History buffs will absolutely love the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. Featuring artifacts from many historic battles and personalities, the San Jacinto Museum offers a glimpse into Texas’ storied history. You can tour the historic battle field that was integral in the creation of the iconic American west. Take the old fashioned elevator to the top of the monument and behold the beautiful view. There is also a preserved battleship available for touring. The museum features many great artifacts illustrating the history Texas. These include letters from historical figures of note, key items relating to important battles, and even clothing and accessories from this bygone era. Travel to the top of the San Jacinto Monument, the tallest monument in the world, and marvel at the view from the observation deck. See the beautiful skyline as well as many historic landmarks from your perch atop this majestic monument.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum
1 Monument Circle
La Porte, TX 77571
http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-jacinto-monument-and-museum-la-porte

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Grand Canyon NPS

Get some delightful Mexican cuisine at El Toro Mexican Restaurant, where they serve up spicy Tex-Mex fare right in La Porte, Texas.

Stop by at lunchtime for tasty specials at bargain prices, like Enchiladas, Beef Tacos, and Burritos served with rice and beans. Beef Fajitas with grilled onions, peppers & guacamole, Stuffed Avocado with beef, chicken or shrimp, and Tacos al Carbon – beef tacos with flour tortillas are also menu choices.

Other dishes include Mixed Grill with beef fajitas, shrimp & ribs, Costillas – a full rack of ribs with barbeque sauce, Guadalajara with a 10-ounce rib eye steak, and Pescado Santiago with mahi mahi, shrimp, crawfish & mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce. El Toro's broad menu means there's likely something here to please every palate.

El Toro Mexican Restaurant
616 W. Main Street
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 471-2505
http://www.eltorotexmex.com/locations-and-menus.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-toro-mexican-restaurant-la-porte

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr logatfer

If you’re looking for real down-home cooking that won’t break the bank, the Broken Yolk Grill is the place to go in Pasadena. Best known for its breakfasts, this casual diner serves hearty, Texas-style meals of fried eggs, steaks, and grits, and its unlimited coffee will perk you right up. For lunch and dinner, the Broken Yolk switches over to chicken fried steak and grilled pork chops, with a special catfish fry every Friday.

The prices are very reasonable and the portions are large, and there is also ample seating throughout the clean yet sparse dining room. Occasionally you’ll even catch a live band providing musical entertainment to go with your meal!

Broken Yolk Grill
5824 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, TX 77505
(281) 741-0626
www.brokenyolkgrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/broken-yolk-grill-pasadena

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Krista