Visit the place where Texas began -Gonzales, Texas.
Gonzalez, Texas, is a small town in south-central Texas and one of the oldest towns in the state, with much to be proud of. Gonzales is where the Texas Revolution began—and where the legendary “Come and Take It” cannon fired its first shot. Gonzales, TX attractions
Texas history enthusiasts will fall in love with this small town in Texas of over 7,200 people, just over an hour east of San Antonio. Some might drive by Gonzales and not know the hidden gems they pass by. Don’t be those people. It’s a fun place to learn about early Texas history.
Where is Gonzales, Texas?
Gonzales is located in Gonzales County, situated in central Texas, and is over an hour’s drive from San Antonio, over two hours from Houston, and about 68 miles from Austin.
Disclosure: The City of Gonzales (Tourism Department) hosted me in their town, which included compensation. All opinions here are my very own.
Gonzales, TX Attractions
What we do know is that Texas wouldn’t be a state if it weren’t for what happened in Gonzales many years ago.
“The Lexington of Texas” references the start of the American Revolution.
However, several stories are told in Gonzales. Depending on who you talk to, these stories can get quite interesting. Some are so far-fetched that it’s hard to believe, such as the jail being haunted, Bonnie and Clyde’s escaping from the Alcalde Hotel, the last hanging allegedly putting a curse on the courthouse clock, or the mini cannon in the museum being the one that fired the first shot (or not), and many more stories I heard from several people. Oh, if those walls could talk!
Read along and see why you should add this town to your list of places to visit in Texas, especially if you have a child who has already studied Texas history in school. You might even find a few hidden gems (I did).
Contact the tourism department to arrange a complimentary tour of Gonzales.
Gonzales, TX Attractions, Places to Stay, Eat & Play
From exploring Texas history, playing in the park, hiking, kayaking, and more, it’s easy to spend a full weekend in this town.
Ottine Mineral Springs
Just outside of town is this hidden gem that many don’t know about. I had no idea it was there until the gentleman at the BNB where I stayed told me about it. Then a guest told me that’s where they were going for the day. I did go by there on my way out of town. They are closed on Mondays.
Texas Legacy In Lights
Tuesday – Sunday at 8:25 pm and 9:15 pm
Experience Texas history like never before with Texas Legacy in Lights, a groundbreaking 3D projection mapping show that transforms the Gonzales Memorial Museum into a living canvas. Through vivid cinematic visuals, dramatic reenactments, and immersive soundscapes, the story of the Battle of Gonzales and the Texas Revolution comes to life in stunning detail. This permanent installation runs twice nightly, six days a week—making Gonzales an essential stop for heritage travelers and history enthusiasts alike.
Palmetto State Park
Between Gonzales and Luling, and across the street from Ottine Mineral Springs, is this state park along the San Marcos River. It’s known for jungle-like trails, a spring-fed lake, and birding. Rent a canoe or kayak and have a picnic.
Gonzales County Jail Museum
In the heart of historic downtown Gonzales is one of the oldest historic jails in Texas. Visit the Gonzales Jail Museum, a jail that was in service for over 90 years, where you can walk through the Sheriff’s office, jailer’s quarters, dungeon, and gallows.
There were three actual hangings inside this jail. They say the last hanging put a curse on the courthouse clock, and it has never kept the correct time since. Be sure to ask about the full story. If Janell is there, tell her I sent you. She’s got some interesting family stories of her own!
Travel Tip: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. $5 Admission.
Gonzales Memorial Museum
This museum is a Texas Centennial Historical Memorial Museum commemorating the Alamo’s Immortal 32. See the cannon that fired the first shot for Texas Independence in 1835.
Admission: $5
Pioneer Village Living History Center
Pioneer Village is an outdoor living history center on the edge of town, just a short drive from downtown. A walk through the village will take you back in time, telling the story of the settlers who came to Gonzales, Texas, in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Each structure has been donated to Pioneer Village and carefully relocated to the grounds for preservation and display. Most of the furnishings and equipment found within these structures were either loaned or donated to help represent the cultural lifestyle of the pioneers who settled in this area. They give excellent insight into life before we had so many modern conveniences.
You can explore different buildings from various eras, including the blacksmith shop, saloon, and Hamon Church, a cypress-sided building still used for special events and weddings. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the opportunity to witness several demonstrations during your visit, learning about how Texans lived and worked in centuries past.
Admission: $5
Travel Tip: Make plans to visit Pioneer Village on the first Saturday in October – during the famed Come and Take It Celebration weekend, where you will discover a battle reenactment and so much more of our Texas History.
Holiday at Pioneer Village
Only 3 days – December 6, 12, & 13, 2025 from 6-9 pm
The annual “Stars in the Village” is a tradition that has delighted children and adults for many years. Kids roast marshmallows and pop their own popcorn over an open campfire. Kids’ pioneer games will be available, along with crafts such as ornaments, candles, and corn shuck dolls that you can make and take home. Also, free hot chocolate and wassail are served with homemade cookies. It’s all about the kids here! And Santa will be there to hear all those wishes.
Homemade butter will be churning, and a blacksmith will be working.
Admission: $8 for Adults and $5 for Kids
The Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library
There are fascinating finds located deep within the local library, including the DuBose Collection. It’s one of the largest private gun collections in the United States. The collection was curated by Charles DuBose, a Gonzales native who graduated from Gonzales High School before entering the Army. His collecting began when he purchased some guns in Germany years ago.
The 1840s Horace Eggleston House
The rustic dog-trot-style (or dog-run) Eggleston House was built in 1848 and is considered the oldest in Gonzales. Take self-guided tours here.
No admission fee.
J.B. Well House Museum Tour
Tour two stories of this 1885 Grand Victorian home with period furnishings, including black walnut furniture and architectural detail. See how the Well’s family lived and their three children’s bedrooms – just the way it was back then. Ask to see the outside well that pumps out spring-fed water.
Admission: $3
Independence Park
Independence Park is located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. It offers a 2-plus-mile hiking trail and beautiful views of the river.
Historic Downtown Gonzales
While walking downtown, take a moment to notice the incredible murals on the sides of the buildings.
Babe of the Alamo Mural
When the Immortal 32 went to the Alamo, there were only three people who did not die: A gentleman, this lady and her baby.
Coca-Cola Mural
Discover this cool Coca-Cola mural on a building just down the block from the Come and Take It Bar and Grill. My tour guide called this a “ghost mural” because it’s faded (old mural).
Come and Take It Wall Mosaic
The most beautiful large mosaic featuring the cannon is across the street from Laurel Ridge Antiques and Christmas Corner.
Main Street Marketplace
Find antiques, replicas of the past, a wide selection of household goods, and other people’s junk!
The Beautiful Romanesque-Style Courthouse
This courthouse was the fourth and final courthouse built in Gonzales. It cost the town $64,000 to build in 1894.
Lynn Theater
Take in a movie at the old Lynn Theater downtown.
Come And Take It Celebration
Always the first weekend in October. See you there next year – October 2026.
The Annual Come and Take It Celebration commemorates the first shot fired in the Texas Revolution and is a significant reason visitors travel to Gonzales. It’s the weekend, the town comes alive, bursting with visitors from around the state, the country, and the world.
The celebration takes place on the first weekend of October, and you’ll want to book lodging well in advance, as some of the unique places to stay, such as the Alcalde Historic Hotel, fill up quickly.
The celebration takes place all weekend long, filling the town square with live music, a 5K run/walk, and a parade. Kids will enjoy riding the mechanical bull, watching a chicken flying contest, visiting a petting zoo, taking carnival rides, attending a car show, and witnessing battle reenactment demonstrations at the Pioneer Village.
Where to Stay in Gonzales, TX
There are plenty of brand hotels in Gonzales, but if you’re looking for something more quaint and nostalgic, opt for one of these places below.
Belle Oaks Inn
The 1912 Historic Belle Oaks Inn, where I stayed, offers eight rooms, a pool, a well-maintained landscape, and a wonderful breakfast every morning you’re there. And of course, very gorgeous and comfortable guest rooms.
The Historic Alcalde Hotel & Grill
See where Bonnie & Clyde stayed and where they ran from the sheriff. Also, Elvis stayed there, too – well, that’s what my tour guide told me. The hotel is located downtown.
Laurel Ridge Antiques & Christmas Store and Inn
Laurel Ridge Antiques—While this is a much-loved bed and breakfast, the antique store on two floors is just as loved. I was told the store is always open.
Cabana Guest House on Airbnb
Both my tour guides mentioned this Airbnb to me. It’s directly across the street from the historic JB Wells House at 833 Mitchell Street. The Airbnb is not the big historic home, but rather the unattached white house on the right. There is a pool in the backyard, too.
Wow, there is a lot of history to take in, which can be overwhelming at times. Our recommendation is to take your time and to try to visit all the attractions, especially the Pioneer Village and the jail museum. We all recommend getting a guide to tell the story.
Be sure to go by the Visitors Center (Tour Gonzales) at 304 St. Louis Street.
Come and Take It All In
PIN IT!
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