Texas History and the Houston Ship Channel Tour

Houston , United States

Texas History and the Houston Ship Channel Tour

Active

5h - 6h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A typical tour of San Jacinto State Park includes transportation, parking, the San Jacinto Monument, museum, movie, observation deck, driving by refineries, petro-chemical plants, and cargo containers docks, the historic Crown Hill Cemetery, the Capture Site of Santa Anna, the Sidney Sherman Bridge, Washburn Tunnel, and the Lynchburg Ferry. Lunch is at the Monument Inn Restaurant with a terrific view overlooking the Houston Ship Channel. It goes through Houston, Pasadena, Galena Park, La Porte, Lynchburg, and sometimes Deer Park. If you like, we will stop at the original site of Houston's founding and the port of Houston from 1836 to 1914, Allen's Landing.

Available options

San Jacinto State Park and the Battle of San Jacinto Tour

What's included

Entrance fee

Detailed itinerary

35 minutes to watch the film "Texas Forever! The Battle of San Jacinto."

25 minutes to go to and view from the Monument Observation Deck at 489 feet above the Battleground.

15 to 30 minutes to tour The San Jacinto Museum of History.

15 to 30 minutes to walk the grounds including the cemetery.

15 to 30 minutes for miscellaneous activities: souvenir shopping and bathroom.

Visit Vince's Bridge, the Crown Hill Cemetery where the Mexican bodies were dumped or buried, and the Capture Site of Santa Anna on the day after the Battle.

Cross the Houston Ship Channel at 3 locations on a bridge, through a tunnel, and on a ferry boat. The Houston Ship Channel flows next to the Battle site.

Time permitting, visit a reconstructed log cabin from the 1830s where the Two Treaties of Velasco were drafted.

This tour goes through over 1/2 dozen cities.

Lunch is at Monument Inn Restaurant. It overlooks the Houston Ship Channel.

What's not included

The Monument Inn has great seafood and other offerings at reasonable prices and overlooks the Houston Ship Channel. You can see huge oil tankers and barges tranversing it.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The San Jacinto Monumnet is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Meeting point

We meet inside the rotunda of the Houston City Hall at 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002 on Monday through Friday. City Hall is closed on weekends. On weekends, we meet at a park bench on the east side of City Hall.

About Houston

Houston, the largest city in Texas, is renowned for its space exploration history, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant arts culture. As the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, the city offers unique attractions, a thriving economy, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Space Center Houston

The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, offering interactive exhibits, historic spacecraft, and behind-the-scenes tours of NASA facilities.

Historical/Adventure 4-6 hours Moderate ($29.95 for adults, discounts available)

Museum District

A collection of 19 museums, cultural centers, and galleries, showcasing art, science, and history.

Cultural/Museum Half day to full day Varies by museum (many have discounted days)

Discovery Green

A 12-acre urban park in downtown Houston, featuring gardens, fountains, and hosts to various events and concerts.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (some events may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tex-Mex

A fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with substitutions.

BBQ

Slow-smoked meats, often served with tangy BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Main Course Meat-heavy, but vegetarian options like smoked jackfruit are available.

Gulf Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, including shrimp, oysters, and crab.

Main Course Can be prepared in various ways to suit dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Space Center Houston tours Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou Hiking in Memorial Park Spa treatments Picnics in Discovery Green Yoga classes Museum District visits Theater District performances

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The crowds are moderate, and major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo take place during this time.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

CST (GMT-6) / CDT (GMT-5) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Houston is generally safe for tourists, but as with any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air

George Bush Intercontinental Airport • 22 miles (35 km) north of downtown
William P. Hobby Airport • 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and affordable, but coverage is limited to certain areas. Good for reaching major attractions and the Medical Center.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Montrose The Heights

Day trips

Galveston Island

50 miles (80 km) • Full day

A barrier island off the coast of Texas, offering beautiful beaches, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions.

San Antonio

180 miles (290 km) • Full day or overnight

A historic city known for its Spanish colonial missions, vibrant River Walk, and cultural attractions.

Festivals

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • February to March Houston Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Museum District on Thursday nights for free admission to many museums.
Explore the Houston Farmers Market for fresh produce and local delicacies.
Take advantage of the city's diverse dining scene by trying Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Gulf seafood.
Use the METRO Q App for real-time updates on public transportation.
Check for free events and concerts at Discovery Green throughout the year.