Looking for creative ideas of fun things to do in Bay City, Texas, during a vacation to the Texas Gulf Coast? In this article, we'll explore the various activities and events happening around Bay City, Texas, to inspire you with things to do during your visit.
16 Fun Events & Things To Do in Bay City, TX
Looking for creative ideas of fun things to do in Bay City, Texas, during a vacation to the Texas Gulf Coast?
In this article, we'll explore the various activities and events happening around Bay City, Texas, to inspire you with things to do during your visit. Let’s get started!
Outdoor Adventures in Bay City
1. Fishing
Bay City is a dream spot for fishermen! Whether you cast your line in the tranquil waters of Matagorda Bay or try fishing on the Colorado River, there are plenty of fishing opportunities for all anglers. Popular catches include redfish, speckled trout, and red snapper.
2. Golfing
Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy a challenging round of golf at the Rio Colorado Golf Course. This public 18-hole championship golf course was built in 1993 and offers stunning views of the Colorado River.
3. Kayaking
Paddle a kayak down the Colorado River or weave through the saltwater marshes along the Gulf of Mexico. No matter which path you take, keep your eyes open for the surrounding wildlife!
4. Hiking & Biking
Lace up your hiking boots, or grab your bike and hit the trails! Bay City might not have the most extensive trail network, but if you drive just outside of town, you can find diverse landscapes in the surrounding Matagorda County.
5. Matagorda Bay Nature Park
Matagorda Bay Nature Park is a 1,600-acre nature preserve located near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Colorado River. Here, visitors can enjoy miles of beaches, go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or the Colorado River, and explore guided nature trails.
6. Matagorda County Birding Nature Center
Bay City is a haven for birdlife, and the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center is the perfect starting point to view diverse bird populations. Here, you’ll find detailed birding trail maps and can learn about the birds in the area on guided nature trails. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail winds through the area and offers several observation sites to view nesting areas, feeding grounds, and migratory paths.
7. Picnicking in the Park
The Bay City Parks & Recreation Department manages several parks perfect for a fun day out with the whole family. If you have a furry friend, Barkway Dog Park is a designated space where your canine companions can run and play leash-free.
8. Day Tripping
From the vibrant culture in Houston and Corpus Christi to the charming small-town feel of Palacios and Victoria, there are dozens of fantastic day trips from Bay City. Hop in the car and spend the day exploring all that the Gulf Coast of Texas has to offer — from well-known big cities to hidden coastal gems!
Indoor Activities in Bay City
9. Matagorda County Museum
Matagorda County Museum explores the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the area's past, from its early Native American inhabitants to its development into a modern community.
10. Movie Bowl Grille
Movie Bowl Grille offers visitors to Bay City an unbeatable combination of entertainment options. With its state-of-the-art movie theaters, bowling lanes, arcade games, and a fully serviced restaurant, it's the perfect spot for families looking to spend quality time together in Bay City or friends gathering for a night of fun.
11. Shopping at Bay City's Historic Downtown Square
Shop from national retailers, at unique strip malls, and in cool stores in Bay City. You'll adore the town’s small-town charm while spending a day leisurely exploring the specialty shops around the square, strolling on the sidewalks next to charming buildings steeped in history, and dining at the local eateries.
Popular Monthly and Annual Events in Bay City
12. Downtown Bay City Market Day
If your visit coincides with the fourth Saturday of any month between March and November, be sure to check out Bay City Market Day, held downtown near Courthouse Square. This vibrant outdoor event features 100+ vendors showcasing handmade crafts, jewelry, antiques, and delicious hand-crafted food.
13. Matagorda County Fair
Matagorda County Fair is one of the most anticipated events in Matagorda County that takes place every February and March — and the fairgrounds are right outside of Bay City! If you’re in town during the fair, be sure to stop by for BBQ cookoffs, rodeo competitions, and other family-friendly events.
14. Rally on the River
Each April, Riverside Park in Bay City fills with boating fans from across Texas who grab their kayaks, canoes, rafts, and rowboats for a float down the Colorado River. This event — known as Rally on the River — also includes live music, informational booths, food trucks, and other family-friendly activities.
15. Bay City Rice Festival
Bay City Rice Festival honors the hard work of rice farmers who have been harvesting rice in Bay City since the late 1800s. This festival has been going strong since 1945, with carnival rides, concerts, rice dish competitions, a lively parade, and other fun activities.
16. Wild Game and Wine Camofest
Wild Game and Wine Camofest happens every January in downtown Bay City. Festival-goers get to sip on wine from local wineries, groove to live music, shop from specialty vendors, and let the kids have a blast with family-friendly activities. Downtown Bay City's retail shops also roll out the red carpet with discounts and specials during this highly-anticipated event!
Call the Texas Gulf Coast “Home” with a Beachside Property in Palacios
Bay City, TX, has plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to interest people of all ages and stages of life. From reeling in trophy fish, teeing off on a championship course, or simply enjoying a relaxing day picnicking in the park — Bay City offers all these activities (and more!) for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
Want to experience this relaxed, nature-filled lifestyle every day? Look no further than Beachside — a peaceful waterfront community just 30 minutes away from Bay City in Palacios, Texas. This peaceful community currently has plenty of spacious, build-ready lots for sale that will provide close access to all the best things to do in Bay City and Palacios. Schedule a tour of Beachside today to learn more!