If you are due for a vacation and you want a place where you can combine history, shopping, sports, and family bonding activities, La Porte Texas is where you should go. Less than an hour’s drive from Houston, this city by the bay is perfect for an active but relaxing break.
La Porte is a place with history; it was the site of the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, the battle which established Texas as a republic independent from Mexico. You can trace the trail of this battle as you walk along the San Jacinto State Historical Park. From the park you can enter the San Jacinto Museum of History, a place where children can learn about Texas history in interesting ways.
La Porte has a total of 22 parks and recreation facilities; these include bicycle and hiking trails for some adventurous outdoor exercise. For some serious stretching, you have 12 miles of trails that go through several parks, down to Sylvan Beach, and the La Porte Fitness and Recreation Center. Kids especially enjoy the city’s 350,000 gallon wave pool, and golfers will feel right at home in the Bay Forest Golf Course. This beautiful bayside golf haven has earned the reputation of being one of the top 20 golf courses in the Lone Star State. There is something for everyone in La Porte, and you better believe that something special in this city is waiting for you. Continue to read our Visit La Porte TX Travel and start planning your vacation to La Porte today. For a list of the best beaches in Texas, visit here.
La Porte Weather (When to Visit)
The best time to visit La Porte is October to November or March to April when the weather is warm, but not sweltering, and accommodation prices are reasonable. Winter is the best time to score a deal on your accommodations, but it will likely be too chilly to enjoy La Porte’s beach activities. The months that span May and September constitute La Porte’s long summer season, where lodging rates, tourism and temps are at their peak.
Best La Porte Area Beaches
Sylvan Beach
Sylvan Beach is a nice little man-made beach with fine sand and a long fishing pier within a quick and easy drive from Galveston or Houston. A very family-friendly place with free entry, where alcohol is prohibited and the police patrols through the area are frequent. Among the visitors, there are always many families with kids, and no wonder – the beach is equipped with two modern shaded playgrounds to the delight of the little ones.
El Jardin Beach
El Jardin Beach is a beautiful small beach with a rich marine life – a great spot for a quick trip with your family or pet. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, although some visitors unleash them when playing or surfing in the water.
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Crystal Beach
Due to its remote location requiring a ferry ride and few amenities on site, Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula isn’t very popular with tourists and doesn’t have as many visitors as other beaches in the area, so it’s a great alternative to the overcrowded beaches of Galveston.
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Galveston Island East Beach
East Beach is one of the rare beaches in Galveston where alcohol is allowed. At the same time, most of the visitors know how to behave and, apart from youngster companies and party lovers, some families with children like to come here as well.
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Stewart Beach
If you’re planning a beach day with your nearest and dearest in a safe and convenient atmosphere, Stewart Beach is a place of choice for you. It offers all necessary beach amenities, such as public restrooms, rinse showers, food outlets, children’s playground, pavilion, and sports courts where you can play volleyball.
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Best La Porte Tours & Activities by Viator
Viator.com – Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do
NASA’s Space Center & Houston’s Official City Tour
Hitting Houston’s top attractions couldn’t be easier than on this double-decker sightseeing tour. See top sights around the city like parks, landmarks, and historic districts, and then head to the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center for a self-guided tour. Learn more about NASA’s Space Center & Houston’s City Tour.
Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission
Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see the largest dinosaur hall in North America, check out the extensive collection of rare gems, and stop into your choice of permanent exhibits. Learn more about the Houston Museum of Natural Science Admission.
Historical Houston from Below: Morning Underground Tunnel Tour
Walking through the streets of Houston is pretty special but did you know that there is a whole underground system of tunnels below the city? This Houston tour will take you through the city, over and underground, until you get to know the city from every angle. Learn more about the Morning Underground Tunnel Tour.
Old Town Historic Pub Tour
Houston, we have a problem: there are just too many good pubs in our city. Join this Houston tour to visit a bar that doubles as a tailor shop by day, a watering hole in a 1920s watch and jewelry company, and a bar that features the very first electric elevator in Texas. Fun guaranteed, hangovers optional. Learn more about the Old Town Historic Pub Tour.
Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip
See the key sights of central Houston and historic Galveston on a comprehensive 6-hour coach tour. Begin your day of sightseeing with a 90-minute overview tour of Houston by double-decker bus. In Galveston, you’ll have some free time to explore this scenic Gulf of Mexico town at your own pace. Admire the historic Victorian mansions, the Galveston Seawall and the Strand historic district. Other optional activities include hitting the beach or going on a dolphin-watching tour by boat. Learn more about the Houston Sightseeing Tour.
Best La Porte Restaurants
Monument Inn $11 – 30
One of the well-loved hallmarks of this popular Monument Inn Restaurant is the remarkable views of the Houston ship channel. While enjoying your meal there is a great view out our second story windows of the international ships are constantly sailing into or out of port. Specializing in Fresh Gulf Coast Seafood and offering a wide array of Steaks, Chicken and Pasta Dishes, Monument Inn serves up Houston’s tastiest waterfront dining. Telephone: 281-479-1521 Web: Monument Inn.
Main 101 Grill & Bar $11 – 30
Enjoy casual fine dining, local artistry, and a luxurious bar stocked with your favorite wines and our signature cocktails. – in La Porte. Based upon their deep-rooted principles of good service, high-quality cuisine and excellent value, this fine dining contemporary grill was designed and built with you, the customer, in mind. Telephone: 281-470-8484 Web: Main 101 Grill & Bar.
The Southern Komfort Kitchen $11 – 30
The Kitchen was born in 2011 in the city of La Porte, in the great state of Texas. After dining for years in other local restaurants and steakhouses that served prepackaged and reheated processed food, they decided to open a restaurant that would cook food the way it used to be done. They take great pride in preparing all their fresh food from scratch, just like Grandma used to make. Telephone: 281-867-9231 Web: The Southern Komfort Kitchen.
Pipeline Grill $11 – 30
Their brick fired pizza, great burgers and a good selection of American food favorites make them a local favorite. They also offer an Early Dining Menu for those looking to save a few dollars. Pipeline Grill is also a great venue for Happy Hour with a great selection of craft beers and specialty frozen drinks! Telephone: 281-470-0141 Web: Pipeline Grill.
Burger Libre $11 – 30
Brutally awesome no-holds-barred burgers. 100% beef freshly pounded to perfection, right there where you can see it. Hand-stuffed tacos. Hand-spun shakes. Hard-earned swagger. Melty cheese. Lavish veggies. Thick-sliced bacon. And their famous Libre sauce. You can have fries and a taco with every burger. Their signature Skeleto tacos: sublimely-seasoned little treasures in a slightly crunchy shell. Telephone: 281-941-4305 Web: Burger Libre.
Best La Porte Nightlife
Man Kind Sports Bar
Man Kind, opened in June 2015 by the Anagnostou family, is built on their love of sports with deep roots in the community. Think of Man Kind as a sports lovers living room. Eleven huge high-def screens, delicious food, a full bar, and fourteen beers on tap. Join your friends for the big game, you wont have to fuss; leave it all to them. Telephone: 281-
941-9584 Web: Man Kind Sports Bar.
Neon Moon Saloon
If you like neighborhood bars, outside eclectic seating, and fun friendly people… this is your spot! It’s worth a trip to La Porte for a nice day out. Decent beer choices, fun games, pool table, and bands that play there. Very cool biker bar. Telephone: 281- 471-6366 Web: Neon Moon Saloon.
Rosewater
A local favorite place to hang out and relax and have awesome, sophisticated cocktails. Their drink menu is always changing and keeps things fresh. The people there are so nice and really know their stuff. They also have really good options for beer and wine. You can also have food delivered to you and make it a dinner out with delicious cocktails. Telephone: 832-224-4182 Web: Rosewater.
Shacks Club & Pub
Down to earth, bar with a great selection of music and a great DJ. I love when a DJ believes in his playlist enough to dance and enjoy his own vibe.
If you are looking for a nice, laid back, friendly atmosphere try this place. Telephone: 281-471-2256 Web: Shacks Club & Pub.
Volcano Room
This is an island-inspired craft cocktail lounge featuring small plates.
This bar is very friendly, on point and helpful with a great atmosphere. Telephone: 281-549-4080 Web: Volcano Room.
I’ve never been to Texas but now that I’m closer than I was in New York, I will eventually get there.
What better place to be than on the beach there,right?
La Porte looks very inviting and a place I would definitely see in Texas!
I’m used to the beautiful beaches here in Florida but I would love to see La Porte since you say so many great things about it!
I loved the video about Sylvan beach! Does it get crowded there?
It does get crowded during Spring Break. Do not head there during Spring Break. I know here in Clearwater spring break seems to last about 3 months, ugh. It is not the case in Texas. Just skip the month of spring break and you will be good 🙂 Thanks for visiting La Porte TX Travel Rob.
Hi Leahrae,After reading your article and listening to your video, it would be nice to visit La Porte (Texas).
As a fishing lover, I am very pleased with the large dock where fishermen can enjoy the activity.
I live in Argentina and recently visited New York and Miami we had a great time with the family.
You speak of two beautiful seasons to travel from October to November what hotel would you recommend near the fishing pier?Thanks for your help. Regards!Claudio
Every hotel I have listed ( and all hotels in La Porte ) are basically situated very close to each other and near the fishing pier. So you can stay at any of my top suggestions and be close. La Porte is not a huge town anyway, so it will be easy 🙂 Thanks for visiting my La Porte TX Travel guide.
I will visit here on my next vacation, is such an historic sight, I can’t wait to spend the night in that huge battleship, and Visit the monument inn, you shared so much good views about it, I can’t wait to visit there with my husband. Thank you for sharing this.
You are welcome and you will have a great time staying on the battleship! Definitely a unique experience!
For the best vacation site, La Porte TX is the place to make history to happen. They are experts when it comes to beach destination. LaPorte Texas is a place of history as it serves as the center where Texas gain liberty from Mexico in 1836. For the lovers of history and relaxation at the same time, this is the place to be.
I agree! And since I lived in Texas, I like pretty much any location situated near the beach 🙂
The battle ship is what I really have wanted to see in La Porte. Because yeah I would love to spend a night with my buddies in real life battle ship. That is what I call an ultimate vacation, and one never to forget any time soon. I am so intrigued and ready to start planning my vacation to La Porte! I think my wife will enjoy this as well. Thanks for the great information!
You are so welcome Charles, and yes that is a unique experience, one that will last a lifetime. Then you get the whole beautiful La Porte community and the wonderful beaches. Can’t be beat for sure. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
La porte Texas sounds like an amazing place in the U.S. I have added it to my list of awesome places to visit when I visit America. I’m a lover of seaside views and the cool sea breeze that blows over your skin, and dipping my toes in the sand. I am a beach lover and this is my kind of vacation. Thanks for the great information, and love your site!
Texas is amazing, and I am just a tad biased being from Texas and all. I agree that beach travel, is the best type of vacation to take, hands down. I am glad you enjoyed visiting beach travel destinations.
Excellent job. Makes me want to go and just sit on the beach and dangle my toes in the water. You offer a great deal of information on the area and history that makes it very inviting. We are planning a trip from California to the east coast in the future and this would be a wonderful place to visit.
Winslow
Yes Winslow, this is a great beach destination to visit, but then I love Texas 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed and thank you for visiting beach travel destinations.
Your article is very interesting and informative. So much historical relevance surrounding La Porte. I can’t deny that the opportunity to spend a night on The Battleship Texas sounds highly appealing being that it’s the only US Navy ship to have survived both world wars. I’ll surely pen this down in my bucket list. Thanks for the article.
You are very welcome Louis. Glad you enjoyed reading my La Porte TX Travel guide. Stop by again.
You know, I had never thought of Texas as a beach destination before. I mean, I did know they are coastal and have beaches, but I always imagine people going to California, Florida, or South Carolina for beach vacations. You have opened my eyes to Texas’s potential. I have not spent much time in Texas before, but La Porte sounds like an excellent destination for family travel.
I have lived in Texas for 10 years, and to be honest, I hadn’t thought of Texas as having “exceptional” beaches either. But there are quite a few, and Texans will attest to how wonderful they are! I like La Porte. It is outside of Houston, which is really not my kind of town and close to Galveston and Padre Island – both with great beaches.
Certainly, your post is very interesting and beautiful, and the history gives it another aspect of interest for people like me that want to know something about the places we visit. For sure I want to go there on vacation.
I am glad that La Porte sounds like a place you want to vacation to 🙂 Please let me know if you need any more information.
Wow,
This one of my dreams to be travelling into this kind of place.Very nice and relaxing.Thanks for this informative article of yours.
You are welcome Bella, you would love Texas, but then I am a little biased 🙂
Awesome! The La Porte TX Travel seems to be a fantastic place to visit. I have put it on my bucket list for my next holiday. I love history, so this is perfect for me. I must show this article to my husband, I am sure he will like it too. Thank you for this excellent post!
Great Daniella, and La Porte has a lot of Texas history. It’s a small beach community, but definitely worth the visit. Thanks for stopping by!
La Porte looks a very interesting place for vacation but also for travelers who want to explore and be active. Given the variety of prices, everyone can find something for themselves. I love history and I want to explore La Porte.Thanks for great post.
You are very welcome Maja. I love Texas, but I am a little partial as I lived there for many years. I think you would love visiting this great little beach community. Thanks for reading!
I’m so glad I came across your post today!
We are going down to Houston in March to visit our son. And this location looks like a great day trip.
Living in Alberta, Canada, not only do we look forward to the warmth, but love to see the ocean. La Porte looks like it has it all, lol.
Thanks for such a thorough review of the area. I’m bookmarking this for sure!
Cheers,
Suzanne
You are very welcome Suzanne and La Porte is so close to Houston. Personally I like any area that is outside of Houston, LOL. Even Galveston is far nicer. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks for stopping by Suzanne.