Banana Bend Beach celebrates 21 years of Fun in the Sun

Families picnic and swim along the San Jacinto River at Banana Bend Beach in Highlands

HIGHLANDS – Banana Bend is a family oriented, outdoor fun area that now entertains thousands every week. It can park many hundreds of cars, and is open from Mid-May until after Labor Day.
Many church groups, reunions, and parties take advantage of all these facilities. Dickie noted that there is not really any similar facility anywhere in the Houston area, especially on a body of water like the San Jacinto River, which is actually accessible clear to Galveston Bay. Although many of the patrons are from the immediate East Harris County area, others come from all parts of the region to enjoy the unique, relaxed atmosphere.


Dickie Woods remembers it like yesterday. But it was 1985, and he and his brother Floyd had the opportunity to purchase 9 acres of land along the San Jacinto river, where the beginnings of a recreation beach had been established.
Originally platted as home sites by Don Lang and his development group, these 20 lots were on a prime “bend” in the river, and had lots of sandy beach and waterfront opportunity.
In those days, Grace Lane was still a dirt road, and only a bait camp and some campgrounds were on the property. But Dickie and his brother saw the opportunity for more, and they developed what is now known as Banana Bend Recreation Beach.
It took the first ten years to reach full development. Now the facility has boat launches, picnic areas, swimming, water skiing, concessions for food and drink, childrens’ play areas, a fuel dock, restrooms and showers, volleyball, and facilities for concerts and company picnics. And more new projects are in the works, including more playground equipment, BBQ pits, and picnic facilities.
A completely stocked concession stand offers a variety of drinks, and what Dickie calls the “best Hamburger in Houston”.
Additional information about schedules and rates are available by calling 281-426-6482, or on the web at www.bananabend.com.
A map to the Beach is printede elsewhere in this issue, and can be reached from I-10 east, exit Crosby-Lynchburg road and proceed north to Grace Lane.