Baytown is one of those towns in Texas with a very unique charm, kind people and so much to offer. There is something for everybody. It’s truly a gem, you can find history, adventure, good food, that marina lifestyle and it’s great for families. It’s filled with outdoor options. Companies including ExxonMobil and Chevron Philips are based in this wonderful place.
Located north of Galveston within the Gulf Coast region, Baytown is just 26 miles from Houston (and only 254 miles away from Dallas). It’s just ideal for a family road trip. I know that if you visit Baytown, you are going to fall in love with the many outstanding activities and attractions.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This post was part of a sponsored project in conjunction with members of the TEXAS TRAVEL ALLIANCE to feature their members. The partnership included lodging, food & beverage and compensation for the trip. The opinions reflected are honest and based upon the individual blogger experience.
Get Started with Geocaching and Art
A nice way to navigate around and discover new things to do is using the Baytown Geotour and the official passport (available online and in a printable version). The Geocaching is an in-person interactive treasure hunting game around the city of Baytown using your smartphone or any other GPS enabled-device. It’s just like a treasure hunt! You will find 31 different Geocaches on the Family, History or in the Nature Together Geotour! You can follow a theme or try to find them all. Earn points and prizes!
Art Venture: it’s part of the Baytown Geocaching adventure but focused on public art. You will visit 9 public locations that include murals, sculptures, etc. Install the “Adventure Lab” mobile app and search “Baytown’s Art-Venture Lab“.
Baytown
Baytown Nature Center has plenty to offer families
Baytown is the perfect spot to fish!
What to do in Baytown
- Umbrella Alley: like several other cities in the world, Baytown has a fun outdoor immersive art installation for perfect Instagrammable pictures or silly TikTok clips. Enjoy colorful hanging umbrellas surrounded by beautiful murals in Downtown Baytown.
Address: 124 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520.
- Bayland Marina: a Texas Gulf Coast marina in the Upper Galveston Bay near Morgans Point with an amazing view of the Fred Hartman bridge at the background. Recently renovated, there are numerous options no matter what size boat you have.
Address: 2651 TX-146, Baytown, TX 77520.
- Fishing: catching a fish or two is a big thing in Baytown! Fresh or saltwater, there are many places where you can fish by boat or land. It’s all about finding that spot! Roseland Park, Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center and Baytown Nature Center are some of local favorites!
- Art League Painted Windows: Frida Kahlo portrait, Salvador Dali, a smiling Mona Lisa are some of a few famous paintings recreated and placed as windows in a brick building. My daughter Chloe loves it! Located at the back of the Art League.
Address: 110 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520.
- Bird watching: for nature lovers and anybody looking for outdoors activities, Baytown is definitely a wildlife sanctuary with more than 100 bird species, some common and some are rare, just keep an eye! Take the Bird Watching Challenge.
- Roseland Park: free park with a walking trail, two boat ramps, fishing piers, covered playgrounds, many picnic areas, BBQ pits, public restrooms, sand volleyball court, covered basketball court and two pavilions.
Address: 100 Roseland Dr, Baytown, TX 77520.
- Downtown Art District: is located in the Texas Avenue area; walk and immerse yourself in a modern art experience with bright murals. It’s free and great for photo opportunities!
Address: 204 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520.
Bayland Marina has great facilities for boaters
Umbrella Alley Baytown–you HAVE to take a picture here!
Baytown Nature Center
This 450 acre recreational area is a jewel for visitors. Three watery bays are part of the center and it’s home to more than 300 bird species. The Center features fishing piers, birding trails, wildlife blinds, picnic tables, butterfly garden, bicycle paths, playground, kayak launch and more. You can bring your own food and snacks. Of special note is the Crystal Bay Butterfly Garden, the Children’s Nature Discovery Area and the Myra C. Brown Bird Sanctuary.The Baytown Nature Center is an official site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. $4 for adults and $1 for children (5-12) and seniors (65+). It is budget friendly too. Address: 6213 Bayway Dr, Baytown, TX 77520.
Dining
If you are a Foodie or you are traveling for that taste of place, Baytown offers delicious options like:
- El Toro: Tex-Mex and margaritas.
- Pipeline Grill: good variety of foods for adults and children.
- Pupuseria El Rey: sabor tradicional de la cocina centroamericana.
- Going’s Barbeque Co.: BBQ Texan style in the Arts District.
- Sabor of Mexico: homemade ice cream, paletas, infused water, desserts in Art District.
- Baytown Seafood: seafood and fish.
- Rooster’s: steakhouse, burgers and BBQ in the Art District.
The Campeche ceviche and pizzas at Pipeline Grill are a must try (my kids also love their french fries), margaritas and enchiladas at El Toro are out of this world, pupusas de loroco con queso in Pupuserias El Rey are really good and authentic, mango & chile paletas at Sabor de Mexico are super tasty. Brisket, sausages and ribs at Going’s Barbeque are the best we had in a long time!
Sabor of Mexico -Baytown
Pupuseria El Rey – Baytown, TX
Remember: Fishing licenses are needed in many areas of Texas. Check this website for requirements for fishing licenses in Texas.
Current Changes Due to COVID-19:
There are no kayak rentals available at this time, but check before you make travel plans. .
Face masks are mandatory inside stores and restaurants.
Some places are closed on Saturdays or during weekends, please make sure to search online for days and hours of events before you go. Some public events are cancelled.
For more information about Baytown, please visit: https://www.visitbaytown.com.
