Victoria, TX, gets its name from General Guadalupe Victoria, who was elected the first president of the newly formed Mexico in the 1800s. Victoria is also called “The Crossroads” because it is located at the convergence of 3 major U.S Highways. It is two hours from Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston, and San Antonio.
Victoria is an excellent place to visit for quality time with yourself or your family. They have many fun centers you can see and so many historical buildings and artifacts. It is a beautiful place for a weekend getaway, and so we have listed the 15 best things to do in Victoria, TX.
Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Victoria (TX)
1. Stay At The Hilton Garden Inn
It is best to have a comfortable place to stay during your visit. The Hilton Garden Inn should be your first choice if you love classy and beautiful places. Not only is this Hotel 5-star worthy, but it also has a series of benefits that will make your stay at Victoria worth it.
An example of these benefits is that the Hilton Garden Inn is just 2 minutes from the Victoria mall and 9 minutes from the Texas Zoo and other beautiful sites you’ll love to visit. With this short distance, you spend limited time on the road and get to experience unique places and do amazing things in Victoria! It’s a beautiful choice that will make your stay worthwhile.
Apart from the close distances to other great sites, the rooms have fantastic features that will make your stay and relaxation the best. With complimentary Wi-Fi and fully air-conditioned rooms, you’ll have the best services you could ever ask for.
Address: 123 Huvar St, Victoria, TX, United States.
2. Visit Texas Zoo
Another exciting thing to do in Victoria is to pay a visit to their Zoo. In 1957, Mayor W.R. McCright decided that Texas should own a Zoo after receiving an African lioness from James. L. Yates. The Zoo is also called “The South Texas Zoological Society.”
Since then, the Zoo has been running and has over 150 animals and a gift shop with many Zoo treasures. If you love to take a peaceful walk in the afternoon or a short trip with your family to do a little sightseeing, this should be your next stop.
They have fossil dig sites and children’s corners for the little ones to enjoy and explore the outdoors. It’s a nice place to visit during your trip to Victoria.
Address: 110 Memorial Dr, Victoria, TX 77901, United States.
3. Explore Pebble Beach
Pebble beach is easy to access and has a lot of fabulous amenities for your comfort. If going to the beach, boating, and having a picnic are on the list of things you want to do, Pebble beach offers a serene environment to match your preference.
Suppose you love boating and have been looking for a place to connect with the sea. Pebble beach has a boat you could use to fulfill your fantasies. You get to enjoy all the fantastic amenities for the price of nothing. So, why not make this your next stop?
Address: 13501 County Road 546, Nevada, TX 75173, United States.
4. Bond with your Child at the Children’s Discovery Museum.
The Children’s Museum, Texas is a beautiful place that provides an environment for your Child’s growth. The Museum opened in March 2017 and has a vast venue with an area spanning about 10,000 square feet.
The Museum has about 20 interactive exhibits, like a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) exhibit, a demonstration kitchen, and an art palace, to mention a few. Of course, there is an open play area for your child to play, socialize, and still learn while having fun!
They use an easy teaching method to make science simple. The Museum hosts programs like ‘Family maker nights,’ ‘Scientific Saturdays,’ and ‘Sprouting melodies.’ A time you and your family can spend together while doing something educational for the children. It is a beautiful experience for everyone.
Address: 1205 Sam Houston Dr, Victoria, TX 77901, United States.
5. Get Fresh Produce At The Farmers Market
The Downtown Farmer’s Market offers you great locally-grown produce. You don’t only get good farm produce, but fresh and grown in Victoria. Everything sold here is homegrown, homemade, or handmade by the vendors. The Market is located on the lower mainland and was founded in August 2010. It is open from 9 am to1 pm every Saturday at the Pattie Dodson Center.
If you are in town and want to get fresh produce, you should stop by the Downtown Farmer’s Market in Victoria. Sales are in small quantities, so you have to go early for your shopping.
Address: 2805 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77901, United States.
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6. Visit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
If you love the Texas Zoo and enjoy bird-watching, this should be your next stop. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is the wintering home of the last wild stock of endangered whooping cranes.
The wildlife refuge land emerged from the ocean about 120,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era. In the past, it was home to wooly mammoths and other ice-age mammals like mastodons, lions, and camels. The park protects other endangered species, although initially made for whooping cranes.
Paying a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best things to do in Victoria, TX. This beautiful scenery is open to visitors to enjoy wildlife and a variety of recreational opportunities. You can take a long stroll or drive around the place. The refuge has numerous driving and walking trails, observation trails for those who want to watch, and picnic spots.
Address: 1 Wildlife Circle Austwell, TX 77950, United States.
7. Go back in time with Presidio-La Bahia
Presidio-La Bahia, also known as La Bahia, is an important place to visit on our list of things to do in Victoria, TX. It is a fort that was constructed by the Spanish Army and later became the nucleus of the modern-day city of Goliad-Texas. It dates back to 1747.
It is an acre of land among Texas’s most recognized historical landmarks. The building is history itself and has participated in 6 National revolutions and has been occupied by Spanish, Mexican, and Texas soldiers.
It houses several artifacts that have been preserved to keep the history going. Apart from the unique artifacts and the historical ground, the Chapel of the Lady of Loreto is one of the prehistorical churches in the US, attracting thousands of tourists annually.
To enjoy your stay better, you should spend a night at the quarters located in the fort. Presidio-La Bahia is a site for history lovers!
Address: 217 US-183 Hwy, Goliad, TX 77963, United States.
8. See Beautiful Artworks At The Nave Museum
We can not forget art lovers. Texas has things for you to do, too. This Museum was designed by San Antonio architect Atlee Ayers In 1932. It features about eight diverse yet intriguing exhibits annually. All are housed in a majestic Greek revival temple.
Emma Nave originally commissioned this Museum to showcase her late husband, Royton Nave’s Paintings. However, this changed after it opened its doors in 1932. Now, it is a place to educate and enrich people through art.
The Nave museum has pulled art lovers from all over the country and abroad. It is a splendid place to visit for educational purposes and comfort.
Address: 306 W. Commercial St, Victoria, TX 77901, United States.
9. Learn Art At Victoria’s Art League
We mentioned the Nave Museum earlier and now Victoria’s Art League. It’s a lovely place for art lovers to explore, learn and enjoy the beautiful artwork.
The Victoria Art League is a nonprofit organization formed in 1966. Its mission is to educate, exhibit, appreciate and create opportunities for children and adults to enjoy visual art. They offer several activities for all ages and classes, from beginner to professional. You should add this to your list of things to do in Victoria, TX.
The art league also hosts monthly meetings, demonstrations, workshops, community outreach, and classes for their guests. Community members are invited to join in judged special shows and opening receptions here. It’s a place to communicate with other art lovers and learn a thing or two about art.
Address: 905 S Bridge St, Victoria, TX 77901, United States.
10. Create Memories At The Outlaw Family Center
Suppose you and your family are in Victoria and are looking for a place to spend quality time or things to do while you are in town. Then the outlaw pass family center is just the right place for you. Outlaw is a primer family center where you and your kids can have a lot of fun and make beautiful memories.
Outlaw park has a discount where you can book three or more activities at a discounted price. They have a Unique golf course, A 900 linear ft race track, Go-karts, Rock climbing, Euro bungee, Arcade games, and so much more. With all these exciting activities, it will be tough to choose because they are a whole lot of activities and something for everyone.
After a day of fun and many activities, you must be starving or craving a snack; the park has you covered with its outlaw snack bar. This place has everything you need for a day of fun and laughs.
Address: 78 Tate Rd, Victoria, TX 77904, US.
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11. Have A Treat At Fossati’s Delicatessen
One of the ways to know a country is by eating its food. This is why it is ok to add this to your list of things to do while you are in Victoria, TX. Suppose you are one of those who love to explore their options and get good food. In that case, Fossati’s Delicatessen should be the next stop.
Fossati’s Delicatessen is one of the oldest deli restaurants in Texas and one of the oldest restaurants in the United States. It was opened in 1882 by Italian Immigrant Francisco (Frank) Napoleon Fossati. And is still run by the same family after 130 years.
The building was built in 1900 on less than one acre of land. They serve a variety of foods like King Ranch Chicken, Lasagna, and many more delicious meals. One fun detail about this place is that they still serve many of the original dishes. So, go on out and have lunch at this historic restaurant.
Address: 302 S Main St, Victoria, TX 77901, USA.
12. Eat At The Green Table
Texas has a vegan food truck called “The Green Table. ” Here, they serve all kinds of meals that are 100% vegan and very tasty. So, if you are vegan and looking for a new taste in food, you should consider the green table as one of your stops.
The Green table was opened in 2019, and they serve a variety of snacks from tamales, enchiladas, gorditas, and mole, as well as burgers and hotdogs.
Apart from the dishes mentioned above, the severe Mexican food, including the Jamaica hibiscus taco, is a fan favorite.
Address: 4103 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77901, United States.
13. Shop at Huvar’s Artisan Market
Huvar’s Artisan Market is housed in a building that was the home to Huvar’s Cash and Grocery for over 80 years in Texas. In March 2010, Richard Briggs decided to change the place to hold the historical nature still but bring the artisan feel to Victoria.
All their food is prepared from fresh products daily. They serve natural soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers, fresh fish, and ever-changing specials.
It’s a great place to dine in when you visit the city.
Address:110 W Juan Linn St, Victoria, TX 77901, USA
14. Get loose with MoonShine Drinkery
MoonShine Drinkery should be your next stop if you love wine and good ones. Then you won’t be disappointed with their quality.
After all the touring, eating, and doing all the other fun activities in Victoria. You want to let loose and enjoy the evening.
Moonshine Drinkery is a spot you can go to have fun with friends or have a romantic dinner. It’s a lively spot with handmade wine, a great selection of craft beer, and moonshine-based cocktails. It is a great way to end your day too. It’s all up to you.
Address:103 W Santa Rosa St, Victoria, TX 77901, United States
15. Stop by The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar
If you love trying new cuisines, you should stop by The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar.
In 2010, Louise and Dennis were the highest and only bidders of the Pumphouse structure. They saved it from demolition and started another beautiful place that preserved history.
They have a historic ambiance and a large outdoor deck, sighting the beautiful Guadalupe river. Here you will enjoy exceptional American cuisine with drinks and live music. It is a phenomenal place to be. This should be on your list of things to do in Victoria, TX.
Address:1201 W Stayton Ave, Victoria, TX 77901, USA
Plan a Trip to Victoria, Texas
After seeing all the fantastic things on our list of things to do in Victoria, TX. Why not plan a trip to experience these things firsthand? Have family time, see historical sites or beautiful art. Eat superb cuisines in historic buildings, let loose at the bar, and meet new people.
It is an excellent offer you shouldn’t turn down. You surely won’t regret it. Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.
