Lifestyle

If You Read One Article About Texas Islands, Do Read This One

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Almost everyone is aware that Texas has islands…we’re situated along the Gulf of Mexico. But, many of us Texans have only heard of South Padre and Galveston islands (two very large Texas island tourist destinations) and rarely hear of some lesser-known places to visit. There are actually a few other Texas islands that are well worth a look for a number of reasons.

1. Mustang Island

If You Read One Article About Texas Islands, Read This One

Photo: Flickr/amir85

Mustang Island (also known as Port Aransas) has beautiful beaches, abundant fishing, and a resort atmosphere that makes you feel you’re visiting a tropical destination. Following Hurricane Harvey, of last year, the area will be in the process of doing some recovery, renovation, and rebuilding, however, the scenery and the people truly make this a great historic trek.

2. Pelican Island

If You Read One Article About Texas Islands, Read This One

Photo: Facebook/Brenda Smith

Pelican Island is part of the city of Galveston. It’s home to two Navy warship memorials – the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart – situated at Seawolf Park.  There are also a number of other preserved war artifacts in the park, making Pelican Island a great place to vacation for history buffs.

3. Ward Island

If You Read One Article About Texas Islands, Read This One

Photo: Wikimedia

Ward Island, off the shores of Corpus Christi, is now home to Texas A&M’s Corpus Christ campus, but at one time, it was a Naval Air Technical Training Center. Present-day vacationers are history buffs who are fascinated with its importance during World War II.

4. Matagorda Island

If You Read One Article About Texas Islands, Read This One

Photo: Facebook/Been Here Done That

Matagorda is a lesser-visited sister island of Galveston. A visit here means a relaxing beach day. There’s a variety of wildlife refuges situated on the island and visitors might get the opportunity to see species of endangered animals that they have never before seen.

5. Padre Island

If You Read One Article About Texas Islands, Read This One

Photo: Facebook/Coastal Living

Known as the world’s longest barrier island, Padre Island is more familiar throughout much of Texas for its beautiful white sand and stunning turquoise waters. With plenty to do – water sports, Schlitterbahn waterpark, relaxing beach days – there are even opportunities to catch nature at its best. Timing a visit to Padre Island to witness the hatching of the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles is a rare sight indeed.