Padre Island National Seashore

Slow Down on the Gulf Coast: Five Underrated Beach Getaways

Want to know a travel secret that is somehow still flying under the radar?

You don’t have to battle the neon-lit crowds of Florida to find a stunning Southern coastline. In fact, some of the most rewarding coastal miles are found where the pace is slower, the sunsets linger just a bit longer, and the parking spot outside your rig doesn’t come with a side of chaos.

This isn’t another glossy roundup pretending every stop is a flawless paradise. It’s not. Every stretch of the Gulf has its quirks from the salty humidity and sudden squalls to the sleepy lulls of the off-season. And let’s be real: if you’re looking for the Atlantic’s rolling surf, you’re in the wrong place.

But what the Gulf Coast offers is exactly what many RVers are truly chasing: space, simplicity, and the permission to stay awhile. From the sugar-white dunes of Gulf Shores to the artsy, easygoing streets of Bay St. Louis; from the resilient, rugged shores of Holly Beach to the historic charm of Galveston Island and the wind-swept playground of Corpus Christi—these are the spots where you can downshift without feeling like you’re missing out.

Let’s take a deeper look at five Gulf Coast getaways that reward those willing to trade the “it” crowd for the calm. Pack a chair, find a breeze, and maybe clear a few extra days on your calendar. You’re going to want them.

Gulf Shores *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Gulf Shores: Alabama’s sun-kissed escape

As the name suggests, Gulf Shores is a sun-drenched playground where the pace of life is dictated entirely by the tide. This charming Alabama enclave faces the emerald waters of the Gulf of America offering a soft, salt-tinged breeze that beckons travelers away from the highway and toward the water’s edge.

Whether your itinerary is packed with activity or blissfully blank, Gulf Shores makes “fun” feel like a legitimate lifestyle. You can toss your flip-flops by the dunes, wander miles of pristine quartz sand, and savor the simple rhythm of the waves. But the draw extends far beyond the shoreline. For those who like to stay moving, the area offers a wealth of inland adventures: championship golf courses, miles of paved coastal biking trails through Gulf State Park, and world-class birdwatching under an endless blue canopy.

For RVers and slow travelers, Gulf Shores strikes that rare balance between a classic resort town and a quiet coastal retreat. It offers enough variety to keep you exploring for weeks, yet enough tranquility to ensure you actually head home feeling rested.

At a glance: Sun, sand & slow adventures

The vibe: A lively yet grounded resort town where “sugar-white” luxury meets welcoming, small-town hospitality.
The highlights: Expansive public beaches, the massive trail system of Gulf State Park, and a thriving local seafood scene—all framed by turquoise waters.
Pro tip: If the main beaches feel a bit “busy,” head to the western end of West Beach Blvd for a quieter, more residential feel for your morning walk.
Reference: 15 Fun & Memorable Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Bay St. Louis *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Bay St. Louis: Mississippi’s blissful bayside hideaway

Mississippi has been popping up on every traveler’s radar lately and after writing about its gleaming beach towns so often, I can finally spell “Mississippi” without the rhythmic counting of S’s and P’s. But even with the secret getting out, Bay St. Louis remains the kind of place that feels like a discovery only you made.

This town delivers a potent blend of small-town soul and white-sand serenity. Let’s be honest: these waters aren’t built for snorkeling—the Mississippi Sound is more about the reflection than the clarity but who cares when you can stroll a tranquil shoreline, watch pelicans drift past, and breathe easy without jostling through a crowd?

Spring breakers may flock elsewhere leaving Bay St. Louis to the travelers who prefer a slower pace. Quaint streets lined with down-home eateries, boutique shops, and cozy inns make it a destination as much for lingering as for sightseeing. Your next relaxing escape doesn’t have to fight the popular beach traffic—it’s right here.

At a glance: White sand charm

The vibe: The absolute best of both worlds—laid-back coastal cool paired with an artsy, historic heart.
The highlights: Unbelievably accessible thanks to the Amtrak Gulf Coast Service, the town offers local staples like the Daiquiri Shak, expansive fishing piers, and a pace that practically forces you to sit down, sip a drink, and stay awhile.
The “secret”: It’s one of the few places on the Gulf where you can find genuine “Golf Cart Culture”—park the rig and zip around town like a local.
Reference: Bay St. Louis: A Place Apart

Holly Beach *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Holly Beach: Louisiana’s “Cajun Riviera”

Louisiana is famously wild and I’m not just talking about Bourbon Street. One quiet ritual is switching the phone to “Do Not Disturb” and getting lost in Louisiana Life—watching families navigate houseboats through swamplands teeming with gators.

What you rarely hear about, however, are the quietly rugged stretches of sand tucked along Louisiana’s lesser-known coastline. While most travelers picture the Bayou State as a labyrinth of muddy waterways, Holly Beach sits just across the Texas-Louisiana line as a defiant, sun-bleached oasis. Known to locals as the “Cajun Riviera,” this is a destination for the traveler who finds beauty in the unpolished.

Holly Beach is one of the South’s most rewarding “map-dot” stops. Forget high-rise hotels; here, the skyline is dominated by colorful stilt homes and RVs parked right against the Gulf. It offers the rare, simple joy of driving your rig directly onto the sand. The water may not be Caribbean-clear but the Gulf breeze is just as sweet and the crowds are virtually non-existent.

To get here, take the Creole Nature Trail south from Lake Charles. It’s a drive through the “Louisiana Outback” that proves the state’s beauty isn’t just in its marshes—it’s in the salt air, too.

At a glance: The Cajun Riviera

The vibe: A fiercely independent, off-the-radar escape for those who prefer sea shells and solitude over souvenir shops.
The highlights: Beachside RV camping, stilt-house rentals, and the uniquely liberating novelty of driving on the sand with barely another soul in sight.
Pro tip: This is a “pack-in, pack-out” kind of place. Stock up on supplies in Lake Charles or Cameron, because once you hit the sand, you won’t want to leave for a grocery run.
Reference: Louisiana Outback: Slow Travel along the Creole Nature Trail

Galveston Island *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Galveston Island: A coastal playground from end to end

Stretching like a sun-bleached ribbon along the Texas coast, Galveston Island offers far more than just the historic charm of its famous Strand District. As a 27-mile long barrier island, it is a slow-traveler’s dream—a place where the urban pulse of the city gradually fades into the rhythmic hum of the surf.

For RVers, the island’s true magic lies in its variety. On the western end, Galveston Island State Park serves up a masterclass in coastal serenity. Here, you can trade the boardwalk for tidal flats, spending your afternoons kayaking through salt marshes or birdwatching as the sky turns a bruised purple at sunset.

Head back toward the city and the energy shifts. The Seawall beaches buzz with family-friendly vitality while “pocket parks” further down the coast offer hidden slices of sand where you can stake your claim far from the weekend day-trippers. Whether you’re backing your rig into a premier resort or boondocking near a quiet access point, the island doesn’t just invite you to visit—it invites you to linger.

At a glance: Beaches to explore

The vibe: A versatile barrier island that effortlessly pivots from “historic-chic” to “wild and untamed.”
The highlights: The massive Seawall (the world’s longest continuous sidewalk), the natural sanctuary of the State Park, and world-class offshore fishing.
Pro tip: Don’t just stick to the Gulf side. The Bayside of the island offers some of the most spectacular, unobstructed sunset views in Texas—perfect for a quiet “happy hour” outside the rig.
References: Galveston, Texas: A Guide for RVers

Corpus Chrisit *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Corpus Christi: Sun, sand, and urban charm

Rounding out our Gulf Coast tour is Corpus Christi, the largest stop on this journey—and a total revelation for anyone who thinks Texas beaches are “just sand and heat.” This city offers a sophisticated balance of urban revitalization and raw coastal escape, making it a premier basecamp for slow travelers.

In recent years, downtown Corpus Christi has shed its sleepy skin. Extensive renovations have transformed the city center into a soulful hub of craft breweries, third-wave coffee shops, and mid-century boutiques. While the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium remain iconic anchors, the modern Corpus vibe is found in the quiet corners where locals grab a fish taco and watch the sailboats.

But the real draw remains the water. Corpus is the gateway to the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Between the dunes of Mustang Island, the golf-cart-cool of Port Aransas, and the primitive, windswept majesty of Padre Island National Seashore, you have hundreds of miles of sprawling open space. Here, the water is often surprisingly clear and the sense of solitude rivals any high-end Florida destination—minus the high-end headache.

Corpus Christi *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

At a glance: The coastal hub

The vibe: A smart, energized mix of a “comeback” city and immediate access to wide-open, prehistoric coastal beauty.
The highlights: Unrivaled access to the Padre Island National Seashore, world-class windsurfing at Bird Island Basin, and a revitalized downtown that finally gives you a reason to leave the beach for dinner.
Pro tip: If you have an RV, don’t just stay in a park. Get a beach parking permit (available at most local convenience stores) and find a spot on the sand at Mustang Island to wake up to the sound of the actual tide.
Reference: The Complete Guide to Corpus Christi, Texas

Slow down and savor the Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast is more than just a geographic curve of sand and surf—it’s a collection of hidden chapters waiting for travelers willing to trade the “fast lane” for the “calm lane.”

From the artsy, white-sand soul of Bay St. Louis and the rugged, unscripted “Cajun Riviera” of Holly Beach, to the sun-drenched dunes of Gulf Shores, the historic diversity of Galveston Island, and the wide-open coastal majesty of Corpus Christi, each destination offers a unique reward to those who refuse to rush.

For RVers and slow travelers, the true magic isn’t found in checking off a list of tourist traps. It’s found in the unhurried, “in-between” moments: the salt-heavy evening breeze through your screen door, a local café discovered by a wrong turn, or a sunrise on a stretch of beach where the only footprints in the sand are yours. These getaways serve as a vital reminder that travel isn’t a race to the finish line; it’s about reclaiming your space, pace, and perspective.

By slowing down, leveling your jacks, and letting the Gulf’s natural rhythm set your schedule, you experience something deeper than a GPS coordinate. You discover a way of traveling that is richer, quieter, and—most importantly—entirely your own.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2026. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

10 Amazing Places to RV in January 2026

And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been.

—Rainer Maria Rilke

Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke found his resolve for a new year while standing on a rooftop. In a letter to his wife, Clara, Rilke described the first morning of 1907 as shining “from a brand-new, never used year.”

He’d taken a walk the night before observing “an earth of moonlight, of moon shadow, that keeps still while with strange meaningfulness New Year’s midnight strikes.” In a pensive mood, the author of Letters to a Young Poet chose to climb up above the streets of Capri, Italy, to seek a more expansive view.

“I had gone back again to my little house and stood up on its roof and wanted to see a good end in all that and to find a good beginning in myself,” he wrote. Rilke’s rooftop reflection reads almost like a benediction encouraging us to take the time to seek out new perspectives and find the good beginning in ourselves when faced with an untouched year.

Just as Rilke climbed to his rooftop in search of a wider view, RVers step into each New Year with an open road stretching ahead—vast, unmarked, and full of possibility. Every journey begins with that same quiet hopefulness: the belief that the landscapes we’ve yet to cross, the campfires we’ve yet to kindle, and the small towns we’ve yet to discover all hold something transformative.

RV travel invites us to greet each season like Rilke’s “brand-new, never used year,” trusting that movement itself can renew us. With every mile comes a chance to shift perspective, to pause in stillness, and to find our own “good beginning” in the spaciousness of the road.

Planning an RV trip during a different season? Explore my monthly travel recommendations, including the best places to visit in December as well as my guides for January 2025 and February 2025.

As the New Year opens and the road stretches wide with possibility, January offers a unique blend of crisp landscapes, mild winter retreats, and crowd-free national treasures. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, looking for scenic solitude, or eager to start the year with a memorable adventure, these destinations offer some of the best RV experiences of the season. Here are ten standout places to consider for your January travels.

Lost Dutchman State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Lost Dutchman State Park (Arizona)

Desert legends, rugged peaks, and winter sun at the edge of the Superstitions

Set against the dramatic western edge of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park delivers everything RVers hope for in a January desert escape—mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and wide-open Sonoran Desert scenery just 40 miles east of Phoenix. Towering saguaros frame jagged volcanic peaks, and while spring wildflowers get most of the attention, winter brings quieter trails and crystal-clear views that feel especially expansive.

The park’s legendary name traces back to the Lost Dutchman gold mine, a tale that still fuels imagination as you explore the trail system. Options range from gentle desert walks to the steep and demanding Siphon Draw Trail where hikers are rewarded with sweeping views across the valley. Wildlife sightings are common in the cooler hours with javelina, coyotes, jackrabbits, and desert reptiles often appearing at dawn and dusk.

Lost Dutchman is also a standout destination for RV camping. The campground offers electric hookups, generous spacing, and front-row views of the Superstitions—making it an ideal base for hiking, photography, and unhurried desert evenings. After sunset, the park’s dark skies create excellent stargazing conditions, a reminder of how much space and silence still exist just beyond the Phoenix metro area.

For trail details, campground tips, and seasonal planning insights, see The Complete Guide to Lost Dutchman State Park which dives deeper into making the most of this iconic Arizona stop.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (Florida)

A winter refuge where wildlife—and travelers—gather

For RVers who gravitate toward wildlife-rich destinations in winter, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a standout January stop. Located about 90 minutes west of Orlando, the park shines during the cooler months when Florida’s humidity drops, insects are minimal, and animals are most active. As I explore in more depth in my guide to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, this is not a traditional zoo but a conservation-focused sanctuary, home to native Florida wildlife that can no longer survive in the wild.

An elevated boardwalk known as the Wildlife Walk carries visitors through carefully preserved habitats where Florida panthers, red wolves, whooping cranes, bobcats, alligators, and the park’s well-known Florida black bear, Maximus, can be observed up close. The design encourages slow exploration—an approach that pairs well with RV travel—while offering excellent visibility without disturbing the animals.

Birders will find plenty to linger over here. The 0.75-mile Pepper Creek Trail winds through wetlands rich with wading birds while guided boat tours offer a different perspective along the creek. One of the park’s most memorable features is the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory which provides a clear view into Homosassa Spring itself, showcasing both freshwater and saltwater fish moving through the spring’s constant flow.

January also coincides with one of the park’s most anticipated seasonal events: the arrival of West Indian manatees. As winter temperatures cool surrounding waters, these gentle giants gather in the warm spring, creating unforgettable viewing opportunities that I detail further in my Homosassa Springs article.

While RV camping isn’t available inside the park, nearby campgrounds and RV parks make it easy to base yourself in the area. For RVers seeking a slower-paced, wildlife-centered stop that feels distinctly Floridian, Homosassa Springs fits beautifully into a January travel plan.

Congaree National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Congaree National Park (South Carolina)

Where winter floods awaken a living forest

Congaree National Park is one of those rare places where winter isn’t a drawback—it’s the main attraction. As I explain in Now Is the Absolute Best Time to Visit Congaree National Park and Here Is Why, this low-lying forest truly comes alive during the cooler months when seasonal flooding transforms the landscape into something extraordinary.

Winter rains fill the floodplain creating mirror-like waterways beneath towering loblolly pines and bald cypress. The result is a quiet, almost surreal environment best experienced by canoe or kayak when the forest feels more like a cathedral than a swamp. Even from the elevated boardwalks, the flooded forest offers a striking perspective that’s rarely seen during drier seasons.

For RV travelers, January brings fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and easier access to nearby campgrounds. While summer heat and insects can be intense, winter reveals Congaree at its most beautiful—calm, reflective, and unexpectedly magical.

Quartzsite swap meet *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Quartzsite (Arizona)

Where winter RV life becomes a way of life

Few places capture the spirit of winter RV travel quite like Quartzsite. Each January, this small desert town transforms into a sprawling gathering of RVers, snowbirds, and nomads drawn by wide-open BLM land, endless sunshine, and a one-of-a-kind seasonal energy. For many, Quartzsite isn’t just a stop—it’s a tradition.

Boondocking is at the heart of the experience. Thousands of RVers settle into the surrounding desert on long-term visitor areas (LTVAs), creating a temporary community that blends freedom, camaraderie, and simplicity. Days are spent exploring, swapping stories, and wandering through the town’s many pop-up markets and gatherings.

January is peak season for Quartzsite’s famous events. The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show (January 17–25, 2026) is the largest RV show in the country, drawing vendors, manufacturers, and RVers from across North America. At the same time, the month-long Quartzsite rock & gem shows—a series of fairs held at multiple locations—turn the town into a treasure hunt of minerals, fossils, crystals, and artisan booths. Add in the legendary swap meets, offering everything from tools and antiques to RV gear and curiosities, and it’s easy to see why this small desert town becomes a winter hotspot.

As I detail in The Quartzsite RV Show: A First Timer’s Guide, the key to enjoying Quartzsite is embracing its organized chaos—knowing when to explore, when to linger, and when to simply enjoy a desert sunset from your campsite. For RVers looking for community, freedom, and a true winter gathering place, Quartzsite remains unmatched.

Palm Canyon Campground, Anza-Borrego State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (California)

A playground of canyons, washes, and wide-open trails

January is one of the best months to explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Cooler temperatures and clear skies make hiking, wildlife spotting, and desert photography far more enjoyable than in the scorching summer months. As I cover in The Complete Guide to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the park’s vast landscape—canyons, washes, and rugged badlands—offers surprising diversity from bighorn sheep and roadrunners to early wildflowers in the desert washes.

RV camping is available at several well-maintained campgrounds including Borrego Palm Canyon and Tamarisk Grove providing hookups and convenient access to trails. For those seeking solitude, dispersed boondocking on nearby BLM land delivers wide-open desert skies and a true sense of desert freedom.

With fewer crowds, crisp winter mornings, and expansive views, Anza-Borrego is a perfect January stop for RVers seeking adventure, wildlife, and quiet desert nights.

Black-bellied whistling ducks in the Rio Grande Valley *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Rio Grande Valley (Texas)

Where winter slows down and nature takes center stage

For RVers who chase birds in winter, the Rio Grande Valley is a top destination. Mild January temperatures and abundant wetlands, refuges, and private preserves make this part of South Texas a haven for wintering species from Altramira orioles green jays. As I explore in The Complete Guide to Bird Watching in South Texas, the valley’s mix of canals, estuaries, and thorny brush provides endless opportunities for both novice and experienced birders.

Winter Texans flock here with their RVs taking advantage of the region’s numerous RV parks. Most sites offer full hookups and easy access to the valley’s top birding hotspots making it simple to plan multi-day explorations without long drives.

Between wildlife, mild weather, and a welcoming RV community, the Rio Grande Valley offers a rewarding winter escape for birders and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Valley of Fire State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)

Red rock silence under endless desert skies

January is an ideal time to visit Valley of Fire State Park when cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring Nevada’s striking red sandstone formations far more comfortable. As I detail in The Complete Guide to Valley of Fire State Park, the park offers iconic sights like Elephant Rock, Fire Wave, and ancient petroglyphs all within easy reach of RV-friendly campgrounds.

RV camping at sites such as Atlatl Rock provides electric hookups and a front-row seat to the park’s fiery landscapes. Winter mornings bring crisp air, dramatic light for photography, and far fewer crowds than in spring or fall. For RVers looking to combine dramatic scenery with easy access and peaceful winter days, Valley of Fire delivers a striking desert experience.

Roseate spoonbills along the Creole Nature Trail *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Creole Nature Trail (Louisiana)

A slow road through Louisiana’s Outback

January is an excellent time to explore Louisiana’s Creole Nature Trail where winter brings mild temperatures and vibrant birding opportunities along this “Louisiana Outback” route. As I cover in Creole Nature Trail: Where Natural Wonderlands Abound, the scenic byway winds through marshes, prairies, and barrier islands, offering encounters with alligators, wading birds, and migratory waterfowl.

RV travelers will find numerous campgrounds and RV parks neat St Charles and Sulphur and easy access to wildlife-viewing points. Driving the trail in winter means fewer crowds and quiet mornings perfect for photography, paddling, or simply enjoying the serene landscapes. For RVers seeking a mix of nature, wildlife, and low-key adventure in January, the Creole Nature Trail is a hidden gem.

Malaquite Campground on Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Padre Island National Seashore (Texas)

Endless beach, endless horizon

For RVers seeking a winter beach escape, Padre Island National Seashore offers mild January weather, expansive sandy shores, and abundant wildlife. As I detail in The Ultimate Guide to Padre Island National Seashore, the park is a prime destination for birdwatching, surf fishing, and spotting wintering sea turtles along the Gulf Coast.

RV camping is available at Malaquite Campground with easy beach access while dispersed camping along nearby public areas gives a more boondocking-style experience. January brings cooler, quieter conditions making early-morning walks, photography, and wildlife spotting especially rewarding. With miles of shoreline, protected dunes, and abundant recreational opportunities, Padre Island provides a peaceful winter retreat for RVers.

Gulf State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Gulf State Park (Alabama)

Where trails, lakes, and coastlines meet

Gulf State Park on the Alabama Gulf Coast is a perfect January stop for RVers seeking outdoor adventure and winter sunshine. As I explore in The Complete Guide to Gulf State Park, the park’s 6,150 acres and 28 miles of trails offer hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing along scenic coastal landscapes.

RV camping is well supported with multiple campgrounds providing full hookups and easy access to beaches, lakes, and trailheads. Winter brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and peaceful mornings ideal for birdwatching or exploring the park’s diverse habitats. For RV travelers looking to combine coastal recreation with natural beauty and well-equipped facilities, Gulf State Park is a winter destination that delivers on every front.

Closing reflection

Bringing it all into focus

January can feel like a slow month for many but for RVers it’s an invitation to chase sunshine, explore new landscapes, and embrace the quiet rhythms of winter travel. From the desert blooms of Anza-Borrego and Quartzsite to the lush wetlands of the Rio Grande Valley and Louisiana’s Creole Nature Trail, there’s a world of adventure waiting beyond the chill. Each destination offers a unique blend of scenery, wildlife, and community, proving that even in the middle of winter, the road can feel wide open and full of possibility.

As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “Always maintain a kind of summer, even in the middle of winter.” For RVers, that kind of summer isn’t just a season—it’s a mindset. Seek warmth in the sun, in shared moments around campfires, in quiet desert mornings, and in the freedom of the open road. Winter may be cold elsewhere but out on the RV trails, summer can be found anywhere you choose to drive.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in December 2025. Information reflects what was accurate at the time of writing. For topics that may change quickly, please verify current details before planning. To ensure honesty and avoid bias, this website features no ads, no sponsored content, and no affiliate links—just straightforward information for fellow travelers.

RVing the Texas Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast of Texas is the perfect destination for RVers who want to experience miles of shoreline, the best of nature combined with outdoor sports, and nearby family fun

When you think of Texas you probably conjure up images of Stetson-toting cowboys, dry desert landscapes, and epic BBQs. The popular image of the Lone Star State doesn’t often include much in the way of water.

But Texas has an absolutely awesome coastline, 367 miles stretching all the way from the bayous of Louisiana to Matamoros in Mexico. Without a shadow of a doubt, the best way to explore this beautiful corner of Texas is by hitting the road on a Texas beach road trip!

Outdoor enthusiasts can swim, fish, hike, kayak, birdwatch, and camp on the beach. RVers will find accommodations ranging from primitive camping to full-service parks with all the modern amenities.

The warm Gulf waters can make even the heaviest of lead feet settle softly into the golden sand along the Texas coast. But the inviting waves aren’t the only welcome that awaits you on a Texas coastal road trip. Space and starlit skies, history and timeless adventure, nature and a natural curiosity—it’s all waiting for you as you cruise down the highways of the sunny Texas coast from Houston to Corpus Christi and beyond.

Seawolf Park, Galveston *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, so it’s the perfect place for inspiring cultural activities to kick off this road trip. The Museum District itself features 19 museums ranging from natural history to cultural appreciation to contemporary art and they’re all just a quick 10-minute drive southwest of downtown. One popular museum is the world-renowned Seismique—Houston’s futuristic dreamscape.

Directly east of downtown Houston on the shores of the Houston Ship Channel resides the San Jacinto Monument. The monument commemorates the key battle of the Texas Revolution—the Battle of San Jacinto. It rises more than 567 feet high eclipsing the Washington Monument by more than 12 feet and proving the adage that everything is bigger in Texas.

Houston is also home to Space Center Houston which brings the country’s history of out-of-this-world space exploration to the wide eyes and fingertips of both adults and children. Take Interstate 45 southeast, and you’ll find Space Center Houston about halfway toward Galveston.

Houston is filled with countless activities worthy of any road trip and you could spend days exploring all the city has to offer. But the beach is calling, so next make your way south about an hour to Galveston.

Bishop’s Palace, Galveston *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Galveston is a mix of history and entertainment beginning with the historic Strand District. Home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of Victorian buildings, the Strand is Galveston’s entertainment hub lined with restaurants and shops. Nearby, the Bishop’s Palace is one of the few buildings in Galveston to survive the devastating 1900 hurricane. Before leaving Galveston, families will love to stop at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. It features carnival rides and games, an arcade, shops and more.

RVers will enjoy Galveston Island State Park where they can camp inexpensively while exploring their natural surroundings.

The 2,000-acre park offers guided wildlife tours, four miles of hiking trails, fishing from the shore or piers, and paddling trails for kayaks or canoes (rentals not available).

About 75 camping spaces are located at the state park ranging from $15-$35 per night. All sites include water and picnic tables with electricity available at most of the sies. Restrooms and showers are provided.

As you curve southwest along the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find plenty of beach stops perfect for swimming, bird-watching, or fishing. I recommend Matagorda Bay about halfway between Galveston and Corpus Christi as well as Port Lavaca and Rockport-Fulton just outside of Port Aransas. The sandy shores are definite kid pleasers providing the perfect backdrop for seashell hunting, frisbee throwing, and sandcastle making. Find the spot your family will want to return to year after year.

Rockport-Fulton *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The coastal town of Port Lavaca has all the seaside fun you could ask for but without all the crowds found in other Gulf Coast locales. Checking out Port Lavaca’s beaches is a no brainer, regardless of whether you’re looking for a quiet barefoot stroll, hunt for shells, or kick back and relax.

Start at Magnolia Beach, also known as the only natural shell beach on the Gulf Coast. Lay out a blanket and soak up the sun, or cast a line from the fishing pier. For more sandy beaches, relax in the shade of a thatch-covered cabana at Lighthouse Beach or swim or paddle board in the tranquil waters of Alamo Beach.

When you reach Port Aransas you’ll be welcomed by beautiful Gulf beaches and rich fishing on either side of Mustang Island. The Port Aransas Nature Preserve at the northern end of the island offers a gentle hike through the coastal prairie habitat to stretch your legs. And if it’s dolphins you’re excited to see, hop aboard the Scarlet Lady Dolphin Watching Adventure Tour just a few minutes away.

End your coastal road trip in Corpus Christi and connect with nature and history by visiting the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington. The aquarium features 18 exhibits (plus a touch pool and playground) that focus on the conservation of species native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Additional conservation efforts in Corpus Christi take place at the Texas Sealife Center. Rehabbing a wide variety of marine life, this center is full of interactive exhibits and educational programs for the whole family.

The USS Lexington is a historic World War II aircraft carrier that served until 1991. Today, it lives on as a naval museum dedicated to those who served and died in defense of freedom.

I have a few helpful articles on the Texas Gulf Coast for more in-depth information on this coastal road trip.

Port Lavaca *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Underrated Coast

Americans tend to forget they have a third coastline. Sure, they’re aware the Gulf of Mexico has beaches but they tend to lump those in with Florida which then gets lumped in with the Atlantic coast. And the whole rest of the coast from Alabama to Texas gets criminally overlooked. This is a land of magical swamps, remote white-sand beaches, artists, musicians, and colorful characters. And it is the best coastal road trip few have taken.

Go to the full article…

Barrier Islands Hopping

When most folks think of Texas in the summertime, visions of barbecue, Lone Star-shaped swimming pools, and the Alamo—but how about dolphins, rocket launches, and sandcastles the size of actual castles? The state’s barrier islands might surprise you.

What the keys are to Florida, the barrier islands are to Texas: a 234-mile string of islands that hug the Gulf of Mexico coast made primarily of sand built up over thousands of years from tidal movements. They range in size from four miles in length to the largest barrier island on Earth. There are seven main islands in total and each one has a distinct personality from the touristy trappings of Galveston to the utter solitude of San Jose.

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Port Aransas *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Where the Journey Is the Destination: Texas State Highway 35

Don’t be fooled by the name. State Highway 35 is the antithesis to the behemoth with which it shares a number. Interstate 35 is a white-knuckle fight for highway survival while its country cousin is an easy cruise through green marshes and across bays with intermittent glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico.

Otherwise known as the “Hug-the-Coast” Highway, this 35 predates I-35 by more than 40 years. With only one lane on each side most of the way, it’s a quaint retreat—a throwback to Sunday drives where the journey was the destination.

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I Still Dream of Galveston

Galveston Island is home to some of the best attractions Texas has to offer including Moody Gardens, Schitterbahn Waterpark, the Historic Pleasure Pier, dazzling Victorian architecture, and 32 miles of sun-kissed beaches

Galveston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in Texas. From its time as a major 1800s-era shipping port through the devastating Hurricane of 1900 and up until modern day, Galveston has played a major role in shaping Texas history.

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Galveston Island State Park: A Gulf Coast Gem

Whether you’re looking for an active vacation or prefer lazing around on the beach, this stunning locale has something for everyone.

Since 1975, Galveston Island State Park has protected natural and cultural resources while attracting visitors with its vast array of activities. While most visitors to the park enjoy a day at the beach and swimming in the Gulf, Galveston Island State Park is also a consistent destination for those seeking a relaxing location for fishing, hiking, biking and paddling.

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Rockport-Fulton: Charm of the Texas Coast

Rockport-Fulton has been a favorite coastal hideaway and snowbird roost for many years.

Find yourself in Rockport-Fulton and discover why Rockport-Fulton is the Charm of the Texas Coast. You’ll find a sandy beach, a birder’s paradise, a thriving arts community, unique shopping, delectable seafood, unlimited outdoor recreation, historical sites, and great fishing.

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Life by the Bay: Goose Island State Park

Lapping water and Gulf breezes: We must be on the coast!

Bounded by the waters of the St. Charles, Copano, and Aransas bays, 314-acre Goose Island State Park is a coastal delight. Popular with Winter Texans during winter months, birders during spring and fall migration, and campers year-round, Goose Island State Park is located 10 miles north of Rockport, off State Highway 35.

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The Big Tree, Goose Island State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A 1,000-Year-Old Texas Oak Tree Stands Firm

Life around Rockport changed dramatically August 25, 2017 when Hurricane Harvey, a powerful Cat 4 hurricane, made landfall directly across the area. Amid this ongoing disaster, one iconic local inhabitant stood its ground: the magnificent Big Tree at Goose Island State Park. With a height of 44 feet, circumference of 35 feet, and crown spanning roughly 90 feet, the massive coastal live oak has survived Mother Nature’s fiercest storms including Hurricane Harvey for more than 1,000 years.

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Oceans of Fun: Port Aransas and Mustang Island

Long a favorite with Winter Texans, Port Aransas offers many activities from walking the beach in search of seashells to taking a tour boat, a deep sea fishing charter, or a sunset dinner cruise.

The original island life destination, Port Aransas and Mustang Island is 18 miles of shoreline and wide, sandy beaches—with everything you need to plan the perfect beach vacation. But this is no ordinary island. Just ask the locals and visitors who’ve ranked it one of the best beaches in Texas

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Corpus Christi: City by the Sea

Corpus Christi is home to numerous one-of-a-kind places to see and do but the USS Lexington stands out. The Lexington is a World War II-era aircraft carrier that operated in the Pacific Theater and served until 1991 racking up more records than any other ship in the history of naval aviation in the process.

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Corpus Christi: Sparkling City by the Bay

There’s no denying that Corpus Christi is one of the most beloved destinations in Texas and for good reason. However, among the well-known ways to enjoy a day on the bay, Corpus Christi is packed with plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path surprises.

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Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Ultimate Guide to Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world. The park protects 70 miles of coastline. It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and a haven for over 380 bird species. It also has a rich history including the Spanish shipwrecks of 1554.

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A Slice of Paradise: Padre Island National Seashore

With more than 70 miles of unspoiled coastline and 130,000 acres of pristine sand dunes and grassy prairies, it’s fair to say there’s no place quite like the Padre Island National Seashore.

From the beach to the bay, Padre Island National Seashore offers countless opportunities to discover and enjoy the amazing recreation and resources of the park. Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico or build a sandcastle. Swim in the recreation area at Bird Island Basin or in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Padre Island National Seashore: World’s Longest Stretch of Undeveloped Barrier Island

Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, a hypersaline (meaning saltier than the ocean) ecosystem unique to only six known lagoons in the world. The park protects 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life. It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and a haven for over 380 bird species. It also has a rich history, including the Spanish shipwrecks of 1554.

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USS Lexington, Corpus Christi *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

When is the best time to visit Texas?

You might want to avoid hurricane season and the hottest part of the summer but other than that the perfect place for you might just be in one of these RV parks along the shoreline.

I’ve written quite a few posts about Texas through the years. Here are a few of my most recent articles on the Lone Star State:

Texas Spoken Friendly

Worth Pondering…

No matter how far we may wander, Texas lingers with us, coloring our perceptions of the world.

—Elmer Kelto

The 17 Best National Parks in the South

The southern United States is home to a diverse array of national parks, each offering unique landscapes, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities

When it comes to raw, unfiltered natural beauty, the southern United States doesn’t hold back, y’all. From wild horses trotting along coastal dunes to ancient caves carved beneath Kentucky soil and rugged mountain ridges cloaked in mist, the region is oozing with iconic (and surprising) national parks. It’s a place where Civil War battlefields meet tropical coral reefs and dense hardwood forests lead to stargazing expanses.

Visitation to southern U.S. national parks is booming—and for good reason. More travelers are craving slower, outdoorsy escapes and with the region’s year-round mild climate, diverse ecosystems, and easy access from major metro areas, these parks deliver in spades.

Here are 17 of the best national parks to explore in the South, each offering something truly one-of-a-kind.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee

Best for hiking

America’s most visited national park has earned its stripes with mist-covered peaks, wildflower-strewn meadows, and 800-plus miles of trails. Whether you’re up for a soul-cleansing trek to Clingmans Dome or a casual wildlife-spotting drive through Cades Cove, the Smokies serve up drama in every direction.

Spring blooms, summer greens, autumnal fireworks, and snowy winter vistas—every season has its own flair here. Want to see elk, black bears, or wild turkeys? Hit Cataloochee or Cades Cove early in the morning or near dusk for your best chance.

Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife spotting (black bears, elk), and camping
Why visit: Year-round accessibility, stunning vistas, and rich Southern Appalachian history

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2. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland & Virginia

Best for wild horse sightings

A barrier island shaped daily by wind and wave, Assateague is the untamed Atlantic at its most photogenic. It’s known for its roaming bands of wild horses believed to be descendants of shipwrecked Spanish mustangs. Visitors can walk the wide-open beaches, kayak through salt marshes, or explore the Over-Sand Vehicle zone (OSV, as it’s locally known) for a thrilling beach drive—just make sure your permit is properly affixed and you’ve brushed up on the regulations.

Bring binoculars because wild ponies aren’t the only leading characters here—migratory birds, dolphins, and even ghost crabs can make appearances.

Activities: Hiking, water activities, wildlife, viewing, fishing
Why visit: Unspoiled nature and wild horses

3. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Best for beach activities

Padre Island National Seashore is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world stretching 70 miles with 65 miles of Gulf beach. The park covers over 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, beaches, and coastal prairie habitats, offering a pristine natural environment for wildlife and visitors alike.

The seashore is known for its wildlife conservation efforts especially as the most important nesting beach in the U.S. for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Visitors can sometimes witness sea turtle hatchlings being released into the Gulf of Mexico.

Recreational activities include camping, fishing, windsurfing, birdwatching, beachcombing, and driving on most of the beach with four-wheel-drive vehicles. The seashore also includes unique environments such as the hypersaline Laguna Madre lagoon, tidal mud flats, and bird rookeries on small natural islands

Activities: Beach activities, hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping
Why visit: Endless stretches of sand and dune

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4. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Best for exploring the world’s longest-known cave system

Deep beneath the hills of south-central Kentucky lies a dark and dazzling underworld. Mammoth Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts more than 400 miles of mapped passageways making it the world’s longest-known cave system. The network has seen everything from Native American exploration to (fun fact!) tuberculosis patients seeking subterranean healing.

Above ground, the park’s 52,000 acres offer hiking, horseback riding, and paddling opportunities. But to truly experience the mystique of Mammoth, book a guided cave tour well in advance—these tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Activities: Cave tours, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and camping
Why visit: A subterranean adventure paired with scenic above-ground trails

5. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Best for long-distance paddling

Congaree might not have towering peaks but it more than compensates with mystical swamplands and ancient hardwood forests. Home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S. this national park is a haven for paddlers, birders, and anyone who appreciates a good dose of biodiversity.

The 15-mile Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is the marquee adventure—snaking through lush floodplains and offering a front-row seat to turtles, otters, and barred owls. Canoe or kayak rentals are available nearby and guided paddle tours only deepen the experience.

Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, hiking (boardwalk trails), and wildlife spotting
Why visit: Peaceful, less-crowded park with mystical swamplands and biodiversity

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6. Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, South Carolina

Best for a quick day trip

Charleston’s harbor is where the first shots of the Civil War rang out and you can relive that moment at Fort Sumter only accessible by boat. The site offers ranger-led talks and sweeping views of the city skyline and Atlantic waters.

Back on Sullivan’s Island, Fort Moultrie presents a broader look at 171 years of coastal defense history from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Seasonal living history programs and interpretive exhibits round out the educational (and picturesque) experience.

Activities: Historical tours and sightseeing
Why visit: Rich historical significance with scenic coastal views

Cowpens National Battlefield *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

7. Cowpens National Battlefield, South Carolina

Best for American Revolutionary War history

On January 17, 1781, the Americans won a decisive battle against the better-trained British Army. The Battle of Cowpens was over in less than an hour. This battle was the event which started British General Cornwallis on his march north to his eventual surrender at Yorktown just nine months later. It was one of those special moments in time when destiny is forever changed. The march to Yorktown had begun.

Activities: Hiking the Battlefield Trail and exploring the Auto Loop Road
Why visit: Historical impact and natural beauty

8. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Georgia

Best for Civil War history

A short drive from Atlanta, this battlefield park preserves the memory of the pivotal 1864 Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Watch a cinematic masterpiece of an introductory film (Kennesaw: One Last Mountain), then set off on trails that weave through trenches and over ridgelines where Union and Confederate forces once clashed.

Living history events complete with musket fire and reenactors periodically breathe new life into this historic site. It’s a moving experience for history lovers and casual hikers alike.

Activities: Hiking, history tours, special events
Why visit: Historical importance and scenic beauty

9. Everglades National Park, Florida

Best for alligator spotting

Florida’s Everglades are really like nowhere else on Earth—a sprawling “river of grass” teeming with sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and toothy reptiles galore. Wildlife lovers will rejoice at the birding and alligator watching especially along Shark Valley’s 15-mile loop road (rent a bike or hop on the tram). Adventurous souls can go deeper: backcountry chickee camping (a raised platform above water), kayaking through mangroves, and even stargazing in designated dark sky areas are on the table.

Activities: Airboat tours, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and camping
Why visit: Unique ecosystem with unparalleled opportunities to see alligators and diverse bird species

Cumberland Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Best for pristine, undeveloped beaches

Cumberland Island, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island is a pristine natural and historical gem accessible only by boat, primarily via a 45-minute ferry from St. Marys. Spanning 17.5 miles long and covering 36,415 acres it’s renowned for its undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and over 9,800 acres of designated wilderness. The island hosts diverse wildlife including feral horses (150–200 descendants of 18th-century domesticated breeds), sea turtles, alligators, armadillos, and abundant shorebirds. Its ecosystems range from salt marshes to live oak forests draped in Spanish moss.

Visitors can walk the ruins of the Dungeness mansion and tour the 22,000-square-foot Plum Orchard Mansion, two early 20th-century Carnegie family estates.

Activities: Hiking, beach activities, and wildlife viewing
Why visit: Uutouched beauty and historical depth

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11. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Best for overnight adventures

Accessible only by boat or seaplane from Key West, Dry Tortugas feels like a national park on another planet. Its centerpiece, 19th-century Fort Jefferson, sits surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.

Snorkeling is a must but those who spend the night get the real magic: starlit skies, crashing waves, and a Robinson Crusoe-like solitude. Primitive camping requires advance permits and packing in everything—yes, everything.

Activities: Snorkeling, diving, camping, and exploring historic sites
Why visit: A tropical paradise with crystal waters and rich history

12. Biscayne National Park, Florida

Best for water adventures

Just beyond Miami’s skyline lies a tropical paradise few travelers know exists. Biscayne National Park is 95 percent water with snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and paddleboarding all part of the adventure. Beneath the surface are shipwrecks and colorful reef systems while on land, Boca Chita Key offers a charming lighthouse and picnic-perfect grounds. History buffs can trace human presence back 10,000 years—from the Tequesta people to pineapple farmers and presidents who fished this park’s waters.

Activities: Snorkeling, paddling, cruises, and camping
Why visit: A water-centric park with vibrant marine life

Big Bend National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

13. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Best for stargazing

In the remote reaches of West Texas, Big Bend National Park offers a cinematic landscape of desert cliffs, winding rivers, and star-drenched skies. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, it’s one of the best places in the US for stargazing. Take on the moderate Boquillas Canyon Trail for epic river views or hit the high-clearance backroads (with caution) to really get off the grid. Don’t forget water, a spare tire, and your sense of adventure.

Activities: Hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, backpacking, and stargazing
Why visit: Uncrowded with epic desert and mountain landscapes

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14. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Best for surprisingly diverse landscapes

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest point in Texas—Guadalupe Peak—and a geological treasure trove of ancient reef fossils. It’s an under-the-radar spot for serious hikers and geology nerds alike offering everything from desert expanses to lush mountain forests. The 8.4-mile round-trip hike to Guadalupe Peak is strenuous but rewarding with switchbacks that reveal changing ecosystems and jaw-dropping summit views.

Activities: Hiking (Smith Spring, Devil’s Hall trails), horseback riding, and camping
Why visit: Remote with dramatic desert and mountain scenery

Shenandoah National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

15. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Best for a scenic drive

A quick escape (75 miles) from the nation’s capital, Shenandoah National Park stretches along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with 200,000 acres of tranquil forests and panoramic viewpoints. The showstopper here is Skyline Drive: a 105-mile ribbon of road that winds its way through the park’s highest ridgelines, ideal for fall foliage and Sunday drives. While the drive is a bucket-list item, hikers can tap into more than 500 miles of trails including a section of the famed Appalachian Trail and waterfall lovers will be spoiled with stunners like Dark Hollow Falls and Whiteoak Canyon.

Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and camping
Why visit: Proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it ideal for day trips or weekend getaways

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16. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Best for soaking in thermal springs

Hot Springs combines natural beauty with old-school charm. In the heart of downtown Hot Springs, Bathhouse Row features ornate early-20th-century architecture and spa experiences steeped in history. The thermal waters are piped into facilities like the Quapaw Bathhouse where guests can indulge in modern wellness treatments with an old-world twist. Don’t leave without a stroll through the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum or a hike into the surrounding Ouachita Mountains for serene forest views.

Activities: Bathhouse tours, hiking, biking, and soaking in thermal waters
Why visit: Combines natural beauty with unique historical and wellness experiences

New River Gorge National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

17. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Best for rugged landscapes

As the newest addition to the national park system, New River Gorge is already turning heads with its dramatic cliffs, thundering whitewater, and world-class rock climbing. The Appalachian biodiversity here is off the charts with rare bats, birds, and river critters calling the gorge home.

Whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers is the stuff of adrenaline-fueled dreams but hiking trails like Long Point and Endless Wall also deliver with forest views.

Activities: Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and bridge walks
Why visit: Thrilling adventures in a stunning Appalachian setting

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Worth Pondering…

However one reaches the parks, the main thing is to slow down and absorb the natural wonders at leisure.

—Michael Frome

The Complete Guide to Corpus Christi, Texas

You’re going to love Corpus Christi

The soft and sandy oceanfront goes on for miles creating an outdoor playground for fishing, surfing, horseback riding, and simple family fun like building sandcastles next to the waves.

The two most magnificent treasures in the Corpus Christi region are Mustang Island and the Padre Island National Seashore. Both areas have impressive beaches with a wide footprint and comforts that enable you to spend a full day by the water.

Corpus Christi, Texas, is actually one of the oldest US cities with a history that can be traced back to the early 1500s. This history is peppered with stories of Spanish settlers, Native Americans, and World War II tales. Sites like the USS Lexington Museum, a Word-War II navy aircraft carrier tell these tales so eloquently and are worth visiting.

The cultural mix of Corpus Christi is not to be overlooked. From the Hispanic and Asian cultures that each have museums in town to the arts culture on display in public venues like the Harbor Playhouse, you can feel an eclectic mix of influences throughout the town.

This enchanting destination has so much to offer its visitors and this complete travel guide to Corpus Christi breaks down all that one needs to know about this destination. The article sheds light on what to see and do, the best times to visit, and where you can camp in your RV.

Texas State Aquarium *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Visit the Texas State Aquarium

The Teas State Aquarium bears the title of the biggest aquarium in Texas and among the 10 largest in the entire country. This fact alone makes it a place worth visiting when in Corpus Christi.

The aquarium showcases a variety of sea life in various exhibits including a massive exhibit that was built in a re-purposed oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Inside this, visitors get to see nurse sharks, various fish species, and a loggerhead sea turtle.

The most popular display is Dolphin Bay. This massive 400,000-gallon exhibit houses Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, complete with an underwater observation area. Also worth seeing is the Hawn Wild Flight Theater which hosts avian acrobatics from various birds of prey. For younger children there’s also a fun splash park and a fossil dig site as well as unique animal encounter programs.

There are also exhibits with the Sandbar Shark, the Great Barracuda, and the Southern Stingray.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10 am-5 pm (closed on Monday)
Entrance fees $46.95 per adult; $36.95 for children ages 3 to 12
Location: 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas

USS Lexington *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Delve into history at the USS Lexington Museum

Commissioned in 1943 and a major player in the Pacific theater of WWII, the massive aircraft carrier USS Lexington should be part of any visit to Corpus Christi. Now a naval museum, “The Blue Ghost” was so named for her dark blue camouflage and Japanese claims to have sunk her only to have her appear in action elsewhere.

Highlights of a tour include the chance to see numerous vintage aircraft as well as having a close-up look at the command deck and quarters. Also notable are the attraction’s huge collection of detailed scale models, simulators, and games, a fun escape room experience as well as the thrilling Fighter Pilot 3D movie in the Mega Theater.

Guided tours are available. If you have the stamina, go for the four-hour long Hard Hat Tour which takes you into the very bowels of this huge ship. Overnight camping experiences are also available. After you spend time touring the USS Lexington, you can grab lunch at the Pier 99 restaurant located onshore next to the ship.

Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily
Entrance fee: $20.25 per adult; $17.95 for seniors and youth; $14.95 for children ages 4 to 12
Location: 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas

3. Explore Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore located south of Corpus Christi is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world and stretches about 66 miles from end to end.

Thanks to its location along the Central Flyway—a major migratory bird route—it’s a birder’s paradise and home to 350 different species. In fact, nearly half of all North American migratory bird species can be spotted here at certain times throughout the year.

It’s also a haven for marine life such as sea turtles including endangered species reintroduced to the area (check out the official website for details of programs that allow visitors to view the sea turtle releases).

Due to its preserved natural surroundings, the Padre Island National Seashore beaches are popular for RVers and campers who want to spend the night in this peaceful paradise. You can camp with a proper permit and a suitable vehicle is necessary for driving on the sand.

Your best public access point is at the Malaquite Visitor Center, where you can access a great information office and restrooms.

Hours: 24 hours daily
Entrance fee: $15-25
Location: 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, Texas

4. Selena Museum

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is a beloved figure in Corpus Christi, both a source of pride and sorrow. This best-selling Latina singer was famous during her all-too-short lifetime for her success as the Queen of Tejano music but her life was cut short in 1995 at age 23 when she was shot and killed.

The Selena Museum is where fans can visit to honor the singer and learn about her many accomplishments in her short life.

The museum opened in 1998 with exhibits that include stories about her life, a reproduction of her recording studio, as well as costumes she wore on stage. The museum also features her numerous awards and personal items like her Porsche.

Fans can also visit Selena’s final resting place in Seaside Memorial Park. A local artist memorialized her in a life-size bronze statue that stands on the seawall, appropriately titled Mirador de la Flor (Overlook of the Flower).

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 am-4 pm (closed Saturday and Sunday)
Entrance fee: $5 per adult, $3 for children ages 4 to 12
Location: 5410 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas

5. Enjoy flora and fauna at South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Consisting of a first-rate Orchid House and a fine hibiscus garden, the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a pleasant way to enjoy nature’s colorful floral bounty. The center is designed in a park-like setting with walking paths, sitting benches, and a sensory garden.

In addition to the popular orchid greenhouse, you can visit the reptile room and butterfly house. Be sure to walk around the grounds and see the resident blue-and-gold macaw named “Rio” the African grey named “Buddy” and “Lucy” the yellow naped amazon. Regular lectures are offered at the botanical gardens, as well as occasional free orchid classes.

Hours: 9 am-6 pm daily
Entrance fee: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children ages 3 to 12
Location: 8545 S. Staples Street, Corpus Christi, Texas

North Beach *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Explore Corpus Christi beaches

Corpus Christi beaches are some of the best along the Texas Gulf Coast. With a wide variety and more than 100 miles of beaches to choose from, there are plenty of options to find something that is suitable for your itinerary.

North Beach (see above photo) next to the USS Lexington and McGee Beach which has a pedestrian promenade alongside it are two great options within the city.

If you are looking for an oceanfront experience, you can go to Cole Park Pier in downtown Corpus Christi. It is located along Ocean Drive and sits right on Corpus Christi Bay. It has a skateboard park, a pier, an amphitheater, and a large children’s playground.

Some of the other Corpus Christi beaches are fantastic for recreational activities like windsurfing, horseback riding, and paddleboarding. Whitecap Beach, South Packery Channel Beach, and Mustang Island State Park Beach are all good options.

The most stunning beach in Corpus Christi both in terms of natural beauty and a day-at-the-beach experience is Padre Island National Seashore with its undisturbed beauty.

7. Delve into nature at Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island is one of the most popular spots along the Texas Gulf Coast with its tall sand dunes and quintessential beach experience and one of the easiest ways to enjoy it is at Mustang Island State Park. There are five miles of beaches at the state park and this is a great location to spot local wildlife like blue herons and sea turtles.

This is a perfect beach for day use and for mixing in other things to do like hiking, bird-watching, kayaking, and fishing. The roads within the state park are great for scenic drives, especially at sunset.

Since it is a state park, you will find easy access to the pet-friendly beach, ample parking, showers, and portable restrooms. The state park beach is lined with a number of picnic gazebos and plenty of wide-open space for flying kites, swimming, and putting up beach umbrellas.

The park offers overnight camping and RV site reservations with 48 sites offering water and 50-amp service electric. Be advised that there is a day-use fee for accessing the park and beach.

Entrance fee: $7 per person daily
Camping fee: $25 + entrance fee
Location: 9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, Texas

Heritage Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Relive history at Heritage Park

For anyone who enjoys seeing historic homes or architecture, Heritage Park in downtown Corpus Christi should be on your list. There are 12 homes on the square, each with unique historical significance to Corpus Christi. The park itself is shaded with nice walking paths.

All the structures are designated as Texas Historical Landmarks and have a connection to the ethnic diversity that is the foundation of the city. The oldest home in Heritage Park dates back to 1851. Each home has a marker in front detailing its history. The homes feature a range of architecture serving as the backdrop for community events that often take place at Heritage Park.

Location: 1581 N. Chaparral Street, Corpus Christi, Texas

9. Explore science, history, and innovation at Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

As much fun for adults as it is for children, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History features a variety of exhibits relating to the cultural and natural history of South Texas. Specific attractions worth seeing include shipwreck cargo, a children’s area, and local reptile displays.

Also of interest is the museum’s fine collection of old carriages, displays relating to the culture of the area’s native peoples, and a look at the ecology of this vast coastal region. Fun educational programs are also available including excursions to the surrounding countryside and wildlife sanctuaries.

Outside the museum is the Xeriscape Learning Center and design garden. It is a brick walkway with a landscaped garden and chairs with gazebos that explain the seven principles of Xeriscape: things like planning and designing a landscape, analyzing soil, selecting plants and turf, using mulch, efficient irrigation, and maintenance of gardens.

Entrance fee: $15 per adult, $11 for seniors and children ages 3-12
Location: 1900 N. Chaparral Street, Corpus Christi, Texas

Yellow-rumped warbler *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. Go birding at Packery Channel Nature Park

The small roadside Packery Channel Nature Park is a great little stop if you are looking for something to fill an hour. It is a quaint nature park with lots of recreational opportunities right in the center of Corpus Christi including a beautiful birding boardwalk, a kayak trail, and fishing access.

There are signs along the boardwalk indicating the plant and animal habitats that are located throughout the park. Look for the monarch butterfly way station which provides attractors like milkweed, shelter, and nectar sources for the migrating monarchs.

Bird species in the park include warblers, the painted bunting migrating bird, and a number of wintering birds like the yellow-rumped warbler (see photo above). There are many lookouts on the boardwalk where you can sit and rest and soak in nature.

Location: 14218 S Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas

11. Tour Centennial House

Built in 1849, Centennial House (also known as the Britton-Evans House) is the oldest building in Corpus Christi and was also used at one time as a Civil War hospital. Now fully restored and furnished with period antiques and artifacts, this fine old home is open to the public for tours.

The house sits on a hill overlooking Corpus Christi Bay. Beyond its historical significance, the Centennial House has also served as a hurricane shelter due to its solid structure built from crushed seashells that enables it to stand up to hurricane-force winds.

Location: 411 N. Upper Broadway, Corpus Christi, Texas

12. Art Museum of South Texas

One of the top cultural attractions in Corpus Christi, the Art Museum of South Texas is housed in a splendid modern facility on the city’s waterfront. Focusing on the region’s multicultural heritage, the facility hosts a rich and diverse program of lectures and workshops with permanent and visiting exhibitions of the visual arts.

A unique element to this art museum is the hands-on spaces like the Artcade Interactive Space for children and the Digital Studio where you can see art creation in progress. Be sure to grab lunch at Elizabeth’s Cafe overlooking the harbor.

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 1–5 pm (closed on Monday)
Entrance fee: $7 per person
Location: 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas

13. Bob Hall Pier

Located on Padre Island in Padre Balli Park, Bob Hall Pier extends 1,240 feet into the deep waters of the Gulf of America. While there’s a small fee to use the pier, it’s well worth it for the spectacular views.

While you can simply enjoy a stroll and take in the view and fresh ocean air, you may well be tempted to join the multitude of fishermen to be seen here regularly. Because of its length, those who are fishing off the pier are able to catch deepwater fish without setting foot into a boat.

The Bob Hall Pier is a fun experience for visitor who will see an abundance of people angling for the catch of the day as well as plenty of vendors selling tackle and bait. For those who need lessons or don’t have luggage space for a rod and reel, the Tackle Loaner Program is a convenient way for tourists to enjoy the experience.

The area around the pier is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Facilities near the pier include a bathhouse, cabanas, and campsites.

Location: 15820 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, Texas

14. Corpus Christi Bay Trail

A great way to see all that this beautiful coastal city has to offer is to take a hike or bicycle ride along the Corpus Christi Bay Trail. Stretching almost nine miles from end-to-end, this superb trail network is ideal for sightseeing, running past many of the city’s top attractions including the Museum of Science and History and the Art Museum of South Texas.

Along the way, you’ll encounter plenty of things to do including marinas, concert venues, a university campus, and six parks with great views over the water. It’s also a great spot for birdwatchers with regular sightings of brown pelicans and falcons.

15. Harbor Playhouse

The performing arts venue of The Harbor Playhouse is the oldest continually operating community theater in Texas. It opened in 1925 as a community theater adding artistic and cultural significance to Corpus Christi.

The Harbor Playhouse has a year-round roster of musicals and plays as well as cultural programming that is open to the public. Be sure to check the schedule of upcoming shows before your trip to Corpus Christi and spend an evening at the theater supporting the local arts.

Location: 802 N. Chaparral Street, Bldg. #2, Corpus Christi, Texas

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

14. Enjoy nature at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

The 70,000-acre Aransas National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas Gulf coast sits approximately 50 miles north of Corpus Christi and is well worth a day’s visit. Established as a winter home for endangered whooping cranes, the refuge is also home to alligators, snakes, and numerous other species of birds living among the area’s expansive tidal flats, salt marshes, grasslands, and freshwater ponds.

The refuge has easy walking trails and a scenic, one-way driving route with easy access to trailheads and scenic stopping points. This is a spectacular opportunity to see the whooping crane which migrates through the area in the winter months.

The tall observation tower that overlooks the wetlands is the best vantage point for birding and appreciating the landscape.

Entrance fee: $5 per vehicle

Location: 1 Wildlife Circle, Austwell, Texas

Camping on Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

RV camping in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi offers a variety of RV parks and camping options, each with unique amenities and attractions.

Padre Island National Seashore

70 miles of protected coastline await you on the beaches of Padre Island. With flushing toilets and windsurfing rentals this is an excellent place to park your RV. While there are no RV hookups an RV dump station and a water filling station are available. Make sure you stock up on food, firewood, and your fishing license before heading into the national seashore.

Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park offers 48 sites with water and 50-amp electric hookup, picnic table, and shade shelter. Restroom with showers located nearby. Sites are not on the beach; they are separated from the ocean by sand dunes and are about 400 yards from the water.

Sea Breeze RV Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Sea Breeze RV Community/Resort

Wake up to sunshine, sea breezes, natural beauty, and a panoramic view of the Corpus Christi Bayfront at Sea Breeze RV Community/Resort. Sea Breeze RV is a clean and quiet resort that features 50/30-amp electric service, water, and sewer. Interior roads and sites are gravel. Phone service is available.

There are bay view sites and a private lighted fishing pier. The pool is heated and complete with a waterfall and a beautiful view of the Corpus Christi skyline. There is a large laundry room with exercise equipment, TV Lounge, bathrooms, and showers. A large fully equipped clubhouse is used for planned seasonal activities. Wi-Fi is available.

From our long 75-foot pull-through site we enjoyed a panoramic view of Corpus Christi Bay with the causeway and city skyline and amazing sunrise and sunset!

Colonia Del Rey RV Park

Colonia Del Rey RV Park is a highly rated RV park in Corpus Christi. It is one of four RV parks managed by Corpus Christi RV Resorts, all conveniently located near Corpus Christi Bay and within 10 minutes of the Gulf of Mexico beaches. Colonia Del Rey stands out as the highest-rated RV park in the city boasting a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating based on 17 reviews on TripAdvisor.

When to visit Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi gets quite busy in summer with crowds of vacationers trooping to this beach destination to enjoy the beaches and the warm waters. Visitors who love the heat can visit at this time from June to August. However, this is hurricane season which starts in June and runs until November. This means that the chances of rain are higher during this time.

Visitors who want fewer crowds can opt to visit in spring (March to May). Granted, this is spring break season but Corpus Christi doesn’t receive as many spring breakers as other destinations. So, the good weather and fewer crowds make this a good time to visit.

Fall (September to October) is also a good time to visit. At this time, the summer vacationers have left but the weather is still warm. Therefore, the beaches are less crowded. However, this is still hurricane season, so visitors should keep an eye out for hurricane warnings.

Those who want to travel on a budget may visit Corpus Christi in winter from November to February. Temperatures usually dip to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit which is bearable compared to the harsh winters of northern US cities. At this time, prices are quite low owing to low visitor numbers. Plus, there are a couple of festivals for visitors to experience.

Corpus Christi travel tips: What you need to know

Although the last hurricane to hit this city was in 1970, there are still chances of floods during the hurricane season from June to November. Remember to carry an umbrella raincoat if visiting during this time.

Spending a perfect day in Corpus Christi

There’s no chance of a dull day in Corpus Christi no matter the season. A perfect day can start with breakfast at one of the city center joints before heading to the Texas State Aquarium to learn about marine life.

Afterward, have a seafood lunch at one of the restaurants along North Beach before exploring the USS Lexington Museum. Later, stroll along North Beach before taking a sunset cruise.

Enjoy dinner after the cruise then catch a movie at Northshore Cinema 8.

FAQ

Q: Is Corpus Christi worth visiting?

Yes, Corpus Christi is worth visiting because of its stunning beaches and warm weather. This destination also boasts a rich history that dates back to the early 1500s. Not to mention, there’s also attractive nightlife in the city.

Q: What is Corpus Christi best known for?

Corpus Christi is best known as a haven for watersport enthusiasts because of its windy waters that encourage windsurfing, kite boarding, and sailing. It’s also known as the home of the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Texas.

Q: What food is Corpus Christi known for?

Corpus Christi is known for its fresh seafood served at the numerous seafood restaurants in the city. Of course, all of Texas is also known for BBQ.

Texas Spoken Friendly

Worth Pondering…

After 7 days of trial and error,

God created Texas on the 8th day.

5 Best Things to do this Spring in America

A whole new world of color opens up during springtime which makes it the perfect time to pack up the RV and explore somewhere new on a road trip or weekend getaway

Springtime can be a magical and refreshing time to travel. Maybe you’re coming out from winter hibernation for a quick road trip or you’re finally able to break in those new hiking boots you were gifted for Christmas. Personally, I look forward to blooms and greenery after nature wakes up from her winter slumber. Everything feels fresh, new, and exciting.

1. Attend a spring festival

When spring has sprung, the festivals are in full bloom! Festivals in spring are wonderful, inspiring experiences that help us celebrate the start of a new season. Which one of these takes your fancy?

International Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon, Georgia

Macon, Georgia, is the cherry blossom capital of the world? No, it’s not Japan or Washington, D.C. With 350,000 cherry trees blossoming each year at the end of March, Macon truly is the perfect place to see these beauties in bloom.

The second or third week of March is peak time to visit as the International Cherry Blossom Festival (March 17-26, 2023) happens. It’s known as the pinkest party of the year! Macon is full of history and is also surrounded by beautiful state parks for visitors who are looking to get outdoors.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, Woodburn, Oregon

Tulips are the main attraction in Woodburn, Oregon. The town is home to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Far which hosts a tulip festival from March to May. With 40 acres of tulips, over 200 acres of outdoor space, and activities, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival is identified as one of the top spring attractions in the state of Oregon. The 38^th Annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival runs March 17–April 30, 2023.

Springtime is also the best time to catch a ride on a hot air balloon to see the colorful blooms from above. Or stay on the ground and enjoy a sip of wine at any of the areas wineries while your pals fly high in the sky.

Rayne loves frogs *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Rayne Frog Festival, Rayne, Louisiaa

Rayne is best known as the Frog Capital of the World. The Rayne Frog Festival was founded in 1973 and has grown by, um, leaps and bounds. At this annual fest, you can see the coronation of the Frog Festival Queens and the Mr. and Miss Tadpole contests.

The 51^st Annual Rayne Frog Festival will be held on May 10-14, 2023 at the Frog Festival Pavilion. It’s slated with a full schedule including music, delicious food, a signature festival drink, and souvenir cup commemorating 51 years of tradition, arts and crafts show, carnival rides, frog cook-off, frog-eating contest, folklore tent, frog racing and jumping, and a few surprises along the way.

Charleston home tours *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Festival of Houses and Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina

It’s no secret that Charleston is a hub for southern charm especially in the spring as dogwood trees and azaleas bloom all over the city. The weather is great during this time of year–hanging out around 60-70 degrees with low humidity―ideal weather for both carriage tours and walking tours of the main attractions of the city.

The premier event of its kind in the country, the 75^th Annual Spring Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 15-April 16, 2023 offers guests rare access into some of Charleston’s finest private houses and gardens in the city’s renowned historic district during peak blooming season. The cornerstone of the spring Festival are the daily house and garden tours. The tours provide an opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful residences, some dating to the 18th century.

Ostrich Festival *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Ostrich Festival, Chandler, Arizona

Grab your friends and family and get ready to shake your tail feather with our favorite feathered friends, the ostriches! The Ostrich Festival features live ostriches, national and local entertainment, stage shows, over 50 midway rides and games, classic festival food, interactive activities for all ages, meet and greets with your favorite mascots, ostrich-themed educational activities, exciting attractions, upscale arts and crafts and much more. The 33^rd Annual Ostrich Festival will be held March 16-19, 2023 at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler, Arizona.

A spring road trip in Arizona *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. Plan a spring road trip

The weather is warming up and late winter rains have turned trees and grass green and encouraged wildflowers to bloom. It’s the right time to take a drive either to a favorite place or a new destination with unfamiliar landscapes and roads. Whether your preferred scenery is mountains, deserts, forests, plains, or coastal views, there’s a road trip for you. You can plan a journey around your interests if you enjoy historic sites, regional food, wineries, or nature, you can plan a journey around your interests.

Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina

You’ll love springtime in the Great Smoky Mountains as the gorgeous wildflowers are in bloom with over 1,500 types dazzling in mid to late March to June. You’ll find perfect picnic weather at this time of year and it’s an ideal time to explore the most visited national parks in the U.S. Enjoy the 800 square miles of untouched wilderness while you enjoy a scenic hike to a waterfall or beautiful overlook. Horseback riding, fishing, ranger-led programs, wildlife viewing, and biking are other popular activities in the park.

Joshua Tree National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Joshua Tree National Park, California

One of my favorite things about visiting national parks is the transformation that occurs in the landscape around me as I enter a park. The distinctive flora and unique geological features create an atmosphere that makes me feel as if I’m entering another world. Joshua Tree National Park is one of those magical places. The sharp angles of the Joshua tree forests are the foreground of a wonderland of gigantic granite boulders and rock outcroppings. It’s an otherworldly landscape that takes you back thousands of years. You feel as if you might see a dinosaur step out from behind one of the jumbo rock piles at any moment.

Mesa Verde National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Trail of the Ancients, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona

Experience the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau on the Trail of the Ancients, a scenic route that travels through Southeastern Utah, Southwestern Colorado, and Northeastern Arizona. It connects some of the nation’s richest archaeological, cultural, and historic sites in a remote region teeming with towering sandstone formations, deep canyons, and iconic red buttes.

Hovenweep National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The adventure can begin at any point on the trail but many choose to start at the famed Four Corners Monument and then travel in a counter-clockwise circle. Along the way, you’ll see the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park and the archaeological sites of the Hovenweep National Monument. You’ll white-knuckle it down the hairpin turns of the Moki Dugway and marvel at the sandstone monoliths and pinnacles of the Valley of the Gods.

Shenandoah National Park

Skyline Drive takes you 105 miles through the park along the crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This route stretches through Shenandoah National Park where warm spring weather brings purple and yellow violets, masses of pink azaleas, and white dogwood flowers.

Skyline Drive features 75 overlooks including Spitler Knoll, Range View, and Hogback, all of which offer unobstructed views across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Picacho Peak State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Picacho Peak State Park, Arizona

Winter showers make February and March wildflowers in the desert parks and create yet another reason to explore this beautiful region. During years of average and above average precipitation, it seems every direction you look there is beautiful yellow, red, white, orange, blue, or purple flowers blanketing the landscape. Arizona had a good, rainy winter so far, so our hopes are up for a bright blanket of flowers soon!

The contrast of vibrant flowers against the backdrop of green is a sight to behold so get your camera, comfortable outdoor shoes, and plenty of water and enjoy the rich colors across the state.

Picacho Peak is arguably one of the best spots to see blooming wildflowers and cactus in Arizona with bushels of incredible golden blooms throughout the park. The desert wildflowers here offer a unique and beautiful contrast to the green and brown hues of this Sonoran Desert park.

3. Back to Nature

Time spent outdoors in nature can have many health benefits including reducing stress and increasing cardiovascular health.

Grasslands Nature Trail, Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

The most significant undeveloped barrier island in the world, Padre Island National Seashore offers more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches―a national park and a haven for all sorts of family-friendly activities. Immerse yourself in the fauna and flora that populate this marshland environment with a short stroll along the Grasslands Nature Trail. Away from the beach, this trail offers a glimpse of animals that live inland including coyotes, deer, kangaroo rats, ghost crabs, and many others.

Malaquite Beach, Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Apart from the actual sands of Malaquite Beach, Padre Island’s Visitors Center holds a breathtaking observation deck for wildlife viewing. Along Malaquite Beach, visitors scavenge for small shells deposited by north currents at Little Shell Beach and comb through the sands of Big Shell Beach for larger shell discoveries. Whichever activity you partake in, it’s safe to say that Padre Island National Seashore is a beachside paradise for a gorgeous getaway.

Bernheim Forest *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bernheim Arboretum and Forest, Kentucky

Are you looking to connect with nature? Bernheim is the place to do it. With 16,140 acres of land in Bullitt and Nelson Counties in Kentucky, there is an adventure waiting for everyone. Purchased by German immigrant Isaac W. Bernheim in 1929, the land was dedicated as a gift to the people of his new homeland.

Whether it’s hiking one of the many trails, fishing in Lake Nevin, enjoying public art, reading under a tree, or taking part in a scheduled program, Bernheim offers visitors unique opportunities to connect with nature. Over 40 miles of trails with varying degrees of ease and difficulty weave their way through the forest at Bernheim meaning no matter what level you are looking for, there’s a trail for you.

Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Take a culinary tour of America

Go in search of fresh flavors this spring on a culinary trip across America.

Food Festivals

For foodies, warmer weather means one thing: a host of new food festivals to attend where you can eat and drink across the country. Here are seven food festivals to put on your travel list this spring.

SoCal Taco Fest, San Diego, California, April 29, 2023
Vidalia Onion Festival, Vidalia, Georgia, April 20-23, 2023
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, May 5-7, 2023
Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, Des Moines, Iowa, February May 12-13, 2023
Nantucket Wine & Food Festival, Nantucket, Massachusetts, May 17-21, 2023
Cheese Curd Festival, Ellsworth, Wisconsin, June 23-24, 2023

Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Go hiking

In my mind, there are few things more rejuvenating than hiking or walking in nature. One of the biggest reasons I fell in love with the RV lifestyle is that beautiful nature is so accessible wherever you are. It seems like I am always just minutes away from a spectacular trailhead. Whether I am hiking in the mountains or traversing trails in the desert, nature is a refuge—it’s a change of pace from city life, from being stuck inside, from being sedentary.

Blue Mesa Loop, Petrified Forest National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Blue Mesa Loop, Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

This mile-long trail takes you into a landscape brushed in blue where you will find cone-shaped hills banded in a variety of colors and intricately eroded into unique patterns. Descending from the mesa this alternately paved and gravel trail loop offers the unique experience of hiking among petrified wood as well as these badland hills.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, Gulf State Park, Alabama

Gulf State Park features 28 miles of paved trails or boardwalks including seven trails of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex that inspire visitors to explore the nine distinct ecosystems within park boundaries.

Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Big Trees Trail, Sequoia National Park, California

Located next to the Giant Forest Museum, the Big Trees Trail is one of the best short and easy hikes you can do in Sequoia. This loop trail takes you completely around the meadow and provides impressive views of numerous massive sequoias as well as the beautiful meadow itself.

Courthouse Towers *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Park Avenue Trail, Arches National Park, Utah

The 4-mile out and back hike is easy and has minimal elevation gain. Walk down into the vast canyon, passing endless rows of mesmerizing conglomerates on your way to the memorable Courthouse Towers. Along the way, enjoy long-range views of the La Sal Mountains as you walk by iconic formations such as the Organ, Sheep Rock, and Three Gossips.

Getting out and traveling can sometimes be the best way to kick the winter blues especially if you live somewhere that gets very little sunshine. Enjoying the beauty of spring in any one of these destinations is sure to help you recharge and reset. Whether you want to get out and hit the trails or simply sit back and enjoy an afternoon of peace somewhere with warmer temperatures, you’re sure to find a great trip on this list.

Worth Pondering…

Come with me into the woods. Where spring is advancing as it does no matter what, not being singular or particular, but one of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.

—Mary Oliver, Bazougey

10 Amazing Places to RV in January 2023

If you’re dreaming of where to travel to experience it all, here are my picks for the best places to RV in January

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.

—Amelia Earhart

It’s unknown exactly when Amelia Earhart, the first woman to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic, said this quote but it reflected her personality in full. The remainder of the quote says, “The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life and the procedure. The process is its own reward.” Earhart chased her own dreams and her words inspire us to do the same regardless of the challenges. You can have as much determination as you want but to reach your goals you also have to take the difficult step of acting on that will.

Planning an RV trip for a different time of year? Check out my monthly travel recommendations for the best places to travel in November and December. Also, check out my recommendations from January 2022 and February 2022.

Palm Springs *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

1. Winter in Palm Springs

The winter climate in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley cities is reliably sunny and among the warmest, mildest weather, and most beautiful climates in the U.S. In Palm Springs, you can count on consistently sunny blue skies. Most visitors think it’s warm in the winter in Palm Springs. Locals think it’s cool. And everyone agrees it’s beautiful. There is very rarely (perhaps once every couple of years) a brief (nighttime or early morning) frost or a freeze during the winter months in the Coachella Valley. The morning sun thaws any light freeze very quickly.

World’s Largest Killer Bee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

2. The Killer Bee of Hidalgo

There’s a line in Act IV of Hamlet where Claudius says to Gertrude, “When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.” Change the word “sorrows” to “bees” and while the result may be an unpopular sentiment among Shakespeare scholars, it will assuredly resonate with people who have faced the threat of a swarm of killer bees. People like the residents of Hidalgo, Texas.

The buzz started in 1990 when the first colony of Africanized killer bees was found to have reached the United States via Brazil—the outcome, literally, of a scientific experiment gone wrong. The bees decided to settle just outside of Hidalgo upon arrival where news of the event provoked widespread panic among many.

Killer bee of Hidalgo *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Chamber of Commerce approached then-mayor John Franz about turning an occasion that might have been swept under the proverbial rug into a bold symbol. “We need to put Hidalgo on the map,” Franz told the Houston Chronicle in 1993. And the gears of the merch machine began to spin.

The Killer Bee of Hidalgo or The World’s Largest Killer Bee as it’s promoted was commissioned for $20,000 by the City of Hidalgo. Constructed to scale, the replica of the menacing insect is a black and yellow sculpture made of steel overlain with a fiberglass exoskeleton. The whole creature reaches to about 10 feet tall and 20 feet long, not including its ominous antennae.

Killer bee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Suffice it to say, Hidalgo, the self-proclaimed Killer Bee Capital of the World embraces just about every aspect of its claim to fame with T-shirts, postcards, and other merchandise emblazoned with images of killer bees to be had all over town. All reminders that when killer bees come to Texas—whether they be a single spy or in battalions—the people of Hidalgo are ready.

Palms to Pines Scenic Byway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3. Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

On this drive, you don’t have to choose between desert and mountains—you get both. Play golf under swaying palms then watches the snow falling on cedars. This byway zigzags from Palm Desert to nearly 6,000 feet cutting through the lands of Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument. Pull over at Coachella Valley Vista Point for a view north and east of Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains. From there ascend to Paradise Valley where the Pacific Crest Trail passes through. Pause for lunch and boutique shopping in the charming mountain hamlet of Idyllwild or relax under Humber Park’s big conifers before zipping down the switchbacks to Banning.

Edisto Island *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

4. Discover South Carolina’s best-kept secret

Edisto Island, a sea island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, lies only about an hour south of bustling Charleston as the pelican flies. But Edisto, part of a chain of more than 100 tidal and barrier islands along the Atlantic coast between the mouths of the Santee River in South Carolina and St. Johns River in Florida, is a world apart.

This is a rustic world of majestic live oaks that are thickly draped with light-as-air beards of Spanish moss, salt marshes, meandering creeks, and historic plantations.

Edisto Island State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Edisto Island State Park includes an interpretive center and two campgrounds that offer 112 standard sites with water and electric hookups—ocean-side and near the salt marsh. 49 of the standard campsites offer 20/30/50 amp electrical service. Several sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.

Atchafalaya Basin *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

5. Atchafalaya Basin

The largest wetland in the United States covers over 2,200 square miles of Louisiana and is home to hundreds of species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. True wilderness is difficult to find in the United States, but the Atchafalaya Basin may just be one of the last remaining landscapes where visitors are completely entrenched in pure nature. While highways, levees, and other man-made structures exist around the Basin, the inner waterways are a natural maze. If you take a tour of the Basin with the Nature Study Project, you’re in for a day (or more) of tranquility, bird watching, and awe of the biospheres that have formed in and around this watery paradise.

Sonoran Desert National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

6. Wandering in Sonoran Desert National Monument

Containing almost a half-million acres of diverse and sprawling tall cactus desert, Sonoran Desert National Monument is a special place hiding in plain sight about 60 miles southwest of Phoenix. What it lacks is a centerpiece attraction. There are no signature sights, no defining experience. There’s no official entry point, just a lot of barely marked dirt roads. Maybe that’s why I like the monument. It challenges visitors to make their own fun.

The monument contains three distinct mountain ranges, the Maricopa, Sand Tank, and Table Top mountains as well as the Booth and White Hills, all separated by wide valleys. The monument also contains three designated wilderness areas, archaeological, and historic sites and remnants of several important historic trails.

Just park and set off cross country—you’ll have a great day making your own discoveries far from civilization, mingling with the saguaros, and chatting with lizards.

Sonoran Desert National Monument is in central Arizona. Easiest access comes via some dirt roads bearing north off State Route 238 that winds between Maricopa and Gila Bend and from Vekol Road (Exit 144) turning south off Interstate 8. Bring water, plenty of gas, and real maps. Don’t expect your cellphone to work.

7. 70 Miles of Protected Coastline

Padre Island National Seashore protects the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world with 70 miles of protected coastline including a coastal prairie, a dynamic dune system, and wind-tidal flats teeming with life. It’s a sanctuary and nesting grounds for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and a haven for 380 species of birds which, impressively, represents roughly half of the all documented bird species in North America.

Manatee in Crystal River *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

8. Swim With Manatees in Crystal River

Every winter, ocean temperatures plummet, rendering the water too cold for manatees. To escape the cold these large mammals migrate up into Crystal River, a natural spring-fed oasis continuously emitting water at 72°F. Finding the temperature just right manatees huddle around the source of the spring by the hundreds. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience one of the coolest things to do in Florida: snorkeling with manatees!

Yuma Territorial Prison *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

9. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park in Yuma, Arizona is a wealth of history, interesting people, and stories from the past 400 years. Sitting on a bluff overlooking the Colorado River, three miles west of the confluence of the Colorado and the historic Gila River, stand the ruins of Arizona’s famous Territorial Prison and a short distance west are the remaining buildings that served as a part of the Yuma Quartermaster’s Depot. $25,000 was budgeted for the project in 1875 and some of the prisoners were pressed into service to build their cells. A total of 3,069 prisoners including 29 women lived within the walls during the prison’s 33 years of operation.

Quartzsite RV Show *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

10. A quirky desert town

Quartzsite is a small town that welcomes up to two million visitors each winter. Located just 17 miles from the California border at the intersection of I-10 and U.S. Highway 95, Quartzsite has been a rock hound’s paradise since the 1960s. Thousands of acres of dispersed BLM (Bureau of Land Management) camping draws upwards of a million RVing visitors a year. Snowbirds enjoy the warm winters while camping in over 70 RV parks and 11,000 acres of BLM Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) plus five 14-day free dispersed camping areas.

With over a thousand vendors arriving each winter, Quartzsite is also known for its RV and ATV friendly atmosphere. Off Road Vehicle (OHV) trails lead in all directions from town with beautiful desert scenery along the way.

Quartzsite *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

With the influx of RV snowbirds, there’s plenty to do all winter long. Seasonal restaurants, multiple swap meets and shows, gem and mineral shows, live music, OHV trails, art/quilt/arts and craft shows, bingo, rock hounding, gold hunting, gem and mineral classes, dancing, RV show, and more!

Worth Pondering…

Always maintain a kind of summer, even in the middle of winter.

—Henry David Thoreau

Saintly Cities

There’s more to Halloween than goofy costumes and trick-or-treating. In fact, Halloween is actually a precursor to two other holidays: All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead.

We celebrate Halloween on October 31 each year. Halloween (short for All Hallows’ Evening) is traced back to the Irish and Scottish ancient Celtic holiday Samhain (pronounced “sah-win”), a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture.

Halloween is a holiday that promotes fear of the dead but All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead both celebrate the deceased. The dead (including Catholic Saints) are honored on All Saints’ Day on November 1. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a two-day celebration honoring both deceased children and adults. Some Mexicans make it a week-long celebration, beginning on October 28 and ending on November 2.

Since November kicks off with both All Saints’ Day and the Day of the Dead, both celebrated on November 1, I thought that I’d highlight some of America’s cities named for saints.

The Alamo © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

San Antonio, Texas

The third largest city in Texas, San Antonio (Spanish for Saint Anthony) was founded in 1718 when a mission was established here. For many years, it was the largest city in Texas. Today, this lively city has stayed true to its roots and is rich in culture and history.

San Antonio © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Visitors can stroll along the River Walk, a city park along the river offering shops, galleries, and restaurants. Of course, the most historic site to see here is the Alamo Mission to learn the history of the Battle of the Alamo. Other attractions include the San Antonio Zoo, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Bay St. Lewis © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

“A Place Apart” Bay St. Louis is a historic beach community with a quaint and funky Old Town. Bay St. Louis has been home to colorful characters, fanciful buildings, and unquenchable community spirit for over three centuries. Bay St. Louis was established in 1699 by French explorers d’Iberville and Bienville. Known for years simply as “the Bay of St. Louis,” the city was incorporated under the name of Bay St. Louis as the first act of the new Mississippi legislature in 1818.

In 2010 Bay St. Louis was listed as one of the Top 10 Beach Communities in the U.S. by Coastal Living Magazine. Budget Travel magazine named it one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” in 2013 and Southern Living magazine named Bay St. Louis one of their 50 Best Places in the South in 2016.

Bayou Teche at St. Martinsville © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

St. Martinville, Louisiana

Bayou Teche, a waterway in south central Louisiana, meanders through St. Martinville where birds wade among cattails, streets are shaded by century-old mossy oaks, and people enjoy fishing, picnics in the parks, and visits to historic museums. The St. Martinville people are descendants of Beausoleil Broussard, an Acadian hero from the 1700s, and Bienvenu and the Duchamp families of French royalty, who fled the revolution.

St. Martinsville © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

As one of the oldest surviving towns in Louisiana, St. Martinville retains many buildings and homes reflecting the beautiful architecture of days gone by. The city’s Creole heritage is strongly represented by its inhabitants and is reflected in the cuisine, culture, and customs. Many of the buildings in its historic district are on the National Historic Register.

St. Marys © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

St. Marys, Georgia

Located on the easternmost fringes of the Florida-Georgia line, the city of St. Marys is perhaps best-known as the launching point for those visiting Cumberland Island, the largest of Georgia’s idyllic seaside isles. Though Cumberland’s sprawling sandy beaches and centuries-old ruins are truly a sight to behold, St. Marys is fully capable of holding its own as a fascinating destination packed full of historic landmarks, museums, wild horses, and dining venues.

Upon arrival, visitors should take a leisurely stroll along the St. Marys Waterfront, a charming promenade complete with a gazebo offering a spectacular view of the river.

Padre Island, Texas

Padre Island is the largest of the Texas barrier islands and the world’s longest barrier island. The island is located along Texas’s southern coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is noted for its white sandy beaches. Meaning father in Spanish, it was named after Father José Nicolás Ballí who owned the island and served as a missionary priest and collector of finances for all the churches in the Rio Grande Valley.

Encompassing 130,434 acres, Padre Island National Seashore is the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier islands in the world. Visitors will find a variety of outdoor things to do including surf fishing, RV and tent camping, world-class flat water windsurfing, wade fishing, surfing, birding, kayaking, and of course relaxing the beautiful white sand beaches of Malaquite Beach. The undeveloped, preserved beaches, coastal grasslands, and wetlands of the Padre Island National Seashore are one of the most scenic coastal areas of the sub-tropical Texas coast.

Quail Creek State Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

St. George, Utah

The city was named for 19th-century LDS Church apostle George A. Smith (not the Roman martyr). From 1000 BCE to 1300 CE, Ancestral Puebloans traded their nomadic ways for rows of corn and squash. The Southern Paiutes were settled there when the Dominguez-Escalante Expedition passed through in 1776 and when 300 Mormon families founded a cotton mission in 1861.

Sand Hollow State Park © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Zion National Park is one of Utah’s Mighty Five national parks and many people travel to the state to see its natural wonders but Utah Dixie offers so much more for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounding St. George are four superb state parks—Quail Creek, Sand Hollow, Gunlock, and Snow Canyon—all offering gorgeous scenery and plenty of ways to enjoy nature including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, photography, cliff diving, and swimming.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi means the body of Christ in Ecclesiastical Latin, about the Christian sacrament of Holy Communion. The name was given to the settlement and surrounding bay by Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519 as he discovered the lush semitropical bay on the Western Christian feast day of Corpus Christi.

There’s no denying that Corpus Christi is one of the most beloved destinations in Texas, and for good reason. However, among the well-known ways to enjoy a day on the bay, Corpus Christi is packed with plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path surprises. Stroll along a scenic soft sandy beach. Watch sailboats glide on the bay. Step inside a legendary World War II aircraft carrier or tour an aquarium that provides insight into the creatures inhabiting the Gulf. These are among the many experiences you can have when you visit Corpus Christi, the largest coastal city in Texas.

Santa Fe © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is one of the top destinations in the American Southwest. A city that embraces its natural environment, Santa Fe is a city whose beautiful adobe architecture blends with the high desert landscape. A city that is, at the same time, one of America’s great art and culinary capitals. Santa Fe draws those who love art, and natural beauty, and those who wish to relax.

At the heart of the city and the place where Santa Fe was founded, the Plaza is the city’s most historic area. Surrounded by museums, historic buildings, restaurants, hotels, galleries, and endless shopping, the Plaza is the place to start understanding Santa Fe.

Colorado River at Yuma © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

San Luis, Arizona

Founded in 1930 and named for the town across the border in Mexico in the state of Sonora, San Luis Rio Colorado. It is named after St. Louis IX. The town’s history is closely associated with the Colorado River which was once the main transportation artery before the advent of the railroads.

Historic Downtown Yuma © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

San Luis is now considered a suburb of Yuma. Home to a massive military base, Native American Reservations, and some interesting and unique historical sites, the surrounding desert is also one of the country’s produce centers—especially for watermelons and other fruits that are shipped from Arizona farms to markets when most of the country is firmly in winter’s icy grip.

Lockhart State Park near San Marcos © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

San Marcos, Texas

In 1689, Spaniard Alonso de Leon led an expedition from Mexico to explore Texas and establish missions and presidios in the region. De Leon’s party helped blaze the Camino Real (later known as the Old San Antonio Road. De Leon’s party reached the river on April 25, the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist; the river was thus named the San Marcos.

Conveniently located in Central Texas between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos truly is the center of everything. So no matter where you are, you won’t have far to go. The San Marcos River bubbles to life from hundreds of springs right in the City’s center. Always a refreshing 72 degrees, the river is enjoyed year round. Grab a tube and go for a float. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle and navigate its length.

Worth Pondering…

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

—Francis of Assisi

Barrier Islands Hopping

These islands are like the Florida Keys…but with more hee-haw

Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

No matter your summer fun, Texas’ barrier islands deliver. Want some R&R on a remote beach populated almost exclusively by seagulls? You got it. Want to go kayaking in a national park? That’s a distinct possibility. Want to eat foot-long corn dogs and “mermaid soup”? You can and you should—and rest assured no dogs or mermaids were harmed in the making of either of those delicacies. Here’s your guide to the Texas barrier islands.

Galveston

The northernmost barrier island and by far the most popular with more than 7 million annual visitors, Galveston’s reputation as a summertime beach destination for Houstonians can largely be chalked up to its proximity. Although it has somewhat of a hokey reputation thanks to its Pleasure Pier boardwalk, eccentric mini golf courses, 50 colorful Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle statues around the island, and pyramid-shaped aquarium (Moody Gardens) giving it sort of an Atlantic City of the south look, Galveston has a lot going for it. As evidenced by those previously stated attractions, the 27-mile island is far and away Texas’ quirkiest barrier island teeming with historic architecture, and larger-than-life nautical lore. After all, a city with lofty nicknames like Playground of the South and Ellis Island of the West is bound to at least be intriguing.

A hard-to-miss attraction, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a mammoth boardwalk lined with carnival games and enough rides to fill a theme park including the Iron Shark Rollercoaster and the Pirate’s Plunge flume ride.

Related article: Texas Road Trips Sampler

For something a bit more subdued, The Grand 1894 Opera House is an ornate institution, home to popular productions like Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. The theater harkens to the island’s earliest days when Galveston first emerged as a primary shipping and immigration port in the 1800s.

The Strand, Galveston *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Nearby is The Strand, Galveston’s historic, bayside district filled with Victorian and Greek Revival architecture. You’ll also find the tall ship Elissa, an 1877 vessel that now serves as a floating museum of maritime history.

Further south on the island, Jamaica Beach offers a quieter reprieve from the touristy clamor for those looking to soak up the sun.

Jamaica Beach RV Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Follet’s Island

Driving south from Jamaica Beach—and the antithesis of Galveston in terms of hustle and bustle—Follet’s Island is a smaller, 13-mile island that’s largely untouched and undeveloped except for some remote beach houses.

The entire island is one big beach, most of which is quiet and wide-open, providing ample opportunity for swimming, beach camping, fishing, and kayaking. Seeing as the beach is largely undeveloped and open, it’s entirely free to visit and horseback riding is also allowed on the beach.

Birding on the island *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Matagorda Island

If you thought Follet’s Island was quiet, just wait until you see what’s next. Further south, Matagorda Island is the most remote barrier island, a 38-mile stretch of solitude only accessible by boat. A far cry from the thrill rides of Galveston, Matagorda is largely comprised of the Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge and State Natural Area.

Private boat, a means of transportation between the islands *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

For visitors who have a private boat or can charter one the car-free island is a beachy escape for campers willing to forgo the niceties of electricity and running water. This is an undeveloped place preserved for bird watching, saltwater fishing, and hunting. The 20,000 acres of land are open to deer and waterfowl just as long as you keep in mind that the whooping cranes which occasionally flock to the area are endangered and protected.

At night, thanks to its remoteness and lack of light pollution, stargazing is a popular pastime too.

A ferry connects the islands *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

San Jose Island

Equally, as undeveloped as Matagorda yet easier to access, San Jose Island is the next barrier island down the line. It’s immediately north of populated Port Aransas on Mustang Island where a ferry takes visitors back and forth offering 21 miles of undeveloped beachfront, excellent fishing, and endless beach combing for seashells. Cars are also prohibited in San Jose which is entirely protected as a wildlife sanctuary. Due to the island’s history as a former ranch, wild cattle roam the island and it’s not uncommon to see their offspring on the beach.

Peace and solitude on the islands *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

As quiet and untouched as the island seems today, it’s rich with Texas history. This was the first site to fly the American flag on Texas soil when a lieutenant swam ashore from the USS Alabama and planted it in the sand in 1845. A short-lived town on the island called Aransas was razed by Union forces in the Civil War. In 1935, wealthy oil magnate Sid Richardson established a miles-long ranch and estate where he once wined and dined with the likes of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The estate is long gone but riches may or may not remain—legend has it the island contains actual buried treasure from pirate Jean Lafitte.

Mustang Island

While San Jose offers remote solitude and potential pirate riches, the island on the other side of Aransas Pass is a haven of seafood restaurants, margaritas, beachside festivals, and Easter egg-colored cottages. Mustang Island is a mecca for families, wintering snowbirds, and spring breakers alike, especially in the city of Port Aransas which comprises much of the 18-mile island.

The pirate Jean Lafitte used to frequent the island, arguably making him the original snowbird or spring breaker (take your choice). And while you likely won’t find buried treasure here, you’re sure to find treasures of other kinds including award-winning sand sculptures, adrenaline-pumping jet ski jaunts, and all the shrimp and redfish you can eat.

For a town with a year-round population of about 3,000, Port Aransas is surprisingly happening and delightfully quirky. For instance, Texas SandFest is an annual springtime attraction (April 15-16, 2023) that features carnival-style snacks, live music, and epic sand sculptures right on the beach. It’s an ideal place to scarf foot-long corn dogs and funnel cakes while marveling at giant sand castles.

Just about every place on the island offers top-tier fish and seafood, perhaps best exemplified by Isabella’s. The beachy-chic restaurant sits in a classy community called Cinnamon Shore (named for the fact that Port Aransas’ beaches look like they’re swirled with cinnamon). There you can pair espresso martinis with cheesy baked oysters, pancetta-wrapped shrimp, and something called Mermaid Soup: a curried medley of lobster-coconut broth and shrimp—and mercifully, no mermaids.

To fully immerse yourself in the action-packed island, though, you need to get out on the water, and by that we mean go on a guided jet ski romp. Gettin’ Salty Watersports takes visitors out into the bay and to a couple seashell-strewn islands with lots of thrilling dolphin sightings along the way.

Padre Island

The next island is not only the largest in Texas but also the largest barrier island in the world. Clocking in at 113 miles, Padre Island is bookended by Corpus Christi and Padre Island National Seashore on the north and beach bars and theme park ride on the south. Naturally, an island larger than the state of Delaware is bound to have a wide array of attractions and Padre Island is the kind of something-for-everyone that runs the gamut from urban outings to all-natural tranquility and nature preserves.

Divvied into North Padre Island and South Padre Island, separated by the Port Mansfield Channel, the top half starts with Corpus Christi, the most populated area in the region. From the Selena Museum and the Texas State Aquarium to beachside breweries and guided tours aboard the USS Lexington, there’s no shortage of sights to enjoy.

North Padre is also home to a national park site, Padre Island National Seashore, the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world and proof that the “everything’s bigger in Texas” slogan isn’t always a cliche. The 66-mile park protects sea turtles and hundreds of bird species and it’s an ideal haven for fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, and RV camping on the sand.

On the southern side of the channel, South Padre is known equally as a family-friendly getaway and a spring break staple. It’s swarming with beach bars (including Clayton’s, the largest beach bar in Texas, live music, carnival rides, an enormous water park (Beach Park at Isla Blanca), and Gravity Park, an adventure and amusement park with some seriously intense attractions including the Tallest Reverse-Bungee in the World (The Rocket).

Padre Island World Birding Center *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A slender thread of land between the shallow Laguna Madre and the rolling Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island anchors the World Birding Center with nature adventures in every season.

Dune meadows, salt marsh, and intertidal flats along with thickets of native shrubs and trees are irresistible to migrating birds.

Related article: My Top 10 List of Texas Birds

Of course, with this much mileage of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from, too, like Isla Blanca Park and South Padre Bayside Beach.

Black skimmer along the Gulf *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Brazos Island

The last barrier island is also the teeniest. Brazos Island is a diminutive four-mile island, home to 217 undeveloped acres of seaside wilderness. Located just north of the mouth of the Rio Grande, it’s a peaceful retreat for swimming, fishing, bird watching, hopeful dolphin-spotting, and camping.

Aside from that, the main draw here nowadays is Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch facility which set up shop on the Boca Chita peninsula.

Texas Spoken Friendly

Worth Pondering…

The forces of nature and their impact on the Texas landscape and sky combine to offer an element of drama that would whet the imagination of artists from any medium.

—Wyman Meinzer

The Ultimate Guide to Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world

Are you ready for a day (or two or three) at the beach? Why not spend it at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas, a park with “the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.”

Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world. The park protects 70 miles of coastline. It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and a haven for over 380 bird species. It also has a rich history including the Spanish shipwrecks of 1554.

In addition to its 70 miles of protected coastline, other important ecosystems abound including rare coastal prairie, a complex and dynamic dune system, and tidal flats teeming with life. The National Seashore and surrounding waters provide important habitat for marine and terrestrial plants and animals including a number of rare, threatened, and endangered species.

Padre Island National Seashore and South Padre Island are two different places located over 100 miles apart. Sometimes Padre Island National Seashore is confused with South Padre Island but the two are very different destinations. Padre Island National Seashore is a National Park Service (NPS) site located just outside of Corpus Christi. South Padre Island is a resort community located near Brownsville with numerous hotels, clubs, and souvenir shops. The two destinations are at opposite ends of the long, barrier island named Padre Island and are about 100 miles apart.

Planning on putting the park address into a smart phone app or GPS? It most likely will NOT bring you to the park. For unknown reasons, many of those applications place the park’s physical address miles away from its actual location.

Plan your trip: A Slice of Paradise: Padre Island National Seashore

Fortunately, getting to the park is easy once you know that the road coming to the park—Park Road 22—actually dead ends into the National Seashore. The park entrance station is a booth that is located literally in the middle of the road. Once you’re on Park Road 22, just keep going until you reach the end and the park entrance station. Bring a paper map or use the above directions to locate the park.

Park entrance fees and passes can be purchased online before your visit or purchased in person at the entrance station upon your arrival. Your options include a 1-day pass ($10.00 per vehicle), a 7-day pass ($25.00 per vehicle), and a 1-year pass ($45.00 per vehicle). Those with federal interagency passes enter free.

Typical weather conditions. Weather on Padre Island varies widely and can change from sunny and warm to thunderstorms and heavy winds very quickly. Padre Island has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Most rain falls near the beginning and end of hurricane and tropical storm season which lasts from June through October.

Daytime temperature in spring averages in the 70s-80s with lows in the 50s-60s. Summer daytime temperatures are usually in the mid-90s with very humid conditions. Lows are usually in the 70s. Afternoon and evening sea breezes help to moderate temperatures. In the fall, daytime temperature average in the 70s-80s with lows in the 50s-60s. Winter high temperatures are usually between 50 degrees and 70 degrees but can occasionally drop into the upper 30s. Sudden, strong cold fronts can move through bringing gale force winds and dropping temperatures quickly.

Average rainfall for the southern portion of the park is 26 inches and 29 inches for the northern area of the park.

Take a drive along the seashore. Many people come to the National Seashore to experience the beauty of nature in isolation. One way to do this is to travel down-island into the park’s most remote areas which are only accessible with a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle. Don’t try it with a regular car if you intend to drive further than 5 miles.

To get to the portion of the park where you can drive on the beach and down to the remote parts of the island, continue on the main park paved road (Park Road 22) past Malaquite Visitor Center until the pavement ends (South Beach). From that point, the park has 60 miles of beach open to driving. South Beach (and driving) ends at the Port Mansfield Channel, a man-made waterway cut through the island.

It is not possible to drive all the way down to South Padre Island due to this waterway. You must turn around at that point and drive 60 miles back north to reach the park paved road.

Plan your trip: Padre Island National Seashore: World’s Longest Stretch of Undeveloped Barrier Island

Remember that Texas beaches are public highways and all traffic laws apply including seat belt regulations. All vehicles on Padre Island National Seashore must be street legal and licensed.

Bird Island Basin Campground, Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Go camping. Padre Island National Seashore has two campgrounds and three areas for primitive camping. They are open year-round and are first-come, first-served. Campers must have a camping permit. There are no RV hook-ups on Padre Island but a dump station and a water filling station are available for all campers staying in the National Seashore.

Malaquite Campground, Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Tucked in the dunes with a view of the Gulf of Mexico and a short distance north of the visitor center, Malaquite Campground features 48 semi-primitive designated sites. Located near the boat ramp on the waters of the Laguna Madre, Bird Island Basin Campground offers an opportunity for windsurfing, kayaking, boating, birding, and fishing. Both RV and tent camping sites are available but it is dry camping only.

Sea Breeze RV Resort *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

If you’d rather stay in a full-service RV park, Corpus Christi, 10 miles away from the park entrance, has several choices. We stayed across the bay in Portland at Seabreeze RV Resort and would return in a heartbeat.

Since sunrises are spectacular along the seashore, plan to take a morning walk along the beach and bring your camera with you to capture the moment. During your early-morning walk, you might spot the elusive (and very fast) ghost crab peeking at you from its burrow.

Stick around after dark on a clear night for a little stargazing. Take a flashlight with you to spot ghost crabs as they move away from their burrows to seek a midnight snack.

Do some beachcombing. Have you ever gone to the beach with bucket in hand hoping to find treasures along the seashore? If so, then you have been beachcombing. Many of the currents that flow through the Gulf of Mexico bring endless curiosities onto the beach at Padre Island National Seashore. These items include seashells, beached jellyfish, sea beans (drift seeds), driftwood, lumber, plastics, and things that have been lost or discarded by seagoing vessels and other marine activities. The best time is immediately following a storm. You are allowed to keep a five-gallon bucket of treasures you might find but if an animal is still in its shell be sure to put it back where you found it.

Go fly a kite. Padre Island National Seashore has plenty of wind to fly a kite. The seashore has in the past hosted a kite festival in February filling the sky with all sorts of colorful kites including some intricate and creative Chinese kites. Be sure to check with the park before heading there with your kite.

Plan your trip: Oceans of Fun: Port Aransas and Mustang Island

Go swimming. Swimming at the National Seashore can be a lot of fun! You can swim in the recreation area at Bird Island Basin or in the Gulf of Mexico. However, remember that safety is important and there are no lifeguards on duty. Use caution when swimming and never swim alone.

Go fishing. Fishing has been one of the biggest attractions to Padre Island, long before its designation as a National Seashore. Visitors may fish along the entire length of the Gulf of Mexico beach in the Laguna Madre and at Yarborough Pass and Bird Island Basin. Two currents, one from the north and one from the south converge at Big Shell beach near the middle of the park.

These currents bring an abundance of nutrients which, in turn, attract plenty of fish. To fish anywhere within the park requires a valid Texas fishing license and a saltwater stamp which are only sold outside of the park at any local gas station or tackle shop.

Go boating. Bird Island Basin offers a boat ramp to provide access to the excellent boating and fishing waters of the Laguna Madre. It’s one of the world’s best windsurfing sites and you can fish and birdwatch there, too. You can get a daily pass to Bird Island Basin at the Entrance Station for $5.00 or an annual pass for $30.00. Be aware that jet skis, kite surfing, and air boats are prohibited at the national seashore.

Hatching releases. During the summer Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchlings are released from nests that were laid in the park and along parts of the Texas coast. Hatchling releases typically occur from mid-June through August. Most releases that are open to the public take place at 6:45 a.m. on Malaquite Beach in front of the Visitor Center at Padre Island National Seashore. For information about public hatching releases, call the Hatchling Hotline at 361-949-7163. Because park rangers cannot predict exactly when a sea turtle nest will hatch, not all hatchling releases are public and hatchling releases do not occur daily or on a regular schedule.

American avocet and Black-necked stilt, Padre Island National Seashore *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Go bird watching. With more bird species that any other city in the U.S., Corpus Christi has won the competition for being the “Birdiest City in America” for the past 10 years in a row. Needless to say, Padre Island National Seashore, located on 130,000 acres of undeveloped land is an exceptional place for bird watching.

Situated along the Central Flyway, Padre Island is a globally important area for over 380 migratory, overwintering, and resident bird species (nearly half of all bird species documented in North America). You’ll catch sight of brown pelicans, egrets, herons, terns, gulls, hawks, ducks, teals, and crested caracaras and not just along the beach but inland as well. The best time to bird Padre Island National Seashore is either during early spring or during fall and winter when thousands of birds either migrate through the park or spend the winter there.

Interpretive programs. Attend a ranger program to learn about the seashore, the birds, and the things that wash up on the beach. Informal 30-45 minute Deck Talks on various aspects of the island’s natural and cultural history are held Thursdays to Sundays at 1 pm at the Malaquite Visitor Center.

Be a Junior Ranger. Padre Island National Seashore is just one national park that gives you a chance to earn an official Junior Ranger badge. Ask a ranger for a Junior Ranger booklet when you stop by the Malaquite Visitor Center. The Underwater Explorer Junior Ranger Program is available as well. For all those who are young or young-at-heart, come out and earn your badge. All ages are welcome to participate in the Junior Ranger program at Padre Island National Seashore.

Relax on the beach, build a sand castle, and play in the sand. Just remember the Leave No Trace principles. If you dig any holes or trenches while playing in the sand, cover them back up so they don’t create a hazard for vehicles, people, and animals.

Remember to check the park’s website for any alerts and closures due to construction or weather-related damage. Check the site also for other things to know before you head out to the park and whether or not pets are allowed.

Worth Pondering…

I must go down to the seas again,

To the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star

To steer her by.

—John Masefield