Wondering if there are any beaches near Houston worth going to since the hurricanes have torn it up? We'll be there the first week in October.

Most of the beaches have recovered fairly well - some of the towns haven't. Galveston would be fine. Bolivar area (across the bay from Galveston) wouldn't be.

We've been down to Galveston a few times since the hurricane; you'd be fine there. Most everything along the sea wall is back up and running, and the beaches were all back to normal. Some of the beaches even looked bigger than before so either new sand got deposited or they brought sand in. This weekend was the one-year anniversary of the storm.


The only places we saw debris were back in the neighborhoods away from the beach. I believe the Strand shopping area is 80% reopened. Be sure to check out Moody Gardens if you go. The Spot is a great place to grab a burger; away from the beach area, we like the Mosquito Cafe. Lots of cool historical homes to tour like Bishop's Palace. Check out www.galveston.com for all the latest info.

If you are staying overnight, be careful where you get a hotel. We stayed there in August in a hotel at 59th Street. We discovered there was no beach along Seawall Blvd. when we walked west of 61st Street.

we're renting a beach house by pirate's beach this coming weekend. will let you know how the weekend is when we get back.

Our favorite B&B is in Kemah if you want to check it out www.awhitetexaspelican.com. The Duke Room has a great view of the water.

as promised, reporting back from our weekend away in galveston. came back from a wonderful weekend in galveston. my impression is that the beaches are cleaner, water you can actually see through. My last experience with galveston was murky waters. Dad, DH, and nephew caught about 60+ fish right on the beach.

Also, new restauarants have come up although I wouldn't stay at the seawall at all. Rent a beach house like we did that you can walk to the beach. We had a brilliant time and you will too.

Also, the beach house we stayed in is great! the landlords were the nicest i've ever met. They have 2 properties (one is a 2 bedroom, the other is a 3 bedroom) and has beach views. If you like, I can send you the link at vrbo if you haven't already booked one. The place worked out really well for us.

That sounds great, maria - can you post the link?

sure. this is the one we stayed in: http://www.vrbo.com/94945

and this is the one next door with 3 bedrooms. http://www.vrbo.com/251748

I believe the property is on the border of Jamaica beach (or at Jamaica beach).

the owners are Brian and Nancy Foye. Very nice couple.

Thanks, maria - it looks like a wonderful spot! Great to be so close to the beach.