9 Best Things To Do In La Porte, Texas

things to do in la porte texas
Jessica
Jessica 
Updated
| 3 min read

La Porte is a region with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century including significant battles from the Revolution of Texas. The town is incredibly proud of its military roots and has worked to preserve its connection to these events. Visitors can enjoy monuments and museums dedicated to La Porte’s military past and present. Alternatively, visitors can make the most of La Porte’s coastal location and enjoy the sun lying on the beaches or natural parks. Look at the the list below to find out what you can do in this wonderful Texan town.

1. San Jacinto Monument and Museum

San Jacinto Monument, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, La Porte, Texas
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Battle of San Jacinto was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution in 1836. A century later a monument was erected on the battleground to commemorate the victory. The monument stands 161 feet (49m) tall and at its base visitors can find the museum which retells the story of the crucial battle.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum

Address: 1 Monument Cir, La Porte 77571

Website: San Jacinto Monument and Museum

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2. Battleship Texas Historic Site

Battleship Texas001
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Da Llien used under CC BY-SA 4.0

As a key player in both world wars, Battleship Texas endured some turbulent times. Now retired along the Houston Ship Channel, the famous ship serves as a memorial to the wars. Visitors can participate in guided tours along her decks or explore the gigantic ship on their own. But make sure not to get lost below deck as outside of the ship you can enjoy picnics or BBQs on the lawns.

Battleship Texas Historic Site

Address: 3523 Independence Pkwy S, La Porte, TX 77571

Website: Battleship Texas

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3. Sylvan Beach Park

Sylvan-Beach-NY-2016-0903
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DASonnenfeld used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Sylvan Beach Park is the name given to two white sand beaches on the coastline of La Porte, Texas. The site also includes a skate park, boat ramp and a pay-to-fish pier. Locals and tourists gather here to enjoy the famous Texan sunshine by relaxing on the beach. What holiday is complete without catching a few rays?

Sylvan Beach Park

Address: 112 Bridge St, Sylvan Beach, NY 13157

Website: Sylvan Beach Park

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4. Juan Seguin Historic Park

Picnic Man Basket
Source: Pixabay

La Porte is full of historic sites commemorating battles from the Revolution of Texas. Perhaps one of the most understated memorials to this great battle is the Juan Seguin Historic Park, a small park area which leads to the San Jacinto Monument. The panels lining Independence Parkway describe the Runaway Scrape, an event where Texans took what they could and fled from the Mexican Army. This peaceful and tasteful memorial is surrounded by open park where visitors can relax or have a picnic.

Juan Seguin Historic Park

Address: 4407 Independence Parkway South, La Porte, TX 77571

Website: Juan Seguin Historic Parka

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5. Bay Forest Golf Course

Golfer Golfing Golf Swing
Source: Pixabay

Bay Forest Golf Course is a first class golf course located on a natural bay with forests and waterways creating a picturesque scene. Both casual and championship golfers are welcome at the resort. So, if you would like a day putting on the green this is the place to be.

Bay Forest Golf Course

Address: 201 Bay Forest Dr, La Porte, TX 77571

Website: Bay Forest Golf Course

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6. Governor Ross Sterling Mansion

Govenor Ross Sterling Mansion
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim Evans used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Home of the founder of Exxon oil and former governor of Texas, Ross Sterling, this palatial house has been a local landmark since 1927. Back in its day it used to hold ‘Back to Earth’ parties for astronauts returning from space. Still owned as a private residence, the Ross Sterling Mansion was once the largest private residence in existence. The White House lookalike is a majestic structure on the La Porte landscape that all visitors to La Porte must see.

Ross Sterling Mansion

Address: Ross Sterling Mansion, Morgan’s Point, Harris Country, Texas

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7. Crow's Nest Art Gallery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Said to be ‘the best kept secret in La Porte’, the Crow’s Nest Art Gallery is the go-to place for Native American art and jewellery. Texas has strong links with the Native American community with many Native American tribes proudly living there. Sculptures, paintings, pottery and woodwork can be sourced at the Crow’s Nest Gallery. The gallery also has a large selection of authentic Native American jewellery for sale which collectors come from far and wide to buy.

Crow's Nest Gallery

Address: 230 Jefferson St, La Porte, TX 77571-6432

Website: Crow’s Nest Art Gallery

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8. Monument Inn Restaurant

Oysters Food Oyster
Source: Pixabay

Of course after visiting the San Jacinto monument, Battleship Texas and playing a round of golf you would undoubtedly be hungry. The best restaurant in town is the ‘Monument Inn Restaurant’ located by the waterfront. This seafood restaurant is consistently ranked highly in the local area and it has become a local tradition to come here to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. The menu ranges from locally caught produce such as Gulf Coast Oyster to the extravagant fried alligator.

Monument Inn Restaurant

Address: 4406 Independence Parkway South La Porte,TX 77571

Website: Monument Inn

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9. Sylvan Beach Depot Museum and Library

Old Sylvan Beach Depot -- La Porte, Texas
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jim Evans used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Sylvan Beach Depot Museum and Library is in the trusty hands of the La Porte Bay Heritage Society. The society sims to preserve the history of La Porte and tell the story of the town in the 20th century. They have photos of the town dating back to the early 1900s which show the town developing from a few building in a barren landscape to the city it has become now. The museum and library are only open at the weekends. To visit during the week you must call ahead to make an appointment.

Sylvan Beach Depot Museum and Library

Address: 604 Park Drive La Porte Tx, La Porte, TX 77571

Website: Heritage Society and Museum

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Sun-worshippers, nature lovers and history nerds...

People of all descriptions can find something to do in La Porte, Texas. The coastal region has beaches, museums, and parks and so much more. Steeped in history, La Porte continues the Texan tradition of being proud of its past, but La Porte also has a lot of potential for the future. Take a trip to Texas’ eastern tip and you’ll discover another side to Texas.

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