Overview
Nacogdoches is a city in the Piney Woods of Texas. It is the oldest city in the state.
7 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Nacogdoches
Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens
An 1830s farmstead, blacksmith shop, and smokehouse. The house is the second-oldest extant structure in town. Free tours.
Millard's Crossing Historic Village
A reconstructed historic 19th century village.
Old Nacogdoches University Building
Mounds at Hughes. Built in 1845, this is the only surviving structure of a university commissioned by the Republic of Texas. It now houses a museum with relics of the period.
Old Stone Fort Museum
A reconstruction built in 1936 using the original stones, of the Spanish fort built here in 1779.
Sterne–Hoya House Museum and Library
Oldest standing structure in town, constructed in 1830, once served as a meeting place for famous historical figures like Sam Houston and Davy Crockett.
Oak Grove Cemetery
Resting place of four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and a number of other Texan historical figures.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Mansfield)
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.
- GGG East Texas Regional Airport, Longview — 54 mi away. Directions
- TYR Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, Tyler — 68 mi away. Directions
- IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston — 119 mi away (major hub). Directions
US 259 south of Longview.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $85–$125 a night (typical $119), from 5 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$290.
Options are grouped as Bed and breakfasts in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens, Oak Grove Cemetery
- Lunch East College Cafeteria
- Afternoon Old North Church, Sterne–Hoya House Museum and Library
- Evening Sports Shack Bar & Grill
Day 2
- Morning Millard's Crossing Historic Village, Old Nacogdoches University Building
- Afternoon Old Stone Fort Museum, Lanana Creek Trail
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
After periodic settlement dating back 10,000 years, Nacogdoches first became a permanent village around 1300, settled by the mound-building Caddo people. After Europeans began exploring the area, Nacogdoches was an important trading post for French and Spanish pioneers. Permanent Spanish presence began here in 1716 with the establishment of a mission, and the city remained the most important city in East Texas for over a hundred years. In its history it has flown the flags of three abortive republics in addition to the six flags that have flown over the rest of Texas.
Get in
By car
US 259 south of Longview.
By bus
Greyhound buses stop at 4010 South St.
Get around
Public transportation is available, but very limited. On demand and scheduled trips are possible through the Brazos District transit authority.
See
See Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens
An 1830s farmstead, blacksmith shop, and smokehouse. The house is the second-oldest extant structure in town. Free tours.
See Oak Grove Cemetery
Resting place of four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and a number of other Texan historical figures.
See Old Nacogdoches University Building
Mounds at Hughes. Built in 1845, this is the only surviving structure of a university commissioned by the Republic of Texas. It now houses a museum with relics of the period.
See Old North Church
Off US 59 just north of town. Believed to be the oldest union church in Texas. The present building was constructed in 1852.
See Old Stone Fort Museum
A reconstruction built in 1936 using the original stones, of the Spanish fort built here in 1779.
See Sterne–Hoya House Museum and Library
Oldest standing structure in town, constructed in 1830, once served as a meeting place for famous historical figures like Sam Houston and Davy Crockett.
Do
Do Lanana Creek Trail
From Liberty Hall on East Main. This 2.5 mile trail was once an Indian footpath.
- The Old Town Rig Down in September will overtake downtown with a bevvy of big trucks accompanied by tailgating, food trucks, and live music. The best truck wins a wrestling-style championship belt.
Eat
Eat East College Cafeteria
Relive those college days by trying out the all you can eat cafeteria on campus. You might get some stares from the students, but supposedly it's open to the public and friendly on your wallet.
Drink
- The Shack Attack is a well known drink, ordered by the pitcher.
Sleep
Bed and breakfasts
Nacogdoches has a lot of historic homes, many of which have been converted into bed and breakfast accommodations.
Stay Haden Edwards Inn
Built around 1840, with a second Victorian-style floor added in the 1890s.
Nearby
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