Best Beach Areas w/n 5 hrs of Austin

[gdavis]

Want to find a nice beach in Texas - around 5 hrs from Austin, for a family with young kids - for a few days of relaxation. Not looking for the atmosphere of Padre (or distance) nor the busyness of Galveston. I assume something around Corpus would be nice, but looking for some opinions of those in the area or with more experience than I have.

 

[brntorng]

The Corpus area is probably your best bet, although none of the beaches within 5 hours are anything special. For years we've gone to Port Royal between Corpus and Port A. It has the typical Mustang Island beach which is fine for walks and sand castles and such, but also has perhaps the nicest pool(s) in Texas that kids love. All in all, we've always had a great time there even if the beaches are not spectacular.

 

[longyak]

Port Aransas or Rockport.

Galveston actually has beach right now. They spent millions of FEMA dollars putting sand in front of the Seawall all the way down. Go see your tax dollars before the Gulf washes them away. www.galveston.com/webcams

 

[NickDanger]

There's a thread on this subject from 3/9. On the Road Again.

 

[accuratehorn]

Kids love the beach wherever it is-are you sure you won't consider Galveston, where I grew up? They sure could use some extra tourists right now. I read where the population is down to 47,000, not exactly a large city.
And I think it is the fastest drive to the beach from Austin, you can get there in three or three and a half hours depending on when you go through Houston.
Otherwise, Corpus (north Padre) beaches are fine.

 

[longyak]

In reply to:

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[Texas___Fight]

I go down to Corpus every year for training and I love North Padre. I usually stay at the Holiday Inn Sunspree down there and it is very relaxing. There is also a lot to do for the kiddos and shopping is right around the corner for the wife. Make sure to hit Snoopy's!!!

 

[Summerof79]

Port Aransas/North Padre- We stay near the middle of the island most stays usually at Sandpiper, Sea Gull or Mayan Princess depending on who all goes.

Port A is the fun fishing village, wher the kiddos can watch the party boats offload thier catches. Get a Fish Sandwich at Virgina's. Hit Snoopy's under the Corpus Causeway, hit Dragon Fly at the island side strip center at the end of the causeway.

 

[jmatt]

Another vote for Rockport. And like someone said, you don't have to mess with Houston traffic.

We also used to go to Matagorda. Nothing much around it though.

 

[Dogbert]

Port Aransas. Sandpiper is our favorite place. Coral Cay is good. Plenty of other good ones too.

 

[Napoleon]

You didn't specify "Within a 5hr drive."

Because if 5 hours is you limit, but you're not limited by mode of transportation, that changes EVERYTHING.

But I'm assuming that you meant "drive".