Gonzales Texas, an easy drive east of San Antonio, played a vital role in the history of Texas. The first shots of the Texas Revolution were fired here by a cannon the Mexican government had sent to protect this little town. In 1835, General Sam Houston heard about the defeat of the Alamo while he was staying in Gonzales. He gathered the troops and eventually gained victory at San Jacinto, ultimately gaining independence from Mexico. Over time, the town has grown into a charming place to visit, known for its historic sites, outdoor recreation, and excellent shopping opportunities. The various Gonzales hotels will provide you with places to stay while you're experience this city's charm.

Many of the things to do in Gonzales offer a chance to connect with Texas's roots. The Pioneer Village Living History is home to many buildings that have been standing since the 1800s. Among the old homes, the blacksmith shop, and other frontier buildings, local residents give tours and recreate many of the skills of the past. The museum hosts special events throughout the year, all with a historical flair, including a Dutch-oven cook off in April and a reenactment of the Battle of Texas each October. A visit to Eggleston House also reveals the Gonzales Texas history of the time shortly after the Revolution. This small log cabin, watched over by the local chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, is filled with exhibits and furniture from the transitional era.

You also can experience Gonzales Texas history with a visit to Gonzales Memorial Museum, a short walk from the little cabin. Free the visit, the city-owned museum is where the story of the Battle of Texas unfolds as does the story of this small town in central Texas. This solid building, crafted out of local limestone and shell stone, was built in the 1930s as a Texas Centennial building project. Like other museums from its era, it was built to last. The two wings, separated by a soaring rotunda, are filled with interesting exhibits, including the cannon that quite possible fired the first shot of the revolution. The complex in Gonzales Texas also includes a memorial to the men who died defending the Alamo. Called the Immortal Thirty Monument, this towering monument was constructed out of pink granite and bronze.

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The Old Jail Museum, yet another interesting place to connect with Gonzales Texas history, held prisoners for nearly 100 years before it closed in 1975. This imposing building now houses a museum and a visitor center. Your tour guide can share some of the ghost stories as you see where the sheriff and his family once lived and the nearby cells where the prisoners were kept. The visitor center staff can fill in you on the things to do in Gonzales and explain the route for historic walking or driving tours. They also know when all of the events are scheduled, including the rodeos, and where to find the best antique shops.

Along with the museums and cultural sites, you'll find a lot of places to spend time outdoors having fun. A short drive north of Gonzales Texas, Palmetto State Park encompasses 270 scenic acres. The San Marcos River and the oxbow lake set the stage for fishing, boating, and other things to do in Gonzales Texas on the water. This scenic outdoor site also includes three miles of interpretive trails, a small campground, and plenty of wide-open natural spaces. Named for the palmetto plants that look like something out of the tropics, the park is a stop along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, drawing the attention of birder watchers from all over. The nearby Lockhart State Park also has a campground and wildlife-watching opportunities, along with a 9-hole golf course.