Alvin is a delightful Texas town brimming with history. It sits between Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast, offering easy access to the city center, a small rustically stylish downtown and nearby coastal attractions. It lies on land originally granted to the Houston Tap & Brazoria Railroad. Much of its historical magic comes from its origins in farming and ranching. Originally called “Morgan” for the settlement’s founder, Alvin Morgan, the name was changed after the residents learned that a Texas town named Morgan already existed.
Unique shopping and dining experiences can be found in the downtown, where festivals are held throughout the year. Some of the best are in the fall and during December.
Some of the best places to visit in and around Alvin are:
Bayou Wildlife Zoo – 5050 FM 517
A fun place for adults and kids to experience wildlife while riding on a tram and in the petting zoo. Species range from the exotic—such as giraffes, ostriches, rheas, kangaroos and lemurs–to animals indigenous to Texas, such as buffaloes, goats, javelinas, deer, and alligators. You can feed some of them right off the tram.
Froberg’s Farm – 3601 W Hwy 6
A perfect place to show children how fruit and vegetables grow in the field. Adult and kids alike will enjoy harvesting them to take home. It is especially popular during strawberry season. The store is full of fresh culinary treasures: fruits, vegetables, along with pies, jams, plants for an herb garden as well as vegetable plants such as tomatoes and peppers. 
There is even a smokehouse on the farm with fresh local barbeque. This place has been around for more than 65 years!
Briscoe Park Disc Golf Course-3625 Briscoe Dr.
The 42-acre park boasts an 18-hole disc course designed for day or nighttime play, as well as walking trails, soccer fields and a park for dogs.
Original Goat Yoga-7838 Bayou Dr.
Located on the Chocolate Bayou, the farm offers peaceful yoga experiences here far from the city crowds on a farm with goats, turkeys and other livestock.
Alvin Historical museum-302 W Sealy St.
The building was originally a post office. It is full of local historical artifacts as well as an exhibit of personal mementoes from Alvin’s favorite son, baseball Hall of Famer Noland Ryan. Volunteers who help manage the museum are especially kind and helpful.
Slover-Rogers Cottage-113 E Dumble Street
A beautifully restored Victorian home which was originally crafted over an eight-year period by a civil war veteran. It is full of Victorian features, including gingerbread millwork, turrets and antique furniture. Tours are by appointment only.
Habitat for Horses is located on a 434 acre property known as the Miracle Ranch. It is a prominent equine sanctuary located in Alvin, Texas. Their mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected horses, minis, and donkeys. It is a sanctuary for animals that would otherwise be euthanized.
Stanton’s Shopping Center- 219 North Taylor St.
A shopping institution in Alvin which is more than 100 years old! There is an in-store restaurant, gift shop, hardware store- along with groceries.
It is a truly unique shopping and dining experience under one roof!
Alvin Historical Train Depot-200 Depot Centre Blvd.
The heart of transportation for the Santa Fe Rail Line which began in Alvin over a 100 years ago. The building was constructed in 1907. Both the interior and exterior have been renovated. The train still passes through here many times daily.
Good places to experience local cuisine are:
For barbeque: Joes Barbeque – Unique rustic décor with delicious barbeque. It offers of course the trinity of barbeque—ribs, sausage and brisket, as well as chicken, pork and even seafood selections.
For a sophisticated downtown experience: Gordon Street Tavern – Good lively ambience inside as well as outdoor seating. An eclectic menu of fresh tasting food from fish, chicken, salads to beef.
Also in and around town, painted on building walls, are remarkable murals on all sorts of buildings.
There is also the nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge for some nature and wildlife watching. Less than an hour away are Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston and Houston.