Vacation rentals in Texas Gulf Coast

If you plan on flying into the area, the largest nearby airport is George Bush Intercontinental/Houston, located 19 miles north of downtown Houston. There is another major airport, Scholes International Airport, on Galveston Bay. There are also several regional airports along the coastline, including in Corpus Christi and South Padre Island. Car rental companies are available at all airports if you plan to rent a car during your time here.

Texas is big, and most areas of the state require a car to get around, including the Texas Gulf Coast. Your best bet is renting a car to get around from your vacation rental to the beaches and attractions nearby. If you’ll be staying in a bigger city, such as Corpus Christi or Houston, it is possible to depend on Uber, Lyft, or taxis to get around, but a rental car is the most practical option.

Fishing is a popular sport along the Texas Gulf Coast, with endless opportunities for your next big catch. The region is known for a variety of saltwater fish, including king mackerel, flounder, redfish, speckled trout, and more. You can either fish from the shores or go deep-sea fishing. Companies offering guided fishing tours are available in all major cities and beaches along the coastline.

The Texas Gulf Coast is a perfect destination for families of all ages. Bring the whole crew along to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier on Galveston Island. The nostalgic, ocean side amusement park offers an endless array of games and rides. Play a game of ring toss, or test your bravery on the 40-foot drop on Pirate’s Plunge. There’s even a 52-mile-per-hour roller coaster called the Iron Shark. Younger children can enjoy a variety of classic rides such as bumper cars, teacup ride, flying swings, and a carousel.

Port Aransas is known for its clear, clean, swimmable waters. The popular beach has a lifeguard, car-free location, and locations where you can drive your car right onto the beach. You can dine at several nearby restaurants which serve a wide range of offerings from pizza, to Mexican food, to American fare.

Padre Island is the largest of the Texas barrier islands and is located along the southern coast of the state. Visit the massive sandy shores of Mustang Island State Park, a 4,000 acre natural beach great for swimming and exploring. There is a popular sea turtle conservation center, Sea Turtle, Inc., where you can learn all about how sea turtles in the local region are protected.

Corpus Christi is a large coastal city tucked in a bay and full of popular attractions. While here, don’t miss out on the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, where you can visit a massive World War II ship and learn all about the history of several military artifacts and aircraft. Also be sure to visit the Texas State Aquarium in the downtown district, which is home to over 500 species of marine life.

Galveston Bay, just outside of Houston, is an estuary where the fresh water of San Jacinto and Trinity Rivers mix with the salt water from the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to abundant wildlife and many attractions. Visit the Moody Gardens, a massive amusement park housed inside an artfully constructed building. Schlitterhabn Waterpark in Galveston is a fun family attraction during the warmer months. If you love history, don’t miss out on a tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace.

With its endless stretch of flat, sandy coastline, the Texas Gulf Coast is the perfect place to be explored on horseback. You can gallop along the beaches of Corpus Christi, Galveston Island, and South Padre Island, all of which offer horseback tours and horses you can rent. The Adventure Island Park on South Padre Island not only offers horseback tours, you can also play mini golf, zip line, visit the petting zoo, and ride go karts.