Palestine is a charming Texas city, with the feel of the Deep South. Located in the heart of East Texas, Palestine is part of the Texas Forest Trail Region. Established in 1846 as a center of commerce and culture, Palestine continues its tradition of small-town hospitality. Experience a hometown welcome and enjoy modern hotels, charming B&Bs, spas, wineries, bakeries, diverse shopping and restaurants for all palettes.
Why Palestine? Palestine is the ideal destination for the heritage and culinary tourist. Palestine is designated as a Texas Main Street and is home to over 1,800 historic sites; including churches, buildings, houses, monuments, cemeteries and museums. The City of Palestine has more buildings in the National Register of Historic Places than any Texas city except Galveston.
Downtown buildings display architecture from the early 1800s and are filled with specialty shops, antique stores, restaurants and unique merchandise. Old Town adds to the mix with relaxed atmosphere & fun-filled shopping. Take a drive through the unique historic neighborhoods and see restored Victorian homes with yards filled with magnolia and dogwood trees.
As the soft breezes whisper through the tall pines and dogwoods, you may hear the whistle of a distant train. Often called the Iron Horse, but better known as the Texas State Railroad, the historic train makes weekend excursions through the splendor of the countryside and the piney woods. Visitors are transported to a time when the steam engine was the ruler of transportation.
If festivals are your forte, then check out the Hot Pepper Festival in October or Dogwood Trails Festivals in March/April each year, Christmas in Palestine or any one of the numerous special events occurring throughout the year.
We invite you to Visit Palestine, preserving its past while looking to the future; youll find it to be a city which beckons you back time and time again. Palestine, Texas: Where Traditions Are Made.