Our Downtown

When you drive into Bay City, you can't help seeing why we are so proud of our downtown. We worked hard to become a designated Texas Main Street participant so we could preserve our unique community heritage. Every year, our downtown revitalization and preservation goals help us advance our historic downtown and improve our economic sustainability. The vision of our Bay City Main Street program is for downtown Bay City to be the pulse of the County:

• The best of Texas hospitality
• Celebrating historic pride
• Economic vitality

It is easy to appreciate life in a community with such pride in its history and vision for its future. Visit Bay City Main Street Program's Facebook page to keep up with all of the great events going on downtown.

Historical Projects

We love our city's history and work together to maintain the rich historical aspects important to the charm of our community. Our projects include facade grants, historical building upgrades, as well as many local and county-wide preservation activities.

The Matagorda County Historical Commission is a very active group of residents whose efforts make our history accessible to everyone. From collecting local narratives and documenting historical homes to creating Downtown Walking Tours and Drive By History guides, the Commission consistently reminds us of what is important and what it means to be part of historic Texas.

• Southside Driving Tour (PDF)
• Main Street Walking Tour (PDF)

Eat. Play. Shop. Explore. Live Downtown

From Boots to bangles, glitter to rust, gourmet to home cooking  you'll experience friendly faces, unique shops and a piece of Texas history when you visit historic downtown Bay City, "The Gateway to the Great Outdoors."

We also invite you to join us in our restaurants for a chance to taste our famous Gulf shrimp or fine Texas BBQ. Seafood, steak, BBQ, Cajun and Mexican cuisine top our list of favorite foods and can be found on menus all over the city. Lunch time downtown is a favorite time for locals who know where to go for a bowl of gumbo, gourmet sandwich, chicken and dumplings, a burger, steak or elevated American cuisine.

Shopping

For some of us shopping is more than a quick trip to the grocery store, it is an enjoyable pastime with friends and Bay City has just what we look for - from national big box retailers and unique strip malls to distinctive stores in the historic downtown square. Strolling wide sidewalks among unique buildings full of history and beauty is a very different experience than huge parking lots and large malls. We think you will love the small town charm as you make a day of wandering through the specialty shops around the Square, perusing the local stores and finishing your outing at one of our dinner locales. 

Local Charm

Downtown Bay City is a great place to experience our southern hospitality and charm. The "Square," all that surrounds our County Courthouse, offers a collection of unique retail shops with everything from western wear and local artisan products to boutique houseware items and gourmet coffee. The Square is also a center for local events and activities and a place to make new friends. Downtown Bay City boasts family owned businesses who have been around for decades as well as new specialty shops owned and operated by a new generation of entrepreneurs.