The Texas coast along the Gulf of Mexico invites families to healthy beach fun in the sun. Families enjoy observation at the nature and wildlife habitats along the Texas coast, as well as touring historic sites. From Port Arthur to Port Isabel there are miles of shoreline to be explored for year-round outdoor recreation and adventure.
National and State History
Near Port Arthur, Sea Rim State Park, with 5.2 miles of beach, offers guests camping, beach swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Nature enthusiasts enjoy hiking the Gambusia Nature Trail for wildlife observation and birding. Historians may enjoy visiting a significant Civil War battlefield at the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site. Also nearby, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site houses the battleground where Texas independence was won, the tallest monument in the United States and Battleship Texas.
Beachside and Bayside
Galveston Island, thought to be approximately 5,000 years old, boasts of a fascinating history that includes the 1520 shipwreck of Cabeza de Vaca and his crew. For beach fun, travel to West Beach or the Galveston Island State Park for swimming, boogie boarding and fishing. The beachside area at the state park provides tables, grills, restrooms and showers and the bayside offers picnic areas with restrooms. For other area attractions, tour NASA's Johnson Space Center or the Sea Center Texas, which houses a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and nature center.
Wild Horses
Mustang Island, named after the wild horses that once roamed here, treats visitors to beaches for building sand castles and splashing in the waves. Mustang Island State Park, south of Port Aransas, conveniently provides facilities for camping, picnicking, swimming, surfing and kayaking. Five miles of beach invite hikers and cyclists to relish the open beach. Resort accommodations are offered in nearby Rockport and along the coastline.
State Aquarium
Corpus Christi beaches invite guests to a beach drive along Shoreline Boulevard to view the sights and sounds of this beachfront city. For families with young children, McGee Beach offers a calm water haven for beach fun. This beach, located in downtown Corpus Christi, is within walking distance from several hotels and the entertaining State Aquarium where you can shake hands with a dolphin or book a yacht cruise of the bay.
Lighthouse on the Port
Beach combing, fishing, boating and birding are favorites for visitors to Port Isabel. The Port Isabel Lighthouse, near several battleground sites, was originally constructed in 1852 and is the only lighthouse open to the public in Texas. Other attractions encompass Port Isabel Historical Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum. Also, wildlife refuges and the World Birding Center are noted for a large variety of domestic and migratory birds. The Port Isabel Park Center features quiet waterfront sites for tent and RV campers with amenities of a pool, recreation room, cable, Wi-Fi and laundry. For resort accommodations, just cross the causeway to South Padre Island where hotels and resorts abound.
Member Comments