Texas’ Overlooked Beaches Offer Excitement and Relaxation

Thinking of Texas the most likely images are of cowboys, cookouts, barbecue, ranches and wranglers. Why doesn’t anyone think of the beaches? Texas has about 600 miles of coastline that is defiantly worthy of a closer look. Although the state has only a handful of beaches, there still seems to be a beach to suit every person’s interest. The major beach destinations include Galveston Island, Corpus Christi, South Padre Island and Sea Rim State Park.

Galveston has everything a resort destination should have. The most popular attraction in Galveston is Moody Gardens. In Moody Gardens there are three pyramids to discover which are the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid and the Discovery Pyramid; tourists can expect to spend all day exploring land, sea and space without leaving Moody Gardens. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark is another great spot to visit. Famous for being the worlds first convertible waterpark, swimmers can have fun all year around despite the weather outside. Adults will love the free fall 80 ft. drop and then go to the enormous hot tub with swim up bar or if you bring the kids there are plenty of fun kiddie pools and rides. The Seawolf park has a three-story pavilion with a playground, view of the harbor, picnic sites and a lighted fishing pier. Seawolf park was built on an immigration station and has a World War II submarine and Destroyer Escort to view along with other military gear. Galveston is the best for attractions and resort-style fun.

Corpus Christi is a natural alternative to the overbuilt resort destinations and is a nice beach venue for outdoor activities. This is an excellent place to go fishing for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, amberjack, tuna, bass and catfish. Birding is another popular activity in Corpus Christi. This undeveloped barrier island is home to many different species of exotic birds. Water sports are a big hit on the beach from sailing, kayaking and yachting to windsurfing, wakeboarding and surfing. The surf culture has been thriving for decades here and is a popular past time for thrill seekers and those wanting to enjoy the open ocean.

When the sun goes down its time to party down on South Padre Island. This has been a popular Spring Break party location because it is still in the United States but is just 35 minutes away from Mexico. If sun, sand, surf and barely-there bikinis are your pleasure then look no further than South Padre Island. Alcohol and kegs are legal on the beach for your partying pleasure. Bikini contests, dance contests, outdoor bands and mechanical bull-riding on the beach are just a few of the enticing activities going on. What happens in Padre, stays in Padre.

Whether traveling with the family, having a romantic vacation, or partying like there is no tomorrow Texas has a beach to suit. Texas is not given enough credit for the beaches they have but you can have just as much fun or more fun on the beaches here then anywhere else in the United States. Next time you think of Texas the memories made at the beaches will be the first thing that comes to mind.

-By: Matthew Jorn

Don’t let car trouble put a damper on a great weekend beach trip. Russell