highlight: gulf coast
Corpus Christi, TX
While not technically on the coast, Corpus Christi offers one the best beach vibes in Texas, as visitors play in and beside the blue waters of Corpus Christi Bay. There are tons of things to do in town, both ON and OFF, the beaten tourist path.
If you want museums, Corpus has them. Start by learning about natural and man-made history of town at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, where you can view full-sized replicas of Columbus’s ships – the man Corpus claims as its forefather given the prominent Spanish influence all over town. Fast forward a few hundred years in seafaring technology and visit the USS Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier turned museum. I highly recommend making a reservation for a “hard hat tour” and dive into the belly of the beast below deck. While there, walk over a few blocks and pet a stingray at the Texas State Aquarium. I also recommend the Texas Surf Museum downtown which has a number of vintage boards and information on Texas’s hidden surf culture.
All this learning is sure to work up an appetite, and any trip to downtown Corpus should include a stop at Whataburger by the Bay, the double-decker flagship restaurant of this Texas burger chain which started in Corpus Christi in a wooden shack. The Executive Surf Club is a great place to grab a beer, fried shrimp, and sandwiches. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a surfer to get in. But, if you are in the mood for pizza, look no further than Panjo’s Pizza, the thin-crust original serving up slices since the 1960’s. Friday and Saturday nights, Panjo’s features “Bubba and the Boys” a good-time ragtime piano and brass group. You’ll be singing along in no time.
If you are looking to spend some time under the Corpus sunshine, you can join the sunbathing masses at McGee Beach which is right next to downtown or Corpus Christi Beach (formerly North Beach) just over the bridge by the USS Lexington. Those interested in a drive can head to North Padre Island on the Padre Island National Seashore or Mustang Island State Park.
And finally, for adventure junkies, one of the best kept secrets of Corpus is the constant wind blowing through the air, making it one of the best places in the world to kite surf. If you want to try to capture the wind and have it carry you over the bay, set up a private lesson with Pro Kite Surf. After 3 hours or so, you’ll have it down.
Kemah, TX
The town of Kemah may be small, but it’s just one tiny piece of the massive establishment that is Houston, and part of the Houston subset known as “Bay Area Houston”, consisting of Kemah, Clear Lake, La Porte, League City, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, and Webster. In truth, it’s very difficult to visit one without visiting the others. And why would you want to? As this area is packed with Daytripper goodness.
The largest attraction in the area is by far Space Center Houston, which is the official visitor’s center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Since the 1960’s this spot has been the brain center for space travel, overseeing the Apollo missions to the moon all the way up to the current trips to the International Space Station. You could literally spend all day here between the historic museum, space games, ISS demonstrations, mission control tours, training facility tours, and eating astro-ice-cream. But one thing you definitely don’t want to miss is walking beside the Saturn IV rocket which is identical to the ones that took humans to the moon. TIP: you dont have to buy a ticket to the Space Center to see the rocket, just ask for the NASA side gate that allows admittance to Rocket Park. Another incredible museum in the area is the Butler Longhorn Museum, which tells the story of how this ranching family saved the Texas Longhorn from becoming just another bull. Hook Em.
Your trip to space, will undoubtedly bring you back hungry, and Bay Area Houston has some of the best food on earth. For an amazing sandwich, take the astronauts lead and head to Hoagie Ranch, which is a favorite amongst the space walkers. I recommend everything! For a delicious burger look no further than Tookies, and dont miss out on their famous Pelican Eggs. But being so close to Galveston Bay, you cant miss the seafood. My favorite, laid-back, waterfront shrimp-spot is Bubbas Shrimp Palace in nearby San Leon. There are few better ways to spend the evening than watching the sunset over the Bay from Bubbas beach while chomping on a full platter of all-you-can-eat shrimp.
To experience the natural side of the Bay, I recommend a visit to the Armand Bayou Nature Center, which boasts being one of the largest urban wilderness areas in the United States. Since being protected, the wildlife and plant life of Armand Bayou have exploded. This includes the gator population. So swimming isnt such a good idea, but taking a canoe or kayak trip around the bayou is. I recommend a guided pontoon ride and Breakfast on the Bayou” with resident naturist Mark Kramer. Another option is to take grab a tour from Pinky’s Watersports in Clear Lake. They can answer any questions and will do all the hard work.
And as the sunsets on your incredible day, follow the lights to the Kemah Boardwalk. This entertainment/amusement/dining/good-time spot is full of energy. And whether youre riding the carousel, braving the roller coaster, listening to live music, or eating at one of the many restaurants, this place is sure to please. Dont miss the Friday fireworks.
South Padre Island, TX
If you thought this beautiful island town only existed for a couple weeks in March during Spring Break think again. To download this episode or purchase it on DVD – CLICK HERE.
This beach community makes for one heck of a day trip (even longer if youve got the time). Yes, there are lots of condos, beach shops, and bars to keep the college kids busy, but the rest of the year, South Padre Island is a relaxing oasis that rivals the best beach towns in America. So, heres what to do.
Sun and sand lovers have lots of options. I would start by taking a sand castle lesson from Dennis Barrett, the Sand Slave himself. CLICK HERE to set up a lesson. On the beach side of S. Padre, I also recommend a surf lesson from South Padre Surf Company. Turns out you dont have to go to Cali to catch some waves. On the bay side, take a snorkeling trip on the Southern Wave Catamaran. Youll be amazed how clear the water is, and you might even see a stingray. If you prefer the wildlife above the water, check out the South Padre Birding and Nature Center.
When hungry, head to Pier 19 for breakfast. Their shrimp omelette is one of the greatest breakfasts Ive ever put in my mouth. A more traditional, yet still delicious breakfast is at Teds. For fried seafood, look no further than the island stalwart Dirty Als. And when you need some food, drinks, and relaxation on the beach, Claytons is the place and boasts the biggest beach bar in Texas.
As the nightfalls, if you have an strength (and courage) left, head to the Gravity Adventure Park which bungee jumping, go-carts for adults and kids, as well as my favorite the REVERSE bungee. You gotta try it to believe it.
HOTELS OF CHOICE Claytons Resort for a vintage beach front hotel and Inverness for a beach-front, family friendly condo with kitchen and lots of sleeping room.
Galveston, TX
Galveston is the the most historic island in Texas and makes for an epic day trip adventure.
When you cross over the Galveston Bay, whether by car or ferry, you’re sure to be hungry when you get here. My favorite spots on the island are Shrimp & Stuff for a mean shrimp po-boy and Benno’s on the Beach for a casual but top-notch cajun seafood experience with a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.
To experience the history of the island, there are many options. I recommend a tour of Bishop’s Palace and a the Tall Ship Elissa.
For outdoor fun, just grab a towel and stop along the beach. Don’t be scared of the seaweed or seagulls, but if you are, then head to Schlitterbahn or Moody Gardens for a visit to their watermark. Moody Gardens also has one of the best aquariums in Texas and a rainforest pyramid not to be missed.
Other outdoor attractions on the island include Galveston State Park and taking a Dolphin Cruise of Galveston Bay.
Beaumont, TX
Beaumont is Texas city of lost gold Black Gold that is. Its also the melting pot between Texas and Louisiana, meaning you dont have to jump the Sabine to visit Cajun Country. Its right here in Beaumont.
Beaumonts history began to boom in 1901 when the Lucas Gusher blew at Spindletop marking the first major oil discovery in the state of Texas. Stop by the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown to take a stroll through a recreated boomtown. If you love museums, you should also check out the McFaddin-Ward House sitting inside a historic mansion and the Fire Museum of Texas, which boasts the largest working fire hydrant in the world.
If you need to get outside, head to Village Creek State Park just north of Beaumont to bask on its sandy shores. And if you are really feeling up for an adventure, grab a canoe and take a trip down the Village Creek Paddling Trail. The Piney Woods Outfitters would be happy to set you up.
To have a first-hand experience with some of Beaumonts wildlife, head to Gator Country, a wildlife park dedicated to the alligator. You can see Big-Al (the largest captive gator in Texas) and hold the smaller, baby version.
After all this, youll be hungry I GUAR-UN-TEE. So head to the original Jasons Deli in the Gateway Shopping Center to see the humble roots of Texass best sandwich chain. For Bar-B-Q, check out the buffet at Willie Rays BBQ which is ranked as one of the Top 50 in Texas. And finally, to sample the best cajun cookin in Texas, head to Larrys French Market down the highway in Groves.
