Our High Island sanctuaries are a haven for birds and visitors, especially during spring migration! We welcome visitors from all 50 states and over 20 countries who flock to the Upper Texas Coast for the best birdwatching. Our sanctuaries are critical habitat for migrating birds and there have been nearly 400 species documented on our properties, including several species never before seen in the United States. We invite you to visit us on the coast this spring!
The four sanctuaries at High Island–Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks, Eubanks Woods, and S.E. Gast Red Bay–are open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. Please check the individual sanctuary pages for specifics about parking and entrances.
Admission
The admission price is $10 for a day pass or $35 for a patch providing year-round admission. Because kiosks are only staffed during spring migration, visitors without a 2026 Annual Patch should be prepared to pay the daily admission fee ($10 for adults, students free). Cash or a check may be deposited in the red honor boxes. At Smith Oaks, it is located near the entrance to the canopy walkway. At Boy Scout Woods, it’s on the kiosk. Your admission helps us protect these beautiful sanctuaries for birds and people.
High Island Patch
Designed by artist Linda Feltner, the 2026 patch features a Brewster's Warbler. The patch provides one person entry to all five High Island sanctuaries year-round! Patches are $35. Please note that your Birds Houston membership does not include admission to High Island sanctuaries. Your patch purchase supports restoration and maintenance for birds and people at these beautiful sanctuaries.
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Getting Here: Directions & Maps
High Island is on the coast just off Hwy. 87. It can be reached by taking I-10 east from Houston, taking the exit at Winnie to go south on Hwy. 124. Another option is to use the free Galveston - Bolivar ferry and proceed up the coast on Hwy. 87.
At Smith Oaks the gate at Old Mexico Rd is open dawn to dusk March 1-May 15 and on weekends in the fall: September 15-October 15. The Winnie Street entrance at Smith Oaks is open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk.
- Overview Map (PDF)
- Google Map
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Photography Rules
- Please show consideration for other sanctuary visitors and allow them to view birds from the observation platforms.
- Limit your time at the front of the observation platforms to 20 minutes.
- Flash photography allowed only within the photo blind at Boy Scout Woods.
- If you are not taking pictures, please move your equipment off the platform.
- Chairs and wheeled equipment carts are not allowed. Child strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers are allowed when used as intended by the manufacturer
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Camping
No overnight parking or camping is allowed on Birds Houston property. However, tent and RV camping are allowed on all 27 miles of nearby beaches on the Bolivar Peninsula. A $10 parking sticker is required. More information can be found at https://www.galvestoncountytx.gov/county-offices/parks-cultural-services/bolivar-peninsula
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High Island Community
Please support local businesses and civic organizations as much as possible. Communities are more willing to support local conservation efforts if they feel protected habitat helps the local economy.
Sanctuaries
Your High Island patch/day pass is also valid for admission to Hooks Woods in High Island, owned by the Texas Ornithological Society (TOS) and managed by Birds Houston.
Birding
Peak spring migration season is from mid-March to mid-May. Numbers are highest during a "fallout", which sometimes occurs with a fast-moving cold front. During fall migration, late September to mid-October usually produce the best results. Be sure to check eBird for the latest bird sightings at the sanctuaries!
