This blog post is in paid sponsorship from Visit League City. All opinions are my own.
When you think about all the amazing things about Texas – NASA, barbecue, Tex-Mex, cattle, etc, you can find everything that makes our state so special in League City, TX. League City is one of the biggest cities that make up Bay Area Houston, and it is a short drive away from Galveston. However, the city itself has a unique culture of its own. You can find a mixture of cozy suburban living while being conveniently located for fun, outdoor water adventures. Luckily, I was able to experience the city on my own to give the best recommendations for you!
Whether you are traveling solo, having a girl’s trip, planning a destination wedding, or hosting a family reunion, you can find so many fun activities to do while you are in League City. In fact, one of the many reasons why League City stands out is because of the local businesses that bring people a sense of home while they are visiting. Continue reading to find out which local spots in League City I recommend!
The Ultimate Travel Guide to League City, TX
When you think about all the amazing things about Texas – NASA, barbecue, Tex-Mex, cattle, etc, you can find everything that makes our state so special in League City, TX.
Where to Stay
South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center
2500 South Shore Blvd, League City, TX 77573
If you’re going to League City, I suggest treating yourself to a stay at the South Shore Harbour. It is the largest waterside resort in Southeast Texas that includes the most luxurious amenities and services. One of my favorite parts about the resort is the 185-foot oasis pool! When you enter, it instantly makes you feel like you’re in paradise. You can have a refreshing morning dip by the Swim Up Bar – which serves refreshing drinks and snacks. After swimming, you can cozy up inside a nautical-themed resort room and enjoy the shimmering Clear Lake views from your balcony. The best part about South Shore Harbour is that it is a quick drive to any place you want to go within the city!
Where to Eat
Being a Houston local, I found myself incredibly impressed with the food scene in League City. You can truly get a variety of local choices that can make a meal feel extra special. Here are my top choices that I recommend you checking out!
Red Oak Cafe
6011 W Main St a106, League City, TX 77573
Need some breakfast? Red Oak Cafe is a local gem in League City that’s popularly known for their high quality service, honor, and community. The cafe was first created in honor of the owner’s son, which has now been featured all over media such as Channel 26, 39, 13 and KSBJ. When you enter inside, it has a rustic interior design in combination with a contemporary look that compliments serving delicious, cozy meals any day of the year. A fun thing that customers do before they leave is write an inspirational quote on the wall by the bathrooms. They have truly formed a bigger-than-life cafe that keeps customers coming back!
Opus Bistro and Steakhouse
2500 South Shore Blvd, League City, TX 77573
If fine dining is your style, then I highly suggest trying out Opus Bistro and Steakhouse. The restaurant typically has live music every weekend, and every table of the restaurant has a great view of the Clear Creek lake views. The menu has a wide array of options, but I personally believed the Opus pasta + chardonnay was the perfect combo for me. The service was also friendly and warm when I asked for recommendations and certain options, and I felt at peace relaxing and dining by myself. However, any occasion is perfect to visit Opus Bistro and Steakhouse!
Esteban’s Cafe y Cantina
402 W Main St A, League City, TX 77573
When describing Esteban’s Cafe y Cantina, the first two words that come to mind are family and quality. Anybody who’s anybody from League City knows the fantastic Tex-Mex cuisine at Esteban’s, and you really can’t make a wrong choice when it comes to their menu! I enjoyed dining here during lunch, and it was a fun experience to try out all the classic meals made into such a fresh and delicious masterpiece. When asked about why people always return to Esteban’s, the owner said they really focus on building a community with their customers and making sure they receive the best service when they go there. I couldn’t agree more!
Kahuna Joe’s
812 E Main St, League City, TX 77573
After a warm day walking along the League City Historic District, I stumbled upon Kahuna Joe’s for some Hawaiian shaved ice! While you may expect to find shaved ice desserts around tropical places, there’s no denying that shaved ice is the perfect treat while living along the shores of Clear Creek! Their menu options have some of the most creative titles, such as “Hula Lula” and “The Shark Attack,” that easily bring a smile to your face. And, I can honestly say that their shaved ice has the softest texture to it that can easily melt in your mouth. Plus, if you decide to eat outside in front of their decked out patio area, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise!
Red River BBQ and Grill
1911 E Main St B, League City, TX 77573
Want some amazing BBQ? Look no further – League City has got you! Red River BBQ and Grill has some of the best tasting barbecue in Houston, that I can see why they’ve been rated 5/5 stars for taste, quality, and service. If you’re a first-timer to Texas, this friendly restaurant gives a great big howdy ambiance that makes you embrace the country side of the state. When I tried their pork ribs for the first time, I immediately felt like I was home. Inside this rustic-styled restaurant, you can also find yourself listening to country music and maybe even staying longer than expected for their dessert. All in all, it was such a perfect experience that I plan on visiting again!
Holly Berry Tea Room
501 E Main St #4, League City, TX 77573
Want a one-of-a-kind dining experience while in League City? Try out Holly Berry Tea Room, which is one of the most precious local restaurants I’ve ever had the experience to visit. There’s something about Holly Berry Tea Room that can make you instantly feel sophisticated and fancy, and perhaps the aura about this place can make you ready to enjoy the posh side of life! Their menu features a wide array of finger sandwiches, soups, and salads to choose from that truly taste divine. Holly Berry Tea Room is the perfect opportunity to dress up, grab your pearls, and wear some lace gloves for an exquisite time.
Indoor Sight-seeing Places
There are plenty of activities and tourist attractions when you visit League City! Depending on the weather, one might consider indoor options to choose from in order to stay cool while still having fun. Here are my top choices to choose from:
Space Center Houston/NASA
1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Houston, there’s a problem…I wish I could take each and every single one of you readers to Space Center Houston! Most people can recognize that NASA is one of the most well-known and popular sites to see in Houston, and luckily, it’s about a 10-15 minute drive when you’re in League City! I personally had the most amazing time exploring Space Center Houston and learning about the history of NASA, planets, astronauts, and unique information about space. However, I was surprised to also learn about the ways outer space can influence our lives today – such as creating vaccines, growing produce, and speeding the cycle of our natural resources. Visiting Space Center Houston is truly worth the money to visit!
Butler Longhorn Museum
1220 Coryell St, League City, TX 77573
Ever wanted to learn more about Texas culture and our cattle industry? Come to the Butler Longhorn Museum and learn about the Texas Longhorn, a true iconic breed that has influenced Texas history for many years. You’ll get to learn about Milby Butler, his family, and how he started the conservation of the Texas Longhorn in order to protect them from extinction. While learning about the Texas Longhorn, I got a greater insight to American settlement and trailblazing ways Texas families, such as the Butler family, were able to find success and purpose during the civil years. As a Houston native, I felt proud to be a Texan as I observed the historic artifacts, photos, and local art. For those who may visit Texas for the first time, you’ll gain so much more appreciation of how much Texas has truly impacted American western culture.
Italian Heritage Museum
1220 Coryell St, League City, TX 77573
If you’re visiting the Butler Longhorn Museum, you can take a short walk to the Italian Heritage Museum! Although it has recently opened since December 2020, it has gotten so much attention in the city for emphasizing the importance of Italian settlements in Texas. In fact, many early Italian settlement began in League City where families were harvesting produce and taking political leader positions. It made me recognize how much the Italian culture has influenced Texas today, and I truly believe it’s a must-see for those who want to understand more about Texas history.
Outdoors Sight-seeing Places
Want to have some fun in the sun? I truly believe that League City has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor adventures. If you’re a fan of water activities and parks, I’m sharing my top picks to enjoy while you’re visiting:
Challenger Seven Memorial Park
2301 W Nasa Blvd, Webster, TX 77598
Challenger Seven Memorial Park is a great 300-foot spacious area to do your everyday outdoor activities, such as jogging, walking, and perhaps go on a quick boat ride. The park stands out for their beautiful bridge area and peaceful lake views. The park was actually created in remembrance to the ones who passed away from the Challenger Space Shuttle in 1986. It was one of the biggest tragedies that happened in America and it affected many who worked in NASA. There are different designated areas of the park, and each of them have a dedication stand that mentions the Challenger Seven Space Shuttle. It was definitely a great spot to relax during my trip.
Historical District
210 N. Kansas Avenue, League City, Texas 77573
I had a great time exploring around the League City Historic District! What makes League City so unique is that there are so many historical buildings that still remain and have been restored. It can feel like you’re walking “back in time” when you walk past former houses and schools, and it can make you feel really connected to the city in such a profound way. You can find other highlights of the League City Historical District, such as Helen’s Garden and the Butler Courtyard. Those areas in particular are must-sees for photo taking, and even booking for travel destination weddings. I believe the League City Historical District is a place that can really make you feel at home.
Heritage Park
1220 Coryell St, League City, TX 77573
Heritage Park is one of the most charming areas to visit in League City. I find that the ambiance is very inviting as you see a pavilion in the center of the park! As I walked through, I found that there are many beautiful areas that are ideal for photo taking. The park includes a playground, picnic area, hike/bike trails, fishing pond, and charcoal grills that are perfect for small gatherings and families to meet. It’s truly a one-stop place where people can find something to enjoy.
Clear Creek Kayaks
100 Alderwood, League City, TX 77573
Towards the end of my trip, I got the opportunity to go on a kayak tour on the Clear Creek Paddle trail with Clear Creek Kayaks. While I have little experience with kayaking in general, I quickly felt at ease with the assistance I had with my tour guide. Going through the kayak tour, I was able to see the “untouched” or “undercover” parts of nature in League City that aren’t typically seen by many. It definitely made me feel as if I was traveling in another place outside of Texas! I can’t recommend it enough to try Clear Creek Kayaks for yourself and really get a fun, leisure way to enjoy the waters in League City.
Have any more questions about League City? Let me know in the comments below! Feel free to recommend to me your favorite spots as well! Thank you to the Visit League City again for sponsoring this travel guide! As always, you can always keep up with my travel content by following me on social media:
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Until next time!
Great job, Reesa! I was looking forward to this blog post while you were in League City. I need to visit here next!