Summary
The park covers an area of over 188 acres and includes a number of different attractions and landmarks.
One of the main reasons to visit Goliad State Park & Historic Site is to explore the many historic sites and buildings that are located within the park. These include the Presidio La Bahia, which dates back to the 18th century and played an important role in the Texas Revolution.
Other points of interest in the park include the Mission Espiritu Santo, which was founded in the 1700s by Spanish missionaries, and the Fannin Memorial Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Coleto Creek, a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution.
In addition to the historic sites, Goliad State Park & Historic Site is also home to a number of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas, fishing spots, and campsites. The park is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Texas, with its rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
Some interesting facts about Goliad State Park & Historic Site include that it was established in 1931 and is one of the oldest state parks in Texas. The park is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, including the Texas tortoise, the golden-cheeked warbler, and the black-capped vireo.
The best time of year to visit Goliad State Park & Historic Site is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in Texas can be very hot and humid, while winters can be cold and rainy. Visitors should also check the park's calendar for special events and activities, such as the annual Goliad Market Days, which takes place in the spring and fall.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References