Things to Do in Gonzales, Texas

**Full Disclosure: My family and I were invited on an sponsored trip to Gonzales, TX. All opinions are my own.

There are so many small towns in Texas and I’d love to visit every one of them. I recently spent a weekend in Gonzales with my family and managed to cross one of those many towns off my list. While it may seem like a small town without much to do, that’s not the case at all! People of all ages can find fun things to do in Gonzales, TX.

Things to Do in Gonzales, TX:

Learn Some History –

Gonzales Memorial Museum
What: The Gonzales Memorial Museum is a Centennial Historical Memorial Museum that commemorates the Immortal 32 who died in the Alamo. The Come and Take It Cannon which fired the first shot for Texas Independence on October 2, 1835 is prominently displayed. Other exhibits inside the museum include period rifles, ammunition, uniforms, and more. Other objects and artifacts reflect early life in Gonzales, including vintage clothing, household goods, and archival photographs, and all help tell the story of this community, a pillar in the state’s historic march towards independence.
Location: 414 Smith St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free

Gonzales County Jail Museum
What: The Old Jail Museum was built in 1887 for $21,660.20. Eugene T. Heiner designed it to hold 200 prisoners under riot conditions. The jail is made of steel & concrete.
Location: 414 St. Lawrence St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free but donations accepted

Pioneer Village: Living History Museum
What: Pioneer village features one of the most extensive collections of 19th century buildings. Tours, demonstrations and battle re-enactments are offered throughout the year.
Location: 2122 N St Joseph St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Monday: Closed
Cost: Adults: $6 | Children: $4

Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library
What: The mission of the Robert Lee Brothers, Jr. Memorial Library is to provide educational, informational and recreational resources to patrons of all ages and of all cultural and economic backgrounds. The library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning and provide library materials and information services.
Location: 301 St Joseph St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Sunday: Closed
Cost: Free

Explore the Outdoors –

Kerr Creek Park
What: Kerr Creek Park is located along St. Louis street from North Fair Street to Sarah Dewitt Drive. Kerr Creek Park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course and the historic Oak Forest Bridge. The Oak Forest Bridge was built in 1913 on CR 143 over the Guadalupe River and was replaced in 2003 and was relocated for a pedestrian bridge over Kerr Creek.
Location: St. Louis street from North Fair Street to Sarah Dewitt Drive
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Cost: Unknown

Independence Park
What: The park includes three covered pavilions, little league fields, softball/baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball court, volleyball courts, swimming pool, a 21-site RV Park, show barn, rodeo arena, a 2.35 mile hike and bike trail and scenic views of the Guadalupe River. The park also hosts an attractive 9-hole golf course. The lower section of the park, known as the “Brickyard,” includes a pavilion, playground, picnic tables, BBQ pits, a scenic river outlook, restrooms, hike and bike trail and excellent fishing along the Guadalupe River.
Location: 820 N Saint Joseph St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Cost: Free

Palmetto State Park
What: Palmetto State Park, 270.3 acres, named for the tropical Dwarf Palmetto plant found there, is located in Gonzales County, northwest of Gonzales and southeast of Luling. The park abuts the San Marcos River and also has a 4-acre oxbow lake. The land was acquired by deeds from private owners and the City of Gonzales in 1934 – 1936 and was opened in 1936. The beautiful stone buildings in the park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, birding, nature study, pedal boat and canoe rentals, swimming, tubing, and canoeing.
Location: 78 Park Rd 11 S, Gonzales, TX 78629
Office Hours: Sunday – Saturday 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $3 | Children under 12: Free

Go Shopping:

Main Street Marketplace
What: 6,000 square feet of true treasure hunting goodness! If you’re looking for antiques, resurrected relics, home decor, or just your average old thingamabob – you’ll find it! Plus, there’s a coffee shop in the back.
Location: 515 St Joseph St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Laurel Ridge Inn and Antiques
What: Laurel Ridge Antiques sells some of the most beautiful antique furniture ever made in America. Clients from around the globe shop Laurel Ridge for the finest 19th century American furniture, decorative accessories and fine art for 35 years. Every piece is hand selected by store founder, Barbara Crozier.
Location: 827 St Joseph St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Spaces Sublime
What: At spaces sublime, we aim to bring comfort and beauty to all your spaces while empowering artisans through commerce and protecting our shared space, Earth.
Location: 507 St. Joseph St., Gonzales, Texas 78629
Hours: Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Monday – Thursday: Closed

The Emporium
What: An old store featuring all types of collectibles. Whether you want a keepsake, a gift, or simply to look around, you’ll find lots of things here but it’s a bit crowded so be patient and ready to look.
Location: 602 St Paul St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sunday – Monday: Closed

Eat:

Sweet B’s Dessert Boutique
What: A bakery specializing in custom cakes, cookies and more for parties, events or just because. Come in to try something sweet from their case or homemade ice cream freezer.
Location: 521 St Joseph St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Sunday – Monday: Closed

Come and Take It Bar & Grill
What: Family owned Bar & Grill with a full bar and full menu. Appetizers, salads, burgers, steaks as well as Mediterranean dishes. Outdoor patio seating or indoor seating available.
Location: 401 St George St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. | Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. | Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. | Monday: Closed

La Bella Tavola
What: Enjoy casual Italian dining in the center of town.
Location: 601 N St Joseph St., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Monday: Closed

Rusty Rooster
What: The Rusty Rooster serves everything from fried chicken to fried catfish, and more for lunch and dinner. It’s a casual, fast food restaurant.
Location: 1826 E Sarah DeWitt Dr., Gonzales, TX 78629
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Sunday: Closed

Gonzales has something for everyone and I can’t wait to go back and see it again!

What are your favorite things to do in Gonzales, TX?