Overview
Gonzales is the county seat of Gonzales County, Texas, and one of the oldest cities in Texas.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Gonzales
Gonzales County Courthouse
Built in 1894, this is the fourth structure to function as the courthouse of Gonzales County. A beautiful building of Romanesque Revival architecture, the courthouse stands as the center of county government and is the c…
Independence Park
Golf course, hiking, and sports complexes are some of the things to do at this small city park. Fishing along the Guadalupe River is very good.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 98°F; winter lows dip to about 42°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Oct. (climate data from nearby Austin)
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.
- AUS Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Austin — 49 mi away (major hub). Directions
- VCT Victoria Regional Airport, Victoria — 55 mi away. Directions
Driving is the only way into Gonzales. US Highway 183 runs north to south through the city, while US Highway 90 runs east to west. From Austin, take US Hwy 183 due south for about an hour. From San Antonio, follow I-10 east to exit 632(US 183 to Gonzales/Cuero), and drive south on 183 for 15 miles to reach Gonzales. From Houston, follow I-10 west to exit 632, and drive south.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $6 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Gonzales County Courthouse
- Lunch Matamoros Taco Hut
- Afternoon Independence Park
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
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
A major site in the days of the Texas Revolution, Gonzales is considered the "Birthplace of Texas Independence", as it is where the first shot for Texas independence was fired. Not as well known, and certainly not as publicized, as more major arenas in the Texas Revolution, such as the Alamo and San Jacinto, Gonzales is where the first combat of the Revolution took place. Today, however, it is a small town of roughly 6000 people, where time moves at a much slower pace. Similar to most other towns in this part of Texas, Gonzales is unique because of its heritage and the various sites and events that celebrate this heritage.
Get in
Driving is the only way into Gonzales. US Highway 183 runs north to south through the city, while US Highway 90 runs east to west. From Austin, take US Hwy 183 due south for about an hour. From San Antonio, follow I-10 east to exit 632(US 183 to Gonzales/Cuero), and drive south on 183 for 15 miles to reach Gonzales. From Houston, follow I-10 west to exit 632, and drive south.
Get around
The same means used to get into Gonzales is the best means for getting around Gonzales. The city is small and does not take long to reach the other side of the city. With that being said, walking around the downtown city blocks can be quite pleasant during the Spring and Autumn month.
See
See Gonzales County Courthouse
Built in 1894, this is the fourth structure to function as the courthouse of Gonzales County. A beautiful building of Romanesque Revival architecture, the courthouse stands as the center of county government and is the center of the cross that forms downtown Gonzales. The interior has beautiful paintings and artwork, depicting various scenes from the Texas Revolution and of the local area.
Do
Eat
Eat Matamoros Taco Hut
Don't be fooled by the unassuming appearance of this Tex-Mex restaurant. It looks like an old service station outside, but the good food and service is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. An average meal will run between 4 and 7 dollars. Tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas are some of the available choices. Soft drinks and tea are among the available beverages. Alcohol is not served here. Try the Mexican Coca-Cola, which is very similar to the American version, but the bottles are much larger.
Sleep
Stay St. James Inn
This beautiful early 20th century home has been converted to a fine bed and breakfast. There are four separate rooms to choose from; prices vary by season and your room choice. There are ghost stories that the former occupants still live there and roam the halls at night. So don't be surprised if you hear something rattling nearby...
Stay Best Western Regency Inn and Suites
A nice modern option on E. US Alt 90 (Sarah DeWitt Dr). It has 27 rooms, with smoking and non-smoking rooms. High speed internet access is available. There is a small outdoor pool available as well.
Go next
Follow US 183 south to the Gulf Coast and major cities like Corpus Christi and Brownsville, passing through beautiful small towns, such as Cuero and Goliad. Taking 183 north will take you towards Austin and the Texas Hill Country. Between Gonzales and Interstate 10, make sure to stop by Palmetto State Park, to see a unique collection of Palmettos. Alt US 90 West will take you towards Seguin and San Antonio. A mile from the park entrance off of US 183, there is an overlook with a breathtaking view of the valley and woods below. Alt US 90 East goes to Houston, while passing through a handful of small towns along the way like Shiner and Hallettsville.
Nearby
Luling
City / town · 14 listings · 17 mi away
Cuero
City / town · 3 listings · 30 mi away
Seguin
City / town · 14 listings · 31 mi away
Schulenburg
City / town · 1 listings · 35 mi away
San Marcos
City / town · 38 listings · 39 mi away
Kyle
City / town · 3 listings · 42 mi away
Weimar
City / town · 4 listings · 42 mi away
Bastrop
City / town · 34 listings · 42 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.