The Texas Gulf Coast has some 3,300 miles of shoreline, including the islands, bays and river mouths. It stretches from Louisiana down to the Mexican border. Some of the best beaches in America are along the Texas coast. There is so much to offer everybody. The marshlands and wetlands around Port Arthur, close to the Louisiana border, offer fantastic opportunities for bird watchers. Here you can see many species of both local and migratory birds. Accommodation is plentiful, from budget to high end. There is bound to be something to suit all requirements from hotels to beach houses. Water sports like fishing, boating and surfing can be had. Then there is shelling, hiking or just enjoying the beach. Another popular activity is horseback riding on the beach. There are restaurants and coffee shops for you to visit. If you like Cajun food then you will be able to find several places serving it. As you move down the beach to Boliver Peninsula the beaches are a little less crowded and the pace a tiny bit slower. It is an ideal place for a stroll along the wide beaches. In May a crab festival takes place and often there are fishing tournaments. Birding is another pastime here. Many species of birds can be found, including pelicans which can be seen all along the Texas coast. They can also be found on the rivers, lakes and ponds of Texas. From Boliver you can take the ferry ride over to Galveston and spend the day there, shopping or visiting the many attractions. The ferry is free and takes about 35 minutes for the crossing. If you are lucky, you will see the many dolphins that play alongside the ferries as they cross. One of the most popular attractions in Galveston is Moody Gardens, with the Rainforest pyramid, the Aquarium pyramid and the Science pyramid. There is a large hotel, wonderful tropical gardens and beaches. Padre Island is the world's longest barrier island. The island is just one of the 300 islands stretching all the way down from Maine to Mexico. There are several hotels or bed and breakfasts to choose from and also cabanas. Padre Island during spring break can become very crowded and noisy. It is very popular during the spring break period, so if you are looking for a quieter vacation, book before or after that. The beaches are family-friendly. Camping is possible along 25 miles of the beach. Access to Gulf Boulevard beach is available every few blocks. Dolphin tours can be arranged. There is a Schlitterbahn resort at South Padre and often there is live music and entertainment going on there. The Texas Gulf Coast has everything one could want in a vacation - from pleasant hotels and beach houses to camping sites with stunning views. Restaurants are some of the best to be found and they use the freshest of ingredients. The seafood comes straight from the Gulf. Activities abound - from all types of water sports to horseback riding and birding. Or just relax and do nothing. Visit museums or shop in all the novelty and gift shops. Also the best thing of all is that it is only a short four- to five-hour drive from the center of the Texas Metroplex. This makes it a great place for either a long weekend or a vacation of a week or more.
