Move Over San Antonio! Texas Charm Meets Old Mexico In Stunning Lesser-Known Town

There’s no denying the best Southern city to quite literally gain a taste of Mexico is San Antonio, Texas —a place that’s practically impossible to have a bad meal with authentic community staples like Los Barrios and even “tourist traps” that would beat out other cities’ best eats.

Having visited San Antonio a few months ago, I was instantly reminded of how much I loved the city I grew up vacationing in for a sense of culture and jaw-dropping “Hill Country” scenery.

Of course, if there’s one attraction globally known, it’s the Alamo, a significant fortress during the Texas Revolution, where Davy Crockett once stated one of his most famous quotes.

Many may not realize that San Antonio is one of America’s largest cities, even though it once cast a large shadow over Austin before it became Dallas 2.0 in recent years. Yet, this sprawling city still overpowers nearby towns, and even born-and-raised Texans like me would typically overlook it.

Thankfully, local experts at the Corpus Christi Caller Times showcased the best destinations in close reach, where little-known Goliad stood out the most as a delightful town beholding some of Texas’s most sacred history.

Forget the cookie-cutter destination you had in mind and take a page out of Davy Crockett’s playbook when he said, “You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.”

Goliad: The Town That Shaped Texas

Goliad was the site of the first declaration of Texas Independence, yet somehow has slipped through the cracks as a tourist destination despite beholding immaculate historic sites standing the test of time.

Unlike the Alamo; you don’t need a reservation to visit.

Here are 7 sites that should be on your radar when visiting Goliad:

• Presidio La Bahía
• Goliad State Park & Mission Espíritu Santo (you can camp, hike, fish, and kayak here!)
• Fannin Memorial Monument
• Mission Nuestra Señora del Rosario
• Fannin Battleground State Historic Site
• Goliad County Courthouse
• The Hanging Tree

The simple fact that there are 7 in such a small town of less than 2,000 residents speaks volumes.

Among the most notable are Presidio La Bahía, where the Declaration of Texas Independence was signed, and Mission Espíritu Santo, one of the best-preserved 18th-century Spanish colonial missions.

Though Fannin Memorial Monument marks the burial place of key victims of the Goliad Massacre, a tragic event targeting traitors, it is ultimately a rallying cry for Texas freedom.

Needless to say, San Antonio may receive renowned acclaim, but Goliad, located under 2 hours away, is no slouch in terms of historical significance and fascinating attractions.

It’s Margarita O’Clock! Goliad Has Deep Cinco de Mayo Ties

Dare we say a nearby town whips up better margaritas than San Antonio? That’s a hard sell with all the patio restaurants lining the famous Riverwalk.

However, Goliad has one claim that San Antonio could never live up to — being the birthplace of General Ignacio Zaragoza, who led Mexican Forces to victory in the Battle of Puebla, commemorated by America’s unofficial holiday, Cinco de Mayo.

Believe me, this town will showboat any chance they get about when there’s a blender in reach, especially at La Terraza Mexican Grill, where recent patrons claim the margs are ‘spot on!’.

In fact, the food and drink scene even draws famous faces. The Corpus Christi Caller Times points out that actor Luke Wilson once ordered homemade jalapeño soup from local favorite, Blue Quail Deli.

Goliad’s Downtown Charm & Southern Hospitality

Tacos, soups, and even margs may be served spicy, but the people who call this delightful town home are anything but.

If you want true Texas charm and hospitality, ya’ll are in for a treat. People here are very welcoming to visitors, excited to show off their town’s captivating timeline through numerous proudly preserved landmarks and marvels.

In fact, it’s not uncommon to get a free tour from a local if they happen to see your jaw on the floor, wondering how this hidden gem has remained one of Texas’s best-kept secrets for so long.

While Goliad residents respect San Antonio’s fame, the town rightfully has a “what about us?” perspective in terms of its own stunning sites rivaling the Alamo.

Downtown is a must-visit in its own right, too, though it is centered in one of the Lone Star state’s many blink-and-you ‘ll-miss-it towns.

You’ll find rows of local shops, aforementioned eats, timeless landmarks, and…Whataburger. Always Whataburger.

If you’re a history buff planning to check out Goliad as more than a day trip, Best Western Plus Goliad Inn & Suites is Goliad’s nicest hotel and centrally located to more must-sees, such as The Hanging Tree and the El Camino Real de Los Tejas Museum.