PLAY

Play in Gonzales — Where History Meets Small-Town Fun

In Gonzales, Texas, we don’t just invite you to visit—we invite you to experience. Whether you're craving a delicious meal, hunting for one-of-a-kind finds, or diving deep into Texas history, you’ll find something special around every corner.

Stroll through our historic downtown and discover charming boutiques, friendly local restaurants, and iconic landmarks. Join a guided tour to hear the stories that made Gonzales famous, or spend the afternoon exploring museums, murals, and beautifully preserved homes. Every visit feels like a new adventure—blending heritage with hospitality in true Texas style.

So come ready to eat, shop, explore, and play. Gonzales is waiting to welcome you!

Gonzales, Texas – Where Flavor Meets Fun

Ready for a day of discovery? Gonzales invites you to stroll through our charming downtown filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, antiques, and local gems. After shopping, treat yourself to bold Texas flavors — from family-owned diners to mouthwatering barbecue and Tex-Mex favorites. Whether you're here for a weekend or just passing through, playing in Gonzales is always a good time.

Explore Gonzales Your Way — With a Local Guide

Our custom tours are led by knowledgeable, friendly guides who bring the city’s rich history and culture to life. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning fan of Texas heritage, we’ll tailor the experience to your group’s interests and pace.

Choose from one of our signature guided tours or combine multiple for a deeper dive into the birthplace of Texas independence:

Museum Tour – Step inside the Gonzales Memorial Museum and more to uncover our local treasures.
Come and Take It: The Beginning Tour – Walk the path of the first shot of the Texas Revolution and discover how Gonzales made history.
Gonzales Mural Tour – Explore the vibrant public art that tells the story of our community.
Historic Homes Tour – Admire stunning architecture and learn about the families who helped shape Gonzales.

Each tour is customizable for group size, time, and interest. Whether you're planning a school trip, family reunion, or group getaway, we’ll help make it memorable.

Click here to download our Custom Tour Intake Form

Custom Tour Intake Form

Have questions, contact one of our coordinators!

Tourism Coordinator
Molly Manning - Bicentennial & Heritage Tourism
mmanning@gonzales.texas.gov
(830) 888-4916

Tourism Coordinator
Lexie Kridler - Events & Agritourism
lkridler@gonzales.texas.gov
(830) 888-6800

Attractions in Gonzales, Texas — More Than a Day Trip

From cannonballs to courthouse squares, Gonzales is packed with places that make history come alive—and memories stick around. Known as the “Birthplace of Texas Independence,” this small town offers big experiences for history buffs, families, and curious travelers alike.

Stand where the first shot of the Texas Revolution was fired, explore beautifully preserved museums, snap photos by larger-than-life murals, or simply soak in the charm of our walkable downtown. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a few days, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and fall in love with.

Let Gonzales surprise you—with stories, sights, and Southern hospitality.

Palmetto State Park

78 Park Road 11 South
(830) 672-3266

A little piece of the tropics lies just an hour from Austin and San Antonio. With multiple sources of water (including the San Marcos River), Palmetto State Park is a haven for a wide variety of animals and plants. Look for dwarf palmettos, the park's namesake, growing under the trees. You can swim, tube, fish and canoe here. Besides the flowing river, the park also has an oxbow lake, an artesian well and swamps. RV and Tent camping available.

Ottine Mineral Springs

2033 FM 1586
(830) 312-9266

Tucked along the San Marcos River in Gonzales County, Ottine Mineral Springs is a historic wellness retreat known for its natural mineral waters and peaceful setting. Once home to the Warm Springs polio treatment center, it’s now being restored as a modern escape where visitors can soak, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of Texas nature.

Independence Park

William P Dooley Bypass Hwy 183
(830) 672-3192

Independence Park is located off Highway 183 on the banks of the Guadalupe River. This 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.

Kerr Creek Park & 18-hole Disc Golf Course

St. Louis Street from North Fair Street to Sarah Dewitt Drive
(830) 672-3192

Kerr Creek Park is home to the historic Oak Forest Bridge and 18-hole disc gold course. The Oak Forest Bridge was built in 1913 over the Guadalupe River and was replaced in 2003. The bridge was relocated for a pedestrian bridge over Kerr Creek. The Disc Gold Course was established in 2003 and is home to the course with rolling fairways. Score cards are available at the Parks and Recreation Office (1920 St. Joseph) or the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce

J.B. Wells Park, Arena & Expo Center

2301 CR 197
(830) 672-6558

This 169 acre park boasts a covered pavilion, multi-purpose show barn, covered arena, practice arena, hike and bike trail, and 442 RV Hook-ups. J.B. Wells Park hosts many events throughout the year; bull riding, cutting horse events, team roping, barrel races, weddings, 4-H play days, junior high and high school rodeos including the Texas State Junior High Rodeo Finals, stock shows, cattle sales, tractor pulls, concerts and much more.

Butterfly Garden

Saint Paul Street

Located in downtown Gonzales, the Butterfly Garden is a community-led oasis filled with native plants that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Maintained by local volunteers, it's a charming spot to enjoy nature and support the ecosystem. Brought to you on behalf of the Gonzales Beautification and Design Advisory Board.