7 Ways to Enjoy the Best of SE Texas in Deer Park
Southeast Texas may be best known for its sandy beaches and sunny summers, but there’s far more to this part of the Lone Star State than meets the eye. After all, it was here that Texas gained its independence from Mexico. Today, it’s a melting pot of cultures with a thriving food scene that’s also a hotspot for bird and wildlife watchers.
When you’re ready to experience it all for yourself, start your adventure in Deer Park. Set within 40 miles of downtown Houston, Galveston, and the fish markets of Seabrook, the very best of Southeast Texas is just a short drive away. Yet you’ll find more than enough to do here that you may not want to go far. Read on to uncover some of the top experiences that await in Deer Park.
Tee Off Near the Hallowed Grounds of Texas History
Golf courses are just about everywhere, but none are as steeped in the lore of Texas history as The Battleground Golf Course. This 18-hole course resides within 10 miles of the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, when Sam Houston and the Texian Army defeated Santa Anna to end the Texas Revolution. Each hole on the course is named after a figure from the Texas Revolution, starting with Santa Anna and including Houston, Hockley, and Burleson. Before you tee off, study the granite markers to learn a thing or two about the war’s major players.
As for the course itself, its demanding championship layout will test your long and short game. Yet each hole has an array of tee boxes that makes the course accessible to beginners and experienced players alike. The rolling fairways, expansive greens, and deviously placed water hazards provide a stunning backdrop to a day out on the course.
Treat Yourself to Some Seriously Good Food
Home to a remarkably diverse array of cultures and people, Southeast Texas has a well-earned reputation as a dream destination for foodies. Deer Park is no exception, as there is a long list of enticing eateries here. For a taste of the Acadian spirit that made Louisiana famous, follow the aromas of boiled crawfish and fried catfish to Guidry’s Cruisin Cajun Crawfish. The menu here is full of Cajun and Creole favorites like etouffee and boudin, as well as po’boys and stuffed shrimp and flounder. If you’re craving a thick and juicy burger, head to The Republic Grill at The Battleground at Deer Park. Although you can choose from a mouthwatering selection of salads, sandwiches, and wraps, the star of the show is the build your own burger. Get creative and you’ll sink your teeth into something that’s truly your own.
Looking for a great spot for a date night? From its terra cotta-tiled roof to its Old-World aesthetic, Antonio’s Italian Grill & Seafood is just the place. Purveyors of authentic Italian fare since 1988, Antonio’s offers classic dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and eggplant parmigiana with an abundance of alluring pizzas. Choose from a selection of Italian reds and whites to make your own perfect food and wine pairing, a culinary must while you’re in Deer Park.
From Asian and barbecue to Mexican and Mediterranean, there are plenty of other restaurants in Deer Park. See them all here.
Escape to the Outdoors
Savor the shade of lush trees as you follow woodland trails and watch birds wading through wetlands and butterflies flitting among tall grasses. Experience the beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast beyond its sandy beaches at the Deer Park Nature Preserve, a nearly 40-acre showcase of the region’s variety of landscapes that house an abundance of native flora and fauna. Bring your binoculars and keep a keen eye out for the many kinds of birds that make their homes here throughout the year. If you’re lucky, you may even run across armadillos, rabbits, and even bobcats and coyotes (you’ll want to observe both of these critters from a distance).
Before you start exploring the park’s 1.5 miles of trails, stop by the small sensory garden located at the northwestern entry. Then head out for a day’s worth of outdoor adventure right in the heart of Deer Park.
Looking for more time outdoors? The Armand Bayou Nature Center is a short trip away, while the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is an hour south.
Step Back into the Past
It’s often said that “from humble beginnings come great things.” In the long lore of Texas history, this thought best applies to Patrick’s Cabin. After Sam Houston’s forces routed Santa Anna’s army in April of 1836, he and the rest of Texas’ leadership met at the nearby home of Dr. George Moffit Patrick to draft the treaty papers that guaranteed the new republic’s independence from Mexico. An unassuming log dogtrot cabin, it was here that Texas was born. Although the cabin no longer stands, you can see a representation of it on Center Street between 13th and Helgra streets. Partially shaded under a towering oak tree near an old-fashioned windmill, the cabin looks like Houston could walk out at any moment. Make sure to stop for a moment to check out the Texas Centennial Marker, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Texas independence.
There’s more history to be found throughout Deer Park. During your round at The Battleground Golf Course, you’ll run across the Pratt Truss Bridge, an old-fashioned truss bridge that was built all the way back in 1892. Although it’s not in its original location, it’s still significant as it’s the only surviving bridge in Texas built by the Clinton Bridge and Iron Company of Iowa. Want more history? See Deer Park’s other historic sites here.
Catch a Show by Local Talent
The Houston area is known as a hotbed for the theatrical arts, yet there’s nothing quite like Deer Park’s own Art Park Players. Starring the finest local actors, this theater troupe is a Deer Park institution nearly 40 years in the making. From Broadway productions like Little Shop of Horrors and Footloose to comedies, dramas, and musicals, the Art Park Players entertain throughout the year. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 281-478-2050.
Discover the History of Spaceflight
Get a close-up look at actual spacecraft, stand in the famous NASA Mission Control Center, and discover how humans could colonize Mars. If you’ve ever cast a curious gaze to the heavens, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of the Johnson Space Center, the epicenter of America’s operations during the Space Age. Explore all its history, from the dawn of the space race and the Gemini and Apollo programs to the present day, as you meander through the museum’s vast range of exhibits.
Marvel at the size of a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster rocket and learn about NASA’s astronauts as you admire displays of spacesuits and aircraft. Head to Independence Plaza for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to step inside an original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft, as well as a replica of the shuttle Independence. See through the eyes of the shuttle’s crew as you experience its cramped quarters. Don’t miss the NASA Tram Tour, which takes you on an adventure to astronaut training facilities and to the historic Mission Control Center. With so much to see and do, Space Center Houston is the kind of place you can spend all day at. Located less than 20 miles away from Deer Park, it couldn’t be any easier to reach during your stay in Southeast Texas.
Stay Comfortably in Affordable Hotels
While Deer Park is a destination all its own, it’s also an ideal starting point for your stay in the Houston area. Hotel rates are typically lower here without sacrificing on quality, and Deer Park is still only about 20 miles from downtown Houston and the Houston Museum District. Kick back and enjoy a few nights at Hampton Inn & Suites, where spacious rooms and suites give you plenty of space to stretch out. You’ll also rest easy in your room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites that comes equipped with sofa sleepers and black-out shades. To really treat yourself, book one of the rooms at the La Quinta Inn & Suites that has a private whirlpool. Soak to your heart’s content, then go for a swim in the indoor pool.
Not only do all three hotels afford comfortable stays, they also have meetings facilities that are perfect for when you’re planning small corporate events. Ready to book your stay? Check out all the hotels in Deer Park here.
From its historical significance to its robust foodie culture and coastal charm, there’s nowhere like Southeast Texas. Experience some of the best this region has to offer during your next visit to Deer Park. Plan your stay here.
