Baytown, Texas, United States, is a town that holds the title of being the sixth-largest city in the Houston–Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. There are many great places to visit in Baytown as well as in the town of Houston, Texas. Here are some places to visit in Baytown:
1. Baytown Nature Center
If you appreciate nature and all it has to offer, this is the perfect place for you to visit. This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and nature, as you can tell by the name. People also like to have picnics at one of the many pavilions, each of which has a grill. You can fish here, but you will need to get a license to do so. The best option is to just take in the natural beauty of the place. Over 300 species of birds, butterflies, mammals and aquatic organisms reside in this beautiful place.
The nature center, also known as BNC, is open everyday from sunrise to sunset. It is only closed on Christmas. As for the admission price, it is 4 USD for adults and only 1 USD for children 5-12 years old as well as for Seniors, 55 and above. Finally, here is a fun fact about the place: it is known as an official site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. A feather in its cap, it has been designated a “U.S. Important Bird Area” by the American Bird Conservancy.
Baytown Nature Center
Address: 6213 Bayway Drive, Baytown, Texas, TX
Website: Baytown Nature Center
2. Royal Purple Raceway
Houston Raceway Park, just outside Houston, in Baytown, is now called the Royal Purple Raceway. It is basically a quarter-mile (0.4 km) drag-strip that was built in 1988. What is a drag-strip? A drag-strip is most commonly known as a facility that holds events such as drag racing. This particular and exciting raceway is known as Houston’s only major multi-purpose motorsports venue.
Many events are held here. One such thing is Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School. Frank Hawley is a former NHRA world champion and he teaches others how to become one. Fridays are for Legal Street Racing from 6:30 pm to 12 Midnight. At this event you can race your friends or race with the world famous timers for 20 USD. If you don’t want to race, just pay 10 USD and watch from the sidelines. Children 12 and under are let in free of charge.
Royal Purple Raceway
Address: 2525 S FM 565 Rd, Baytown, Texas, TX
Website: Royal Purple Raceway
3. The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center
This place is great because it is not just fun, but educational as well. Here you can learn about the wetlands and the inhabitants of this place. The Robert M. Craig Exhibit Hall offers a variety of exhibits to explore and expand your knowledge. Also located here is Gator World, the Land of Milk and Honey, the Wings over Wetlands exhibit, a snake exhibit and a bat cave. There are live animals here and kids enjoy having their birthday parties here. It is a fun place to do so. The hours are Monday - Friday 8 am-4 pm and Saturday 10 am-4 pm. They are closed on holidays, though. Last, but not least, there is no entrance fee.
The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center
Address: 1724 Market St, Baytown, Texas, TX
Website: The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center
4. Pirate's Bay Water Park
Houston and most of Texas gets hot and humid during the summer months. This park is huge and is a great place to cool off in Baytown. There is a lot to do here, like a lazy river and all kinds of water slides and a slide tower. Families love spending time here. The admission is also reasonable and affordable. Tickets can be purchased online in advance so you don’t have to wait in the long line at the park. Just a note: the water park is currently only open on weekends from 10 am-7 pm.
Pirates Bay Water Park
Address: 5300 East Rd, Baytown, TX
Website: Pirate’s Bay Water Park
5. Baytown Historical Museum
This is another educational gem in Baytown. The museum has artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of Baytown. School tours are given here as well. The hours are 10 am-2 pm. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, though. It is interesting to note that the museum building served as the Goose Creek Post Office for almost fifty years. Therefore, it is considered a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Baytown Historical Museum
Address: 220 W Defee Ave, Baytown, TX
Website: Baytown Historical Museum
6. Yepez Vineyard
I was surprised and happy to find that California is not the only place that has vineyards. This one is a family owned vineyard in the city of Baytown. Many events are held here like a Grape Stomp Fest and a Cajun Fest. Wine testing is also offered here year round, but at certain times, so be sure to check out the schedule before visiting this interesting vineyard. One thing people love to do here is stop and enjoy the vineyard while eating. A picnic area is available between two vineyards at the site to do just that. A great place to enjoy nature and have a good time.
Yepez Vineyard
Address: 12739 FM 2354, Baytown, TX
Website: Yepez Vineyard
Why Baytown?
Baytown, Texas is a city in the vicinity of Houston that has a lot to offer. There is a lot to see and do in Baytown, so do stop by if you ever find yourself in the Houston area.