Santa Fe is a city in Galveston County, Texas, in the United States. When translated into English Santa Fe means Holy Faith. The Santa Fe Railroad, which is currently a division of BNSF Railway, travels alongside State Highway 6 through the community and is the source of the town’s name. The driving distance from Santa Fe, Texas to Houston, Texas is 36 miles.
The town expanded slowly even after the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway was built through the region in 1877. A school, a few shops, and scattered houses were visible on the townsite’s 1936 county highway map. At the time of its incorporation on January 21, 1978, Santa Fe had an increase in its population of up to 6,172, from 5,413 in 1982, and 57 companies. In 1990, the number had increased to approximately 8,628 people living in the town and over 70 companies. The cities of Arcadia and Alta Loma had been absorbed into Santa Fe by the 1980s. Santa Fe had 12,222 residents as of the 2010 Census.
There are so many things to do and sights to see in this charming suburb that will leave smiles on your face.
Here is a list of the 10 fun things to do in Santa Fe, Texas.
1. Old School Museum
Location: 13304 Hwy 6, Santa Fe, TX 77510, United States
Phone: +1 409-925-9002
If you want to learn more about Santa Fe’s past, visit the Old Museum. The curator has proudly lived in Santa Fe for a very long period. The museum provides an insider’s view of the town’s development over time, enabling visitors to travel back in time and trace Santa Fe’s development from its beginnings as a railroad town to its present-day emergence as a thriving neighborhood. They have a stored collection of artifacts from the Santa Fe Independent School District’s early years, including pictures and artifacts from the first classroom and varsity jackets from the team’s glory days.
2. Linh Son Temple
Location: 1334 FM 646 North Road Santa Fe, TX 77539
Phone: 409-927-1862
Anyone intrigued by the doctrine and way of life of the Buddhist faith must visit Linh Son Buddhist Temple in Santa Fe, Texas. Buddhism has a long, illustrious, and significant past. And many facets of contemporary living have been influenced by its timeless ideas. Visitors to Linh Son Buddhist Temple can discover more about these intriguing beliefs while taking in the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds. The grounds of the temple are embellished with beautiful artwork and meditative gardens, offering visitors a serene and beautiful setting in which to learn about the extensive Buddhist religion. A journey to Linh Son Buddhist Temple is certain to be enlightening and enjoyable, regardless of whether you have been a longtime Buddhist adherent or are merely interested in learning more about this ancient religion.
3. Haak Vineyards And Winery, Inc.
Location: 6310 Avenue T, Santa Fe, TX 77510, United States
Phone: +1 409-925-1401
Raymond and Gladys Haak’s tenth wedding anniversary marked the beginning of Haak Vineyards And Winery, Inc. in 1969. That year, Gladys gave Raymond two Concord grapevines as presents. With those two vines, what started as a hobby quickly developed into a tremendous passion for the two inexperienced winemakers.
A few years later, Raymond came across information about a hybrid grape variety that supposedly thrived well in hot, dry climates and was resistant to Pierce’s disease. It had a name: Blanc du Bois.
As one of the first wineries in the nation to grow Blanc du Bois, Haak created several award-winning wines using this grape variety.
Today, Haak Wines has over 1,800 vines, and in 2000, they started offering their wonderful wines commercially so that everyone could enjoy them. Wine tastings and a bistro-style dining experience are included in the visits to the facilities.
4. Galveston County Fair & Rodeo
Location: 10 Jack Brooks Rd, Hitchcock, TX 77563, United States
Phone: +1 409-986-6010
Every year, the Galveston County Fair and Rodeo draw people together to celebrate local culture and foster a sense of community. The festival, which takes place in April from the 14th to the 22nd at Jack Brooks Park, offers a variety of activities. Everything from art exhibits and cooking contests to beauty pageants and mutton bustin’ races. The massive rodeo, however, is unquestionably the exciting primary event. The region’s bravest and boldest cowboys fight for cash prizes and bragging rights.
5. Three Acres Food Truck Park
Location: 10648 FM1764, Santa Fe, TX 77510, United States
Phone: +1 281-910-9817
One of the coolest sites in the Galveston area is Three Acres Food Truck Park.
It is the perfect place for foodies and families to gather and eat, drink, and have fun while enjoying the park’s broad selection of local food trucks.
Long discussions at the picnic table and outdoor play are both allowed. Additionally, the park offers a complete bar with artisan wines, craft beers, and cocktails from the region. Furthermore, if you like live entertainment, Three Acres stages staged concerts with the best up-and-coming performers from the area.
This unique food truck park also serves as a market with handcrafted goods and independent stores where visitors can browse and buy.
6. Joe A. Tambrella Park
Location: Santa Fe, TX 77510, United States
The best place to breathe in the fresh air of the outdoors and remain active is Joe A. Tambrella Park. The park’s expansive green spaces are connected scenically by the walking and biking paths. And for those who want to add some exercise to their walk, there are stations set up along the path. For those wanting to play pick-up basketball all day, a game is always in progress on the basketball court. There is also a fantastic play area that children can use. Additionally, the park has covered shelters for calm picnics and special occasions. Not to add that Mae S Library is next to Joe A. Tambrella Park.
7. Bayou Wildlife Zoo
Location: 5050 FM517, Alvin, TX 77511, United States
Phone: +1 409-904-2525
In Alvin, Texas, at the Bayou Wildlife Zoo, you can ride in a tram while learning about the wildlife park from a knowledgeable guide. The knowledgeable guides will take you through 80 acres of exhibits featuring animals from all over the globe.
The animals wander openly in large habitats instead of being contained by cages and fences. Visitors can interact closely with the animals because the trip is conducted on a safari tram. The zoo also provides camps and school groups with educational programs.
8. Bay Area Raceway
Location: 3825 Gulf Fwy, Dickinson, TX 77539, United States
Phone: +1 281-337-7223
Burn some tires at Dickinson’s Bay Area Raceway. Race around the quarter-mile concrete track in a go-kart, super-kart, or two-seater while competing with friends and family. Take the race inside to the arcade after a few circuits, where there are several vintage video and table games.
Additionally, Bay Area Raceway provides private areas for celebrations and birthday parties.
9. The Railroad Museum
Location: 218 Farm to Market 517 Rd W, Dickinson, TX 77539, United States
Phone: +1 281-534-4367
Anyone interested in the railroad heritage of Galveston County must visit the Historic Railroad Center. The museum is home to a collection of late 19th-century locomotives, cars, and other railroad machinery. Visitors can discover how railways contributed to the growth of railroad towns like Santa Fe and get a firsthand look at how train travel has changed over time. Along with having a variety of interactive displays, the center is a great location for both adults and kids to explore. The Railroad Museum is certainly worth a visit, whether you’re interested in history, or are just looking for something entertaining to do.
10. Therapeutic Garden at Mae S. Bruce Park
Location: 4910 Main St, Santa Fe, TX 77510
Mae S. Bruce Park has been transformed into a therapeutic landscape with a gazebo. The garden is decorated with botanical arrangements of lovely landscapes and calming scents that work together to create a tranquil sensory experience. The park is a beloved haven for many city dwellers who value the chance to get in touch with nature and find some serenity in their hectic schedules. It is close to Mae S. Library. A leisurely day spent walking through the park is best ended by browsing the bookshelves. Mae S Bruce Park is the ideal location whether you’re searching for a place to unwind or learn.
