Follett's Island captures the essence of Brazoria's coast: the public beach along the Gulf of Mexico stretches for 13 miles. Fishing, swimming and camping are possible there year-round. At Quintana Beach County Park, trails, a beach area for pedestrians, a lighted fishing pier and access to the West Jetty sit side by side. Nature activities include birdwatching, fishing, nature observation, swimming, surfing, beachcombing and shell collecting; shells can be collected on nearby beaches.
Island, Sanctuary and Coastal Landscape
Quintana is an island between the mouths of the Old Brazos River and the New Brazos River. The protected Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary is located on Quintana Island. Visitors can climb an observation tower and explore interconnected trails. The tower and trails offer two distinct ways to engage with the bird sanctuary: you can choose the climb or explore the grounds via the trails.
The inland protected areas also showcase different landscapes. San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge manages salt marshes, saltwater lakes, coastal prairies, freshwater lakes and marshes, intermittent streams, and riparian and bottomland forests. More than 320 bird species live there; the refuge also has three recreation areas and ten hiking trails.
At Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, the Cannan Bend Recreation Area offers a different natural contrast: a freshwater lake open to fishing alongside a remnant of coastal forest. The Big Slough Auto Tour passes through marshland, tidal sloughs, ponds and prairies. While Cannan Bend brings together a lake and coastal forest, the auto tour passes through several habitat types. This makes it possible to choose between different nature experiences depending on whether you are looking for a specific spot or a succession of different habitats.
History at Special Sites
A 76-foot statue of Stephen F. Austin is the centerpiece of Stephen F. Austin-Munson Historical County Park. The park includes a visitor and information center, a gift shop and picnic areas. Reenactments, living history programs and interpretive events take place there throughout the year. Before your visit, it is advisable to check the latest information on facilities and programs.
The Brazoria County Historical Museum is housed in the county's historic courthouse, built in 1897. The artifacts on display reflect the county's cultural and demographic diversity. Tours at Varner-Hogg Plantation cover the history of the site, its connection to the history and trade of Texas, the stories of enslaved families, and earlier sugarcane production, ranching and oil production. Reservations may be required for tours.
Marine Aquarium and Educational Programs
Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson is a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and educational facility. Aquariums and exhibits focus on Texas marine life; other features include a redfish hatchery, an outdoor wetlands exhibit and a youth fishing pond. Its combination of marine exhibits, fish hatchery and educational programs sets this destination apart from the historical museums and sites.
A Pier with a Historic Connection
Surfside Jetty County Park includes the site of the Velasco Town Battery, which dates from before the 1860s. The park also has a paved pier that is about 0.6 miles long. You can walk along it and fish.
Discover more destinations: Freeport, Pearland, Clute, Lake Jackson, Angleton, Alvin, Manvel, West Columbia, Jones Creek, Surfside Beach, Richwood, Oyster Creek.
For the main travel guide: Texas.
