Goliad State Park and Historic Site

Many Cultures, One Texas

Native Americans, Spanish explorers and missionaries, Texian soldiers and early settlers walked the land of what is now Goliad State Park and Historic Site in southeast Texas. Follow in their footsteps and peek into Texas’ past.

Things to Do

Visit historic sites both in the park and nearby, hike and bike our trails, set up camp, enjoy a picnic, or fish or paddle the San Antonio River. Rent our group hall or amphitheater for your next group outing or plan a wedding at the chapel. Shop at the park store for souvenirs of your visit.

Step back in time
The whitewashed walls of Mission Espíritu Santo tower over the park. Workers with the Civilian Con­ser­vation Corps restored this Spanish colonial-era mission in the 1930s. Tour the colorful chapel and exhibits, ring the church bell, and learn about the mission’s ranching heritage.

Take a drive west to visit the ruins of the Mission Rosario. Stop by El Camino Real de los Tejas Visitors Center, which features exhibits on the historic Spanish “King’s Road.”

Just a short walk south on the Angel of Goliad Trail, you’ll learn the story of Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza, the hero of the Battle of Puebla, at the Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site.

Play on the water

Fish the San Antonio River for sunfish, bass and catfish. Borrow fishing gear at head­quarters to use in the park. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park! Most folks fish from our floating dock, as the river’s banks are very steep.

Paddle the river by kayak or canoe (you’ll need to bring your own). Put in at the Ferry Street Landing or the High­way 59 bridge upstream and take out at our floating dock (no other take-out points exist downstream).

The park is a take-out point for the 6.6-mile Goliad Paddling Trail.

Explore on land

See this historic place up close by walking its trails. The 2.5-mile Angel of Goliad Hike and Bike Trail stretches from the Angel of Goliad statue south of the park north to down­town Goliad. Or take a shorter walk along the river or on the Aranama Trail near the mission.

Bring your binoculars and visit the Cardinal’s Haven bird blind. See more birds while exploring nearby loops of the Great Texas Birding Trail.

Set up camp

Campsites range from sites with water only to full hookups. We also have five screened shelters.