The wind blowing in your hair, your toes in the sandy beaches in charming Texas beach towns. A visit to the Gulf Coast of Texas includes anything from Houston to South Padre Island. Spanning over 350 miles, there are many towns and beaches to explore, but where do you start? Whether you’re looking for time at the beach, something for your history buff, or something for your adventurous spirit, there is something for everyone. But let’s dive into the lesser-known experiences and stays along Texas’s beautiful beaches and coastline.
Port Aransas and Port Aransas Beach
18 miles of wide sandy beaches await at Port Aransas, where you’ll love spending time outdoors and embracing what nature has to offer. Take an hour-long sunset boat tour and look out into the ocean, where you’ll likely see dolphins playing in the water (visitors flock for the dolphin-watching tours), or go kayaking into the night with the water glowing underneath you with the mesmerizing bioluminescence.
Port Aransas is known as the original island life destination of Texas, with pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and vibrant outdoor activities. Situated on Mustang Island, this coastal town is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It’s renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, earning it the title of the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” The town also hosts the annual Texas SandFest, one of the largest sand sculpture competitions in the country, drawing artists and spectators from all over the world.
This beloved destination on the Texas Gulf Coast also has a forgotten Island Treasure.
Catch a ferry from Port Aransas and head down to San Jose Island – A Forgotten Island Treasure. It’s the perfect place for beach lovers and anglers alike. Fishers can spend hours casting their hooks in the “Fishing capital of Texas,” while beach lovers can comb the golden sand for seashells and other natural souvenirs that the ocean has brought to shore.
Beach Vacation Off-The-Beaten Path in Galveston
In Galveston, history comes alive with its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and the renowned Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, which offers thrilling rides and entertainment. Galveston Island State Park offers a serene escape with its picturesque beaches, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Travel from the depths of the seas to the rainforests of Asia to Africa at Moody Gardens. It’s the perfect place for a family to visit and learn together while making last memories. Between differently themed pyramids, you’ll find free-roaming sloths, birds flying above your head, penguins waddling about, and tunnels full of sea life that make you feel like you’re walking under the ocean. Not only can you visit their aquarium and rainforest, but you can also visit their science-based museum that has many hands-on activities. In addition to all of this? They also have a golf course, theaters, rope courses, and ziplining.
Out of all the Victorian homes in the US, the Bishop’s Palace is one of the most impressive, and it is found in Galveston. Not only is it impressive due to its granite, limestone, sandstone structure, and hand-carved wood, but also due to the survival of many storms and hurricanes. Due to its history of the owner’s kindness in housing displaced storm survivors and perseverance, it has well earned its title of being a local icon and has been dubbed as one of the “100 most important buildings in the United States.” While in Galveston, don’t forget to book yourself a tour of this 19,000-square-foot castle.
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Unique Stay: Galveston East End Guesthouse
An adults-only stay with luxurious suites in the middle of it all. Walk to the beach, historic district, entertainment district, or the eateries on 14th Street.
Corpus Christi Reimagined
Foodies will delight in the mouthwatering seafood cuisine found in coastal towns like Corpus Christi and Rockport. If you’re a history buff, check out the USS Lexington Museum. The ship fought during WWII and was active until 1992. This museum won’t only teach you about American history – it offers the opportunity for you to go back in time in a challenging, unique way. Within its historical walls, you can book a 90-minute escape room. But if you’d rather experience history in the sky, pre-book a flight with a seasoned FAA-certified pilot and head over to the Aransas County Airport for a ride in a WII Stearman Biplane.
Do you have it on your bucket list to snorkel with a shark? Look no further than the Texas State Aquarium. You can snorkel with sharks and spot otters, alligators, and bald eagles at the aquarium – on top of all the crabs, fish, stingrays, and dolphins. Before you go, don’t forget to check the aquarium’s website for their presentation schedule. You don’t want to miss the dolphin show or the opportunity to feed and touch the stingrays!
Unique Stay: Knolle Farm & Ranch Bed, Barn & Breakfast
A unique stay on a working Texas cattle ranch and artisan farm provides a rustic, elegant environment to relax and enjoy an infinity pool, sporting activities, and kayaking. It is just on the outskirts of Corpus Christi, making it feel like a private getaway.
Of course, each of these beach destinations is filled with favorite shoreline activities: miles of beaches, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and more. If you want to enjoy a unique stay prior to hitting the road to the beach, consider flying into Houston (or driving) and making your way approximately 20 minutes into the countryside for a farm stay at Harbet Lodge. Where you can feed the mini-horses and gather chicken eggs, even tour the farm or fish on a private lake on a ranch. The ranch is less than an hour’s drive to the beach getaway of Galveston.
and a camera and be open to outdoor recreation and adventure. Discover
The beautiful beach towns of Texas are worth a visit.
Texas’s beautiful beaches and coastline
Whatever you do, remember to bring sunscreen and a camera and be open to outdoor recreation and adventure. Discover outdoor recreation, marine life, the clearest waters, and your perfect stretch of sand. This is going to be an unforgettable trip for years to come.
