Tucked away along the shores of Matagorda Bay, Palacios, TX, is a charming coastal town affectionately titled "City by the Sea." Palacios sits in Matagorda County, right along Tres Palacios Bay, on Texas' central coast, about 110 miles southwest of Houston and 110 miles northeast of Corpus Christi.
The Best of Palacios, TX: From Seafood to Scenic Views
Tucked away along the shores of Matagorda Bay, Palacios, TX, is a charming coastal town affectionately titled "City by the Sea." Palacios sits in Matagorda County, right along Tres Palacios Bay, on Texas' central coast, about 110 miles southwest of Houston and 110 miles northeast of Corpus Christi.
This quaint city is celebrated for its amazing fishing, fresh seafood, and small-town feel. What is Palacios, TX, known for? Keep reading to find out.
A Brief History of Palacios and Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Bay, named "La Bahía de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria" by Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519, was a significant site for trade.
Established in the early 1900s and conveniently sandwiched between Corpus Christi and Houston, Palacios made itself known as a thriving fishing hub. The town's name, Spanish for "palaces," originated from a Spanish land grant description that referred to the area as "Los Palacios."
Over the decades, Palacios has maintained its small-town charm while becoming a key player in the seafood industry and a beloved fishing destination. Today, Palacios is one of the largest shrimping ports on the Texas Gulf Coast and is known as the "Shrimp Capital of Texas."
Dining in Palacios
The culinary star of Palacios is its fresh seafood. As the Shrimp Capital of Texas, you can bet your bottom dollar that local restaurants serve the freshest catches from the Gulf of Mexico. These are a few of the most popular places to eat in Palacios:
- The Point at Palacios is a popular waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy seafood while taking in breathtaking views of Matagorda Bay.
- Danny's Seafood House offers a menu full of Texas favorites, from coconut shrimp to fried catfish. On weekends, live music complements the atmosphere.
- Matamoros Taco House is a long-time, family-run favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine, and their housemade salsa has become a local favorite.
Shopping in Palacios
In lovely downtown Palacios, you can buy everything from handcrafted jewelry to coastal-themed home decor. Here are a few places to browse around downtown:
- Pirate Queen Designs LLC is Palacios' chic bazaar, filled with everything from local beef from the Empresario Cattle Company to vintage finds, custom t-shirts, jewelry, and gifts from over 40 different vendors!
- Old Main Bookstore has a fun selection of new and used books, great coffee, and amazing service.
- New Frontier Gallery showcases works by local artists, making it the perfect place to explore the town's creative spirit.
Fishing in Palacios
Fishing enthusiasts will find the fishing in Matagorda Bay and Palacios to be a paradise! Whether you prefer fishing from a pier, a boat, or wading in the shallow waters, Palacios has it all:
- Tres Palacios Bay: Tres Palacios Bay is one of the most popular fishing spots in the area. Both novice and experienced fishermen love the outlets and fishing spots right off the coast of Palacios.
- East Bay Pier: Beloved by locals, the East Bay Pier is well-lit and equipped with cleaning stations, perfect for night fishing.
- Tres Palacios River: Both experienced anglers and beginner fishermen can enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing on the Tres Palacios River.
Fishing Charters
Local guides and fishing charters are happy to take you to the best fishing spots and share their expertise. Second to None Charters is known for its friendly guides and customized tours of historic Matagorda County.
Beaches and Shore Life
Palacios is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Texas.
One of the most popular spots to explore is Palacios Bay Beach, which offers a sandy shoreline, picnic areas, and a pier. The calm waters of Matagorda Bay are ideal for families with children and those who love swimming and water sports, like kayaking and SUP.
Other Things Palacios, Texas is Known For
They say good food, beautiful beaches, world-class fishing, and small-town charm are the recipe for a good life on the Texas Gulf Coast. Palacios has all that (and more!). Here is a look at some of the other things Palacios is known for:
The Seawall
The beating heart of Palacios’ 1.5-mile seawall along Tres Palacios Bay. This area contains several family-friendly parks with picnic tables, playgrounds, green spaces, free boat ramps, piers, and small beaches.
Residents and tourists alike know that the seawall is the perfect spot for an evening stroll or a stunning sunset over the water. The town also hosts community events and festivals along the seawall, making it a hub for activity.
The City by the Sea Museum
No visit to Palacios would be complete without exploring the City by the Sea Museum.
Its exhibits include the shrimping industry, the area's Native American history, and the impact of hurricanes on the town. One of the museum's highlights is the Petite La Belle, a replica of the 17th-century French shipwreck discovered in Matagorda Bay.
Petite La Belle
One of the most notable gems of the Texas Coast, the Petite La Belle is a remarkable, half-scale replica of the original French ship that sank in Matagorda Bay.
The original La Belle was part of the ill-fated expedition led by French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle. The discovery of the shipwreck in the 1990s provided valuable insights into 17th-century shipbuilding and exploration.
Birdwatching
Palacios and the surrounding areas are world-famous among bird lovers. As part of the Audubon Society's annual Bird Count, Palacios regularly reports more bird species than anywhere else in the country.
Camp Hulen
Camp Hulen, originally Camp Palacios, started in 1925 as a summer training camp for the 36th Infantry of the Texas National Guard.
The camp was leased to the U.S. War Department in 1940 and, at its peak, housed nearly 15,000 personnel, along with some German war prisoners. During this time, Palacios welcomed stars like Rita Hayworth and Artie Shaw. After World War II and Hurricane Carla in 1961, the town faced challenges but began to grow again, with a vibrant Vietnamese immigrant community forming in the 1970s and 1980s.
These days, Camp Hulen is home to beautiful Beachside, a hidden gem of a resort community right on Matagorda Bay.
Make Our Hidden Gem of the Texas Gulf Coast Your Beachside Getaway
Whether you're a history buff, a seafood lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Palacios has much to offer. Why wouldn’t you want to make this charming, welcoming seaside town your relaxing home away from home?
So, pack your bags and set your sights on Palacios, the hidden gem of the Texas Gulf Coast, and explore our spacious, build-ready homesites. Book a tour today, or reach out for more information on acquiring a laid-back slice of paradise in Palacios, Texas!