April/May 2025


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A Coastal Adventure: Exploring the Beaches of Southeast Texas


PREPARE your swimsuit for an unforgettable getaway on Texas’ barrier islands! In South Padre Island, Port Aransas, and Galveston, you can enjoy stunning beaches, delve into vibrant cultural histories, and discover why Texas’ Gulf Coast is an essential destination.


Snorkelling and Watching Sunsets in South Padre Island


While this two-time recipient of


the Texas Travel Awards’ Destination of the Year award is just a short drive from the mainland, its serene


beaches and


striking sand dunes make it feel like a world away. arriving


After at Corpus


Christi International Airport, a scenic three-hour drive south will lead you to South Padre Island. Make your way to Isla Blanca Park for non-stop fun in the sun. From surfing lessons for all skill levels to top-tier fishing on the jetties and guided snorkelling excursions, aquatic adventures abound. A short stroll from the beach, the park’s pavilion is equipped with picnic tables and barbecue pits, making it easy to refuel and return to the water. If you’re lucky, your beach day may even include watching SpaceX rockets take flight from across the bay. For nature lovers, South Padre Island offers an array of ecotourism options. Sea Turtle Inc. is a must-see destination dedicated to supporting sea turtles through education, rehabilitation


and conservation. freestanding concrete teepees. Holbrook


is also known for its eccentric rock shops and vibrant dinosaur statues. Before you head to Petrified Forest National Park, take a moment to admire the colourful dinosaur figures scattered throughout downtown. You’ll want to dedicate at least a full day to explore this Painted Desert park, which offers breathtaking backcountry hikes and engaging group activities like backpacking, ranger-led tours, and birdwatching.


Final Destination: Los Angeles, California


Conclude your road trip at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California, recognised as the official endpoint of Route 66. Known as the City of Angels, Los Angeles is home to Old Route 66, which stretches from Olvera Street and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument to West Hollywood, where it transforms into Santa Monica Boulevard.


Santa Monica State Beach is a popular


spot for sunbathing, dining, and amusement park enthusiasts, featuring a bike path and the iconic Original Muscle Beach. Be sure to visit the Heal the Bay Aquarium, admire the historic 1922 Looff Hippodrome Carousel, or explore the pedestrian-friendly Third Street Promenade. If you enjoy people-watching, take a short 15-minute trip south to the Venice Beach Boardwalk, one of Southern California’s most frequented attractions. Alternatively, experience First Fridays on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where food trucks and entertainment fill the street. Either way, you’ll get an excellent taste of California culture before flying home from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).


Explore on-site exhibits to learn about the Gulf of Mexico’s diverse marine life. Visit on a release day and witness rehabilitated turtles making their return to the ocean. When evening falls, the South Padre Island Entertainment District comes alive with energy. Delight in the freshest Gulf seafood at bayside restaurants while basking in live music and breathtaking sunset scenes. For a distinctive experience, book a dinner cruise and savour delicious cuisine while you coast on tranquil waters, or experience family- friendly fun with miniature golf, go-karts and a Ferris wheel at local favourite Gravity Park. End your day with memorable entertainment – vibrant pyrotechnic displays illuminate the night sky on summer weekends, earning South Padre Island the nickname “The Fireworks Capital of Texas.”


Port Aransas: Texas’ Premier Fishing Destination


Begin your journey at Port Aransas Beach, a welcoming shoreline perfect for all types of beach enthusiasts. Surfers, whether seasoned (in winter) or novices (in summer), will be captivated by the rolling waves. Sandcastle aficionados will find joy in the beach’s rich clay and silt content, making it ideal for constructing impressive sandcastles. You can even enroll in sandcastle building lessons with the renowned local expert, Mark Landrum, famously known as the Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy! Additionally, the clay-rich sand isn’t only perfect for building; it’s also


fantastic for riding


beach golf carts, offering a unique experience.


Beyond its sandy shores, Port Aransas is celebrated as a premier


fishing destination, earning the title “Fishing Capital of Texas.” Relax by casting a line from one of the local piers and jetties, or go for an adventurous deep-sea fishing charter. You can expect to reel in red snapper, redfish, flounder, and tuna. To make things even better, many restaurants in Port Aransas participate in the “Cook Your Catch” program, allowing you to bring in your freshly caught fish for a delectable meal. P ort Aransas also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring Mustang Island State


Park. Take a scenic 20-minute drive along the coastline to reach the park’s tranquil waterways. Opt for a guided tour with Coastal Bend Kayaks, or venture out on your own. Either way, keep an eye out for the multitude of local and migratory birds that grace the area.


After an exciting day of adventures in


Port Aransas and Mustang Island, retreat to one of the island’s many vacation rentals. These accommodations cater to groups of all sizes and needs, with many—including the popular Cinnamon Shore—featuring private boardwalks for easy beach access.


Galveston: A Timeless Coastal Treasure Starting your adventure from Mustang


Island and Port Aransas, journey north along the coast for just over four hours until you arrive at the historic Galveston Island. Your first destination on the island is Seawall Boulevard. Often considered the heart of Galveston, this vibrant 16-kilometre stretch is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions, buzzing with activity. You can walk, bike, or skate along the USA’s longest uninterrupted


sidewalk while enjoying


stunning ocean views. If you need to relax, take a moment on one of the 70 unique mosaic-tiled benches, which narrate the ecology and history of the Texas Coast— providing both a break and an educational experience.


The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier stands out as the most famous spot on Seawall Boulevard. Here, you can indulge in classic midway games, savour all-American meals, and ride a towering 70-metre Ferris wheel. After soaking in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, you’re bound to feel ready for a swim. Head about five kilometres north to East Beach, where you’ll find turquoise waters, beach volleyball courts, and seasonal live entertainment. From East Beach, it’s just a five-minute


drive to the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. While much of Galveston buzzes with excitement, this preserve offers a serene escape. Spend a couple of hours kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching at the East End Lagoon, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ADA Nature Trail, filled with native plants. As you make your way back downtown, marvel at the elegant 19th-century mansions and Victorian architecture while participating in a Juneteenth Freedom Walk. When evening approaches, prepare for a spectacular finale: a show at The Grand 1894 Opera House. This Romanesque Revival- style venue continues to host some of the finest entertainment on the island, including live music, comedy acts, and film screenings. Attend an unforgettable performance to conclude your Galveston Island experience before making the one-hour drive northwest to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport for your flight home. For more information on visiting the amazing beaches of Texas, pop on to visittheusa.co.uk.


GO WEST... SPOTLIGHT ON THE USA! | 41


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