One of the oldest cities in Texas, Victoria was founded by Martin de Leon in 1824. Victoria is named for General Guadalupe Victoria, who became the first president of independent Mexico. Victoria is the cathedral city of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria in Texas. Located 30 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, the city is a regional hub for a seven-county area known as the "Golden Crescent" and serves as a retail trade area for more than 250,000 people. You can boat and freshwater fish at two area reservoirs, Lake Texana and Coleto Lake. Many residents also take advantage of the nearby Gulf of Mexico and Port O'Connor for bay, off-shore and wade fishing. You can learn a great deal about Victoria at the McNamara House, a social history museum and the Nave, an art museum.
Be sure to also visit the Museum of the Coastal Bend which celebrates the rich multicultural heritage of the region and includes prominent displays of artifacts found from La Salle's colony in the late 17th century. Explore more of the region’s Spanish ancestry through Presidio La Bahia (the best-preserved Spanish presidio in the United States) and Mission Espiritu Santo (a Spanish colonial church and mission). Experience Victoria through its performing arts, theatre events and venues. Theatre Victoria offers six productions in a season that runs from July to May. The Victoria Symphony Orchestra and Victoria Ballet provide several performances each year.
Victoria is home to the Texas Zoo, which is located in Riverside Park and houses more than 200 species of animals and plants indigenous to the state, so you can see them in their natural habitats. The park is also home to more than 15 baseball fields which are occupied during the spring and summer by teams from the Victoria Metro region. Whether you spend the day at Victoria Mall, touring historic Evergreen Cemetery with re-enactors who play out Victoria’s colorful backstory or playing golf at one of the area’ s three golf courses, you’ll be glad you can end your day at one of our Choice Hotels in Victoria, TX with great amenities and a helpful staff. Book a room online now!