Austwell TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Austwell, Texas.
1. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND NATURE
The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a vast 70,000-acre nature and wildlife preserve that is home to almost 400 species of birds. Visitors can explore the various trails and observation points throughout the refuge to spot the diverse wildlife, including the endangered whooping crane. The refuge serves as a critical habitat for migrating birds and offers educational programs about conservation efforts.
2. Austwell Texas Whooping Crane RV Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATION
Austwell Texas Whooping Crane RV Park offers comfortable accommodations for tourists visiting the Aransas Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas. The park provides essential amenities and serves as a convenient base for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Its strategic location makes it ideal for exploring the natural beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast.
3. Hynes Bay Overlook
COASTAL VIEWING POINT
Hynes Bay Overlook provides visitors with panoramic views of the beautiful Hynes Bay, which is part of the San Antonio Bay ecosystem. Located on the natural bluff where Austwell sits, the overlook offers excellent opportunities for photography and bird watching. Sunset views from this location are particularly spectacular, showcasing the coastal beauty of the region.
4. Historic Murphy House
RESTORED ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The historic Murphy House stands as a testament to Austwell's rich heritage, now beautifully restored with modern conveniences. This historic home exemplifies the architectural style of early Austwell and provides visitors with a glimpse into the area's past. The restoration work preserves the home's historic charm while incorporating contemporary amenities.
5. Austwell-Tivoli School
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY HUB
Austwell-Tivoli School serves as the educational center for the community with its 1-A school district designation. The school is known for its excellent educational opportunities and maintains a low teacher-to-student ratio. Visitors interested in small-town education systems can appreciate this institution that plays a vital role in the community.
6. Rusty Hook Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Rusty Hook Winery offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience featuring locally produced varieties. This highly-rated establishment provides a relaxing atmosphere where guests can learn about winemaking processes specific to the region. Wine enthusiasts appreciate the friendly service and opportunity to taste unique Texas wines.
7. Art Center Seadrift / The Art Boat
CREATIVE COASTAL EXPRESSION
Art Center Seadrift / The Art Boat showcases local artistic talent with coastal-inspired creations near Austwell. This creative hub offers exhibitions, workshops, and opportunities to purchase unique art pieces that capture the essence of Gulf Coast living. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and connection to local culture through various artistic mediums.
8. The Big Tree
ANCIENT NATURAL MONUMENT
The Big Tree is an ancient live oak estimated to be over 1,000 years old, standing as a natural monument near Austwell. This impressive specimen has survived countless hurricanes and serves as a symbol of resilience for the coastal community. Visitors can walk around the massive tree, which features a trunk circumference of over 35 feet and provides a majestic presence in the landscape.
9. Coastal Bend Visitor Center
REGIONAL TOURISM HUB
The Coastal Bend Visitor Center provides comprehensive information about attractions throughout the region, including Austwell and surrounding communities. Helpful staff offer personalized recommendations for activities, dining options, and accommodations based on visitors' interests. The center features informative displays about local history, wildlife, and cultural points of interest.
10. Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
VICTORIAN COASTAL ESTATE
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site showcases a meticulously restored Victorian mansion that once belonged to a prominent Texas family. The mansion's architecture features innovative amenities for its time, including indoor plumbing and central heating. Visitors can tour the elegant home and grounds while learning about 19th-century coastal life in Texas.
11. Goose Island State Park
COASTAL RECREATION PARADISE
Goose Island State Park offers abundant outdoor recreational opportunities within driving distance of Austwell, including camping, fishing, and birdwatching. The park is home to the famous "Big Tree," one of the largest live oak trees in Texas, estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Visitors enjoy the scenic bayfront campsites and hiking trails that showcase the diverse coastal ecosystem.
12. Port Lavaca Lighthouse Beach
COASTAL RECREATION AREA
Port Lavaca Lighthouse Beach provides a relaxing coastal experience with amenities including a fishing pier, bird watching tower, and picnic areas. The beach features a half-mile boardwalk offering spectacular views of Lavaca Bay and opportunities to observe local wildlife. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse, which has been relocated to the park as a historical attraction.
13. Calhoun County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Calhoun County Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts chronicling the rich history of the region surrounding Austwell. Exhibits showcase everything from Native American artifacts to maritime history and the development of local industries. The museum provides an educational experience that helps visitors understand the cultural and economic forces that shaped this part of coastal Texas.
14. Victoria Educational Gardens
BOTANICAL LEARNING SPACE
Victoria Educational Gardens features beautifully designed demonstration gardens that showcase plants suitable for the South Texas climate. Visitors can stroll through themed areas including butterfly gardens, vegetable plots, and water conservation exhibits. The gardens serve as an educational resource for sustainable gardening practices and native plant cultivation.
15. The Texas Zoo
NATIVE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
The Texas Zoo in Victoria focuses on native Texas wildlife with exhibits featuring animals from various ecosystems across the state. Visitors can observe species like mountain lions, bobcats, and numerous bird species in naturalistic habitats. The zoo offers educational programs that emphasize conservation and the importance of protecting Texas wildlife and their habitats.