This 83-Mile Drive Is The Best Way To See Texas' Stunning Coast
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 25, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Before summer is over, you’ll want to hit the beach as many times as possible. That’s why we’ve designed this coastal road trip that lets you do just that several times in one day. The drive takes less than three hours to complete, so feel free to spend as much time as you’d like at each stop. As always, the Google map with exact directions and addresses can be found here.
Get ready to see some of the best sights and most breathtaking views along the Gulf Coast!
Spanning nearly 150,000 acres, the refuge encompasses an extremely wide variety of plant and animal life. You'll see over 400 species of birds, including America's only remaining flock of whooping cranes. Hunt for deer and feral hogs, take a hike on the nature trails, fish, and perhaps even spot some gators cooling off in the water. The refuge is located at 1 Wild Life Circle, Austwell, TX 77950.
Next we're headed to Rockport, a charming coastal community that has the laid-back vibe we all love about beach towns. It isn't difficult to find a secluded spot on the sand to hang out at, and the views are second-to-none.
Also in Rockport is the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site. Built in 1877, its interior gas lighting, flush-toilets, and other amenities were almost unheard of at the time and made it the envy of many residents. The tour takes you back over a century for a glimpse of the family's life in a home that was decades ahead of its time. You'll find this historic gem at 317 Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382.
Of course we had to include a lighthouse, and what better than the only one in the state that operates 24 hours a day? The Lydia Ann Lighthouse is located just off Redfish Bay Causeway on Highway 361, and although privately owned, it can be viewed from offshore for spectacular photo opportunities.
With over five miles of coastline, Mustang Island is one of the least-trafficked beaches in the state. You can swim, picnic, hike, mountain bike, kayak, bird watch, and so much more. There's also a 20-mile paddling trail that passes through some of the best shallow-water fishing areas in Texas and offers close-up views of majestic coastal birds.
Ending the trip with anything other than Padre Island would just seem wrong. Boasting a whopping 70 miles of of coastline, it's the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the entire world! It's home to nearly 400 species of bird as well as the adorable Kemp's ridley sea turtles that hatch from mid-June to August.
What do you think of this trip? Would you take it?
