We'll be visiting relatives in the Hill Country in Feb. and are thinking of also checking out the Gulf Coast area. To be honest, Texas and the Hill Country don't do much for us, but we'll be visiting the Fredericksburg area once or twice a year. We've visited there a half a dozen times now and are looking for a bit of variety if we want to add on 4 or 5 days to our trip. We can get cheap airfares from our home to Harlingen and thought of making a loop by driving the coast up to the Galveston area, cutting over to the Hill Country for our family visit for 3 or 4 days, and then going back to Harlingen for our flight.

We love coastal areas, particularly the scenic natural areas and places where there are opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking and close coastal fishing. We don't like tacky beach areas at all with all of their hub bub, and that is not at all what we're looking for. And, we don't want to just lie on the beach.

We've visited the Florida panhandle area in the past, and we just returned from a long vacation on Sanibel in Florida. Will the Texas coast appeal to us, or should we just forget the idea? I've read some older posts here basically telling people to forget the Texas coast because it is nothing compared to other areas of the Gulf coast in other states. Thanks.

When will you be here? In the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, the remaining whooping cranes winter.

We heard the same thing about the Texas coast, so about a year ago we decided to check it out for ourselves.

We landed in Dallas and drove to Big Bend area, stopping for a night in Abilene. We loved Davis State Park, Marfa, Alpine, Presidio, Fort Leaton State Historic Site, and Big Bend. This is truly the beauty spot of Texas.

Eventually we got down to the coast. We sort of liked Galveston except the hotels cater too much to cruises.

Unless you go directly down to Padre Island, I would not recommend any of the Gulf. Extremely commercial, Galveston beach has lots of glass, pick-up trucks, dirty. Would not put my big toe in the Gulf there frankly. Nasa is near the 'boardwalk' of Kemah, but there is nothing memorable there either. We lived in Houston for 4 years from the northeast, do atlantic & pacific beaches alot so have many points of comparison. It is a haul over to Marfa & Big Bend which is quite stark but might appeal to you.

I really appreciate all of the honest feedback, and it sounds as though this is an area we'll be skipping since your opinions seem to be lukewarm at best. It sounds as though there is just no comparison to other coastal areas of the country. Big Bend has always been on our list of want-to-visits, so I think we'll explore that area one of these trips. As I said in my initial posting, from what we've seen so far, Texas just doesn't do a lot for us and it sounds as though the gulf coast area wouldn't call to us either.

Thanks again.

for another perspective. it depends on your expectations. personally I like the port aransas area. It is not white sand, or any of that, but for long, long walks on the beach, it is great. a fishing town and sure has the tourist stuff, but you can have a nice long weekend there, easily. we do.

I think you should decide for yourself. There is a lot to see on the coast. Give it a shot.

Including:http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/goose-island

http://www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org/?id=224

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/mustang-island

And for something else to do on your trips, this is always cool- the Mission trails: http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

http://www.texasalmanac.com/topics/h...missions-texas

Temper your expectations. The Texas coast isn't a tropical paradise with pink sand and turquoise water, but it does have a lot to offer. My kids love visiting the coast because the water is so warm and the waves are usually friendly.

South Padre is quiet and slow-paced. It is a birder's and fisherman's paradise. Port Aransas is busy and touristy because of its proximity to the major cities. Lots of great hole-in-the-wall restaurants to discover... many will prepare your catch for you. Mustang Island near Port A is usually where we head because it is alcohol-free and part of the beach is also vehicle-free.

Like anything, if you visit with an open mind and a determination to enjoy -- you probably will.

Check out this article from the May 2013 Texas Monthly:
"15 Best Spots on the Coast":

http://www.texasmonthly.com/lists/15-best-spots-coast

I think a coastal visit is worth a try, especially since you said you visit Texas often.

Thanks to all of you for the helpful info and links. I think we just may give this area a whirl on one of our trips.

We spent a week in Galveston for a family get together last summer and it was disappointing. But if you have young kids, they will love the ocean even if the area and beaches aren't so nice. Corpus Christi has (or had years ago) nicer white sand beaches and is closer than Padre. Otherwise, I'd skip it.