A Beach-Hopping Road Trip through Southeast Texas

While this two-time recipient of the Texas Travel Awards’ Destination of the Year award is just a short drive from the mainland, its serene beaches and striking sand dunes make it feel like a world away. After arriving at Corpus Christi International Airport, a scenic three-hour drive south will lead you to South Padre Island. Make your way to Isla Blanca Park for non-stop fun in the sun. From surfing lessons for all skill levels to top-tier fishing on the jetties and guided snorkeling excursions, aquatic adventures abound. A short stroll from the beach, the park’s pavilion is equipped with picnic tables and barbecue pits, making it easy to refuel and return to the water. If you’re lucky, your beach day may even include watching SpaceX rockets take flight from across the bay.

For nature lovers, South Padre Island offers an array of ecotourism options. Sea Turtle Inc. is a must-see destination dedicated to supporting sea turtles through education, rehabilitation and conservation. Explore on-site exhibits to learn about the Gulf of Mexico’s diverse marine life. Visit on a release day and witness rehabilitated turtles making their return to the ocean.

When evening falls, the South Padre Island Entertainment District comes alive with energy. Delight in the freshest Gulf seafood at bayside restaurants while basking in live music and breathtaking sunset scenes. For a distinctive experience, book a dinner cruise and savor delicious cuisine while you coast on tranquil waters, or experience family-friendly fun with miniature golf, go-karts and a Ferris wheel at local favorite Gravity Park. End your day with memorable entertainment – vibrant pyrotechnic displays illuminate the night sky on summer weekends, earning South Padre Island the nickname “The Fireworks Capital of Texas.”

Retrace your steps toward the Corpus Christi International Airport before heading toward the coast, where Mustang Island and Port Aransas await. Start your visit with a stop at Port Aransas Beach, a welcome shoreline for all sorts of beachgoers. Surfers – both professional (winter) and beginner (summer) – will be drawn in by the curving waves. Sandcastle building experts are in for a treat, as the beach’s high clay and silt content makes these sands excellent for crafting sandcastles. (You can even sign up for sandcastle building lessons with professional and local legend Mark Landrum, also known as the Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy!) Plus, the clay-heavy sand isn’t just great for sandcastle structural support: It’s also great for beach golf cart riding, a one-of-a-kind treat.

Beyond the clay-filled sand, Port Aransas also happens to be an epic fishing spot – so great, in fact, that it’s been nicknamed the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” Take things easy by casting a line from one of the local piers and jetties or go all-out with a chartered deep-sea fishing expedition. Red snapper, redfish, flounder and tuna are all waiting to be lured in. What’s even better, many Port Aransas eateries participate in the “Cook Your Catch” program. You can take your freshly caught fish to select restaurants and they’ll turn it into a mouthwatering meal for you.

Port Aransas also happens to be a great jumping-off point to visit Mustang Island State Park. Cruise along the coastline – about 20 minutes by car – to reach the state park and its serene waterways. Take a guided excursion with Coastal Bend Kayaks or explore on your own. Either way, be sure to look for the hundreds of species of local and migratory birds fluttering about.

At the end of your Port Aransas and Mustang Island adventures, retreat to one of the island’s many vacation rentals. These lodgings can accommodate groups of all needs and sizes, and many, including the beloved Cinnamon Shore, even offer private boardwalks for beach access.

From Mustang Island and Port Aransas, travel north along the coast for a little over four hours, until you hit the historic Galveston Island. Your first stop on the isle: Seawall Boulevard. Often thought of as the heart of Galveston, this 16-kilometer-long stretch of shops, restaurants and attractions is always lively and bustling. Walk, bike or skate with ocean views along the USA’s longest continuous sidewalk. If you need to take a break, rest on one of the 70 unique, mosaic-tiled benches that tell the story of the ecology and history of the Texas Coast: It’s a break and educational spot in one.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is by far the most well-known spot on Seawall Boulevard. Enjoy old-school midway games, all-American bites and even a 70-meter-tall Ferris wheel. After taking in views of the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be ready to take a swim. Venture about five kilometers north to East Beach, where turquoise waters, beach volleyball courts and seasonal live entertainment await.

From East Beach, it’s just a five-minute drive to East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. While much of Galveston is humming with energy, the preserve is a peaceful hideaway. Spend a couple of hours kayaking, fishing and birdwatching on the East End Lagoon or go for a leisurely stroll on the native-plant-filled ADA Nature Trail.

Marvel at 19th-century mansions and Victorian designs as you make your way back downtown for a Juneteenth Freedom Walk. These self-guided tours highlight Galveston’s history as the birthplace of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the USA. You’ll visit five historic sites, including the Absolute Equality Mural and Reedy Chapel, to learn more about the rich heritage of Galveston’s Black community. From the last stop, Ashton Villa, it’s a short trek to another history-focused attraction: The Bryan Museum. Stop in for a peek at 70,000 artifacts pertaining to the history of the Southwestern USA.

By the time evening rolls around, you’ll be ready for a grand finale: A show at The Grand 1894 Opera House. This Romanesque Revival-style auditorium still hosts some of the best entertainment on the island – from live music to comedy shows to film screenings. Attend an incredible show to wrap up your Galveston Island visit before driving about an hour northwest to catch a flight home from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.