Recreation facilities for sailing, fresh and salt water fishing, golfing, duck and goose hunting and other water sports activities are many and varied. There are also many children and senior citizens activities. Here is a sampling of some of the fun things to do in and around Baytown:
Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Program
By the law of the State of Texas, the City of Baytown (City) collects a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) from all lodging facilities located within the City. The City then provides annual funding from a portion of the revenue from the HOT fund to non-profit corporations whose programs, activities, or special events qualify, and the entity turns in a complete application along with all required attachments by the annual due date. In addition, an entity’s programs, activities or special events must fit into one or more of the categories as outlined in Section 351.101 of the Texas Tax Code to qualify for a portion of the annual HOT funding.
- HOT Fund Applications Click the Special Effents Tab
Pirates Bay Waterpark
Since opening in June, 2010, more than 200,000 people have visited Baytown’s Pirates Bay Waterpark, located adjacent to the 60-acre Wayne Gray Sports Complex. This City-owned facility features a 671-foot-long lazy river, two slide towers that include a bowl slide, a multi-lane mat racer and tube slides, two pirate-themed play features, two zero beach entries, lap lanes, a climbing wall and a crossing activity. The park’s featured attraction is a FlowRider surfing machine. The water park also has three large shade shelters and an air conditioned pavilion for rent, as well as a concession stand. Pirates Bay Waterpark is open weekends in May and September and daily June – August.
Baytown Nature Center
Imagine taking a quiet stroll through a 400+ acre nature preserve with uplands, transitional zones, oak motts and wetlands. Enjoy numerous butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, wildflowers, mammals, aquatic organisms and over 315 species of birds thriving in this unique area. Experience seeing threatened and endangered species in their habitats.
Goose Creek Country Club
A welcome relief from yesterday's exclusionary private club lifestyle, the Goose Creek Country Club strives to preserve the tradition in a comforting family atmosphere. Established in 1956, our country club has been Baytown’s premier source for family entertainment and relaxation for more than half a century.
A true Baytown oasis, the Goose Creek Country Club is the only private country club in the entire Baytown area with weekend green fees that are lower than other local public courses and stunning facilities for your special event.
Battleship TEXAS
In 1948, the Battleship TEXAS became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. That same year, on the anniversary of Texas Independence, the Texas was presented to the State of Texas and commissioned as the flagship of the Texas Navy. In 1983, the Texas was placed under the stewardship of the Texas Parks and Wildlife and is permanently anchored on the Buffalo Bayou and the busy Houston Ship Channel. The Texas Parks and Wildlife's 1,200-acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site consists of the Battleground, Monument and Battleship TEXAS. These sites are located within minutes of downtown Houston and a short distance to the beaches of Galveston Island. Millions of visitors come to this area each year to enjoy the mild coastal climate and cultural and sports activities. Students and visitors alike are most fortunate to be able to experience history first hand through living history at the San Jacinto Battleground and Battleship TEXAS.
Evergreen Point Golf Course
Evergreen Point is in an area steeped in Texas history. The golf club is located just minutes from the San Jacinto Battlefield where Sam Houston and his army defeated the Mexican Army to gain independence for Texas. In 1848, Dr. Ashbel Smith, Surgeon General of the Texas Army and friend of Sam Houston, became the owner of the thousand acre "Evergreen Plantation." With the Purchase, he became the largest land owner in the vicinity.
Royal Purple Raceway
The Royal Purple Raceway (NHRA sanctioned 440 acre drag racing complex) is also located in the Baytown area.
San Jacinto Monument, San Jacinto Battlegrounds
The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site holds a significant responsibility to preserve the proud history of the State of Texas and the United States. The famous Battle of San Jacinto that brought TEXAS its independence was fought on this site. Because of the great importance of the Battle to the course of history, the Battleground is of state, national and international significance, a fact that is attested to by the site's National Historic Landmark status.
