I've read several of the threads on Texas beaches, and I'm aware that they don't compare to beaches in the Caribbean. However, as a new resident of San Antonio, I'd like to check out at least one of the beaches this summer. I've heard that South Padre is the best, but am wondering about places like Rockport and Port Aransas. How do these compare to beaches in Florida or North Carolina?

Thanks!

There's no comparison to Florida beaches, but Port Aransas is a nice little town with great surf and some pretty good restaurants as well.

South Padre is indeed the nicest of the beaches, and there is a Schlitterbahn there, so you'd probably want to go there.

You may want to experience some of the inland lakes and rivers in Hill Country, there's nothing in Florida like that. Try tubing down the crystal clear and cold Guadalupe River or swimming in Barton Springs or Hamilton Pool in Austin.

IMHO the lure of Texas is in the inland lakes and rivers not the Gulf.

For the most part, Texas beaches are not pretty. The water tends to look brown and murky from all the sediment in the water. We still go to Galveston all the time and have a blast. You can get good food, shop on the Strand, hit the beach, go to Moody Gardens, and tour all the old historical homes like Bishop's Palace. If you're just looking for a nice beach, I'd go to Padre.

Agree. South Padre definitely the nicest, with North Padre second. South Padre lures more tourists, but Port Aransas is a nice town. Galveston definitely has its attractions as mentioned, but it's more the town rather than the beach.

My parents are winter Texans on Galveston Island. We have been there at least 12 times and love it. Agreed; the water is not a lovely shade of blue...but there are seashells to find, historical homes to tour, fun shops and great seafood.
We like Benno's, Miller's, Willie G.'s, LaCroix and my favorite is the Stingaree restaurant out on Crystal Beach/Port Bolivar. I am not sure what kind of shape it is in since the hurricane, though.

We also like the Mosquito Cafe, Saltwater Grill, Fish Tales for poboys, and The Spot for burgers. You definitely don't go hungry in Galveston!

Is Padre still a big Spring Break hangout? That's where we used to go when I was in college.

Thanks for the responses! Sounds like S. Padre is what we're looking for, and I'd like to go there for a long weekend sometime. There are so many places I want to go...I haven't even been to Austin yet!

Another vote for South Padre--the extra drive time is worth it, imo. There's a border patrol station you may be directed to stop at on the way home, just be aware.

We went to Mustang Island on occassion, I do think the area is pretty in its own way, but the water is murky and, although its been a few years since we last were there, I have to assume the tar / oil can still be found in the water and sand which ends up stuck to the bottom of your feet, shoes and on your bathing suit. The sand at South Padre is so soft and fine in some areas and the water much clearer.

Well, Austin is wonderful and so close to you. You should definitely check it out. Our favorite spot is The Oasis - great place to have a margarita and watch the sun set over the lake. If you want good BBQ, check out the Salt Lick in Driftwood - it's very Texas.

AnnMarie_C-- What do they require at the border patrol station? Any kind of ID or do they specifically ask for a passport? Our little kiddo doesn't have a passport yet.

Not sure exactly what border patrol station AnnMarie is referring to, but if you don't leave Texas and go into Mexico, you shouldn't have to worry about passport.

I like to be prepared for all contingencies. So, just to be on the safe side, I'd have a birth certificate for your little one. Have a great trip to the gulf and get to Austin when you can!

dfr, it's on the road driving out of Harligen, even past Raymondville perhaps on RT 77 toward Corpus. There are no requirements--it's a stop and search only for, I suspect, drugs and illegals. Also drove through one in Arizona. They are simply stations set up on the side of the freeway, like a truck weigh station. If it's open you have to stop. Have only had them peek inside our car to greet us and then wave us on. Simply wanted to make siena aware as I didn't know they existed the first time we encountered one.

AnnMarie - thanks for the heads up. Hadn't enountered one of those before.

I panicked the first time we came upon one thinking we needed some sort of paper work--I remember rifling through the glove compartment for the registration but nothing was needed. Who knew? We didn't!

To clarify, the border patrol station is called a checkpoint...

http://preview.tinyurl.com/kr5q6z

Thanks for the info! I had no clue these checkpoints even existed.

The Sarita checkpoint finds thousands of pounds of drugs each year. It is south of Kingsville on 77 a few miles. North Padre Island also offers the Padre Island National Seashore which extends for miles of undeveloped beach. This beach is not like Florida or the Caribbean but is very rustic. The sand in our water here makes the surf look brown but it is not "dirty". Corpus Christi can be very enjoyable

My opinion is to spend time at the lakes and rivers in central texas. Tubing is great fun! Agree with bvluvsnola above. No comparison to Florida beaches...

Any recommendations regarding lakes or rivers near San Antonio? We have a 2 year old, so we'd be looking for something calm.