Goliad State Park & Historic Site
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Explore the restored Mission Espíritu Santo and surrounding grounds. -
Bring the family out to hike, bike, paddle or camp at this historic park. -
The holidays are a special time at the mission. -
Birds and other wildlife love to visit here, too, thanks to the mild weather. -
Attend a special event or ranger program to learn about the history of this area. -
Experience your Texas heritage through events like Rio! Rio! and the Battle of Goliad re-enactment.
Many Cultures, One Texas
Native Americans, Spanish explorers and missionaries, Texian soldiers and early settlers walked the land of what is now Goliad State Park and Historic Site in southeast Texas. Follow in their footsteps and peek into Texas’ past.
Things to Do
Visit historic sites both in the park and nearby, hike and bike our trails, set up camp, enjoy a picnic, or fish or paddle the San Antonio River. Rent our group hall or amphitheater for your next group outing or plan a wedding at the chapel. Shop at the park store for souvenirs of your visit.
Step back in time
The whitewashed walls of Mission Espíritu Santo tower over the park. Workers with the Civilian Conservation Corps restored this Spanish colonial-era mission in the 1930s. Tour the colorful chapel and exhibits, ring the church bell, and learn about the mission’s ranching heritage.
Take a drive west to visit the ruins of the Mission Rosario. Stop by El Camino Real de los Tejas Visitors Center, which features exhibits on the historic Spanish “King’s Road.”
Just a short walk south on the Angel of Goliad Trail, you’ll learn the story of Ignacio Seguin Zaragoza, the hero of the Battle of Puebla, at the Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site.
Other historic sites are nearby.
Play on the water
Fish the San Antonio River for sunfish, bass and catfish. Borrow fishing gear at headquarters to use in the park. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park! Most folks fish from our dock, as the river’s banks are very steep.
Paddle the river by kayak or canoe (you’ll need to bring your own). Put in at the Ferry Street Landing or the Highway 59 bridge upstream and take out at our dock (no other take-out points exist downstream).
The park is a take-out point for the 6.6-mile Goliad Paddling Trail.
Please be safe on the water: Review our Water Safety Tips before your visit.
Explore on land
See this historic place up close by walking its trails. The 2.5-mile Angel of Goliad Hike and Bike Trail stretches from the Angel of Goliad statue south of the park north to downtown Goliad. Or take a shorter walk along the river or on the Aranama Trail near the mission.
Bring your binoculars and visit the Cardinal’s Haven bird blind. See more birds while exploring nearby loops of the Great Texas Birding Trail.
Set up camp
Campsites range from sites with water only to full hookups. We also have five screened shelters.
Civilian Conservation Corps
In addition to restoring the mission building, CCC workers worked on the current park headquarters (then a museum), built furniture and picnic tables, and made road improvements. Learn more about their work on The Look of Nature: Goliad.
Volunteer
We need you! Volunteers help with special events, park maintenance and more. Ask at headquarters or check the Volunteer page for listings.
Ranger Programs
We offer regular weekend programs. Check the calendar for upcoming events or contact the park for more information. Ask a ranger about programs offered on request.
Kids
Become a Junior Ranger!
- Borrow an explorer pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park.
- Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
Area Attractions
Visit all the Goliad area historic sites to learn more about the settlement of Texas.
Goliad’s town square features the Goliad County Courthouse, restored to its original 1894 appearance.
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