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Goliad is well worth a detour from the coastal bend; it's a charming small town steeped in history. Victoria's downtown offers a nice stop on a longer itinerary, and the two clusters of chain motels offer an easy overnight in between other parts of the state. If driving, you might consider a circle route that takes in the coast one way and the plains the other.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Coastal Plains.
Historic Site
Established by the Spanish in 1749 – to deter the French, then sniffing around the northeastern edges of their empire – Presidio La Bahia played a role in six revolutions and wars, and served under nine different flags (including the bloody-arm Goliad flag, an early symbol of independent Texas). Texas revolutionaries seized the fort – now faithfully restored – in October 1835, and renamed it 'Fort Defiance' during their occupation.
Historic Site
The centerpiece of this park just south of town is the huge and restored Mission Espiritu Santo. Dating from the 18th century, this was an important site during the Spanish colonial era. Massively rebuilt, you can get a sense of that time in the echoey chapel and the small but informative museum next door in the old school and workshop buildings. The lush surrounding park has quiet hiking trails along the San Antonio River.
Historic Building
Fronting the picturesque DeLeon Plaza, the majestic granite and limestone Old Victoria County Courthouse dates from 1892 (replacing a more modest 1849 structure), when such buildings were a source of local civic pride. Short self-tours are possible via an entrance on the southern side of the building.
Museum
This small Greek Revival temple just outside downtown was constructed as a museum dedicated to Texan artist Royston Nave in 1932. The exhibits, which rotate every few months, run the gamut of styles but pull heavily from local Texas talents, both famous and obscure.
Church
The third building used by the local congregation since the colonization of Victoria, the current neo-Gothic structure and the convent building next door date from 1904.
Historic Site
After defeating the Mexican army at the Battle of San Jacinto, General Rusk and the Texas army gathered the remains of Fannin and his men to bury them here. The site is marked by a large monument and historical marker. Across from the main monument is a small statue of the 'Angel of Goliad,' the wife of a Spanish officer who was instrumental in saving the lives of several of Fannin's men in the lead-up to the execution.
Historic Site
On March 20, 1836, Col James W Fannin fought Spanish forces here at the Battle of Coleto Creek. The men were overwhelmed and surrendered. One week later most were executed at the Presidio La Bahia in nearby Goliad. The site, 9 miles east of Goliad in the community of Fannin, is quite sparse today. Look for the gin screw, a relic of early efforts to commemorate the battle, and the stone obelisk that marks the spot of Fannin's surrender.