THE Lone Star State is not only the land of oil and cowboys. We often forget it and yet, with nearly 600 kilometers of coastline, Texas is also a seaside destination particularly appreciated by locals and travelers in search of places untouched by mass tourism. Head east to discover some of the hidden treasures of Texas’ Gulf Coast.
Relax on the white sand beaches of Rockport and Port Aransas
With its unspoiled and pristine beach, Rockport will delight travelers looking to laze under the Texas sun. Parasols, huts and playgrounds follow one another along the famous “Blue Wave Beach” which was distinguished as the favorite Texan beach of the readers of the American daily newspaper USA Today.
Further south, the region of Port Aransas and Mustang Island offers the relaxed lifestyle of island life. The coast is uninterrupted for almost thirty kilometres, a real haven of peace conducive to relaxation. Adventurers at heart will also find their happiness through the many possible water activities: jet skiing, surfing, parasailing or more unusual, a night tour in a transparent and illuminated kayak to admire the seabed!
South Padre Island, a paradise for board sports
Versatile seaside resort par excellence, South Padre Island is one of the preferred destinations for vacationers and sports enthusiasts. This immense sandbank which extends over about fifty kilometers where the beaches follow one another is a renowned spot for kitesurfing.
With a stable wind and high temperatures all year round, this resort located at the southern end of the coast offers remarkable conditions that are attracting more and more initiates. For beginners, several kite schools offer discovery courses.
The island is also home to a collection of sand castles: entitled “Sandcastle Trail”, this route allows you to admire around thirty works sculpted by local artists.
Galveston: beaches, fun and nature an hour from Houston
Located less than a hundred miles from Houston, Galveston is a popular destination for Texans to escape the fervor of the metropolis for a weekend. The landscaped waterfront and the pier where the unmissable amusement park (Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier) is nestled make it a lively and family playground.
The charming resort also delights nature lovers, especially budding ornithologists, for whom the Galveston Island State Park is an unmissable stop. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, geocaching and bird watching are some of the activities available in the park.
A historical and cultural approach to Texas in Corpus Christi
For history buffs, head to Corpus Christi! This former coaching inn owes its fame to the USS Lexington it houses, an Essex-class aircraft carrier dating from the Second World War. This ship nicknamed “Blue Ghost” was refitted as a museum recounting its naval history and in particular its use during the Battle of Pearl Harbor.
Still on the city’s port, the Museum of Science and History traces more than 500 years of Texas history through an interactive exhibit. Similarly, the Texas State Aquarium offers an immersion through the seabed. In an educational approach and conservation of the marine ecosystem, the establishment allows in particular to discover the local marine fauna composed of more than 4000 species.
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