< PreviousIn 1854, the Coward, Perkins and Butler families arrived from Louisiana to settle along Clear Creek. These related ranching families had been using this area since the 1840s while driving cattle on the Opelousas Trail and knew the local marsh grasses would keep their herds fed any time of the year. Among the families was a boy named George Washington Butler who would later establish his own ranch along the railway from Galveston. Butler and J.C. League, a businessman from Galveston, would have the most lasting effects on the early promotion and growth of what would later be named League City. League City offers fun on the water, with easy access to a host of Texas Gulf Coast attractions. Located in America’s third-largest pleasure boat moorage, League City is convenient to downtown Houston, NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the beaches of historic Galveston Island. Family-friendly and affordable, League City boasts stunning waterfront views and a vibrant recreational lifestyle. Population: 103,310* Area: 53 square miles Website: www.league citytx.gov Quick Facts Our Cities: League City The Daily News file photos Not to miss Harvest Festival October 2021 League Park, 512 Second St., League City www.visitleaguecity.com Take your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and activities for all ages. Holiday in the Park December 2021 League Park, 512 Second St., League City www.leaguecityproud.com/ holiday-in-the-park From costume contests to huge floats, the festival and parade is the highlight of the holiday season. *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Main St 45 3 6 517 146 96 528 20 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021AH Y GalvestonNavalMuseum.com | 409-770-3196 100 Seawolf Pkwy, Galveston, TX OPEN 7 Days a Week they fought for us then, we honor them now USS Stewart & USS Cavalla SS-244 “Lucky Lady”DE-238 “President’s Escort”22 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021 Located along the western shores of Galveston Bay, San Leon, Bacliff and Bayview create the county’s largest non-incorporated community on the mainland. All started out as fishing communities but have developed into some of the most sought after residential properties in the county. Fishing remains a big part of the economy in the area, but much of the economic influences shifted to the state Highway 146 corridor and the growth of retail, food service and bars. Always communities with an independent streak, the San Leon/Bacliff/Bayview communities pride themselves on not needing much from government to get by. During the past two decades, however, residents often have fought annexation attempts of Texas City and League City. There also have been attempts for the communities to incorporate, but all efforts on that level have failed. All three communities are known for great spots to eat seafood, including Gilhooley’s and TopWater Grill in San Leon. Railean Distillery in San Leon is the only heavy spirits manufacturer in the county. Tours are offered most days of the week. Galveston Bay Bacliff Bayview San Leon 517 646 Bay Shore Dr 9th St Quick Facts Our Cities: San Leon, Bacliff and Bayview STUART VILLANUEVA /The Daily News file photo The Daily News file photo San Leon Population: 5,336* Area: 5.2 square miles * 2019 population estimates, US. Census Bureau Bacliff Population: 10,856* Area: 2.5 square miles * 2019 population estimates, US. Census Bureau Bayview Population: 439* Area: 0.89 square miles * 2019 population estimates, US. Census Bureau The Daily News file photo• RV Sites • RV Rentals • Complimentary WiFi • Restroom/shower facility • Laundry • Fishing • Boat ramp • Swimming in the Bayou • Kayak rentals • Bicycle rentals • Crabbing • Close to restaurants and shopping • Minutes from Moody Garden/Schlitterbahn Our amenities include: 409.744.2837 mgmt@galvestonrvresortandmarina.com 6310 Heards Lane, Galveston, TX 77551The city of Santa Fe is a growing community in the heart of Galveston County that truly enjoys the best of three worlds. Santa Fe was incorporated in 1978. Located five miles west of Interstate 45, Santa Fe is a rural bedroom community free of the congestion of the big city. Just a 20-minute jaunt to the south one can enjoy the beaches, seasonal events and lifestyles of Galveston Island, but turn to the north and in just 20 minutes, you can experience the culture of the third largest city in the nation in Houston. Santa Fe abuts the cities of Hitchcock, La Marque, Texas City and Dickinson. Three major highways run through the city (state Highway 6, FM 646 and FM 1764) as well as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Santa Fe is a city that “Honors the Past and Imagines the Future.” 45 6 517 1764 646 Population: 13,274 Area: 15.7 square miles Website: www.ci.santa- fe.tx.us Quick Facts Our Cities: Santa Fe The Daily News file photo Not to miss STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo Haak Vineyards & Winery 6310 Ave. T, Santa Fe www.haakwine.com Ever wondered what it would be like to work in a vineyard? Haak Vineyards & Winery invites the public to pick grapes, see the wine-making process and enjoy live music and food. *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau 24 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021A mbAssAdors P rePArAtory A cAdemy 5001 Avenue U, Galveston, Texas 77551 Global Learning High Academic Standards • Utilizes rigorous curriculum for Pre-K through 8th • Extended day to 5:00 P.M. for all students (free tutoring, free After-school Meal Program [snacks], and extracurricular activities) • Choir, Piano, Tennis, Chess, Spanish I, Girl & Boy Scouts, Cheerleading, Theatre, Video Production, Dance, Basketball, and Volleyball • Educational field trip opportunities provided throughout the school year TUITION IS FREE* (Incomed based tuition for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4) Texas Education Agency Public Charter School For more information call (409) 762-1115 or visit www.apagalv.org You deserve to find your dream home or second home. When you work with our team, you work with people who truly care about you. We’ve refined the mortgage process so it’s seamless and stress-free. Whether you want to get a new dream home, buy a second home, or refinance to get more from your mortgage, our team can help! • Choose from a variety of loan options to fit your needs • Enjoy first-class service from our dedicated in-house team • Experience 100% commitment to closing your loan on time Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc. | 1177 W. Loop S., Suite 700 | Houston, TX 77027 2228 Mechanic St., Suite 318 | Galveston, TX 77550 | Company NMLS 2258 Not a commitment to lend. Borrower must meet qualification criteria. Equal Housing Opportunity. Paul D. Vincent NMLS 49103 | Branch Manager | Mortgage Banker D: 713.469.3562 | O: 713.621.4663 | C: 281.827.1139 PVincent@houseloan.com www.ThePaulVincentTeam.com For an easier way to mortgage, contact Paul Vincent and his TEAM! WORK HARD. PLAY HARD. 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 25Founded in 1911, the city of Texas City is a waterfront community with a rich history and plentiful recreational opportunities. Through the 1900 Storm and several other hurricanes, including the storm of 1915, hurricanes Alicia and Ike, the city of Texas City has survived nature’s toughest adversaries. Texas City continued and prospered even after the worst man-made disaster in the United States until 9/11 with the explosion of the Grandcamp in 1947. Texas City has always shown resiliency; thus, the Phoenix as its symbol. Texas City has always been tied to the water and a strong industrial base. The city of Texas City hosts the state’s third largest deep-water port able to handle large vessels with a 45 feet depth channel. However, Texas City is much more than an industrial city. The city of Texas City is a rapidly growing community with abundant recreational opportunities. There are beaches along the 5-mile Texas City Dike — the world’s longest man-made fishing pier and known for great fishing and convenient boat ramps. Golfing also abounds with an 18-hole championship golf course at Bayou Golf Club. The city boasts of 40 parks totaling more than 1,000 acres of an extensive recreational system complete with soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, football fields, trails, nature conservation areas, birding of both central and transoceanic migration, facilities for tennis and racquetball, numerous gyms and a full-service fitness center. And, of course, water opportunities with splash parks, family aquatic center and a state-of-the-art Matthew T. Doyle Natatorium second to none in the area. For weddings, banquets, conventions, receptions, dances or any group event that needs a beautiful backdrop or first-class setting, there is the 40,000-square-foot Charles T. Doyle Convention Center. Visit Downtown Sixth Street for unique restaurants and shops, or stop by the Texas City Museum to learn more about the rich history. A wide variety of shopping opportunities can be found at the Tanger Outlets located on Interstate 45. Population: 48,569* Area: 63.8 square miles Website: www.texas- city-tx.org Quick Facts Our Cities: Texas City STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Galveston Bay 45 146 3 6 197 517 JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo 26 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021Anatomy & Physiology Maritime—Ships & Shipping Audio Visual Comms. Patient Care Tech/EMT Robotics Engineering Art/Graphic Art Tech Support & Certifications Now Enrolling Grades 9-12 plus a la carte for 8th graders! 1320 Tremont, Galveston 77550 (409) 765-5534 O’Connell college Preparatory School 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 27Tiki Island is a small village just north of Galveston. Incorporated in 1982, Tiki Island is known for its fishing and community feel. Residents enjoy boating and water activities. There is a park and pavilion for outdoor activities and a church on the island. Jones Bay 45 Galveston Bay Population: 1,051* Area: 0.75 square miles Website: www.villageof tikiisland.org Quick Facts Our Cities: Village of Tiki Island STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau “The peninsula,” as locals call it, is a quirky community made up of the towns of Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Caplen, Gilchrist and High Island. It is a barrier formation in the Gulf of Mexico and a short ferry ride from Galveston. Bolivar Peninsula boasts a long history of farming and ranching. From the late 1800s through the early 1900s, the peninsula was known as the “Breadbasket of Galveston” and the “Watermelon Capital of Texas.” By 1885, the peninsula also was well known as a successful place for livestock. Cowboys still run cattle on the saltgrass pastures. The Houston Audubon Society is currently one of the largest landowners on the Bolivar Peninsula. The peninsula has world-renown bird sanctuaries and is considered a paradise for bird-watchers around the world. (www.bolivarpeninsulatexas.com) Crystal Beach , about 10 miles from the ferry landing, is a resort community mostly catering to summer tourists. It is the largest community on the peninsula in population as well as land area, stretching 7 miles along state Highway 87. Port Bolivar is an unincorporated community and home to the historic Bolivar Lighthouse, which once guided ships entering Galveston Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1872. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933. Caplen is a residential area near the Rollover Pass and adjoins the west end of Gilchrist. Gilchrist is an unincorporated residential community and beach-front resort located 17 miles east of Port Bolivar. It was named for Gibb Gilchrist, who moved and rebuilt the rail line from High Island to Port Bolivar. High Island is located at the extreme eastern end of Galveston County. Tourism drives the High Island economy with four bird sanctuaries as well as a nearby fishing pier. 87 Galveston Bay Trinity Bay Gulf of Mexico Crystal Beach Caplen Port Bolivar Gilchrist High Island Population: 2,549* Area: 48.1 square miles Communities: Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Caplen, Gilchrist and High Island Website: www.discover bolivar.com Quick Facts Our Cities: Bolivar Peninsula *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau 28 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021 STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo• Deposit Accounts • IRAs & Certificates • Online & Mobile Access • Credit Cards • Auto Loans • Real Estate Loans • Personal Loans • Over 55,000 Surcharge-Free ATMs • Plus, much more! 800.231.6053 | AMOCOfcu.org At AMOCO Federal Credit Union, we offer everything you need to manage your money and achieve your financial goals. This credit union is federally insured by NCUA. Subject to membership eligibility. NMLS ID: 408167. SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE ONE CREDIT UNION. FOR EVERY ONE. Fresh Gulf Seafood & Prime Steaks with a Latin American Sabor! For 24 years, Rudy & Paco's has delighted guests with its innovative, yet classic cuisine. Conveniently located next to the 1894 Grand Opera House, Rudy & Paco’s is perfect for your pre-show dinner or any occasion. Lunch Hours: Monday - Friday 11am to 2pm Dinner Hours: Monday - Thursday 5pm to 9pm; Friday & Saturday 5pm to 10pm For Reservations please call 409.762.3696 or visit rudyandpaco.com Proper attire required. Vargas Cut and Catch features Prime Steaks, Texas Wagyu and the Freshest Seafood available. Set in a beautiful mid- century setting, Vargas Cut and Catch transports you to the golden era of fine dining. Private Room available for your special occasion or next company meeting. Tuesday -Thursday 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday 5pm to 10pm For Reservations please call 409.762.2101 or visit vargascutandcatch.com 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 29Next >