ATTRACTIONS
Visit Gonzales and Discover the Fun
There’s plenty to see and do in Gonzales, so step out of your cozy RV to explore and enjoy all that this riverfront city has to offer.
Restaurants
- Gonzales – 12 minutes approximate
- Mr. Taco
- Bistro **
- GG Steak & Spirits *
- Cow Palace
- La Bella Tavola Italian Gril & Pizza *
- Come & Take it Bar and Grill
- Running M Bar & Grill
- Pizza Hut
- What A Burger
- Seguin – 20 minutes approximate
- Burn Bean (Texas
- Monthly top 10 BBQ) **
- Ebi Ebi Sushi
- Schulze’s Pit Room
- Luling – 15 minutes approximate
- Luling City Market (famous BBQ) **
Area Events
- Texas Monthly BBQ Festival – November – Lockhart (35min)
- Luling Watermelon Thump– lest week of June
- Gonzales Come and Take it Festival – Oct
- Guadalupe County Fair & Rodeo – October – Seguin
- Youth Rodeo – March – Gonzales
- Texas Junior High School Rodeo – May – Gonzales
- Texas Youth Rodeo – Jan/March/April/July – Gonzales
- Guadalupe County Youth Rodeo & Show – Jan – Seguin
- Gonzales Historic Homes Tour – Dec
- Cuero Turkey Festival – October
- Yoakum Tom – Tom – June
History
Gonzales was founded by Green DeWitt in 1825, western most Anglo settlement until end of Texas revolution and named after Don Rafel Gonzales who was provisional governor of Texas and Coahuila , Mexico. During 1825-1835 there were problems with Comanche and Tonkawa Indians.
In 1831 Mexican government loaned cannon to citizens of Gonzales for protection against Indians. In 1835 due to political unrest Mexican officials from San Antonio de Bexar demanded the return of the cannon. Col, Ugartechea and 5 soldiers were sent to retrieve cannon however Andrew Ponton refused saying cannon buried on George Davis peach orchard.
Lieutenant Castaneda and 150 soldiers were then sent to take the cannon. 18 men from Gonzales defied and interrupted the efforts of Casteneda. Early morning of Oct 2, 1835 the colonist crossed the Guadalupe and waved flag Come and Take It and then fired the cannon killing one Mexican soldier and scattering the rest who returned to San Antonio de Bexar. This was the first shot of the Texas revolution for independence from Mexico, Battle of Gonzales.
Gonzales is the seat of Gonzales County. Renowned Dalls architect James Gordon designed the courthouse in Romanesque Revial style in 1894-1896. It was added to National Register of Historical Places on 1972.
Seguin was founded in 1838. The city was named after Col. Juan Seguin , a Tejano who fought with Anglo settlers against Mexico. German immigrants started to pour in 1840s through the remainder of 19th century. Beginning in 1848 and until the arrival of railroad in 1876 Seguin was a stage coach stop to coastal colonies. Cotton ruled until 1930 and discovery of oil in the area.
Easy Day Trips
- Austin – 60 min
- San Antonio – 60 min
- San Marcos – 45 min
- New Braunfels – 30 min
- Seguin – 15 min
- Gonzales – 15 min
Palmetto State Park
Swim, fish, and go tubing down the San Marcos River when you visit tropical Palmetto State Park. Enjoy birdwatching and look for a wide variety of animals and plants, including the park’s namesake – dwarf palmettos.
New Braunfels
Not far from River Acres is New Braunfels, known for its Comal and Guadalupe Rivers and historic German buildings. There’s something for everyone in this historic town.
Schlitterbahn
Every kid’s favorite! Grown-ups love it too! Slip and slide in nearby New Braunfels – it’s only 37 miles away. Make a memorable day of it at the Schlitterbahn Water Park!
Gruene Hall
Gruene Hall is Texas’s oldest dance all and a major music venue. Stop by to see famous musicians play.
Wurstfest
Celebrate German culture and Texas fun during this 10-day event every October. Good food, good music, good beer, and more!
Gonzales Old Jail Museum
In the middle of the city where the Texas revolution began, sits the Gonzales County Jail Museum. Built in 1885, only 49 years after Texas won its independence from Mexico, the jail has seen its share of outlaws, banditos, and town drunks. The tour guides tell fascinating stories. Don’t miss it!
Shiner
Spoetzl Brewery is a brewery located in Shiner, Texas – just 31 miles away. Spoetzel has been an independent brewer since 1909 and brews a diverse line of beers including Shiner Bock Beer.
Main Street Marketplace
Not your average antique store! Lots of booths from local artists and vendors. Find new treasures among the 6000 square feet of furniture, jewelry, collectibles, glass, textiles, and art. Vintage décor starts here. Bar and coffee shop too!
Independence Golf Course
A challenging, attractive 22 acre, 9-hole golf course, along the Guadalupe River offers wide-open fairways and immaculate, undulating greens. Golfers of every skill level can enjoy this course. Open 7 days a week. Rent a golf cart or walk and enjoy the scenery.
Pioneer Village
Experience life on the Texas frontier at Pioneer Village. Tour 10 historic 19th- and 20th-century homes and buildings, including log homes, a church, and an 1892 Greek Revival-style house and museum. Battle reenactments and other special events are held at Pioneer Village throughout the year.
Templin Saloon
For more than 100 years, the Templin has served cold beers, big drinks, and lots of fun. Now with hand-tossed pizza, a full menu, and LIVE music. Go there, y’all!
San Antonio Distillery
Take a tour and have a taste. Immortal 32 Rum from San Antonio Distillery is real Texas molasses-based rum. Aged in French oak barrels for at least 3 years, Immortal 32 stands at 80 proof with no additives, flavorings or colors.
Festivals and Fun All Year Long!
Check the Gonzales Events Calendar. There is never a dull moment in Gonzales with fun events like the Hot Rod Standoff and the Come and Take It Celebration!
