Share |
Print Article
Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource
Texas: Best Beach Spots for a Family Vacation. The Texas Gulf coast offers families sunshine and space to enjoy water adventures. From Port Aransas to Galveston there are miles of beach to be enjoyed. Try sand strollin’ or boot scootin’, see hatchlings head for the sea. Texas is fun in the summer and we have three family beach spots worth considering.

Port Aransas - Sailing, Fishing, and Boot Scooting. Just off the Gulf Coast, the beaches of Mustang Island, flat, wide and dramatic with cream and sugar sand, draw families of all ages. The water is warm and the waves usually friendly making sailing, kayaking and fishing easy for even the youngest. Bordering the beach is laid-back fishing village with western charm. Boot scootin’ and sand-strollin' are popular forms of daily entertainment. Off beach bonus: This is the location of the University of Texas Marine Science Research Center. At the learning center open to the public, visitors will find displays of typical Texas coastal habitats and the organisms that live in them. 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas. (361) 749-6711or www.utmsi.utexas.edu) Discovery: The shrimp are plentiful and wonderful. There is a trolley that travels around town for just 25¢ a ride. (1-800-45-COAST or www.portaransas.org)

Cinnamon Shore - Swimming, Boogie Boarding, and Sandcastle. Cinnamon Shore is a traditional seaside community on Mustang Island, just three hours southeast of San Antonio, Austin and Houston and host to a ton of fun-in-the-sun activities for families such as swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and sandcastle building. Off beach bonus: Cinnamon Shore was designed specifically with families in mind. Using a term called “new urbanism,” it incorporates a town center, several parks, minimal impact on the environment, and planned activities for families to enjoy together. The layout is conducive to knowing your neighbors and creating a sense of camaraderie throughout the community. Cinnamon shore is also only a mile from the new Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. Discovery: Mustang Island is a great beach getaway for both its beauty and unique activities including deep-sea fishing. Cinnamon Shore hosts bonfires and movie nights on the beach, making sure to utilize the beach as a place for community gatherings. (Cinnamon Shore. 5009 Hwy 361, Port Aransas, TX 78373. Toll-free 1-888-893-0656 or www.cinnamonshore.com)

Padre Island: Sea Turtles, Sand Dunes, and Hatchlings. It is true that on Padre Island National Seashore you can see forever. Spanning more than 130, 400 acres it is recognized as the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world. The staff of the park conducts a number of programs during the year including beach walks, mini-talks, campfire programs, and bird-watching walks. Most programs originate from the Visitors Center. In addition the National Seashore incubates most of the sea turtle eggs found along the Texas coast and releases the hatchlings into the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months and to watch a release call Hatchling Hotline at (361) 949-7163, (361) 949-8068 or www.cctexas.com. Off beach bonus: In nearby Corpus Christi, the Texas State Aquarium in educational enriching and wonderfully entertaining with interactive exhibits both engage and inspire. (2710 N. Shoreline, Corpus Christi. Toll-free 1-800-477-GULF or www.texasstateaquarium.org) Discovery: Located in downtown Corpus Christi on Shoreline Boulevard within walking distance from several hotels is McGee Beach. The calm water is a great place for young children to play.

Galveston Island - Sunshine, IMAX, and Shopping. It is true there are rocks below the seawall along the edge of the Gulf in Galveston. While the view is terrific and the nightlife spunky to find a sandy spot you will need to take the kids to Galveston State Park or West Beach, both sandy hangouts. Galveston State park offers camping, birdwatching, nature study, hiking, mountain bike riding, fishing, and unsupervised beach swimming. During the summer months there are play in the Mary Moody Northern Amphitheater. Off beach bonus: The Grand 1984 Opera house is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1993 the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand "The Official Opera House of Texas." (2020 Postoffice St., Galveston. Toll-free 1-800-821-1894, (409)763-7173 or www.thegrand.com) Discovery: Nearby attractions in Galveston include Moody Gardens (with the Rainforest Pyramid, I-Max Theater, and Palm Beach. Whether you like upscale, artsy or beach trendy, Galveston has great shopping options for everyone. Wonder antique stores and curio shops abound both downtown and on Broadway. (Galveston Island State Park. 14901 FM 3005 Galveston TX 77554. (409) 737-1222 or www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/galveston)

Information and images provided by by Travel Communications Inc. Updated 2012.

Share |
RELATED ARTICLES
Participate in the 10th Annual World Oceans Day - June 8th.
As most 10-year-olds will tell you, the oceans are a very important part of our planet. World Oceans Day (WOD) helps more of us focus on the importance.
US: Southwest, Spring Break Family Vacations with Ball Games, Horseback Riding, and Storytelling.
Whatever your family’s passion, we have a spring break vacation idea to fit your quest. Enjoy sunshine and watch a ball game in Frisco; try hiking Sandia Peak; shop in San Marcos; stargaze in Santa Fe; go horseback riding in Arizona.
Texas: Houston, CityPASS Family Vacation Dollars Go Farther.
What do Houston’s top attractions have in common with the Statue of Liberty, the Sears Tower, the Georgia Aquarium and Disneyland? All are CityPass attractions, offered via a discounted ticket booklet with the CityPass seal of approval.
Texas: Port Aransas, Cinnamon Shore Provides Unique Family Beach Getaway.
For decades, families have flocked to vacations spots in California and Florida to soak up the sun and spend time together. But more recently, a new community in a different sea-side state is attracting attention - Cinnamon Shore, a traditional seaside community on Mustang Island, just three hours southeast of San Antonio, Austin and Houston. Cinnamon Shore is host to a ton of fun activities for families such as swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and sandcastle building.
Texas: Houston, Johnson Space Center, Space Out on Vacation with Your Kids.
Imagine moon rocks and gravity suits; flight simulators and robot arms; seeing real rockets and meeting real scientists. Sounds like the family field trip of a life time?

Read More Articles

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS
Fairfield Inn & Suites - New Braunfels,TX

Near Schlitterbahn Waterpark. [Read More]
SpringHill Suites - San Antonio Airport, TX

Offering SeaWorld and Six Flags coupons when staying with us. [Read More]
SpringHill Suites San Antonio Medical Center - San Antonio - TX

Travel Deals & Vacation Packages. [Read More]
Towne Place Suites Downtown - San Antonio, TX

A great Riverwalk hotel location. [Read More]
Wyndham Suites - Park Central - Dallas, TX

Dallas Hotel Packages & Vacation Specials. [Read More]
Holiday Inn Express - San Antonio, TX

Choose from a number of uniquely San Antonio hotel getaways, and save. [Read More]
Wingate by Wyndham - Arlington, TX

Perfect for family getaways. [Read More]
Baywood Hotels - San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Vacations. [Read More]
Holiday Inn Express North Riverwalk - San Antonio , TX

Stay in a tiny piece of historic Texas history. [Read More]
Residence Inn - Lubbock, TX

We offer all-inclusive travel packages. [Read More]
Hawthorn Suites - Addison,TX

Culture is very much alive in the Dallas – share the fun. [Read More]
Holiday Inn Express - Grand Prairie

Stay close to all the action in Dallas and Arlington. [Read More]
Wingate by Wyndham - Roundrock, TX

We offer fabulous, pet friendly accommodations close to Austin. [Read More]
Microtel Inn & Suites El Paso

You'll enjoy Texas sized savings on family vacations. [Read More]
Holiday Inn Park Plaza

We the leading pet-friendly hotel lodging in Lubbock. [Read More]
Baymont Inn and Suites - Granbury

Escape with family to our historic lake town. [Read More]
Best Western Plus Sunset Suites Riverwalk - San Antonio, TX

Enjoy the area's history with a great location. [Read More]
Holiday Inn Austin NW Arboretum Hotel

Austin, Texas Hotel Specials - Vacation Packages. [Read More]
Holiday Inn Dallas Market Center - Dallas, TX

Stay with US Kids Eat Free. Texas hospitality, comfort, and convenience. [Read More]
Blue Bay Inn & Suites

Bring your family to South Padre Island. Stay with us. [Read More]

See More Family Vacation Ideas


Use of Travel Communications, Inc., websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
Site designed and hosted by Tempest Technologies, LLC