For those who may be new here, it’s true … I’m not a Texas native. But after living close to five years in the lone star state, Texas has become more than home. Most people think of cacti, cowboys, tumbleweeds & bbq when Texas comes to mind. I certainly had that mindset before we headed on down here! But let me let y’all in on a little something something – Texas is SO SO much more than that! Of course, you may already know this. But … did you know that Texas has some of the most beautiful beaches along the gulf coast with endless things to do in the coastal cities surrounding them too? Makes for a very fun vacation destination for both Texas residents and out-of-staters alike, if I do say so myself!
Last month, I teamed up with Texas Tourism as a Texplorer to discover the magic of the Texas Coast in the cities of Rockport, Fulton, Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. This area was struck hard by the category 4 Hurricane Harvey last August. In the months since the devastation, the communities have bounced back with vigor and are ready to welcome guests to its shores once more.
I’m recapping our journey along the Texas Coast below and sharing highlights of the best things to see & do plus where to eat & stay in this slice of Texas paradise!
Rockport & Fulton, TX
Rockport is a laid-back beach town with plenty for visitors to see and do. And Fulton is it’s charming next door neighbor. Both of these Texas towns have small-town Southern charm with a beach-vibe that makes for a combination you just don’t see anywhere else.
Where to Stay & Eat:
We spent one night at The Inn at Fulton Harbor, an adorable inn along the waterfront. The rooms were decorated with a nod to the coast in mind and a pool sits in the center courtyard shaded by an array of palm trees. Be sure to grab dinner at Charlotte Plummers across the street if you plan to visit! You can dine on a selection of seafood on the upstairs porch overlooking the harbor. And be sure not to miss out on the Capt. Tommy’s Crab Tower appetizer!
What to Do: Pop in The Texas Maritime Museum
The Texas Maritime Museum sits right along the harbor and harbors (pun intended) artifacts from centuries old pirate ships to models of recent oil rigs to educate visitors on the history of Texas’ petroleum production & transportation.
There’s also a wonderful lookout of the city and harbor at the top of the museum’s tower.
What to Do: Visit Rockport Center of the Arts
Stop by to see unique works by local artists in rotating exhibits that change monthly. July 7-8 marks the upcoming Rockport Art Festival featuring over 120+ artisans and craftsmen.
What I wore to explore:
What to Do: Stroll through Fulton Mansion
If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you’re going to love this stop! Sitting right on the bay, this Victorian mansion welcomes visitors into its rooms for a glimpse back in time. Fulton Mansion was built in 1877 as a grand home for the Fulton family. The mansion received quite a bit of damage from Hurricane Harvey. However, the historic home is still open to guests offering special “hard hat” mansion tours.
What to Do: See Big Tree
Big Tree was one of the biggest surprises of the trip! As one of the largest live oaks in Texas, this 1,000 year old tree sits in all its glory in Goose Island State Park – just a 20 minute drive from Rockport. If you’ve ever been to Animal Kingdom and have seen their tree of life, you might feel like you’re seeing the REAL version of that tree in Big Tree. It truly is an impressive sight to see and the surrounding natural area is just beautiful
Visit closer to dusk to see the evening light trickle through all of the leaves and branches!
I loved traveling with Ashleigh and Taylor from Stay Reddy & Travel Colorfully. These girls were too sweet! Check out their colorful instas – both of which are filled with fabulous style & wanderlust.
Port Aransas, Texas
A city on the sea, Port Aransas sits on the corner of Mustang Island and is a popular vacation destination for families. With soft sandy beaches and beautiful blue water, this is a place you find yourself wanting to visit and never leave. We spent two nights in Port Aransas during our Texplorer trip and I fell so in love with this beach town that I’m already planning on coming back … & soon!
Where to Stay & How to Get There:
Port Aransas is one colorful town. It seems like there must be some unwritten rule that the brighter your beach house is, the better! With many different beach communities to choose from, you can find a beach house or condo to suit your needs. We stayed in a beach house by Port A Escapes, which was in a gated community just a short golf cart ride away from the shore. Here is the direct link to the house for those curious.
Speaking of g0lf carts, they are the preferred method of transportations in these parts. Beach-goers will fill their cooler and pack their carts with everything they need for a day in the sand. You can park your cart right on the water too! Which means no heavy lifting and arms laden with tote bags while walking across the boardwalk. Something I can definitely get used to!
Where to Eat: Black Marlin Grill
You guys. Black Marlin was phenomenal!! Not far at all from our beach house and just a short ride to the water, this restaurant was one I would return to regularly if I were a local. I kid you not, they have the best Caesar salad dressing I probably will ever have in my life. And the fish tacos were oh-so-delicious too! While we were dining, we had the privilege of meeting the restaurant’s chef and you could totally tell she was more than passionate about each and every ingredient that went into the food on Black Marlin’s menu.
What to Do: Sail on a Dolphin Cruise
There’s no better way to see the coast than from the water, right? We hopped on board the Scarlett Lady for a morning Dolphin Cruise along the Lydia Ann Channel. Not only did we see a wild dolphin or two, but we also had a tour of the area where tidbits were shared about local lighthouses, oil rigs, Harvey’s impact and more. Pina Coladas and margaritas are served on board the hour and a half cruise making it as relaxing as it is fun.
Where to Eat: Ice Cream
It isn’t a trip to Port Aransas without grabbing a sweet treat from the colorful Desserted Island Ice Cream.
What to Do: Visit Texas SandFest in the Spring
Each year, Port Aransas beach welcomes the start to the summer beach season with Texas SandFest. A sand castle competition that brings out pro sculptors from across the country. Festival attendees can stroll along the beaches watching works of art in the making while munching on funnel cake & corn dogs. A lovely combination, if I do say so myself! Next year’s SandFest is scheduled for April 26-28!
Where to Dine for Dinner: Trout Street Bar & Grill
Look no further for tasty tropical cocktails and fresh seafood than Trout Street Bar & Grill. The catch of the day was a parmesan encrusted drum fish and I’m still day dreaming about its deliciousness. Be sure to grab a table on their patio overlooking the harbor. You can toast to your trip to the coast with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop.
What to Do: Explore Mustang Island State Park
Hands down, this was my favorite part of our entire trip to the coast. I’m a nature lover through and through and oh my goodness the scenery along the sandy beaches of the park couldn’t be beat. There was even a rock jetty that adventurists could jump across and explore. Don’t be surprised if you see a sea turtle or two bobbing their heads along the blue water’s edge!
Often times, park rangers will even set up shop and share fun facts about the area wildlife. Beach goers can tune in to the tales if they’d like, for no charge at all. We all felt like we were back in an elementary school science class, learning about the motion of the ocean. It’s amazing how much you forget over time and fascinating it becomes once again as an adult. I definitely want to make a trip back to this state park stat!
Corpus Christi, TX
About half an hour away from Port Aransas, tucked into the bay, lies Corpus Christi. This coastal city has so much to see and do and makes for a great getaway spot for families of all ages.
What to Do: Go Sea Kayaking
The bay waters of Corpus Christi make for a relaxing spot of sea kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. We rented a few boats and boards and made an afternoon of it! Wind and Wave Surf Shop is close to the bay and offers day rentals.
What to See: the USS Lexington Naval Ship
History buffs will love a visit to the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi. Growing up, my family would visit one or two historical attractions on at least every road trip. I’ve had my fare share of naval boat tours and I always find them more interesting each time. The USS Lexington allows visitors to explore the aircraft carrier, climbing ladders up & down and walking along the flight deck. Make sure to ask a guide to tell you about the ship’s resident ghost!
What to Do: Visit the Texas State Aquarium
Another can’t miss attraction in Corpus Christi is the Texas State Aquarium. From sea turtles to dolphins and alligators, the aquarium’s wildlife exhibits have it all. There are even daily scuba shows in the main tank that can’t be missed. If visiting Corpus Christi in the heart of the summer, schedule your visit to the aquarium during the afternoon for a nice and cool escape from the hot summer’s sun.
Thank you guys for following along with my adventure along the Texas Gulf Coast. It was such a wonderful trip that I can’t wait to repeat again with my little family in tow. Annie will for sure get a kick out of the aquarium and I’m thinking Patrick is going to have the time of his life driving a golf cart along the beach. This region definitely makes for a wonderful family vacation destination!
A big thank you to Texas Tourism for sponsoring this blog post. I had such a wonderful time traveling with their team and discovering the coastal side of the Lone Star State. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks to you guys for supporting the brands that make Lone Star Looking Glass possible.
—
xo, alice
