Texas Gulf Coast
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Gulf Coast: Texas State Parks Travel Guide
The Texas Gulf Coast is where sea breeze meets dunes, where herons stalk the marshes and sea turtles crawl ashore under moonlight. From barrier islands to bayfront boardwalks, these parks bring salt air, fresh seafood, and the rhythm of the tides to every adventure.
From sandy beaches to marshland trails, the Gulf Coast is where Texas meets the sea.
How to Get There
The Gulf Coast parks run between Houston and Corpus Christi, with easy access from major cities.
Galveston Island State Park: 1 hour southeast of Houston.
Mustang Island State Park: 30 minutes from Corpus Christi.
Goose Island State Park: Near Rockport, 45 minutes north of Corpus Christi.
Brazos Bend State Park: 1 hour southwest of Houston.
Nearest airports:
Houston Hobby (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) for Galveston and Brazos Bend.
Corpus Christi International (CRP) for Mustang Island and Goose Island.
Know Before You Go
Hurricane season, from June through November, can bring storms; always check the forecasts.
Mosquitoes: Marshy areas like Brazos Bend are notorious. Bring repellent.
Salt and sand: Gear up for coastal conditions that can be rough on equipment.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather and prime bird migration.
Summer: Busy beach season, with warm Gulf waters for swimming.
Fall (September to November): Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds.
Winter: Mild, with excellent birding along the coast.
Highlights & Activities
Galveston Island: Beach camping, paddling, and birdwatching along both beach and bay sides.
Mustang Island: Surf fishing, kayaking trails, and wide sandy beaches.
Goose Island: Known for birding, fishing, and the massive "Big Tree," one of the most enormous live oaks in the U.S.
Brazos Bend: Famous for its alligators, plus trails winding through wetlands and lakes.
Nearby Lodging
Inside the parks: Beachfront campsites at Galveston and Mustang Island, RV hookups at Goose Island, and primitive sites at Brazos Bend.
Galveston: Hotels, beach rentals, and historic inns on the island.
Corpus Christi and Rockport: Full range of hotels, condos, and rentals near the coast.
Houston: Hotels of every type within an hour of Brazos Bend.
Nearby Food
Galveston: Fresh Gulf seafood, from shrimp shacks to upscale coastal dining.
Rockport: Oysters and seafood restaurants near Goose Island.
Corpus Christi: Tex-Mex, BBQ, and waterfront dining.
Houston area: Everything from Cajun boils to international food near Brazos Bend.
