The shot heard around the world, well, at least in Texas, was fired in Gonzales, a 7,000-person town about 70 miles southeast of Austin. It was here that the now-famous phrase “Come and Take It” was born, coined in 1835 when Mexican forces attempted to retrieve a small cannon and residents refused to hand it over. The standoff ignited the first battle of the Texas Revolution, cementing Gonzales as a symbol of defiance and pride.
That same spirit showed again just a year later when residents burned the town to the ground rather than let Santa Anna’s advancing army occupy it. After rising from the ashes, Gonzales eased into a quieter chapter rooted in agriculture, Victorian homes, and a 19th-century historic district. Walk the downtown square and you’ll find antique shops brimming with passed-down treasures and shop owners eager to share a tale or two. Its beauty has even made it a filming location for several Western films.
History buff or not, Gonzales offers a surprising amount to explore.
What To Do
Dive into Days Past
Start at the Romanesque Revival-style Gonzales County Courthouse, surrounded by weathered storefronts and intricate facades, and venture into nearby Jail Square (Independence Square), home to a Confederate monument, historic plaques, and the town’s fire station. The Gonzales County Jail Museum, a commanding three-story structure built of limestone and brick, sits just off the square.
Snap Some Photos
In Gonzales, nods to “Come and Take It” are everywhere, from the trash cans to street murals to a tiled piece in front of the Gonzales Municipal Building. See how many you can find and make a fun scavenger hunt out of it.
Celebrate Texas History
The Gonzales Memorial Museum is the place where Texas history comes alive with several Texas Revolution artifacts, including the famed Come and Take It cannon, a pink Texas granite monument memorializing the 32 men who died during the Alamo, and pioneer-era photography. There is also a 500-seat open-air amphitheater and detailed Art Deco architecture.
Catch a Flick
Directly across from Jail Square is the Lynn Theater, originally built in 1947 and refurbished in 2024. It has a distinct marquee and has been a hub for locals since its opening.
Get in the Holiday Spirit
There are plenty of antique spots in Gonzales well worth a visit. Laurel Ridge, located in a Four Square-style 1914 home restored by owner Barbara Crozier and her mother, is a welcoming gem with original doors, transom windows, and, at the holidays, it is filled with imported nutcrackers, ornaments, and nesting dolls. Upstairs, there are several well-appointed guest rooms as well.
Relax in Nature
For hiking and kayaking, Palmetto State Park, named for its dwarf palmetto trees, features an unexpected landscape of shaded, swampy surroundings, multiple trails, and a historic 1930s pavilion overlooking the river.
Bathe in Mineral Springs
An afternoon spent in the soft, soothing waters of Ottine Mineral Springs, a newly opened retreat a 10-minute drive from Gonzales, is a must-do. The site, once home to a children’s hospital that treated young polio patients, continues to be a “sanctuary for rejuvenation and renewal through a holistic, transformational wellness experience,” says general manager DeDe DeStefano. There is a cafe and spa, but future plans include an on-site hotel, additional mineral water-fed pools, forest-bathing areas, and more spa services like saltwater floating pools and red-light therapy.
Photo courtesy Mackenzie Smith
Ottine Mineral Springs.
Where To Eat
Choose Your Craving
A playful nod to the town’s famous slogan, Come and Crepe It offers omelets and sweet and savory crepes, perfect for a casual breakfast or midday bite.
Explore a Culinary Gem
Fine dining may not be the first thing you expect in a small town, but Gonzales Bistro is a standout. The menu has French inspiration with dishes like escargot, homemade gnocchi, European sea bass, and creme brulee.
Where To Stay
Dilworth Inn
Constructed in 1912, the 14-room boutique hotel is located near the courthouse and once served as the Dilworth Bank, as well as a department store and later a church. Check in for cozy rooms and heritage architecture.
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