Overview
Bay City is a small city in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. It's on SH-35, about two hours from Houston, at the Colorado River.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bay City
Colorado River
A different river that shares a name with the river that carved out the Grand Canyon passes through town.
South Texas Project
A nuclear reactor, operates in the area.
Bay City Public Library
Books, DVDS, Internet Computers, fax machine, copier, Children's programs, Teen programs, and more
Matagorda County Birding Nature Center
Great place for bird lovers or to take your kids to experience nature.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 95°F; winter lows dip to about 44°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Oct. (climate data from nearby Houston)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- VCT Victoria Regional Airport, Victoria — 58 mi away. Directions
- HOU William P. Hobby Airport, Houston — 62 mi away (major hub). Directions
Access exclusively by private car. From Houston, locate SH-35 (it crosses IH-45 just south of down town, inside the loop), and go south for about two hours.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Colorado River, South Texas Project
- Lunch K-2 Steakhouse
- Afternoon Bay City Public Library, Matagorda County Birding Nature Center
- Dinner La Casona
- Evening Neon Moon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Get in
Access exclusively by private car. From Houston, locate SH-35 (it crosses IH-45 just south of down town, inside the loop), and go south for about two hours.
Get around
Car, foot, bike, or taxi
See
See Colorado River
A different river that shares a name with the river that carved out the Grand Canyon passes through town.
Do
Buy
Shop Market Days
On the third Saturday of the month, booths(of all kinds) surround the courthouse. You never know what you will find, and this is something you don't want to miss!
Eat
Eat K-2 Steakhouse
Some of the best food in town!
Eat China Chef Restaurant
The best Chinese food in town, but only one buffet table.
Drink
Drink Neon Moon (The Moon)
Beer bar. Karaoke and live music.
Sleep
Go next
- Lake Jackson is a nearby city with some things to do.
- Surfside and Surfside Beach, Bryan Beach, and Quintana Beach are south of Lake Jackson on SH-36. There are wide stretches of beaches with vehicle access and few people (at least compared to Galveston). The fishing is often very good, especially for shark and redfish.
- West Columbia has some interesting buildings about a hundred years old.
- Palacios is about a half hour south on SH-35 and has lots of old interesting houses and interesting restaurants.
- Galveston makes a great day trip and scenic drive. Head north on SH-35 to Lake Jackson, then south on SH-36 until you come to the Bluewater Highway (CR-332). Head north east (left) and follow the coast. The toll bridge at San Luis Pass costs about $2. The road then becomes San Luis Pass Road (CR-3005) and continues to Galveston.
- Houston is a major city with endless things to see and do, and is about ninety minutes north on SH-35.
Nearby
Palacios
City / town · 10 listings · 24 mi away
Clute
City / town · 20 listings · 34 mi away
Surfside
City / town · 20 listings · 40 mi away
Port Lavaca
City / town · 3 listings · 47 mi away
Sugar Land
City / town · 5 listings · 49 mi away
Stafford
City / town · 2 listings · 50 mi away
Alvin
City / town · 3 listings · 53 mi away
Katy
City / town · 16 listings · 56 mi away
My experience
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