Discover the Texas Gulf Coast: Quaint Fishing Communities, Serene Beaches, and Hidden Historical Gems

Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com

Often underappreciated compared to the East or West Coasts, Texas’s Gulf Coast, often dubbed America’s “Third Coast,” is rapidly gaining recognition as an enticing beach destination for travelers. With 3,359 miles of coastline stretching from Sabine Pass to Boca Chica, the region is increasingly showcasing its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Last April, my mother and I set off on a 369-mile journey along the Texas coastline, eager to explore what this area has to offer.

The route we traveled is particularly picturesque and accessible, featuring major cities such as Houston and San Antonio with convenient airports, mid-sized beach towns like Galveston and Corpus Christi, as well as charming small towns and state parks dotted throughout.

With the windows rolled down and a curated playlist enhancing our road trip experience, I present my guide to traversing the Texas coast, emphasizing chic accommodations, delectable seafood, and outdoor adventures.

Galveston

On our first evening in Galveston, we strolled along Seawall Boulevard at sunset, taking in the vibrant view of the Pleasure Pier. My mother, reflecting on her last visit in the 1970s, marveled at the island’s transformation. My own last visit was similarly distant, focused mainly on thrills from roller coasters during my school days. In November 2023, Galveston welcomed a contemporary boutique hotel, Hotel Lucine, along with its acclaimed restaurant, The Fancy. This local hotel opened just as Princess Cruises introduced its largest ship to the city, marking a significant point for Caribbean routes launching from Texas.

Hotel Lucine, a beacon for newcomers, was established by Robert Marcus alongside partners Dave and Keath Jacoby, who dreamed of revitalizing Galveston. The hotel, meticulously renovated from a mid-century motor court, boasts a fresh surf-inspired ambiance. Its rooms offer guests views of a beautiful courtyard with a pool, highlighted by bold palm-patterned drapery. The lobby, affectionately dubbed The Den, serves as a casual space for all-day dining paired with a selection of coffee and cocktails. Keath described the spaces within the hotel as akin to the comforting familiarity of home, with The Fancy serving as an elegant dining area showcasing ocean views.

Chef Leila Ortiz, who leads the culinary team at The Fancy, brings her expertise from renowned kitchens to this new executive chef role. “I aim to have fun and offer unique dishes that the community can embrace,” she expressed.

The Rooftop area captures the essence of Galveston, especially at sunset when the design elements come to life. The name Lucine, inspired by the shimmering inside of an oyster shell, is a fitting tribute to the aesthetics throughout the property, including vibrant tiles sourced from Ladrilleria Favilli, a family business in Nicaragua.

With limited time on the water, we opted to explore Galveston’s historic districts, including the Harborside neighborhood and The Strand, rich with Victorian-era architecture. The area’s storied past is intertwined with significant events in American history, particularly those surrounding Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in the fight for freedom that began in Galveston.

Visitors can engage with the history through the self-guided Juneteenth Freedom Walk, featuring landmarks of historical significance, and can visit the Nia Cultural Center, where we learned about ongoing initiatives to establish the International Juneteenth Museum as part of the Juneteenth Legacy Project.

Galveston’s history also reflects the lasting impact of Italian immigrants, highlighted by the storied legacy of Maceo Italian Spices and Imports, once linked to notorious figures in the city’s history.

Local attractions like The Galveston Art Center and various boutiques have emerged as a result of residents bringing global experiences back home, revitalizing the town while honoring its heritage.

Matagorda Bay

Next, we drove 106 miles west to Matagorda Bay, passing through Surfside, Texas, with its quaint homes elevated on wooden posts for storm protection. The landscape transitioned to expansive farmland, with the scent of fresh seafood marking our approach to where the Colorado River meets the Gulf.

Visitors can rent various boats and equipment to navigate the peaceful wetlands of the Colorado River estuary. My mom and I enjoyed kayaking for an afternoon, observing wildlife while savoring classic Gulf fare—po’boys, fries, and iced tea.

Rockport

Our next overnight stop was Rockport, a serene fishing town often overlooked by travelers but filled with charm. It features the newly revamped Reel ‘em Inn, a transformation of an original 1950s motel that blends contemporary design with coastal aesthetics. It offers a private pier for fishing and dolphin watching. I relished moments sipping coffee on the pier, enjoying the tranquility of the bay as fishermen tended to their catches at dawn.

Rockport Beach has become recognized as Texas’s first Blue Wave beach, emphasizing environmental responsibility and accessibility, providing clean facilities and swimmable waters.

The town is on the rise, with new dining options like Gabriela’s Seafood + Tapas and others breathing life into its streets, while locals navigate comfortably on golf carts—a charming hallmark of many beach towns.

As we departed Rockport, we headed towards Port Aransas, a bustling resort town just a ferry ride away.

Port Aransas

Port Aransas offers a family-friendly atmosphere with rental homes catering to large gatherings and winter retreats for snowbirds. The region is also a critical stopover for migratory birds on the Central Flyway, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.

We made our way to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, celebrating the end of the spring bird migration. Even non-birdwatchers can appreciate the lively environment and varied wildlife.

Must-visit spots in Port Aransas include the Jetty Boat to San Jose Island for fishing and exploration, alongside delightful casual dining options at places like Grumbles Seafood Co. and Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria.

Nature lovers will appreciate Port Aransas’s access to wildlife refuges and state parks, including Mustang Island State Park, which hosts nearly 4,000 acres of raw coastal beauty, perfect for exploration and unwinding.

Padre Island National Seashore

To conclude our trip, we ventured 30 minutes to Padre Island National Seashore, where 66 miles of protected coastline await. The park showcases diverse ecosystems, from grasslands and dunes to lagoons, serving as a vital nesting site for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles during hatching season.

As the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island globally, Padre Island National Seashore offers a serene escape, inviting visitors to connect with nature in profound ways. Its shallow waters provide excellent opportunities for recreational activities, including windsurfing and kayaking, while hiking trails uncover landscapes that once sustained the indigenous Karankawa people.

Our journey culminated in Corpus Christi, just a short drive from the seashore. Known as the hometown of Tejano music star Selena, Corpus Christi has recently blossomed, with new restaurants and bars invigorating its downtown scene.

San Antonio, our final destination, beckoned with its bustling airport, ready to serve returning travelers. The Texas Gulf Coast road trip has been filled with enlightening experiences steeped in culture, history, and nature, uniquely showcasing the extraordinary character of Texas.

Source
www.travelandleisure.com