Things to Do

Top 5 Beaches in South Texas

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

If you’re looking for more of an adult day at the beach, South Padre Island delivers. Find your way there via Google and www.sopadre.com where you’ll find all the helpful details on the local lowdown. Interestingly enough, Isla Blanca Park (located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island) has been noted to have some of the best surfing in the state, and if you’re lucky enough, you might possibly even have a dolphin sighting! For overnights, there are a number of hotels with beach access, and nightlife offers more than 50 bars in under 30 square miles. One bar in particular has a Saturday night fireworks schedule, and the one that started it all – the Padre Island Brewing Company – is also part of a busy Texas craft brew scene on the beach. Condos vs. hotels could potentially be the better deal if you’re looking at a larger group stay over a longer period. For meals, consider the oldest and best seafood restaurant in town, which is Blackbeard’s and beat the breakfast rush each morning with your choice of a number of Tex-mex possibilities, southern comfort options and of course your daily dose of caffeine at a local coffee shack.

Galveston

920x920

Photo: www.chron.com

Galveston has more than 30 miles of beach that boast a mix of scenes for a group of varying interests. Most beaches have an access fee/paid parking, but for those that are looking for a low-cost approach, visit the Seawall, including the longest continual sidewalk in the world at 10.3 miles, lined with continuous shops and restaurants and set up primarily for walking but which also includes bicycle access.

If a full day at the beach isn’t exactly what you had in mind but you’re still looking for a day at the shore, Galveston provides an abundance of summer distractions including the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa to amusement locations such as Pleasure Pier, Schlitterbahn Galveston, and Moody Gardens including an aquarium and rain forest pyramid!

If you’re over-nighting, Galveston has many resorts to choose from as well as quiet Victorian-style B&B’s. Check accommodation out online in advance, and be sure to book ahead as many places can be filled up quickly. Food service is never an issue in Galveston, and if you’re looking for more the ‘turf’ than the ‘surf’ then check out Rudy and Paco’s on Postoffice St. The nightlife in Galveston can vary from family-friendly to frosh week, so check things out in advance, and choose wisely – but most of all have fun!

Rockport

view of saltwater lagoon from the saltwater pavilion veranda

Rockport Beach Park is noted as clean and calm, dotted with tiki-type umbrellas. Parking is $5/day or you can purchase an annual pass for $20. Downtown Rockport is synonymous with indie-style shops, boho chic merchandise and art galleries for perusing or purchasing. If tours are more your scene than a full beach day, visit Fulton Mansion state historic site, which was constructed in the 1870s by George W. Fulton, or wrap up your day with a walk at the end of Rockport Harbor, spanning the 1,500-foot lighted jetty pier. For an overnight stay, options vary in a choice of comfortable inns (one with live music 3 nights/wk. as well as fishing pole and kayak rentals) and the nightlife consists of more of a sports bar scene. The food is fresh, local seafood and produce options at a small variety of spots and mid-week is a favorite for Wine Wednesday’s, offering tastings and hors d’œuvres.