Attractions
Museum of the Coastal Bend
Showcasing the rich multi-cultural heritage of the mid-coastal region of Texas, the Museum of the Coastal Bend at Victoria College exhibits, collects, preserves, and provides educational activities that enhance the appreciation of the region’s heritage.
Visitors will see iron cannons, ceramic vessels, stone tools and more from the Spanish, French, Native American and prehistoric cultures that occupied the Texas coast. The La Salle Odyssey permanent exhibit features trade goods, munitions and personal effects from the settlers at the French explorer La Salle’s 1685 French settlement. The Early Peoples permanent exhibit includes dart points, stone knives, and shell tools, remnants of prehistoric people residing in the Coastal Bend up to 13,500 years ago.
Visitors can witness a live archeology laboratory and visit with excavation crew members; discover our rich heritage through interactive exhibits, compelling videos and passionate tour guides; learn about the pioneering people and pivotal events that resulted in the origination of Texas’ famous ranching industry; and enjoy cultural, heritage and recreational activities.
10 am - 4 pm, Tuesday - Saturday, Adults $3.50/Seniors $2.50/Children $2, Students & Children under 4 free
2200 E. Red River
Corner of Ben Jordan & Red River
361-582-2511
Showcasing the rich multi-cultural heritage of the mid-coastal region of Texas, the Museum of the Coastal Bend at Victoria College exhibits, collects, preserves, and provides educational activities that enhance the appreciation of the region’s heritage.
Visitors will see iron cannons, ceramic vessels, stone tools and more from the Spanish, French, Native American and prehistoric cultures that occupied the Texas coast. The La Salle Odyssey permanent exhibit features trade goods, munitions and personal effects from the settlers at the French explorer La Salle’s 1685 French settlement. The Early Peoples permanent exhibit includes dart points, stone knives, and shell tools, remnants of prehistoric people residing in the Coastal Bend up to 13,500 years ago.
Visitors can witness a live archeology laboratory and visit with excavation crew members; discover our rich heritage through interactive exhibits, compelling videos and passionate tour guides; learn about the pioneering people and pivotal events that resulted in the origination of Texas’ famous ranching industry; and enjoy cultural, heritage and recreational activities.
10 am - 4 pm, Tuesday - Saturday, Adults $3.50/Seniors $2.50/Children $2, Students & Children under 4 free
2200 E. Red River
Corner of Ben Jordan & Red River
361-582-2511
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Nave Museum
The only arts museum in the Crossroads area, the Nave Museum features six to eight diverse and compelling exhibits each year, both classical and modern, ranging from portraiture and landscapes by celebrated Texas artist Royston Nave (1886-1931), to Art Car Victoria featuring decorated vehicles from Houston's Art Car Parade, to mixed media collages by world renowned artist and Victoria native Ann Harithas, to a Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Festival featuring retablos and altars created by local artists, as well as free children's workshops hosted by the Manhattan Art Program and school tours available.
Located in a majestic Greek revival temple designed by San Antonio architect Atlee Ayers in 1932 to serve as a memorial to Royston Nave and later to house the Bronte Public Library, the Nave Museum, operated by the Victoria Regional Museum Association, seeks to reach out to enrich and educate all people through visual and cultural art. Open Tues-Sun 12-4 pm and Thur 12-7 pm.Christmas Eve, Monday 12/24 CLOSED Christmas Day, Tuesday 12/25 CLOSED New Year's Eve, Monday 12/31 CLOSED New Year's Day, Tuesday 1/1 CLOSED Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children / students / seniors and free to members.
306 W. Commercial
361-575-8227
The only arts museum in the Crossroads area, the Nave Museum features six to eight diverse and compelling exhibits each year, both classical and modern, ranging from portraiture and landscapes by celebrated Texas artist Royston Nave (1886-1931), to Art Car Victoria featuring decorated vehicles from Houston's Art Car Parade, to mixed media collages by world renowned artist and Victoria native Ann Harithas, to a Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Festival featuring retablos and altars created by local artists, as well as free children's workshops hosted by the Manhattan Art Program and school tours available.
Located in a majestic Greek revival temple designed by San Antonio architect Atlee Ayers in 1932 to serve as a memorial to Royston Nave and later to house the Bronte Public Library, the Nave Museum, operated by the Victoria Regional Museum Association, seeks to reach out to enrich and educate all people through visual and cultural art. Open Tues-Sun 12-4 pm and Thur 12-7 pm.Christmas Eve, Monday 12/24 CLOSED Christmas Day, Tuesday 12/25 CLOSED New Year's Eve, Monday 12/31 CLOSED New Year's Day, Tuesday 1/1 CLOSED Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children / students / seniors and free to members.
306 W. Commercial
361-575-8227
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The Texas Zoo
The Texas Zoo is located in Victoria’s Riverside Park and exhibits over 150 animals, both native Texas and exotic species. The Zoo provides opportunities for visitors to interact with animals in our petting zoo, walk-through aviary and through special animal programs. Young visitors also enjoy the fossil dig site and children’s corner located inside our reptile building.
Call ahead to book birthday parties, tours or special programs for your group. Parking is free. The gift shop offers a variety of Zoo treasures. Concessions and stroller rentals are available on site. The Zoo is open 9am- 5pm daily. Closed on Thanksgiving day, Christmas Eve day, Christmas day and New Year’s day.
Riverside Park
361-573-7681
The Texas Zoo is located in Victoria’s Riverside Park and exhibits over 150 animals, both native Texas and exotic species. The Zoo provides opportunities for visitors to interact with animals in our petting zoo, walk-through aviary and through special animal programs. Young visitors also enjoy the fossil dig site and children’s corner located inside our reptile building.
Call ahead to book birthday parties, tours or special programs for your group. Parking is free. The gift shop offers a variety of Zoo treasures. Concessions and stroller rentals are available on site. The Zoo is open 9am- 5pm daily. Closed on Thanksgiving day, Christmas Eve day, Christmas day and New Year’s day.
Riverside Park
361-573-7681
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Children's Discovery Museum
The Children's Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent gives children and families the joy of learning through play and hands-on experiences. Thursday-Saturday 10am to 4:30pm. $3 per person. Museum members and children under 2 are free.
204 N. Main St.
361-485-9100
The Children's Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent gives children and families the joy of learning through play and hands-on experiences. Thursday-Saturday 10am to 4:30pm. $3 per person. Museum members and children under 2 are free.
204 N. Main St.
361-485-9100
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Victoria Education Gardens
Garden enthusiasts will enjoy the peaceful and relaxing environment as they tour through the Children's Garden, Vegetable Garden, Water Garden and Military Honor Garden. Located next to the air traffic control tower at the Victoria Regional Airport, guests follow pathways around the gardens and enjoy the beauty and fragrances of the plants and flowers while learning about the rainwater harvesting system. Open dawn to dusk.
Victoria Regional Airport
609 Foster Field Dr.
East of Victoria on U.S. Hwy. 59
361-575-4581
Garden enthusiasts will enjoy the peaceful and relaxing environment as they tour through the Children's Garden, Vegetable Garden, Water Garden and Military Honor Garden. Located next to the air traffic control tower at the Victoria Regional Airport, guests follow pathways around the gardens and enjoy the beauty and fragrances of the plants and flowers while learning about the rainwater harvesting system. Open dawn to dusk.
Victoria Regional Airport
609 Foster Field Dr.
East of Victoria on U.S. Hwy. 59
361-575-4581
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Victoria Art League Community Art Center
The Victoria Art League is a non-profit organization formed in 1966. Its mission is to provide opportunities for creation, exhibition, education, and appreciation of visual art for children and adults in the Crossroads area. We offer a variety of activities for all ages and levels, from beginner to professional. Monthly meetings and demonstrations are available to members and guests. Ongoing classes, workshops, and community outreach programs are also available. We also have a member gallery with revolving exhibits and a gift gallery with unique art. Community members are invited to participate in judged special shows and their opening receptions. We invite you to visit our gallery, participate in our activities, or simply commune with other artists. 905 S. Bridge St. Open Tues.-Sat. 1pm-5pm 361-572-0825
The Victoria Art League is a non-profit organization formed in 1966. Its mission is to provide opportunities for creation, exhibition, education, and appreciation of visual art for children and adults in the Crossroads area. We offer a variety of activities for all ages and levels, from beginner to professional. Monthly meetings and demonstrations are available to members and guests. Ongoing classes, workshops, and community outreach programs are also available. We also have a member gallery with revolving exhibits and a gift gallery with unique art. Community members are invited to participate in judged special shows and their opening receptions. We invite you to visit our gallery, participate in our activities, or simply commune with other artists. 905 S. Bridge St. Open Tues.-Sat. 1pm-5pm 361-572-0825
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Old Victoria Driving Tour
Recently, a prominent Texan was quoted as saying that old Victoria is one of the prettiest places in Texas. After taking a quick mental tour around the Lone Star state, stopping at some of my favorite places along the way, I decided he was spot on. Founded by Martin de Leon in 1824 and with more than 100 landmarks and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, old Victoria provides a charming home for residents and businesses and a stunning backdrop for festivals and special events. The distinctive design of architect Jules C. Leffland can be seen in many of the homes in old Victoria and noted Texas architect J. Riely Gordon designed the 1892 Victoria County courthouse, voted one of the ten favorite historic courthouses in Texas.
An easy way to explore our downtown is to pick up one of our new Old Victoria Driving Tour Guides here at the Victoria CVB Visitor Information Center and head on down Main Street to De Leon Plaza where the tour begins. The driving tour guide and map will help you wind your way through our historic downtown as well as provides a photograph and the story of each of the 84 truly amazing, historic buildings and sites included in the tour. It also describes a couple other important historic sites like Tonkawa Bank and Evergreen Cemetery and tells the story of why Victoria is known for La Calle de Los Diez Amigos, the Street of 10 friends.
I have the privilege of both living and working in old Victoria. I love to stomp around downtown, feeling history ooze between my toes or ride my bike through the neighborhoods, imagining the breeze is whispering stories of old as I pass by each gem. I confess a particular fondness for numbers 74 and 75 on the driving tour. Both of these grand old dames are survivors, for sure. They were built in Indianola and withstood the devastating 1886 hurricane after which time their owners wisely dismantled them and moved them to Victoria. I don’t mean to take away from the other historic buildings on the tour; each one is special with a fascinating story of its own.
Do yourself a huge favor and invite your favorite someone along on the old Victoria driving tour. Enjoy the beauty of Victoria and step back in time for just a little while. view more...