Presidio-La Bahia in Goliad, Texas, was remarkably well-preserved and rich in history. Located just down the road from Goliad State Park & Historic Site which I also recommend, La Bahia is comprised of the Spanish fort, a fantastically air-conditioned museum, living quarters with a mock set-up, and an active church. The museum had a short video that we never saw entirely, but it was still interesting. There is so much information to read! While my young daughters enjoyed it, it was quite a bit for their pre-teen brains to take in. There was a cannon that they could physically touch. That was cool. Ticket Prices as of May 27, 2025 Adult $5 Senior/Veteran/Teacher/First Responder $3 Child (6-17) $2 Child (5 and under) Free Family (2 adults & 1 child) $8, each additional child $1 Because we were at Goliad State Park a few hours beforehand, the friendly and knowledgeable attendant gave us half off of admission. So glad my uncle and grandmother suggest this place. Now the "Remember Goliad" battle cry is much more significant. Make time to visit the other area statues and historical sites too while you're here. They aren't a far drive away. For more info, visit https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/presidio-la-bahia read more

See all

All actors very into it. Very friendly and educated All on what there role was. Realistic. Emotional. Caring. read more

Presidio-La Bahia - Great history and very well done by all actors. - Museums Near Me - Goliad, Texas

Came here for the first time with my kids. Pretty informative history right here. This place was recommended to us to check out since we were driving through. I honestly didn't even know anything about this place and its history. The admissions fee was dirt cheap to enter. We watched a short movie about the history of this place before walking around to see old artifacts and info. They have a beautiful courtyard and Chapel. The Fannin monument is down the street from here. Parking is small, but there's street parking. The staff are really friendly. read more

See all

We did the overnight stay at the fort. They have a two bedroom, 1 bath, small kitchenette accommodation connected to the museum. You can rent it for the night and you are the only ones there. You get the key and after 5pm, you are the only ones in the entire presidio. The back door opens to a small courtyard in front of the church. You can wander around as much or as little as you want. The accommodations are rustic and probably around a 3 star. However the experience of being at this historic location at night by yourself is something else. It's eerily quiet and a little on the spooky side. Every little noise is amplified because of the stone walls. Read up on the ghost stories surrounding this place before you visit. It will set the mood nicely. On a clear night the stars are incredible. Kudos to the staff for creating such a unique experience. read more

Presidio-La Bahia - La Bahia at night - Museums Near Me - Goliad, Texas

amazing place love how well they have taken care of it the employees were very helpful and knowledgeable. would come back again.

Pretty cool place. Especially great of you encounter the historians and all of their artifacts and story telling! Jerry McMahon gave us an incredible "tour" through Texas history! read more

It was too hot outside in July. When I entered the fort. AC was working. I paid $4. I would rather say AC fee than admission. LOL. The exhibition was informative on Texas Revolution. I walked around the fort. It was well preserved. I saw a cat whose name was Ash. She was so adorable. If you live in Texas, please learn history here! read more

See all

What a wonderful piece of history! My hubby is a bit of a history buff and this is one place that's been on his bucket list for awhile. Very interesting and well worth the trip. It was stupid hot -- July. But we knew that prior to visiting. Staff was friendly and helpful. The mission cat is named Ash and was super sweet! Can't wait to come back and do the overnight stay. read more

See all

This is a historical presidio with a museum and an active chapel in the grounds. There is a stone wall around the entire complex. Inside there are living quarters, wood piles and a well. There was a reenactor who answered questions and told us about live there. Inside the museum are several small cases with artifacts and information boards. There is a small store in the front and admission is pretty cheap. We also stopped into the chapel to admire the statues and architecture. The best part tho was the cat mascot Ash who is very friendly. read more

Presidio-La Bahia - Ash is adorable - Museums Near Me - Goliad, Texas

See all

As a history fan, this stop is a MUST! I agree with another reviewer, however, you don't have to be a history buff to appreciate this location and it's surrounding monuments. I started in Zaragoza's birthplace, then went to the main museum. I read EVERY informational board in the joint, looked at all displayed artifacts (all found on site, according to the docent), spent some time praying/lighting a candle in Our Lady of Loreto chapel, and walked the interior (and exterior) grounds. I even watched most of a 15 minute video. Total time: a little over one hour; maybe 1.5 hours. What I appreciated most is the Presidio is so well maintained. I've visited missions in San Antonio that are not as well kept. Information boards broken/marked on, lights not working in displays, you name it. Presidio La Bahia was NOT like that AT ALL! I was very impressed. It is clean, bright, and very well air conditioned. To get the full effect, I highly recommend taking the short walk to where Col. Fannin and his men are buried. What an impressive monument! Overall, this history fan is so very glad he took the time to visit Presidio La Bahia! read more

See all

Each historical site we visited was more impressive than the last. As mom and I completed our day with the fort, we unknowingly realized the best had been saved for last. (Unintentionally, of course!) There was so much information to take in, visiting here could have easily taken two or three days. Believe there are hotel rooms built into the fort. We didn't check out any of these options. If your in town looking for something to do, please check out the Zaragoza Birthplace museum and the Fannin Memorial nearby. read more

This place is amazing! This old military fort, outside of Goliad is along the Texas Independence Trail. It was here that Santa Anna's troops massacred Colonel Fannin when he surrendered because he was vastly outnumbered. This old fort has been lovingly restored to its former glory. Parts of it look restored, parts look old and original. My favorite part is the chapel here. They demand awesome silence. When you come in, check out the mural behind the pulpit, there's a painting of a rattlesnake visiting the Virgin Mary. Cool! You can wander through the museum where they show off mostly a bunch of stuff that they found on the grounds while making repairs. Things like parts of cannons, busted pottery, etc. Walking through the grounds of the Presidio is really nice. There's beautiful trees and a good looking agave in the center. You can climb up most of the corners of the fort and take a look down the barrel of a cannon. The church is run by a Catholic Dioceses, so it's not connected with the Texas State Park down the way. It has a modest admission charge. Be sure to exit through the gift shop! They've got some cool stuff at low, low prices! read more

Beautiful historic place to visit. If you enjoy Texas history, this is the place. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, very knowledgeable tour guide walks you through the Presidio explaining in detail what may have been missed in that history books. Great place! read more

Great place to visit and see history . There are taco trucks nearby very yummy. The scenery is beautiful especially the wildflowers .

Refused to allow anyone to use restroom so they could close early. Unfriendly staff. read more

Presidio-La Bahia - Museums Near Me - Goliad, Texas

You don't have to be a huge history buff to appreciate the historical significance of this place and it's part in Texas' battle for independence. I came here on a day trip for the historical reenactment of the Goliad Massacre that they put on in late March/ early April. The museum itself is teeming with history surrounding the event and has a little gift shop. I had a great time exploring and walking along the fortress walls. Down the road a hundred yards away, and a must-see on your trip to La Bahia, is the towering monument to Col. Fannin and his troops. Down below, the soldier's names are carved into the stone base, while bluebonnets sway in a gentle Spring breeze over the troops' final resting place. read more

For all the history, you just can't beat this price of admission! $4 gets you in, and you are free to wander around at your own pace. The Church was beautiful and the artifacts were interesting. Stop by next time you're driving through Goliad! read more

What a beautiful monument to a tragic event. This place is amazing. We stop here occasionally when driving by. Its been too long. Next trip to Rockport we are taking the kids. read more

Wow, what history. We were driving into Goliad and saw this Fort and Mission and decided to stop. We enjoy this kind of history. We understand that the mission is all original but the walls surrounding it were reconstructed. You do a self guided tour. They have a lot of relics and stories. Well worth the stop. read more

We were just driving by and saw the restored Presidio La Bahia. It looked so interesting we had to turn around and go inside. If you were fascinated by the Alamo, you definitely don't want to miss this historical gem. Only $4 for a self guided tour through a cornerstone in Texas' history. We didn't take advantage of historical landmarks outside of the Presidio and in Goliad for the sake of time. (We were there 1 1/2-2 hrs). However, a history buff would probably want to plan on spending the better part of a day to see it all. read more

We waited 4 months to stay there due to the popularity and being that my wife is a paranormal activity researcher she was thrilled I got her this for an anniversary present. Check in was great but to make a long story short at appox. 2:15 a.m. we had a local guy and girl jump the fort wall and make our stay a horrible experience with dealing with the sheriff's dept and basically ruining our paranormal adventure. There was also many bugs in the rooms where it was very uncomfortable even to lay down. After all said in done we did not even get a phone call or email from the director to apologize for our stay experience. My daughters were tramitized by those people and we felt threatened. They were drinking within the fort grounds as we found a spilt wine bottle which the guy ended up jumping the wall again and removing it...but I had pictures. I emailed the director and gave him the pictures and our statement...but been over a week and nothing. Guess they don't want return business and I at this point not sure I would go back if this is the way history is maintained. read more