Laffitte’s Cove Nature Preserve
Where Wild Beauty Meets Island Calm
A Peaceful Coastal Escape—Hidden in Plain Sight
Tucked quietly between residential streets just west of Galveston’s Seawall, Laffite’s Cove Nature Preserve is the kind of place that catches you off guard—in the best way. It’s more than a patch of green; it’s a pause button.
A sanctuary where birds migrate, waterfowl gather, and native flora quietly thrives.
Originally preserved thanks to the vision of local conservationist Eva Egert, this nature preserve offers visitors a rare opportunity - to step into a living piece of the island’s natural and cultural history.
Birdwatching Along the Texas Coastal Birding Trail
Laffite’s Cove is part of the Texas Coastal Birding Trail (UTC 068) and a seasonal hot spot for serious birders and curious visitors. Depending on the time of year, the preserve transforms into a kaleidoscope of color and sound.
What You Might Spot:
- Winter Visitors: Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, and Northern Shoveler
- Spring Migration: Baltimore Orioles, Indigo Buntings, tanagers, vireos, Hooded Warblers, and Northern Parulas
- Wading Birds & Waterfowl: Roseate Spoonbills, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Sora, Glossy Ibis, and Black-crowned Night-Herons
Birding Tips:
- Bring binoculars and patience—there are multiple water drips and shady spots where birds gather.
- Walk quietly—especially near the ponds and boardwalks where shy species often appear.
Trails, Boardwalks, and Discovery
Start your visit by taking Stewart Road to Eckert Drive, keeping an eye out for wading birds in the ponds along the way. Park in the small lot at the Nature Center, and head toward the weathered wooden boardwalk—the perfect starting point for your journey into the preserve.
As you walk deeper into the preserve:
- Stay on well-maintained concrete paths that wind through brush, marsh, and coastal forest.
- Look for interpretive signs offering insight into the wildlife and natural features around you.
- Keep an eye out for native species like the Toothache Tree, seasonal wildflowers, and quiet groves full of rustling leaves.
Note: This is a natural space—home to wildlife, including non-venomous snakes and occasionally water moccasins. Stay alert and stick to the trails.
Where History Hides in the Trees
Not far off the trail, you’ll find remnants of an older Galveston—a moss-covered wall of bricks, quietly reclaiming its place in nature. These are the ruins of a 20th-century ranch, once owned by local resident John Egert.
After his passing, his daughter, Eva, fought to preserve part of the land from development. Thanks to her efforts, this piece of Galveston’s wild side remains open to the public, not paved over or forgotten.
FAQs: Visiting Laffite’s Cove Nature Preserve
Visiting for the first time? We've got you. Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your time at Lafitte’s Cove.
Q: Is there a fee to enter the preserve?
No. Laffite’s Cove is free and open to the public year-round.
Q: Where can I park when visiting the preserve?
A: Continue west on Stewart Road and turn right onto Eckert Drive, just past the Laffite’s Cove neighborhood entrance. You’ll find a small parking lot for the Nature Preserve about 0.2 miles ahead on the right.
Q: When is the best time for birding?
Spring and fall migrations offer the best variety, but winter is excellent for waterfowl and wading birds.
Q: Are there restrooms or amenities?
No. This is a natural preserve with limited facilities. Bring water and plan accordingly.
Q: Is the preserve kid-friendly?
Yes, but young children should stay on the trail and be supervised. It’s a great space to introduce them to birding and nature observation.
Q: Are pets allowed?
To protect wildlife, we recommend leaving pets at home.
Insider Tip:
Bring a camera—and not just for the birds. The light filtering through the trees, the reflection of the boardwalk on the water, and the occasional egret landing in the reeds are all part of the magic.
