Brazoria County Tourism Brochure - Brazosport, Texas

BRAZORIA COUNTY 

Heralded In The History 

Books As The “Cradle 

Of Texas”. 

Brazoria County... 

is rich in heritage and destined for greater frontiers. An 

estimated 250,000 people call Brazoria County “home”. 

There are 23 miles of beaches, bottomland forests, inshore 

and offshore fishing, hunting, sailing 

and birding in Brazoria County, as 

well as an abundance of historical 

sites, museums, events and festivals 

and a world-class aquarium, Sea Center 

Texas. Our county also boasts two 

major retail centers in Lake Jackson 

and Pearland, and major and mid-level industry can be 

seen throughout the county. The real strength of Brazoria 

County is and always will be the friendly, accommodating 

and dedicated people who live here. 

Brazoria County ... 

is “Where Texas Began”, and a trip 

to West Columbia, the first capital 

of the Republic of Texas in 1836, 

offers a trip back through time. 

Brazoria County visitors enjoy 

hiking, birding, nature trails, great 

fishing, golf, and camping, just to 

name a few activities. Charters from 

Freeport offer the shortest route 

to deep-sea fishing along the entire 

Texas coast. 

For the shopping enthusiast, 

antiquing is in abundance here. From Angleton’s downtown 

“Antique Street” to Alvin’s “Antique Mall”, to many 

other locations in other communities, this is the place to 

find that unique item you’ve been looking for. 

From museums, 

a center for the arts and sciences, parks, beaches, sports, 

and many fine quality unique restaurants to satisfy your 

palate, Brazoria County has it all. 

Brazoria County... 

is simply a great place to visit and 

a great place to live and work. You 

can rest assured this county can 

meet your needs and go beyond 

your expectations. 

Information provided by Economic Development 

Alliance for Brazoria County.

ALVIN 

Experience Alvin… 

Where Would You Like 

to Play Today? 

Alvin, the hometown of baseball legend Nolan Ryan, 

is located in northeastern Brazoria County just a short 

25 miles south of Houston. Residents and visitors alike 

enjoy Alvin’s small town atmosphere, country lifestyle 

and the convenience of being just minutes away from the 

sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast or the bright lights of 

the metropolitan area. From antiques to zucchini, Alvin 

has an experience for you. Experience Alvin…Where 

would you like to play today? 

Antiques 

Come spend a day in our beautiful 

55,000-square-foot antique mall, the 

Alvin Antique Center. This charming 

showcase with eatery conveniently 

located inside, provides the 

perfect experience 

for both 

the avid or amateur collector. 

Or take to the road and create 

your own unique experience by 

visiting our other antique, craft 

and gift shops. With more than 20 

to shop in, you’re sure to find that 

perfect treasure. 

History 

From the arrival of its first family in 1845 to the current 

day preservation of the Depot, Alvin has a number of 

experiences just waiting for today’s history buff. Take the 

Historical Driving Tour and see over 30 historical sites in 

and around Alvin, including the Cumming-Smith House, 

Twin Oaks, and the Confederate Cemetery. 

Produce 

Experience the freshness! Alvin does! For over sixty years 

Froberg’s Farm has been providing Alvin and the surrounding 

communities 

with a large variety of 

fresh fruits, vegetables, 

nuts and a variety of 

Froberg’s own homemade 

pies, preserves, 

salsa and meats! 

Sports 

Experience the career of baseball great Nolan Ryan at 

Alvin’s Nolan Ryan Foundation & Exhibit Center. Featuring 

an interactive pitch-catch exhibit, video kiosks, theater, 

Rawlings Hall of Records and audio tour of Nolan’s 

seven no-hitters, the center showcases the legend’s 

career from Little League through the Majors. Plus, 

Alvin’s just the place for the thrillseeker, offering a speedway, 

paint ball and motocross!

A N G L E T O N 

The Heart of Brazoria 

County 

Angleton, the County Seat of Brazoria County, is a 

thriving community that offers the best of both worlds -- a 

small town atmosphere with many of the conveniences 

of a big city. Looking for something to do? Rich in Texas 

history, Angleton offers an array of historic attractions, 

educational activities and birding sites. Spend some time 

in Angleton -- Where the Heart is! 

Rich in History 

A 72-foot statue stands as a tribute to Stephen F. Austin, 

the father of Texas. Stroll around the Texas-shaped lake 

located in Henry William Munson Park. Travel back in 

time as you visit the visitor’s center and the “Walk of 

Honor” that pays tribute to Brazoria County residents 

who have made a significant impact in Brazoria County 

and the State of Texas. 

Stephen F. Austin and the Stephen F. 

Austin 300 come alive each October 

for “Austin Town”. This historical 

reenactment presented by the Brazoria 

County Historical Museum 

provides a great educational 

opportunity for the entire 

family. 

Rich in Agriculture 

Farming and ranching were once the primary source of 

income for families in the Angleton area. Agriculture is still 

the way of life for many area residents, with Danbury being 

the home of one of the largest seed rice producers in the 

country. The Brazoria County Fair, held in October each 

year, has a strong agricultural base, providing education in 

agriculture for area youth. 

Rich in Wildlife 

With a National Wildlife Refuge 

to the west and to the south, 

Angleton is the perfect place to 

visit for family outings that include 

fishing, hunting, and birding. 

The outdoor enthusiast can enjoy 

fishing in the many lakes that 

are located in and around the 

Angleton and Danbury areas, 

photographing the more than 

300 bird species known to the area or just relaxing in the 

solitude…Angleton is the hub of it all.

BRAZORIA 

“The Cradle of Texas” 

Brazoria is a friendly place with 

natural beauty and a world of history. 

Take a ride back in time... 

Take a relaxing trip down the San Bernard River on an 

authentic sternwheeler called the Yellow Stone paddle 

wheeler, named after an early American steamboat that 

played a major role in the War for Texas independence. 

Other activities on the river include fishing for speckled 

trout, flounder, redfish, or crab to name a few. 

However, if you are into more risk-taking activities, then 

you might enjoy water skiing or knee boarding down the 

river. 

Brazoria’s place in history is as 

unique as its name. Brazoria was 

founded by John Austin in 1828 

and named by Stephen F. Austin; it 

served as a port and trading center 

for the colonist to Texas. 

On March 1, 1835 a group of Masons met under a tree 

to organize the first Masonic Lodge in Texas; the tree is 

referred to the Masonic Oak Tree and is still standing 

today. 

We also have the first 

statue in the state 

honoring the first 

governor of the provisional 

state of Texas, 

Henry Smith. 

You will also find a 

1933 school that has 

been restored into a Civic Center/Museum. It contains 

seemingly endless amounts of history on our city, including 

information about Dr. Sophie Herzog, the first 

female doctor in Texas. 

The Brazoria Civic Center also has a large auditorium 

where concerts, plays and other events are held.

EVENTS 

JANUARY 

Angleton - Motorcycle Runs - www.goecycles.com 

Angleton - Lion’s Club Spectacle Spectacular Run - 

USTAF Certified, 979-849-8752 

Brazosport - Planetarium Show (every Tuesday evening) 

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 979-265-3376 

County Event - Dunes Day - Brazoria County Beaches 

Pearland - Winterfest 

West Columbia - Blue Grass Festival (second Saturday), 

American Legion Hall Pavilion, 979-345-3921 

FEBRUARY 


Brazosport - Surfside Beach Marathon, 979-297-8224 




979-345-3921. 

MARCH 


Angleton - “Shot in the Dark” Glow Ball Golf Tournament - 

www.angletonchamber.org - 979-849-6443 

Brazoria - Brazoria Heritage Foundation “Heritage 

Celebration” - 979-236-0241 - www.brazoriahf.org 

Brazoria - Brazoria Heritage Foundation Quilt Show, 

979-236-0241 - www.brazoriahf.org 



Brazosport - Texas Joy Ride & Rod Run, 

Freeport Municipal Park, 281-444-8680 

Brazosport - St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 

Surfside Beach, 979-233-9161 

Brazosport - Riverfest & Flapjack Run, 

Freeport Municipal Park, 979-233-0651 

Pearland - U.S. National Frisbee Dog Tournament 

Danbury’s Red, White and Blue Festival, 979-922-1551 

Pearland - Great Escape Bicycle Ride 

Pearland - PDGA Texas State Championship 



APRIL 


Brazosport - Migration Celebration, 

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, 1-888-477-2505 



Alvin - Kiwanis Crawfest & Car Show 

Brazosport - Taste of the Town, 

Brazos Mall, 1-888-477-2505 

County Event - Spring Beach Cleanup, 

Brazoria County Beaches - Surfside and Quintana 

Pearland - Elite Action Sports, Pearland Texas Classic 

West Columbia - San Jacinto Festival (third weekend), 

979-345-3941. 



MAY 


Alvin - Frontier Day Festival 

Alvin - Cinco de Mayo 



Pearland - Silverlake Sprint Triathlon 



JUNE 


Angleton - Juneteenth Celebration 

Alvin - Tour de Braz Bike Ride 

Brazoria Chamber of Commerce No-Name Festival, 

979-798-6100 - www.brazoriachamber.net 



West Columbia - City Wide Garage Sale (second weekend) 

Business and residential, 979-345-3921 


American Legion Hall Pavilion, 979-345-3921

EVENTS 

JULY 


Brazoria - Brazoria Heritage Foundation Santa Anna Ball, 

979-236-0241 

Brazoria First Assembly Celebrate America, 979-798-7585 



Brazosport, Fishin’ Fiesta, Freeport Municipal Park, 

979-233-4700 

Brazosport, Great Texas Mosquito Festival, 

Clute Municipal Park, 1-800-371-2971 

Pearland - Fireworks Spectacular & Freedom Festival 



AUGUST 


Alvin - Summer Classic Soccer Tournament 



Brazosport, Summertime Blues 

Festival, Freeport Memorial Park, 979-233-3526 

County Event - Kidfest - Brazos River County Park 



SEPTEMBER 


Angleton - Annual Golf Tournament - 

www.angletonchamber.org - 979-849-6443 



Brazosport, Gulf Coast Golf Fest, 

Brazosport, 1-888-477-2505 



OCTOBER 


Angleton - Austin Town Festival/Historical Reenactment, 

979-864-1208 - www.bchm.org 



County Event - Brazoria County Fair Exhibit, 

Brazoria County Fairgrounds - Angleton, 

979-849-6416 - www.bcfa.org 

Pearland, Meet the City Fall Festival 

West Columbia - City Wide Garage Sale (second weekend) 

Business and residential, 979-345-3921 



NOVEMBER 


Angleton - Stephen F. Austin’s Birthday Party (Nov.3rd) 

Angleton - Vineyard Market & Café (third weekend), 

979-849-1253 



Brazosport, Festival of Lights, 

Lake Jackson Civic Center, 979-297-4533 



DECEMBER 


Angleton - Christmas on the Square (first weekend) 

979-849-6443 - www.angletonchamber.org 

Angleton - IBCA BBQ Cook-off - sanctioned (first weekend) 


Angleton - Jingle Bell Fun Run (first Saturday) 

979-549-0410 - www.activityreg.com 

Angleton - Holiday Tour of Homes (first Sunday) 


Alvin - Lions Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament 

Brazoria - Chamber of Commerce “Christmas in Brazoria”, 

979-798-6100 - www.brazoriachamber.net 

Brazoria - San Bernard Christmas Boat Parade 

979-964-4402 - www.sanbernardriver.com 



Brazosport - Holiday Tour of Homes, 1-888-477-2505 

County Event - Christmas Tidings on the Gulf, 

Quintana Beach County Park 

Pearland - Tour de’Lites Bicycle Tour 

Pearland - Jingle Jog Fun Run / Walk 

Pearland - City Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade 

West Columbia - Light Up The Capitol (First weekend) 


American Legion Hall Pavilion, 979-345-3921

ATTRACTIONS 

1933 Brazoria School Civic Center And Museum 

Rental facilities - 979-236-0241 

Tours - 979-798-6100 

Alvin Opry 

281-331-8181 - www.alvinopry.com 

Angleton Raceway 

979-849-3633 - www.angletonraceway.com 

Bayou Wildlife Park 

281-337-6376 - www.bayouwildlifepark.com 

Brazoria County Historical Museum 

979-864-1208 - www.bchm.org 

Center for the Arts and Sciences 

979-265-7661 - www.bcfas.org 

Cole’s Antique Village & Flea Market 

979-281-485-2277 - www.colesantiquevillage.com 

Columbia Historical Museum 

979-345-6125, Tours: 979-345-3921 

East Columbia Historic District - Ammon Underwood 

Home and Sweeny Waddy Cabin 

Tours: 979-345-3921 

First Capitol Replica 

979-345-3921 - www.westcolumbiachamber.org 

Froberg’s Farm 

281-331-4395 

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory 

979-480-0999 - www.gcbo.org 

Gulf Coast Speedway 

www.gulfcoastspeedway.com/index.htm 

Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Church and Cemetery 

979-233-2464 - www.gulf-prairie.org/History.htm 

Lake Jackson Historical Museum 

979-297-1570 - www.lakejacksonmuseum.org 

Marguerite Rogers House Museum 

281-585-2803 - www.thecottagemuseum.blogspot.com 

Masonic Oak Park 

979-798-6100 

Nolan Ryan Exhibit Center 

281-388-1134 - www.nolanryanfoundation.org 

Sea Center Texas 

979-292-0100 

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/visitorcenters/seacenter 

Shimek’s Gardens 

281-331-4395 - www.hal-pc.org/ ~ neshimek 

Skydive Spaceland 

281-369-3337 - www.skydivespaceland.com 

Sri Meenakshi Temple 

832-725-1805 - www.meenakshi.org 

Stephen F. Austin Statue and Visitor’s Center 

www.stephenfaustin.org 

Varner Hogg Plantation 

979-345-4656 

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/ 

varner_hogg_plantation

B R A Z O S P O R T 

Nestled along the Texas 

Gulf Coast 

The Brazosport area is rich in recreational opportunities, 

historical sites and markers, restaurants, and convenient 

shopping. Our 23 miles of beaches and gulf teeming with 

fish and sea life offer great leisure and sport activites for 

the entire family. The area is the perfect locale to visit 

overnight, for a weekend or even for a week. 

The eight cities that make up Brazosport link a large 

portion of Brazoria County. They include: Clute, 

Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake Jackson, Oyster Creek, 

Quintana, Richwood and Surfside Beach. Each of these 

cities are located within a few minutes of one another. 

Visit Our Attractions 

If “Grouper Therapy” is what the doctor ordered, your 

prescription can be filled at Sea Center Texas. Watch fish 

drift lazily in the vast aquariums, visit the 12-foot touch 

tank, or wave to Gordon the Grouper. The complex is 

also home to the largest red drum hatchery in the world. 

The Center for the Arts and Sciences 

is a cultural and educational complex 

featuring an art gallery, a science museum, 

a planetarium and two performance 

theaters. The museum is home 

to the largest seashell collection in the 

south. 

The Lake Jackson Historical Museum 

chronicles the history of the area 

through interactive exhibits from the plantation era to 

modern industry. 

Let’s Go Fishing 

Make your “Fish Wishes” come 

true in the Gulf waters of 

Brazosport. From wade- to jetty- 

fishing, to Intracoastal Canal 

bank fishing and offshore deep 

sea fishing, the opportunities 

to catch the one that got away 

are year round and endless. Call 

us for a list of fishing charters, 

guides and boat ramps. 

Come Visit Our Beaches 

“Shell Shocked” is what you’ll be after discovering the 

600 known species found among our 23 miles of sandy 

beaches. You’ll be astonished at the scads of seashells 

speckling Quintana, 

Bryan and Surfside 

Beaches. Whatever 

your interests, the 

beaches are perfect 

for sunbathing, camping, 

birding, fishing 

and relaxing.

P E A R L A N D 

Rising out of the gentle 

prairie of the Texas 

Gulf Coast 

This one-time train stop on the Santa Fe Railroad, sits “in 

the middle” of Houston’s top attractions, sports venues 

and recreational opportunities, while boasting of more 

than 120 restaurants and a vibrant shopping experience. 

Whether planning an overnight business trip, a weekend 

getaway, or a family vacation, Pearland has the right 

atmosphere and accommodations to make you feel right 

at home. 

Located in Brazoria County, just 20 minutes south of 

the Houston metropolitan area and 40 minutes north 

of some of Texas’ finest coastal recreational activities, 

Pearland puts you “In the 

middle of it all!” 

Big City Sights 

Pearland enjoys easy access to Reliant Center, home of the 

NFL’s Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show 

and Rodeo, the Texas Medical Center, the world-class 

Museum District, world-renown performing arts centers 

and much more. 

An Adventure for Every Explorer 

From the space enthusiast to the sports fans, aspiring 

marine biologists to creative young artists, the area’s 

museums and cultural centers offer inspiration for the 

young and old, alike. The Johnson Space Center, the 

Houston Museum of National Science, Minute Maid 

Park, Sea Center Texas and The Menil Collection are just 

few of the many 

experiences 

waiting just 

outside of 

Pearland.

W E S T C O L U M B I A 

First Capital of the 

Republic of Texas 

East Columbia - West Columbia - 

Birthplace of Texas 

East Columbia (originally named Marion) is one of the 

oldest Anglo settlements in Texas. It was established by 

Josiah H. Bell in 1824 on the third land grant issued by 

Stephen F. Austin. 

Beginning as a major river port and commercial center 

for Austin’s original colony, Marion (or Bell’s Landing 

as it was called) continued as a major commercial and 

transportation center until railroads put steamboats out 

of business around 1900. 

Columbia was established in 1826, also by Josiah H. Bell. 

The Republic of Texas was born at Columbia (now 

called West Columbia) on October 3, 1836, with the 

inauguration of Sam Houston as the Republic’s first 

president, Stephen F. Austin as secretary of state, and the 

swearing-in of the Republic’s first congress. 

How the Brazos River Got Its Name 

In the early days of Texas, the priests would make friends 

with the Indians and try to convert them. 

One day, a padre made his way through the woods and 

met with a friendly tribe of Indians 

called Tejas, a name that means 

“friend”. As they continued through the woods, they were 

set upon from behind by the Karankawas, a fierce tribe of 

Indians. The priest and his Indians began to run through 

the woods as fast as they could, but the Karankawas were 

bigger and stronger and could run faster. The priest and 

his little band were about to give up hope when they 

crossed a small rise and came out onto a river bank. This 

river was called Tockanhono, an Indian name meaning 

“mighty waters of the Tejas”. It was deep and wide and the 

priest couldn’t swim, and he doubted if the Tejas’ could 

either. He had no choice but to plunge in and so did the 

Indians. At that moment a miracle happened: The waters 

rolled back and let them pass to the other side. 

Once on the other side they looked back and saw and the 

Karankawas crossing the river. Just then another miracle 

happened: A mighty tide swept in from the sea and the 

Karankawas were carried away and never heard from 

again. The priest and the Indians fell to their knees to 

thank God. The priest stood and held out his arms and 

declared from here on out and forevermore, men shall 

know these waters as “Los Brazos de Dios”, the arms of 

God. 

This is the legend of how the Brazos River got its name.

BRAZORIA COUNTY LODGING 

ALVIN: 

America’s Best Value Inn 

& Suites 

1588 South Bypass 35 

Alvin, Texas 77511 

281-331-0335 

1-888-315-2378 

www.bestvalueinn.com 

Best Western Alvin Inn 



281-331-4545 

1-800-528-1234 

Comfort Inn 


281-756-8800 


Reservations: 1-800-228-5150 

www.comfortinn.com 

Days Inn 

110 East Highway 6 

281-331-5227 


Reservations: 1-800-DAYS-INN 

ANGLETON: 

Best Value Inn 

1235 N. Velasco 

Angleton, Texas 77515 

979-849-2465 

Best Western - Angleton Inn 

1809 N. Velasco 


979-849-5822 

Budget Inn Motel 

2209 E. Hwy. 35 


979-849-1293 

Economy Inn Motel 

2620 S. Velasco 


979-849-5761 

Traveler’s Inn 

1521 E. Hwy 35 


979-849-3981 

BRAZORIA: 

Roses & the River 

Bed & Breakfast 

7074 County Road 506 

Brazoria, Texas 77422 

979-798-1070 

BRAZOSPORT: 

Best Western 

900 Hwy. 332 

Clute, Texas 77531 

979-388-0055 

Cedar Sands Motel 

343 Beachfront Dr. 

Surfside, Texas 77541 

979-233-1942 

Cherotel 

925 Hwy. 332 West 

Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 

1-800-544-2119 

Comfort Suites 

296 Abner Jackson Pkwy. 


979-297-5545 

Country Hearth Inn 

1015 W. 2nd St. 

Freeport, Texas 77541 

979-239-1602 

Days Inn 

805 Hwy. 332 


979-265-3301 

Holiday Inn Express 

809 Hwy. 332 


979-265-5252 

La Quinta Inn 

1126 Hwy. 332 


979-265-7461 

Main Stay Suites 

1003 Hwy. 332 


979-388-9300 

Motel 6 

1000 Hwy. 33 


979-265-4764 

Super 8 

915 Hwy. 332 West 


979-297-3031 

Surfside Motel 

330 Coral Ct. 

Surfside, Texas 77541 

979-233-4585 

Valcour Verandas 

Bed & Breakfast 


979-798-2248 

BEACH HOUSE RENTALS: 

Beach Front Homes 

1-817-395-3550 

Beach Front Properties 

713-995-6111 

Beach Resort Services 

1-800-382-9283 

Brannan Resort Rentals 

979-233-1812 

Cape Bay Rentals 

1-800-992-6670 

Cold Pass Resorts 

979-239-2040 

Columbia Property Specialists 

979-239-2959 

Peregrine Townhomes 

979-239-1433 

DANBURY: 

The Lodge at Danbury 

14011 CR 602 

Danbury, Texas 77534 

979-922-1341 

Quiet Oaks Bed & Breakfast 

4230 C.R. 208 

Danbury, Texas 77534 

979-922-1580 

PEARLAND: 

Best Western Pearland Inn 

1855 N. Main (Hwy. 35) 

Pearland, Texas 77581 

281-997-2000 

Hampton Inn Pearland 

6515 Broadway 


832-736-9977 

Holiday Inn Express 

1702 N. Main (Hwy. 35) 


281-997-2600 

WEST COLUMBIA: 

Best Western Brazos, Inc. 

714 S. Columbia 

West Columbia, Texas 77486 

979-345-2399 

1-800-325-7819 

www.bestwestern.com/brazosinn 

Columbia Lakes Resort Hotel 

188 Freeman 


979-345-5151 

1-800-231-1030 

(Reservations Only) 

www.ColumbiaLakesResortHotel.com 

Executive Inn & Suites 



979-345-9973 

Western Inn 



979-345-3151

Alvin-Manvel Area Chamber of Commerce 

105 Willis 


Office: 281-331-3944, Fax: 281-585-8662 

www.alvintexas.org 

C H A M B E R ★ O F ★ C O M M E R C E 

Greater Angleton Chamber of Commerce 

445 East Mulberry (Hwy. 35) 


Office: 979-849-6443, Fax: 979-849-4520 

www.angletonchamber.org 

Brazoria Chamber of Commerce 

301 South Brooks, P.O. Box 992 

Brazoria, Texas 77422 

Office: 979-798-6100, Fax: 979-798-6101 

www.brazoriachamber.net 

Brazosport Convention & Visitors Council 

300 Abner Jackson Parkway 


Office: 979-285-2501, Fax: 979-285-2505 

www.brazosport.org 

Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau 

3501 Liberty Drive (Old Train Depot) 


Office: 281-485-3634, Fax: 281-485-2420 

www.visitpearland.com 

West Columbia Chamber of Commerce 

103 South 16th Street 


Office: 979-345-3921, Fax: 979-345-6526 

www.westcolumbiachamber.org

Brazoria County Tourism Brochure - Brazosport, Texas

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