The Best Hotels to Book Near the Colorado River, Bay City

Book a room at La Quinta Inn & Suites, and get to know Bay City. Start with gazing into the bright Texas sky from the pool, then the hot tub, just to make sure the view hasn’t changed. Dry off under the sun, and, then, head into town for a visit to the Matagorda County Museum, where kids can dress up and immerse themselves in pretend pioneer life. Tuck the kids in at night, and head next door to Neon Moon for beers with local bikers.

Your packing list for a stay at Super 8? A three-wood, a nine-iron and a seven-iron, at the very least. Bay City Country Club, Rio Colorado Golf Course and Bay-Cel Golf Course are all within a short drive. We suggest booking the efficiency suite with a fully equipped kitchen so you can come home to your own private 19th hole. Don’t feel like you need to spend all of your time on the greens; you’re welcome to spend time in the water – the pool, we mean, not the hazards.

Flocking to Bay City for the business of birdwatching? Candlewood Suites is prepared for your extended stay. Near the Central Coast Birding Trail and Matagorda County Birding Center, Candlewood Suites has everything you need to feel at home in its all-suite rooms, including fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. The Candlewood Cupboard has drinks, snacks and anything else you need to take out on your avian adventure. Well, everything except birdseed.

Is the beach beckoning you to worship the sun? Hampton Inn & Suites keeps you in the center of Bay City only 30mi (48km) from Matagorda Beach. Sleep in as long as you wish, and pick up a free breakfast in your PJs. Slip out of your sleepwear and into your swimsuit. Follow the Colorado River right down to the Gulf, or save the shoreline for another day, and take a dip in the hotel pool instead.

When your fishing license falls out of your wallet as you check in to Days Inn by Wyndham, take it as a sign. Though the hotel is near the city center, the Colorado River is only 2mi (3.2km) away. Wake up early to reel in a free breakfast; then, head out for a morning of line casting on Bay City Lake. If you want to head out onto the Gulf, one of the charters in town would be happy to lure you out to the deep.