Discover Houston's History & the Houston Ship Channel Tour

By Houston Historical Tours - Day Tours

Discover the rich history of Texas and the bustling Houston Ship Channel on this engaging private tour. Starting at San Jacinto State Park, you'll explore the iconic San Jacinto Monument, visit the museum, and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck at 489 feet above the battleground.

As you drive through Houston, Pasadena, Galena Park, La Porte, Lynchburg, and sometimes Deer Park, you'll see refineries, petro-chemical plants, cargo docks, and historic sites like Crown Hill Cemetery and the Capture Site of Santa Anna. The tour also includes stops at Vince's Bridge and a reconstructed log cabin from the 1830s, where key treaties were drafted.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Monument Inn Restaurant, which overlooks the Houston Ship Channel, offering spectacular views of oil tankers and barges passing by. This tour provides a fascinating look into Texas history, industry, and the development of Houston as a port city.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours.

What languages are available?

The tour is conducted in English.

What is the group size?

Up to 5 people.

Is the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels, and children from infants to adults up to 80 years old can participate.

What’s included in the tour?

The entrance fee to all sites is included.

Are meals included?

Lunch is not included, but you can enjoy seafood and other dishes at the Monument Inn Restaurant, which overlooks the Houston Ship Channel.

Non-refundable

All sales are final. No refunds are available for cancellations.

Reserve now

Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.

Duration 5 hours – 6 hours

Check availability to see start times.

Live tour guide

English

Key facts

Duration 5 to 6 hours
Languages English
Group size Up to 5
Ages Infants 0–2; Adults 3–80
Accessibility Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tour type Private

What's included

Included

  • Entrance fees to all sites visited

Not included

  • Meals at the Monument Inn Restaurant, which offers seafood and other options with great views of the Houston Ship Channel

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    Watch the film "Texas Forever! The Battle of San Jacinto," then enjoy the view from the 489-foot observation deck. Tour the San Jacinto Museum of History, walk the grounds including Crown Hill Cemetery and the Capture Site of Santa Anna. Visit Vince's Bridge and, if time permits, see a reconstructed 1830s log cabin where the Two Treaties of Velasco were drafted. Cross the Houston Ship Channel at three different locations—by bridge, tunnel, and ferry. The tour also passes through over half a dozen cities, ending with a lunch at the Monument Inn Restaurant overlooking the channel.

    6 hours

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

We meet inside the rotunda of Houston City Hall at 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002, Monday through Friday. On weekends, meet at a park bench on the east side of City Hall.

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Cancellation & confirmation

Non-refundable

All sales are final. No refunds are available for cancellations.

  • 0% refund if canceled at least 0 days before the tour
  • Tour may be canceled due to bad weather

Confirmation within 24 hours

The supplier reviews your request and usually confirms within 24 hours.

From $200.00 per person

Infant Age 0–2
0
Adult Age 3–80
1
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