Beach Retreats
By William Hanover
Rockport Fulton
Why Go There
You simply must see for yourself this charming seaside paradise located in Aransas County. They have great art, shopping, food and their Blue Wave beach is a one of a kind swimming lagoon. They also host the annual Rockport Art Festival in July.
What You Should Know
Located in the state’s second smallest county, Aransas County is nicknamed The Texas Riviera. They host an annual Hummer and Birding Expo. You can download their new mobile app at www.rocportfulton.org.
Attractions
Fisherman’s Wharf Birding Towers and Deep Sea Charters, great inshore fishing, birding, art galleries, and over 30 restaurants.
Where to Stay
Pelican Bay Resort
Features England-style cottages and poolside mini-suites right on Aransas Bay. They offer military, senior citizens and group discounts.
Port O’Connor
Why Go There
The designated sportfishing capital of Texas is an island that is a natural preserve where visitors come from all over the world to view the variety of endangered migratory birds.
What you should know
Birthplace to the CCA (Coastal Conservation Association)and home to their annual fishing tournament, one of the largest of its kind, the Poco Bueno Invitational started by the late Walter Fondren, JR . The area has been hit by four hurricanes.
Attractions
Have we mentioned the fishing? King Fisher Beach in central Port O’Connor features a park like setting and includes pier fishing. A few miles away is a the more secluded Sunday Beach
Where to Stay
The Lodge at Port O’Connor
Not much to look at but everything you need for your 20 closest fishing buddies. Don’t plan on room service you are on your own to catch your food.
South Padre Island
Why Go There
This slender island located at the southern tip of Texas features the prettiest beaches and water the Texas coast has to offer. Very popular spring break destination.
What You Should Know
Part of the Brownsville Harlingen area that has the Valley International Airport. A very long drive (over 8 hours from Houston).
Attractions
The beaches first and foremost. They also have a Schlitterbahn Water Resort and the South Padre Island Golf Course will not leave you disappointed. They host the annual Ladies Kingfish, Hooters, and Redfish Rodeo fishing tournaments
Where To Stay
Las Marinas- Mediterranean style condos located on Cactus Cove Waterway. They feature boat slips and an outdoor dining area.
Galveston
Why Go There
It’s close. In less than two hours you can be aboard a Carnival Cruise to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. If you miss the boat there is plenty of parking on the Galveston beaches and you can camp and shoot fireworks until you are blue in the face.
What you should know
Galveston is home to over 40,000 people and the first European settlements were in the early 1800’s. It was the capital of the Republic of Texas and has over 60 structures in the National Registry of Historical Places. Glen Campbell’s most famous song is about Galveston
Attractions
Moody Gardens and Moody Gardens Golf Course, The Strand, and The new Pleasure Pier
Where to Stay
The Galvez
Not only did Frank Sinatra stay there back in the day, they recently celebrated their 100th anniversary and underwent major renovations.. This hotel is one of the Gulf Coast’s best kept secrets.