Experience a slice of Europe right in Texas when you visit Castroville. Surprised? Yes, this small town just 20 miles (32 km) west of San Antonio is known as the Little Alsace of Texas. The first settlers to arrive in Castroville were from Alsace, a region of France, and this has influenced the city in a big way. From architecture to cuisines, everything in this town still retains a European flavor, giving it a unique ambiance that you will experience by just walking around. Much of the original buildings are well-preserved and there are numerous places and events that celebrate the city’s Alsatian heritage. Castroville is also blessed with some beautiful outdoors, especially in spring when vibrant red Alsatian poppies bloom all over the town. Explore the top spots and things to do in Castroville, Texas, on our curated list and enjoy the best of this charming town.
1. Explore Castroville Regional Park's natural beauty
This large wooded park, spread over 126 acres (51 ha), offers hiking trails, sports facilities, picnic spots, and camping grounds. Surrounded by lush greenery, the Medina River winds its way at the edges of the park, making it a beautifully picturesque setting. Hike up the trails to the summit of Cross Hill for panoramic views of the countryside, else spend some time exploring “Jardin des Racines”, or “Garden of Roots” that has numerous shrubs and trees specially gifted by residents of Alsace. The park is also where the city pool is located, though you’ll need to pay for entry.
Castroville Regional Park
Address: 816 Alsace Ave, Castroville
Website: Castroville Regional Park
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
2. Play some golf at Alsatian Golf Club
Alsatian Golf Club is a scenic 18-hole course with verdant grounds and rolling hills in the background. The course offers 6,436 yards (5,885 meters) at Par 71. Featuring an interesting mix of easy and challenging shots, with some fairways set amid waterways and trees, the course is welcoming for both beginners and experts. As you go through the rounds, you are likely to come across plenty of local wildlife too. The course is well maintained and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Be sure to end your visit with a delicious meal at the popular Julianna’s Resturant. The Golf Course regularly offers specials and deals that make playing here affordable and also hosts events for the whole family.
Alsatian Golf Club
Address: 1339 CR 4516, Castroville
Website: Alsatian Golf Club
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 6.30am - 7pm; Tue: 12pm - 7pm
3. Marvel at St. Louis Catholic Church's stained glass windows
A landmark of Castroville, this Catholic church was constructed by European settlers in 1870. Built in the pattern of historic European churches, the architecture and the atmosphere of the church are beautiful - gorgeous stained glass windows, intricate window carvings, soaring roof with old-world rafters and of course the highlight, the ornately painted altar. If you are in town in August, make time to visit the mega festival that the church holds annually.
St. Louis Catholic Church
Address: 1306 Angelo St, Castroville
Website: St. Louis Catholic Church
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4. Check out the charming Alsatian Steinbach House Park
This historic little house with its distinctive architecture epitomizes Castroville’s Alsatian roots. Gifted to the city of Castroville by Alsace, the house dates back to the 1600s. It was shipped out from France, then reassembled and restored in Castroville over a four-year span in 2002. Formerly the house of Steinbach, the building features classical medieval building techniques including ‘fachwerk’, a special style of timbering. The interiors showcase authentic European period furnishings and decor throughout the 2.5 stories. It currently operates as the tourism and cultural center for Castroville so head here before you start exploring the city.
Alsatian Steinbach House Park
Address: 203 US-90, Castroville
Website: Alsatian Steinbach House Park
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 4pm
5. Go for a walk in Koenig Park
A very popular site for festivals and fairs in Castroville, Koenig Park is also a great place to generally relax and enjoy the greenery. The park is beside a river and it has facilities like pavilions, benches and a small play area for children.
Koenig Park
Address: Castroville
6. Attend a skydiving session with Skydive Castroville
Experience the exhilarating feeling of floating high above the ground with a tandem skydive session, and see the city from the blue skies. Easily accessible from both San Antonio and Castroville, Skydive Castroville offers a safe and comfortable ride. The staff is trained and welcoming, taking every effort to make the experience a fun one even for nervous fliers. The center frequently offers special deals so you can try it out at an affordable price. If you want to have memories for posterity, opt for their Tandem/Picture Combo where you are also given photos and video recordings of your skydiving session.
Skydive Castroville
Address: Castroville Municipal Airport, 10527 Airport Rd., Castroville
Website: Skydive Castroville
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
7. Have nachos at Cora's 471 Grill
Taste the best nachos in the whole of Texas at Cora’s 471 Grill. This historic eatery has its origins in the 1930s and it has since then built a reputation for its scrumptious plates of nachos that come in really generous portions. Other must-try dishes from its classic Texan menu include its chicken fried steak, the homemade cobbler and its fresh salad plate. Spacious, cozy and laidback, the restaurant is great for a relaxed family outing (there’s even a play area available!). The restaurant also hosts weekly live music on its grounds.
Cora's 471 Grill
Address: 2204 FM471, Castroville
Website: Cora’s 471 Grill
Opening hours: Wed: 5am - 9pm; Thu - Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
8. Relish the pastries at Haby's Alsatian Bakery
Enjoy absolutely delicious pastries at the popular Haby’s Alsatian Bakery. While all its baked goods are yummy, the not-to-be-missed pastries include cinnamon rolls, Turkish cookies, honey buns, macaroons and pies, as well as its variety of international bread such as pumpernickel, rye and pumpkin. Also not to be missed is the mural on its east sidewall. Made by a French artist Patrice Hoff, the mural depicts famous Castroville’s landmarks as well as snapshots of Castroville’s sister town, Eguisheim in France.
Haby's Alsatian Bakery
Address: 207 Old US Hwy 90 E, Castroville
Website: Haby’s Alsatian Bakery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
9. Go wine tasting at Medina River Winery
Swing by this small and upcoming winery to enjoy creative wine flavors and the beautiful Texas back road views. Run by two owners passionate about wine, this winery offers a very popular wine-tasting session. You will be regaled with fascinating insights by the knowledgeable and friendly owners, and get the opportunity to taste the winery’s specials. Medina also frequently holds events with live music that you can join. Chill in the outdoor patio and enjoy the wonderful views of the countryside as you sip on their unique wines.
Medina River Winery
Address: 3179 FM471, Castroville
Website: Medina River Winery
Opening hours: Fri: 6pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
10. Granny M & Friends Gift Shop
Posted by Granny M & Friends on Saturday, 5 November 2016
Friendly and charming, this one-of-a-kind store offers all kinds of handcrafted items. From knickknacks, metal art, jewelry, and clothing to jams and sauces, you will find endless options of delightful items to choose from. New items are constantly introduced so you will always find something fresh to check out. You can even get something custom-made by any of the artists that the store works with.
Granny M & Friends
Address: 1302 Fiorella St, Castroville
Website: Granny M & Friends
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
11. Spend a few days camping at Alsatian RV Resort
Posted by Alsatian RV Resort on Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Feel like taking a short break but don’t want to head out of town? Then consider spending some time in the wonderful Alsatian RV Resort which is close to both San Antonio and Castroville. This RV park has facilities to host even the biggest of recreation vehicles but if you don’t have a motorhome, don’t worry! You can rent out a casita or cabin on the beautifully landscaped grounds and spend a few days soaking the serene atmosphere of the resort. The park has numerous amenities including an infinity pool, a hot tub, a golf course and comfy outdoor seating.
Alsatian RV Resort
Address: 1581 Co Rd 4516, Castroville
Website: Alsatian RV Resort
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm; Sun: 9am - 12pm
12. Hunt for valuble antiques at Castroville Emporium
Have fun rummaging around in this antique store. Run by a friendly elderly couple, this store is one of the best of the many antique stores in Castroville. Inside, you will find a variety of vintage decorative items and knick-knacks. The shop has a special focus on lighting products so look out for beautiful lamps and chandeliers.
Castroville Emporium Antiques
Address: 515 Madrid St, Castroville
13. Stay at the Landmark Inn State Historic Site
Landmark Inn literally encapsulates Castroville’s history! Not just a bed & breakfast, the building complex has featured prominently in the city’s history. It was among the first buildings to be developed: it has been a general store, a travel inn and even a mill! Today, the site encompasses various historic buildings, one of which hosts a bed & breakfast. There are eight cozy suites available, each furnished and decorated to be historically representative of a certain time period: the 1850s, 1880s, or 1920s depending on the room. Hot breakfast is, of course, served to guests every morning. The staff is friendly and highly knowledgeable about the house’s history through the ages. You can wander around through its beautiful grounds to explore various buildings on site including the mill, as well as the museum/store.
Landmark Inn Bed and Breakfast
Address: 402 Florence St, Castroville
Website: Landmark Inn Bed and Breakfast
14. Join a pottery class at Castroville Pottery Inc
Come stop by our gallery this weekend! Get an early start on your Christmas shopping and give the gift of Texas-made...
Posted by Castroville Pottery on Saturday, 1 December 2018
Check out beautiful handmade pottery creations at Castroville Pottery Inc. This store stocks lovely pieces from artists across south Texas; you will find an incredible range from bowls to dishes to vases and other decorative objects to admire. The center also holds a very popular pottery class where you can learn all about this art.
Castroville Pottery Inc
Address: 1215 Fiorella St, Castroville
Website: Castroville Pottery Inc
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 5pm
15. Spend a day at Hidden View RV Park
Posted by The Great BrzdeXpedition on Friday, 8 March 2019
This is a great place to camp if you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Castroville. Hidden View RV Park offers well-maintained lush grounds that comes with nearly 800 feet (243 meters) of Medina River frontage so you have ample space to swim, fish or even to go boating. The campsite has around 50 spots and it comes fitted with all essential amenities including water, electricity and WiFi as well as a laundry facility.
Hidden View RV Park
Address: 1235 FM471, Castroville
Website: Hidden View RV Park
Enjoy the French spirit of Castroville
The charm of Castroville is best experienced by just exploring the city and its various landmarks. A historical walking tour offered by the city is a great way to check out the city’s historic buildings that number over 50. Alternatively, get hold of the visitor’s map and embark on a self-guided tour. During your time in the city, dine at Alsatian Restaurant to enjoy dishes that offer a wonderful mix of French and German flavors.
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