Points of Interest

Historical Landmarks

The North Channel area holds a special place in Texas’ rich history. At one time Texas claimed independence from Spain as its own sovereign nation. While the reign of the Republic of Texas was brief – 1836 to 1848 – many of the state’s earliest historic sites are located within minutes of the North Channel area.

The San Jacinto Battleground, located nearby, marks where Texas won independence from Spanish rule in 1836. Here, Sam Houston’s rag-tag army defeated Mexican General Santa Anna’s superior forces. The 570-foot San Jacinto Monument, with the San Jacinto Museum at its base, is the largest masonry monument in the world. Nearby, the Battleship Texas is moored on the San Jacinto Monument grounds. Commissioned before World War I, this U.S. Navy warship is one of the few remaining ships of its kind. It is open to the public for daily tours.

The San Jacinto Monument Museum is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with the elevator and observation deck open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The Battleship Texas is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, contact the San Jacinto Monument, located on Texas 225 East at Battleground Road, (281) 479-2421.

Other historic battle sites are in the area. The site of Santa Anna’s capture, on the Houston Ship Channel next to the Washburn Tunnel, is marked by a monument and park. Nearby, the site of the destruction of Vince’s Bridge has also been preserved. Located on South Richey Road in Pasadena, history holds the site as the place where Deaf Smith, Sam Houston’s chief scout, destroyed the bridge at Vince’s Bayou and ensured the beleaguered Texas Army victory over Santa Anna’s superior army.

Area Attractions

The greater Houston area, with its scenery, culture and history, has enough sights and sounds to keep visitors or lifelong residents busy. Points of interest to visitors include Space Center Houston, NASA, the downtown Theater District, and The Galleria. Family recreation includes Houston’s numerous parks, the Houston Zoo, Lake Houston, and golf courses. Following are other points of interest.

Professional Sports

Houston is fortunate to have several professional sports teams. The 2005 National League Champion Houston Astros play their baseball games at Minute Maid Park. The state-of-the-art stadium features a retractable roof that when open provides spectators a grand view of the downtown Houston skyline. Basketball fans can choose between the NBA’s Houston Rockets or the WNBA’s Houston Comets. Both play their home games in the Toyota Center, a downtown arena for both teams as well as special events. Houston is also proud to be home of the newest NFL team, the Texans, who play at Reliant Stadium in Reliant Park on the grounds of the Astrodome Complex.

Houston’s professional ice hockey team, the Aeros, provides another winner to the Houston sports scene. The Aeros also play home games at the Toyota Center.

Professional soccer is alive in Houston courtesy of the Houston Dynamos, who play their games at Robertson Stadium on the campus of the University of Houston.

Gulf Greyhound Park

In La Marque, 30 minutes south, is one of the world’s largest greyhound racing operations. The track, opened in 1992, has broken all-time industry records for wagers and attendance. The 110-acre complex seats 8,500 people, with a total capacity of more than 14,000. Closed-circuit television is available for monitoring races, learning how to bet, or watching a favorite sporting event. (800) 275-2946

Local Golf Courses

The area is served by superior golf courses, including the Texaco Golf Club, and River Terrace Golf Course. Both courses provide golfers with a number of challenging holes coupled with green fees that are among the lowest in the entire greater Houston area. More than 20 other 18-hole courses are within a 30-minute drive of the North Channel area.

Sam Houston Race Park

The first Class 1 horse track in Texas, the 320-acre Sam Houston Race Park cost $90 million to build. The park is open 364 days a year, hosting thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons, and simulcasting both national and international races. It is minutes from the North Channel area via a quick trip on the Sam Houston Tollway, located on Beltway 8 between Highway 290 and Interstate 45. There are more than 1,000 monitors in the pavilion and free popcorn and iced tea. (281) 807-8700

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Each spring, the Houston community takes on a Western flavor as young and old celebrate Texas’ cowboy heritage. This event is among the largest of its kind in the world. Spread out over three full weeks, the rodeo attracts the top professional cowboys (and cowgirls!), along with headline acts from the world of entertainment, and is one of the largest economic catalysts in the city. Beginning with the world’s largest barbecue cook-off and through the rodeo championship finals, this event raises millions of dollars that are targeted for scholarships and educational programs. The event is held at Reliant Park and Stadium.

Cruise Lines

The area is known as a major player in the cruise line industry. In 2000, Carnival Cruise Lines began offering cruises from Galveston (less than an hour south of the Houston area). The Ecstasy, a 70,000-ton ship, sails passengers to the western Caribbean, visiting such locales as Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Calica/Cancun. The Carnival Conquest and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offer seven-day sailings from Galveston. The Port of Houston has a cruise terminal at Barbours Cut, minutes from the area, home to the Norwegian Cruise Lines.

.....Back