Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Texas’ Gulf of Mexico coastline stretches 367 miles from the Louisiana border to Mexico. The shore consists mostly of marshes and sandy beaches, and barrier islands protect much of the coast. Undeveloped east Texas beaches provide quiet spots for birders and beachcombers, while developed areas offer amusement parks, nightlife and casual dining.
Padre Island National Seashore, the world’s longest undeveloped stretch of barrier island, is home to almost 400 species of birds and a population of endangered sea turtles. No lifeguards are on duty, but swimming is allowed on the Gulf of Mexico shore and the recreation area at Bird Island Basin. Beachcombers search the shore for seashells and driftwood after storms when waves wash treasures ashore. Visitors may keep a 5-gallon bucket of finds. Five primitive campgrounds, open year-round feature shade shelters and cold-water showers.
Sea Rim State Park covers more than 4,000 acres of marshland and more than five miles of Gulf of Mexico shoreline. The mostly undeveloped park has portable toilets and trash cans. Visitors should expect to be self-sufficient. Campsites have no fresh water or electricity. A boardwalk nature trail winds through the marsh. A boat ramp provides access to the more-remote Marshlands Unit, where abundant wildlife lives undisturbed. Swimming is permitted on the Gulf beach, but not in the marshlands because of the presence of alligators.
Galveston’s beaches, only 50 miles from downtown Houston, are lively and crowded during the summer high season. Hotels, restaurants and amusement parks cater to tourists and locals. Several large beaches, in addition to a few pocket beaches that cover only about 10 acres of land, provide a variety of amenities. East Beach, one of the few that allows drinking, hosts concerts, beach parties and swimsuit contests. Galveston Island State Park offers camping, bird watching, biking and swimming. Family events like sandcastle competitions are the focus at Stewart Beach
Mustang Island encompasses almost 5,000 acres of land and five miles of beach. Named for the horses brought to the island by the Spanish in the 1800s, the island provides excellent bird watching opportunities in the spring and fall. Dunes on the island, sometimes as tall as 35 feet, provide habitat for gophers and ground squirrels. The day use part of the island has portable toilets and rinsing showers for swimmers. Primitive campsites on the beach are within walking distance of convenience stations and water supplies.