Exploring All the Fun Things to Do in Baytown
- Discover Artistry at the Art League of Baytown
- Journey Through Time at the Baytown Historical Museum
- Explore the Wonders of Nature at Baytown Nature Center
- Follow the Baytown Sculpture Trail
- Catch a Performance by the Baytown Symphony Orchestra
- Discover the Serenity of Bicentennial Park
- Splash into Fun at Calypso Cove Spray Park
- Delve into History at David G. Burnet Park
- Explore Baytown's Downtown Arts District
- Cross the Majestic Fred Hartman Suspension Bridge
- Sail Aboard the Historic Lynchburg Ferry
- Unearth the Murals Treasure Map
- Splash Into Adventure at Pirate's Bay Water Park
- Step Back in Time at Republic of Texas Plaza
- Experience Quirkiness at Trophy Barber Shop
- Explore The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center
- Relax at Yepez Vineyard's Southwest-Style Patio
Welcome to the dynamic city of Baytown, where excitement and adventure meet at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. Nestled along the scenic shores of Galveston Bay, Baytown offers a treasure trove of activities and attractions waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just seeking some family-friendly fun, Baytown has something for everyone.
Join us as we embark on a journey through Baytown’s finest, unearthing the gems that make this Texan city a true hidden treasure. Let’s dive into the Baytown bucket list and discover the experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.
Discover Artistry at the Art League of Baytown
Image Source: Art League of Baytown Website
Address: 110 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 427 2222
Hours: Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm
You can immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Baytown by visiting the Art League of Baytown. This gallery showcases a diverse collection of artworks crafted by local talents and talented artists from the US. The best part is, admission is absolutely free!
As you explore the gallery located in the historic Old Goose Creek Arts and Entertainment District, you’ll encounter an array of oil paintings, stained glass art, antique and modern photographs, sculptures, and other unique art pieces.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of art or just like to bring something home from a place you visited as remembrance, the Art League of Baytown offers a wide selection of handmade pieces from jewelry, cards, pottery, and even paintings that you should check out! |
Journey Through Time at the Baytown Historical Museum
Image Source: Baytown Historical Museum Website
Address: 220 W Defee St, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 427 8768
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm
For history enthusiasts, the Baytown Historical Museum is a must-visit destination. Housed within the historic Goose Creek Post Office, this museum is a treasure trove of artifacts that narrate Baytown’s rich history.
You’ll find displays and installations spanning from the time of the Giant Mastodons to modern pieces on the social life in Baytown. There are also artifacts from the Civil War and native americans and the early pioneers.
| Pro Tip: Although most come to the Baytown Historical Museum for the pieces inside, the building itself is worth checking out. The building was used as the Goose Creek Post office for half a decade and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. |
Explore the Wonders of Nature at Baytown Nature Center
Image Source: Baytown Nature Center Website
Address: 6213 Bayway Dr, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 424 9198
Hours: Everyday from sunrise to sunset
The Baytown Nature Center is a great destination to visit in the area if your idea of a fun afternoon is being surrounded by acres of undisturbed natural habitats, These ecosystems include wetlands, grass fields, and forests all teeming with wildlife.
You’ll encounter everything from birds, woodland creatures, and aquatic animals in the nooks and crannies of this nature center. After enjoying nature, you can find a spot on the pavilions or picnic areas to get some well deserved rest and relaxation.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the Crystal Bay Butterfly Garden with over 100 species of butterflies and an array of flowers and blooms that attract them. The Children’s Nature Discovery Area is also a great place to bring the kids to learn more about the nature center. |
Follow the Baytown Sculpture Trail
Image Source: Visit Baytown Official Website
Address: 213 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 420 6597
Hours: Everyday from 5 am to 10 pm
For art geeks like us, Baytown recently organized a special sculpture trail that guides you through all the famous art pieces made by local and international artists. You can take a leisurely stroll down Texas Avenue and tick off all the sculptures on the list.
Transforming this avenue into an open-air art exhibit, the trail boasts 25 distinct sculptures. The sculpture trail offers a unique and dynamic self-guided tour, making it accessible year-round, free of charge.
| Pro Tip: The Sam Houston sculpture by famous Houston artist David Adickes is one of the must-see ones on the list. You can find it in the roundabout along the intersection of the San Jacinto Boulevard and Hunt Road. It also looks amazing lit up at night! |
Catch a Performance by the Baytown Symphony Orchestra
Image Source: Baytown Symphony Orchestra Website
Address: 805 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 802 8882
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays
You’ll get to experience the harmonious blend of musical talents at the Baytown Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra’s goal is to provide affordable access to high-quality symphonic music for the Baytown community.
Their performance schedule varies, so be sure to check for upcoming shows on their website. But performances are always on Saturday evenings and Sunday early afternoons.
The ticket prices are reasonable, offering an enriching cultural experience that doesn’t break the bank.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you follow proper concert etiquette like arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the show, wearing formal or business casual attire, and waiting for the conductor’s signal before clapping. |
Discover the Serenity of Bicentennial Park
Image Source: Bicentennial Park Website
Address: 1001 Market St, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 420 6597
Hours: Everyday from 5 am to 10 pm
If you’re a nature kind of guy or gal then you’ll find solace and a moment for reflection at the Bicentennial Park, a sprawling 13-acre green space in Baytown. Gazebos, picnic areas, pavilions with tables and chairs, and drinking fountains add to the convenience.
The park is also home to the Veterans Memorial Plaza and the Fireman’s Memorial, paying tribute to the heroes of the community and offering a peek into the past.
| Pro Tip: Try to schedule your visit during the annual 4th of July Weekend Celebration which is held at the park over 2 days. Aside from free admission, there are also a lot of live performances, games for the kids, a parade, and food and drink trucks. |
Splash into Fun at Calypso Cove Spray Park
Image Source: Calypso Cove Website
Address: 2428 W Main St, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 422 1150
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm
- Friday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
If you’re looking to cool off on a scorching Texas day, you can do just that at the Calypso Cove Spray Park. This water park features a Caribbean theme that goes swimmingly well with the attraction.
It offers a fantastic array of water fun for visitors of all ages. The children’s area features a shallow pool with a dump bucket and a deeper pool with floaties lined up for a crossing challenge. Water slides, water guns, and lap pools complete the array!
Calypso Cove operates during the summer season from June to August, for an admission fee of $5.00 per person.
| Pro Tip: For a convenient and stress free day, make sure you arrive early to secure a prime spot near the water attractions. You can also bring water and some light snacks if you don’t want to worry about the kids getting hungry or thirsty in the middle of the day. |
Delve into History at David G. Burnet Park
Image Source: Clark Condon Development Website
Address: 1704 Burnett St, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 274 2222
Hours: Everyday from 7 am to 10 pm
For a day that combines fresh air and a bit of history, David G. Burnet Park lets you discover historical treasures in a 6.3-acre green space setting located to the east of the Lynchburg Ferries north landing.
This park is a tribute to David G. Burnet, the first President of the Republic of Texas, and is steeped in historical significance.
You can discover historical markers, plaques, and kiosks that highlight the site’s rich history and learn about Burnet’s connection to the San Jacinto battleground as you bask in nature.
| Pro Tip: Wear walking shoes so that you can explore the park’s quarter-mile jogging trail that takes you to a rose garden, sculptures of David and his wife, and a picnic pavilion for when you need a break. |
Explore Baytown’s Downtown Arts District
Image Source: Arts Culture and Entertainment District Baytown Website
Address: 204 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 810 2990
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
The Downtown Arts District serves as the cultural heart of Baytown. This historic area boasts an array of venues and landmarks that celebrate the city’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
As you walk through the district, you’ll encounter the stately Performing Arts Center, the captivating Baytown Art Gallery, the lively Baytown Town Square, and the charming Baytown Little Theater.
The district also has a diverse range of restaurants, from the vibrant Sabor of Mexico to the healthy smoothies and teas at Wazabi and Baytown Nutrition.
| Pro Tip: While you’re walking through the Downtown Arts District, make a tiny detour and make your way to Texas Avenue where you’ll find the iconic oak tree that is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. |
Cross the Majestic Fred Hartman Suspension Bridge
Address: N Hwy 146, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 837 0311
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Aside from culture and nature, Baytown also offers its visitors opportunities to enjoy architecture and engineering. The Fred Hartman Suspension Bridge along the North Highway is one such site.
The cable bridge hangs over the Houston Ship Channel that connects the cities of Baytown and La Porte. The bridge is actually the longest of its kind among the trio of cable bridges in the Lone Star State.
| Pro Tip: We recommend you plan your visit during sunset for an Instagram-worthy photograph of the bridge against the evening sky as you take a leisurely drive across the bridge and soak in panoramic views of the ship channel. |
Sail Aboard the Historic Lynchburg Ferry
Image Source: Lynchburg Ferry Website
Address: 1001 Independence Pkwy N, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 983 1899
Hours:
- Monday to Friday from 4:30 am to 8 pm
- Saturday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
You get to step back in time with a trip on the Lynchburg Ferry, the oldest continually operating ferry in the state of Texas. Steeped in history, this ferry played a pivotal role in Texas’ fight for independence during 1836.
Today, you can enjoy a tranquil ride across the San Jacinto River, which offers access to iconic attractions like the San Jacinto Monument and the Battleship of Texas. The ferry operates for free, making it a historic and cost-effective adventure.
| Pro Tip: To avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ride, consider taking an early morning trip during the week. Also note that the ferry is closed during national holidays so you don’t accidentally show up when it isn’t operational. |
Unearth the Murals Treasure Map
For on a unconventional journey through Baytown’s artistic tapestry we suggest you explore the city’s collection of murals. You can start at the Sterling Municipal Library. Here, you’ll find Baytown’s first mural, Solitary Journey by Armando Castelan.
One of the other must see spots that you wouldn’t want to miss is the Cruisin West Texas Avenue Mural painted on the side of Bay Area Auto Gallery. It features classic cars set in front of other iconic spots in Baytown.
A meaningful one is the mural painted on the side of the Promise Center of Baytown which inspires hope, education, and a promise of a better tomorrow.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the traffic cabinets that dot the city’s streets. These mini murals, as the locals affectionately call them, are made from digital artwork from artists in Baytown and all over Texas which is then printed on vinyl and wrapped around the cabinets. |
Splash Into Adventure at Pirate’s Bay Water Park
Image Source: Pirates Bay Waterpark Website
Address: 5300 E Rd, Baytown, TX 77521, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 422 1150
Hours:
- July to August – Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 6 pm; Friday to Sunday – 11 am to 7 pm
- May, June, September – Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Pirate’s Bay Water Parkis 7 acres of spaces dedicated to all kinds of water attractions. The highlight of the park is the impressive lazy river, spanning a staggering 671 feet so you can literally spend the afternoon just floating and relaxing without having to move.
The park also features different water slides from classic ones, highspeed ones with twists and turns, and ones with steep drops like their Drop Slide stanting at 40 feet. They also have a water ninja course where you can test your athletic abilities.
| Pro Tip: Try to get there early while the lines are still short. We suggest you go to the Flow Rides straight away as the wait here can last for hours. The Flow Ride is a wave simulator powered by water jets that let you experience surfing without going to the ocean. |
Step Back in Time at Republic of Texas Plaza
Image Source: Baytown Historical Preservation Association Website
Address: 5117 N Main St, Baytown, TX 77521, United States
Phone Number: +1 281421 2099
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
For a journey into history, you can explore the Republic of Texas Plaza. This living history museum, maintained by the Baytown Historical Preservation Association, presents a unique look at the area’s past.
The plaza is the site where meticulously restored homes and a oschoolhouse dating back to the local rice farming era, a significant period before the discovery of oil and industrialization.
The park features a statue of Ashbel Smith, M.D., one of the first settlers in Baytown and a champion for making education accessible to everyone in Texas.
| Pro Tip: Visit during one of the free tours hich take place on the last Saturday of each month from 1 pm to 3 pm to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the plaza and the area’s rich past. |
Experience Quirkiness at Trophy Barber Shop
Address: 103 E Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 427 1187
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday from 8 am to 7 pm
- Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm
As the quirkiest stop on this list, the Trophy Barber Shop might just be our favorite hidden gem in the Baytown area. The shop’s history dates back to 1948 when Jimmie Carpenter, an avid hunter, opened a small two-chair barbershop.
He adorned it with his impressive collection of hunting trophies. Over time, the collection grew, and in 1962, Trophy Barber Shop found its current home, where it’s greeted by a mounted polar bear at the entrance.
| Pro Tip: Beyond the extraordinary display, the shop offers haircuts priced at $12.50. You can get one and strike up a conversation with the barbers to hear the stories about the history of Trophy Barber Shop and its unique collection. |
Explore The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center
Image Source: Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center Website
Address: 1724 Market St, Baytown, TX 77520, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 420 7128
Hours:
- Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm
- Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
- Sunday
The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center is an educational and & recreational destination in Baytown. This center invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in interactive experiences with live animals and engaging exhibits to learn about wetlands.
Some of the great exhibits at this 9,000 center are Gator World with baby alligators, Land of Milk and Honey with honeybees, The Coastal Connetion Room with aquatic animals, Wings OVer Wetlands with different species of birds, and even a snake house.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for scheduled guided tours, as they offer a more comprehensive exploration of the center. Also, be sure to ask the guides about the best spots to spot wildlife around Baytown. |
Relax at Yepez Vineyard’s Southwest-Style Patio
Image Source: Yepez Vineyard Website
Address: 12739 Farm to Market Rd 2354, Baytown, TX 77523, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 804 3410
Hours:
- Friday and Saturday from12 pm to 6 pm
- Sunday from 2 pm to 7 pm
Yepez Vineyar is the perfect spot to visit for a serene ambiance. Yepez Vineyard designed in an adobe style reminiscent of the Southwest.
This winery offers a delightful escape from the everyday, allowing you to relish handcrafted wines while soaking in the rustic atmosphere. You can also try grape picking and watch the behind the scenes of wine making.
They also host regular events for holidays that you can join for free like their annual Halloween bash with activities and events. Their grape stomping event where kids can join and take home their bottle of grape juice is also great.
| Pro Tip: To make the most of your visit to Yepez Vineyard, inquire about their wine tasting experiences and enjoy a selection of their finest wines while enjoying the patio’s calming environment. |
