Map Of Texas Coast Travel Guide

Introduction

The Texas Coast is a beautiful and diverse area that stretches over 600 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to some of the most stunning beaches, natural wonders, and cultural attractions in the United States. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing vacation, the Texas Coast has something for everyone.

Top Attractions

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a family-friendly amusement park located on Galveston Island. It features a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and carnival games.

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is a protected area on Padre Island that is home to over 70 miles of pristine beaches, dunes, and wetlands. It is a popular destination for birdwatching, fishing, and camping.

Hidden Gems

Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park is a hidden gem on the Texas Coast. It features 5 miles of pristine beaches, sand dunes, and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and camping in the park.

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located in the town of Rockport. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Visitors can also go fishing or birdwatching in the area.

Food Scene

Texas BBQ

Texas is famous for its BBQ, and the Texas Coast is no exception. Visitors can enjoy delicious BBQ at places like Rudy’s BBQ, Killen’s BBQ, and Franklin BBQ.

Seafood

The Texas Coast is also known for its seafood. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, The Crab Trap, and Waterman’s Restaurant.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Beaches

There are many free beaches on the Texas Coast, including Rockport Beach, Port Aransas Beach, and Surfside Beach. Visitors can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without spending a dime.

Camping

Camping is a great way to save money on accommodations. Visitors can camp at places like Mustang Island State Park, Padre Island National Seashore, and Galveston Island State Park.

Outdoor Adventures

Fishing

The Texas Coast is a great place to go fishing. Visitors can catch a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, and flounder. Some popular fishing spots include the Galveston Bay Complex, the Laguna Madre, and the Port O’Connor area.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the Texas Coast’s waterways. Visitors can rent kayaks and explore places like the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail, and the Colorado River.

Historical Landmarks

The Alamo

The Alamo is a famous historical landmark located in San Antonio. It is the site of the Battle of the Alamo, which took place in 1836 during the Texas Revolution.

Battleship Texas State Historic Site

The Battleship Texas State Historic Site is a museum located in La Porte. It features the USS Texas, a battleship that served in both World War I and World War II.

Family-Friendly Activities

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

The Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a family-friendly water park located in Galveston. It features a variety of water rides and attractions, including a lazy river, wave pool, and water slides.

The Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is a great place to take the whole family. It features a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. Visitors can also take a train ride around the zoo.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Texas City Dike

The Texas City Dike is a 5-mile-long levee that extends into Galveston Bay. It is a great place to go fishing, birdwatching, or just enjoy the view.

The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site

The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a museum located in Fulton. It features a restored Victorian mansion that was built in 1877.

Natural Wonders

The Big Thicket National Preserve

The Big Thicket National Preserve is a protected area located in Southeast Texas. It features a variety of ecosystems, including forests, swamps, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the preserve.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located on the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including whooping cranes, alligators, and dolphins.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Strand Historic District

The Strand Historic District is a popular nightlife destination located in Galveston. It features a variety of bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston is another great place to experience the Texas Coast’s nightlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.

Local Markets

The Galveston Island Market

The Galveston Island Market is a weekly farmers market that takes place on Sundays. Visitors can buy fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors.

The Corpus Christi Downtown Farmers Market

The Corpus Christi Downtown Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visitors can buy fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors.

Beaches and Mountains

South Padre Island

South Padre Island is a popular beach destination located on the southern tip of Texas. It features beautiful beaches, clear blue water, and a variety of water sports.

The Davis Mountains

The Davis Mountains are a mountain range located in West Texas. They are a great place to go hiking, camping, and stargazing.

Cultural Immersion

The San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk is a famous cultural attraction located in San Antonio. It features a network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

The Mission Trail

The Mission Trail is a historic trail located in San Antonio. It features five Spanish missions that were built in the 18th century.

Art and Music Scene

The Houston Museum of Fine Arts

The Houston Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to experience art from around the world. It features a variety of exhibitions and collections, including African art, Asian art, and European art.

The Austin City Limits Music Festival

The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a popular music festival that takes place in Austin every year. It features a variety of musical genres, including rock, hip-hop, and country.

Walking Tours

The Historic Downtown Walking Tour

The Historic Downtown Walking Tour is a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors through the historic downtown area of Galveston. It features a variety of historic buildings and landmarks.

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site Walking Tour

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site Walking Tour is a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors through the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place in 1836.

Architectural Marvels

The Bishops Palace

The Bishops Palace is a historic mansion located in Galveston. It was built in 1892 and features a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Romanesque, and Gothic.