Situated Between San Antonio & Houston, This Riverside City Is Full Of Historic Charm

Gonzales is one of Texas' best-kept secrets steeped in history and culture. Situated between San Antonio and Houston, Gonzales is a small riverside town known as the "Lexington of Texas." This town sits at the meeting point of the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers, meaning you have plenty of fun things to do. If you're a history buff, the city features some of the best historical sites to visit in America. Actually, Gonzales is where the first shots of the Texas Revolution rang out in 1835. Travelers also experience Southern hospitality through meals and festivals.

The small city is located along US-90, about two hours west of Houston and an hour east of San Antonio. You can also visit the town from Austin, which is about an hour away, or Dallas, which is about four hours away. If you're coming from overseas or other states, the nearest major airports are San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which are about an hour away.

Gonzales is one of the best U.S. cities for history buffs to add to their bucket list. Gonzales was one of the first Anglo-American settlements in Texas and constantly faced attacks from the Comanche Tribe. When Gonzales requested help in 1831, Mexico lent the settlement a small cannon. However, by 1835, Mexico needed the cannon to deal with unrest. When Mexico asked Gonzales to give it back, Gonzales stood its ground, telling Mexico to "Come and Take It." Famous words that sparked the Texas Revolution.

A visit to the riverside city lets you experience the spirit of independence from the Texas Revolution, which lives on through museums, historic districts, and landmarks in Gonzales. Start by exploring the Gonzales Memorial Museum, where the "Come and Take It" cannon is displayed. This museum tells the story of the Texas Revolution and early settlers through exhibits and artifacts. Stroll the outside of the museum to find the memorial of the Immortal 32, remembering the Gonzales soldiers who died in the Alamo. Curious about how life was in the 1900s? Pause by the Pioneer Village Living History Center. This property has numerous old structures that have been around since the late 1800s to early 1900s, donated to the museum by locals. Discover the ancient artifacts, historical documents, furniture, and lighting inside the old houses.

After your history tour, stroll downtown Gonzales, especially the Main Street Marketplace, which features locally owned boutiques and landmarks such as the Gonzales Historic Courthouse (built in 1896). If you want to experience Gonzales' culture, attend one of the community celebrations. For example, the town's Come and Take It celebration, which happens in early October, brings history and culture to life through live music, food, drinks, firearms, and classic car shows. You can also find souvenirs displayed by local artisans.

Looking for some great outdoor adventures? About 12 miles northwest of Gonzales is Palmetto State Park, named after the dwarf palmettos growing under the trees. With hundreds of lush green trees, this is where nature's real magic is on display. You can relax and appreciate the beautiful views, take a leisurely stroll, or observe the different types of wildlife available at the park. If swimming is your thing, head to the oxbow lake within the park, or float on the San Marcos River. Just make sure you wear a life vest as the river flows very fast. Palmetto State Park is also one of the best birdwatching destinations to visit in Americ thanks to its strategic location along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Travelers have opportunities to spot more than 240 species roaming around, including the prothonotary warbler and red-shouldered hawk.

For the adventurous, the park features several trails in a tropical atmosphere. Examples include the 740-foot Canebrake Spur Trail and the 1.25-mile San Marcos River Trail, each with something different to offer trailblazers. Nature lovers should be thrilled by the 35-acre Lake Wood Recreation Area, a quiet escape located about 7 miles southwest of Gonzales where a section of the Guadalupe River opens up and creates Lake Wood. The area features picnic sites, tent camping sites, and a playground for kids. If you're an angler, Lake Wood is also a great fishing spot with opportunities to catch catfish, largemouth bass, and white crappie.

Gonzales is also a dining haven begging to be explored. For a wide array of treats to choose from, visit Gonzales Bistro in Downtown Gonzales. On the menu, you find crispy Brussels sprouts, Cajun wagyu top sirloin steak, and signature cocktails such as brandy crusta. Another popular eatery is Running M Bar & Grill, known for its hearty steaks.