Palacios is a seaside town for bayfront living
Known as the “city by the sea,” Palacios has a slow-moving waterfront lifestyle on the bays and bayous of southeast Texas. Palacios has houses overlooking the Gulf, halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi, and is the site of the 17th-century La Belle shipwreck. “People want the waterfront without the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. You get the same effect as other towns, like Rockport, but in a quiet community. People move here from Houston, buy a second home or retire here,” says Tammy Hill, longtime resident and real estate agent with Texas Coastal Properties. Hill says saltwater activities are a significant part of living in Palacios. “People get out and enjoy the bayfront. They can go boating and fish off the piers. The sunsets are beautiful.”
Stilted homes line the breezy Gulf Coast
Swaying palm trees line the streets alongside stilted houses on the breezy Gulf Coast. Many homes have proximity to the waterfront and bay views. The area features architectural styles, including New Traditional, Craftsman, and contemporary ranch-style homes, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $730,000. The average lot size is nearly one-third of an acre, providing residents with ample storage and room to renovate. With a history that dates back to the 1700s, there is historic 20th-century architecture, with occasional Victorian homes and the Luther Hotel.
Multiple hurricanes affected the area in the 2020s. Strong storms may cause extreme winds and flooding damage. Much of southern Texas may experience extreme summer heatwaves with temperatures in the 100s, though Palacios may have slightly cooler temperatures due to the coastal breezes.
Palacios has fishing, jet skiing and sunset views by the bay
The community has numerous piers and boating areas throughout the Matagorda and Tres Palacios Bays. South Bay Park features a wooden fishing pier and is a popular spot for accessing the water, with a shoreline that becomes visible at low tide. There is also the South Bay Marina, which stores pontoons and jet skis for residents. East Bay Park features another pier and is known for its sunset views. Although it remains unnamed, a 1.5-mile seawall path is available for walking and biking along the bay. About 10 miles north of town, Carl Park has a wrap-around boardwalk pier and picnic tables near an RV park.
Palacios ISD offers ASL and bilingual education programs
Central Elementary School earns a B-minus grade from Niche, serving prekindergarten through second-grade students. East Side Intermediate School serves grades 3-5 and receives a B-plus. Students from sixth to eighth grade attend Palacios Junior High School, which scores a B-minus rating. Palacios High School maintains a B. The B-rated Palacios Independent School District offers bilingual studies for non-native speakers and an American Sign Language program.
PMR and Tran’s are go-to spots for dining in Palacios
Main Street is home to tackle-and-bait shops, boat stores and water sports outfitters. Residents can dine at the Palacios Mexican Restaurant. Also known as PMR, it is the town's Tex-Mex staple, with plates of steaming fajitas and margaritas. Tran's Restaurant is a family-owned eatery serving a variety of Chinese dishes and egg rolls. The town's grocery store is Lowe's Market, about a mile north of Main Street.
Matagorda Bay draws migrating birds and nature lovers
Matagorda Bay is a tidal wetland habitat that attracts hundreds of migrating bird species. The Matagorda Bay Birdfest is a spring festival featuring bird-themed floats, costumes and family-friendly activities. "Many people come here for the birds. Don't ask me what kind we have because I have no clue, but once a year, we have a big festival and parade," Hill says. Also, a prominent part of the community, the Texas Baptist Encampment is a well-established Christian facility that hosts summer camps for kids of all ages, with dormitories and meeting rooms for weekend retreats. "There are things to do. People are really involved with the Chamber Alliance and Rotary clubs.
Within reach of Houston, Corpus Christi and more
Palacios is a small town tucked between some of the biggest cities in Texas. It is about 110 miles from both Houston and Corpus Christi, and San Antonio is approximately three hours away. There is no public bus system, and most residents travel by car. State Route 35 is a main thoroughfare in and out of town. U.S. Highway 59 is about 30 minutes north. The nearest emergency room is the Palacios Community Medical Center, a 5-minute drive from Main Street. In Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport is roughly 130 miles northeast, offering direct, worldwide flights to many countries, including Australia, Mexico and Germany.
