Visiting the Gulf Coast in Texas
With a coastline stretching more than 600 miles from Louisiana to Mexico, visiting the
Gulf Coast of Texas means no shortage of beaches, amusement parks, historical sites, great eats, or shopping. "Everything is bigger in Texas," including your options. For instance, for something that takes in the whole coast, the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail shouldn't be missed. But between the natural beauty and warm Gulf waters, there's a little something for everyone all along the Texas coast. Families, couples, or groups should look into Texas Gulf Coast vacation rentals. Rent online and save for a one-of-a-kind experience!
The beaches along the Gulf are beautiful, and the gentle waves (storms not included) make it a great beach vacation for families with little children. But while the beach towns are family friendly, they are also a spot chosen often by Spring Breakers throughout Texas. There are activities for all ages on the Gulf Coast of Texas. In Wharton, don’t miss the
20th Century Technology Museum. The Alvin Opry hosts amazing country music and gospel singers on Saturday nights. In Brownsville, don’t miss the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and enjoy a guided tour of coastal prairies and the many species of animals that call this area home.
Galveston
With more than 30 miles of beachfront, Galveston Isle is probably one of the best-known vacation hot spots on the Texas Gulf Coast. Rentals by owner are a good choice to ensure your peace of mind amongst the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Things to Do
Whether you're strolling through the Victorian historic downtown or touring Bishop's Palace, it's obvious why Galveston, TX, was the "Playground of the South" in the 1800s. Pleasure Pier is all nostalgia and as much fun as you can fit in a roller-coaster car. Be sure to check out Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn water park, too. Texas beach vacation rentals will keep festivals, like the third-largest Mardi Gras, close while still offering a respite. The Lone Star Flight Museum and the Ocean Star Drilling Rig Museum offer experiences found nowhere else. NASA's Johnson Space Center is also a short drive away.
Dining
There are more than 100 restaurants here, and of course, fresh seafood abounds. Olympia Grill at Pier 21 won the first Galveston Restaurant of the Year Award, featuring dockside tables and a Greek menu. Runner-up Rudy & Paco brings Mexican flavors and was named one of America's Top 100 Restaurants by Open Table, and popular Nonno Tony's World Kitchen offers great Italian food.
South Padre Island
Bounded by Laguna Madre Bay on the west and the Gulf on the east, Texas beach vacation rentals on South Padre Island are unique. The barrier island is 34 miles long, and when you're at the very tip of the Texas coast, Matamoros, Mexico, is a short day trip away.
Things to Do
South Padre Island's widest point is a mere half-mile across, so historical locales are limited to Port Isabel's fishing village and 19th-century lighthouse. The island is known largely as one of the top ten best beaches in the world, offering parasailing, kite-boarding and jet-skiing, not to mention fishing. In fact, the Texas International Fishing Tournament has chosen South Padre Island as its host for 74 years. At this tropical hot spot, Texas Gulf Coast beach house rentals will let keep your focus on your vacation and not on packed hotels.
Dining
Fresh fish entrees are everywhere, but there's a broad range of options. The island boasts the second-oldest brew pub in Texas, the Padre Island Brewery Co., which offers amazing barbecued ribs. The Sea Ranch Restaurant & Bar is a top four-star restaurant and boasts a famous ahi tuna dish. Family-friendly restaurants like Mutt Hutt and Shrimp Haus offer daily specials and fun food.
Weather and When to Visit
While people often associate beaches with summer, Texas Gulf Coast vacation rentals are available all year because the region stays warm and mild. There are holiday events and festivals for those booking winter vacation rentals. Texas coast residents welcome "winter Texans" looking for a taste of the tropics instead of snow.
The high season and most activities run from spring through early fall. Even in the height of summer, the Gulf remains pleasant. South Padre Island is a favorite choice for spring break, and Galveston throws a wonderful Mardi Gras.
Tropical storm and hurricane season is right when most want to take a vacation: mid-summer through fall. However, that shouldn't stop anyone from planning a trip. Many times, this region is unaffected. With careful planning, attentive selection of Texas coast vacation rentals, and a mindful eye on the weather, your trip should go off without a hitch.
Events
The Gulf Coast is where Texans, and other visitors, come to party. There is always something fun going on. In October, visit the Houston Scream Festival, the largest “haunted house” attraction in Texas, or take in the Rockport-Fulton Seafair featuring crab races and an outdoor boat show. Galveston holds a 12-day Mardi Gras that is not to be missed. The Texas Sand Fest brings sand sculptors from around the world to Port Aransas at the end of April/beginning of May each year. Come enjoy the Aransas Pass’ annual Shrimporee in June, the largest shrimp festival in the world.
Shopping
The Gulf Coast of Texas offers some of the state’s best shopping. From the upscale Galleria of Houston to the unique treasures at the Rockport Art Center, each Gulf town seems to offer shopping venues as unique as it is. Padre Boulevard on South Padre Island and the Tanger Outlets in Galveston provide a lot of shopping opportunities. If you have little ones who do not enjoy shopping, check out Houston’s
Memorial City Mall and its whimsical, indoor play area.
Food
Seafood reigns supreme in this area of the country, with many local restaurants featuring dishes plucked right from the Gulf. But Texas does more than seafood. You’ll find a number of delicious barbecue restaurants and plenty of Tex Mex fusion. This part of Texas serves up gourmet samplings as well as roadside dives, and you can enjoy them all amidst some spectacular views.
The Texas Gulf Coast offers miles of adventures as you explore seaside stop after seaside stop. While it makes a beautiful spot for a road trip, finding the perfect Texas Gulf Coast beach rental may keep you sunning yourself on a beautiful beach and frolicking in the surf.
Loading...
