Scenic Drive from Wadsworth to Palacios on the Texas Gulf Coast

While in Matagorda last weekend for a fishing trip there was a passing frontal system that made for very high winds on the bay. Winds like this make fishing more work than fun. Since we are in it for the fun, my girlfriend Kim and I decided it was time for a short road trip. We decided to drive over to the small fishing village of Palacios.

Our drive took us through the town of Wadsworth on Highway 60 south of Bay City, TX. (If ever driving through Wadsworth in the early morning stop at the first grocery store,gas station on the north side of town. they have really good breakfast taco’s)

Heading over to Palacios, we turned onto Farm road 521 headed west(if coming from Bay City, turn right or from Matagorda, turn left). The first thing you will see is a small white church on the left side of the road. This is the St Francis Catholic church. This was the first catholic church built in Matagorda county in 1895. It was destroyed by a storm in 1896 and had to be rebuilt. It is interesting to walk around the cemetery and look at some of the unique headstones.

After leaving the church and continuing toward Palacios you will come to the bridge over the Colorado river. Just past the Bridge is the 521 river park. This is a small county park with restroom facilities, bar-B-Que grills, Tables and a couple of fishing piers. Depending on the water conditions, you can catch a variety of salt water fish such as redfish and an occasional flounder. When the river is fresh at this area due to runoff, a variety of catfish can be caught. The facilities are good and the pier is wheel chair accessible. At the far end of the park, there is also a boat ramp. The ramp is rather steep so I would be a little hesitant to try to put in a large boat at this location. There is a large open area that would be great for a quick football game or whatever. As in most parks these days, be sure to watch out for the poison ivy.

note:I was at this park several years ago and a man was barbecuing chicken. that was the best smelling barbecue chicken I have ever been around. I keep going back to this park hoping he will be there. If you happen to run into him, you might try trading him a six pack of beer for a dinner invitation. Tell him Frank sent you.

Continuing toward Palacios you will notice a huge industrial complex ahead with two large domes. These are the nuclear reactors for the south Texas Nuclear Power Plant. you will notice as you go around the plant that there is a nature center on the left hand side. This is a birding center. If you stop, be sure and try to spot one of the ever elusive Two-headed Glow birds(That was a Joke).

An Interesting side trip is to take a left on Matagorda county road 3225 and follow it until you get to County road 3221. This will take you to a small beach and fishing spot at the mouth of Oyster Lake and West Matagorda Bay. this may be a good time to look at the appropriate pages of The Roads of Texas Atlas by Mapsco or Texas Atlas & Gazetteer by DeLorme as there are many small county roads in this area and you may need it to get back to FM 521.

When you finally get back to FM521 take a left and you will cross a bridge over the Tres Palacios River(That is Spanish for “Three Palaces). After crossing the bridge you will find a small park. This park has access to fishing, nature and wildlife trails and a wonderful ruins of an old bridge. This is worth at least a few minutes or hours. I have never fished there, but I have heard stories that the flounder and redfishing are pretty good there at times and it is not a bad place to try a little crabbing.

Heading back toward Palacios you will get to a cross road. Here you can go strait or turn left. If you continue strait you will hit Hwy 35. Take a left and it will take you into Palacios. However, I always like to turn left (FM 2853)here as part of this trip will follow the coast and there are some pretty views of old college port across the bay. As you get to the water, 2853 will bear to the right. Take the street to the left (East Bay shore Drive) and follow the coast into Palacios.

Palacios is a small fishing village and you will see local businesses that cater to both commercials and recreational fisherman as well as sailors. It is also a resort area of sorts in that there are several Bed and Breakfasts available with views of West Matagorda Bay. If you are into old hotels, there is the Luther hotel. It is set right across the street from the bay and is hard to miss. You will also see many of the previously mentioned bed and breakfasts near by.

During the Fourth Saturday of each month Palacios has their Trade Days at the park in the middle of town. There are numerous events during the year. For a listing click here.

After a long day of driving, looking, fishing, hiking etc the perfect way to end the day is with a meal at the Outrigger. Their Fried Gulf Shrimp are not to be missed. There is an inside dining room and a patio deck outside. Either way, save a few minutes for a short walk in the small park across the street.

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