the Texas Avenue area. You can walk and immerse yourself in a modern art experience with bright murals. There are walking trails, boat ramps, fishing piers, covered playgrounds, picnic areas, BBQ pits, public restrooms, a sand volleyball court, a covered basketball court, and two pavilions.
Address: 100 Roseland Dr.
6. Bicentennial Park
The city of Baytown is all about community, and this park proves it. The Bicentennial Park features excellent options for kids to roam and play. Find water fountains, restrooms, picnic tables, an amphitheater, a gazebo, and everything else to make this a fun, family-friendly time and park.
Address: 1001 Market St.
7. Baytown Bark Park
Have pets will travel. Many of us love to travel with our dogs. This dog park in Baytown provides the utmost adventure for your 4-legged family member.
Address: 4334 Crosby Cedar Bayou Rd.
Another park that’s both a dog park and a skate park is W.L. Jenkins Park, located at 4334 Crosby Cedar Bayou Rd.
Baytown Beaches
8. Go To The Beaches In Baytown
Take your pick of beaches. There are plenty of beaches in Baytown for family fun—Beach City Park, Sylvan Beach Park, El Jardin Beach, and more. Search the area for your favorite.
Nature & Birds
Photo Credit: Visit Baytown
9. The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education & Recreation Center
Various live animals and hands-on exhibits provide a memorable and interactive experience for kids and adults alike. Baytown Wetland Center is a special place for kids to learn what a wetland is and how it helps wildlife and the environment. See if there is a guided tour to take. I learn so much when I take a tour with knowledgeable people.
Admission: Free
10. Baytown Nature Center
The town of Baytown is a wildlife sanctuary with more than 100 bird species for nature lovers and anybody looking for outdoor activities. Some are common, and some are rare – keep an eye open! The Baytown Nature Center is an official site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
Baytown Nature Center is a 450-acre recreational area jeweled for visitors. The Center features fishing piers, birding trails, wildlife blinds, picnic tables, a butterfly garden, bicycle paths, a playground, a kayak launch, etc. You can bring in food and snacks. The Crystal Bay Butterfly Garden, the Children’s Nature Discovery Area, and the Myra C. Brown Bird Sanctuary are particularly noteworthy.
Admission: $4 for adults and $1 for kids and 65+.
Pro Tip: Bring your binoculars.
Kid’s Time
10. Pirates Bay Waterpark
Pirates Bay Waterpark is a fun waterpark for the whole family! It includes a lazy river, dive-in movies in the wave pool, 7 acres of water slides, and much more!
11. Baytown Little Theater
Check out their current season of plays and musicals. If your child has always wanted to act, this is the best place for them to watch talented people in action. Baytown Little Theater promotes the fine arts and presents dramatic productions as educational, cultural, nonprofit, and community projects.
Current ticket price: $20 for each person. Summer musicals are $25 per person.
History In Baytown
12. Battleship Texas State Historic Site
Only 9 miles down the road in La Porte, TX, this famous San Jacinto Monument sits high in the sky – 568 feet, to be exact. Do you know the story of the Battle of San Jacinto? The San Jacinto Museum of History can explain it way better than I do. If you have kids in elementary, chances are they have learned about this. Be sure to stop by the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield. What you’ll find here: A battle, hiking trails, and some of the Gulf Coast’s best birding
Admission: $6-$14
13. Ride The Lynchburg Ferry For Free
The ferry has operated since the early 1800s right here on the San Jacinto River. It takes about 10 minutes to go across the channel to the other side. You don’t even have to get out of your car. What an excellent thing to do for the experience. Kids will love it. The ferry only holds 12 cars, so there may be a line to wait your turn. It operates from 4:30 am until 8:15 pm. The only day the ferry is closed is on New Year’s Day. It’s a free ride!
The exact location is 1001 Independence Pkwy N, Baytown, TX.
Wine Time
14. Yepez Vineyard
Whenever I can mention a winery in parts of Texas, I don’t hesitate to do so. Most wineries are family-friendly and have a beautiful place for the whole family to enjoy, whether that be indoors or outside.
Yepez Vineyard adobe-style winery boasts the culture of the Southwest. Their premium wines use grapes grown in Texas. Anyone can visit and experience a wine tasting, and they have enough space to create a special occasion for everyone. Three wine tastings are complimentary with purchase. Leashed pets are welcome outside.
Restaurants
15. Experience The Restaurants In Baytown, Texas
Foodies will love the delicious food in Baytown. Here are a few tasty options:
El Toro
El Toro: Tex-Mex and margaritas go hand-in-hand here! A must-try: The margaritas and enchiladas are out of this world.
Pipeline Grill Baytown
Pipeline Grill has a good variety of foods for adults and children—The best Dish to try is the Campeche ceviche and all the pizzas.
Going’s BBQ
Going’s BBQ: BBQ Texan style in the Arts District. Best meals to try: Brisket, sausages, and ribs.
Sabor de Mexico
Homemade ice cream, paletas, infused water, and desserts in the Art District. The mango & chile paletas are super tasty.
Baytown Seafood
Baytown Seafood is an excellent place for seafood and fish …and the best in town. Try the gumbo
Rooster’s Steakhouse
Rooster’s – steakhouse, burgers, and BBQ in the Art District. Known for its great hamburgers.
I hope you enjoyed these top things to do in Baytown, TX. And if you’re still unsure where you would like to go, read about these 13 Texas Family Road Trips. You may find another Texas town to visit.
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Thanks for the great list! I’ve lived in Baytown for a few years now, and it’s nice to see these highlights in one place. I especially loved your suggestions for the parks and local dining spots. Can’t wait to explore some of the hidden gems you mentioned!
I loved this list! Baytown has so much to offer that I didn’t even know about. I’m particularly excited to check out the Baytown Nature Center and the historic district. Thanks for the great tips!