By Danno Wise
Texas Travel Expert, about.com
Texas has more than 600 miles of coastal shoreline. From spring through fall, these beaches draw thousands of visitors. Along the coastline are a variety of 'beach towns' which offer beachgoers somewhat of a base of operations. These towns range from sleepy fishing villages to major metropolitans and everything in between. Here's a list of some of Texas' top beach towns.
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South Padre Island: Texas' southernmost beach town, South Padre Island
is also the most tropical in nature. Within the Town of South Padre
Island, visitors will find a confluence of natural beauty and modern
development. Each of these elements offer visitors plenty of things to do.
The natural setting is of course the biggest draw for South Padre
Island. Miles of white sand beach with blue-green waves lapping along
the shore is enough for a great deal of SPI's visitors. However, when it
comes to staying active outside, those spending a summer vacation on
South Padre Island are also able to enjoy such outdoor recreational
activities as snorkeling, diving, swimming, fishing, windsurfing, jet
skiing, parasailing, kite boarding, beach volleyball, ocean kayaking,
surfing and more.
As one of the youngest Texas beach towns (the Town of South Padre Island was founded in the 1970s), South Padre
also offers plenty of modern amenities. Condominiums and hotels allow
visitors to stay in comfort, while the Island's many restaurants, clubs
and bars provide a lively nightlife. There are also a number of shops
set along the Island's main thoroughfare. And, thrill seekers shouldn't
miss out on spending a day at the Island's Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.
Galveston: There is also plenty to see and do on Galveston Island. Beyond Galveston's beaches, its historic charm lends a great ambience to the island. In fact, there are a number of historical homes and sites on Galveston Island which are popular stops for visitors. Shopping in Galveston's Historic Strand District
is another big off-the-beach draw. Galveston also offers a number of
museums, such as the Texas Railroad Museum, Texas Seaport Museum and
Lone Star Flight Museum. Those looking for something with a more modern
flair should visit Moody Gardens or head to Schlitterbahn Waterpark. And, at the end of the day, Galveston's many fine restaurants offer a variety of dinner dining options.
[post_ads]Corpus Christi:
Corpus Christi is the largest Texas beach town. It is also home to some
the state's best known and most visited attractions - the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington.
Thanks to its size, Corpus offers visitors all the amenities of a city
and all the charm of a coastal beach town. A portion of Corpus is
located on the mainland (the main metro area), while a portion is
located across Corpus Christi Bay on Padre Island. Those staying on the island have easy access to Padre Island National Seashore and a myriad of outdoor recreational activities.
Fishing, surfing, swimming, beachcombing, and windsurfing are among the
most popular activities. There are also a number of hotels,
condominiums, shops and restaurants on both the mainland and island
sides of Corpus Christi.
Port Aransas:
Located just north of the Island portion of Corpus Christi, Port
Aransas is almost the complete opposite of Corpus, despite the two towns
sharing a portion of the same island. While Corpus is a large city with
a lots of attractions and activities, Port Aransas is a quaint town
with a laid back pace. The ferry ride over sets the mood for a relaxing
visit to Port Aransas (you can drive across, but why would you?).
Birding, nature watching, fishing, shopping, and surfing are just a few
of the activities located on this enchanting middle coast island beach
town.
