1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Texas residents - best beach vacation spots?

Discussion in 'Texas' started by Atomic City Tundra, Mar 4, 2019.

  1. Mar 4, 2019 at 6:27 AM
    #1
    Atomic City Tundra

    Atomic City Tundra [OP] Cam Tower Leak Addict

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    Member:
    #13508
    Messages:
    1,749
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Devin
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra 5.7FFV CM 4X4
    I am wondering if I could get some input on recommendations for good vacation spots on the beach in Texas?

    Thanks in advance,

    Devin
     
  2. Mar 4, 2019 at 6:30 AM
    #2
    Ac91

    Ac91 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2018
    Member:
    #13134
    Messages:
    187
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra SR5
    Been to south padre a few times it was nice. Galveston I would stay away from personally other than those two don’t know of any other beaches
     
  3. Mar 4, 2019 at 6:32 AM
    #3
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

    Joined:
    May 30, 2016
    Member:
    #3487
    Messages:
    50,312
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    You have Galveston beach, which also Pleasure Pier that has a carnival for kiddos, lots of bars n great restaurants up and down the beach wall, also Moody Gardens lots of activities, and you can camp out on beach as well north of Galveston
     
  4. Mar 4, 2019 at 7:07 AM
    #4
    West Texas Tundra

    West Texas Tundra 2016 Bronze Beast

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2019
    Member:
    #25539
    Messages:
    461
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Leo
    Odessa, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2016 Sunset Bronze
    20 inch CECO wheels Drop in K&N air filter 2 inch front leveling kit
    Went to south padre 3 year ago in July. Was really nice to me. It was cool having all a lot of restaurants and stores all down the same strip with the beach nearby. If it wasn’t 10 hours away, I’d go more often.
     
  5. Mar 4, 2019 at 7:10 AM
    #5
    TokerJoker

    TokerJoker ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2018
    Member:
    #19328
    Messages:
    2,223
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Travis
    Nowhere, Specific
    Vehicle:
    2014 Black SR5 4.6 Dbl Cab
    None.....yet
    Don't bring back illegal contraband back from South padre island. Wonderful people there shit federally coming back!! Bunch of assholes I know I met all on shift that night:anonymous: local cops are kickass well he was before God needed his angel back home R.I.P. Officer Andy
     
  6. Mar 4, 2019 at 7:13 AM
    #6
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2019
    Member:
    #26430
    Messages:
    3,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Outside of Weird, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    Agree with all comments on Galveston both pro and con.

    Stewart beach used to be the go-to place on Galveston island. Last time I was there 25 years ago, the weekend traffic going down to the beach was insane...bumper-to-bumper gridlock. It's probably better to go during the week, and avoid late June and July.

    A lot of history in Galveston if you're into that...old Victorian mansions to tour, old restored sailing ship, museums (immigration, hurricane, railroad etc.), the Strand ('old town' on inland side) etc. Because cotton was king, Galveston began to think of themselves as THE financial center in the West. The 1900 storm pretty much ended their competition to NYC. Most people don't realize that after the island was obliterated by 1900 storm, structures deemed salvageable were jacked up about 10', and virtually the entire island elevation raised (Corps of Engineers?). The seawall was then built to prevent future destruction. Moody Gardens was mentioned above; been there for an enjoyable weekend (check out the pyramids). I don't know, but the hotel might be a little pricey if you stay there.

    If you are interested only in beach or fishing, take a look at Rockport, Freeport, or beaches near Corpus Christi (South Padre mentioned). I haven't been to the beach in Freeport in 65 years, or ever to Rockport, but I heard it was nice before their storm. Google them for the CofC story.
     
  7. Mar 4, 2019 at 7:20 AM
    #7
    War Machine

    War Machine SSEM # 5 3MW

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2017
    Member:
    #8939
    Messages:
    16,910
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Texas
    The destruction in Galveston back then pretty much made Houston what it is today.

    I don’t care for beaches, but Galveston is a really cool city to visit. Plenty of activities and history there. I always hear that South Padre is much better for beach goers though.
     
  8. Mar 4, 2019 at 7:35 AM
    #8
    Atomic City Tundra

    Atomic City Tundra [OP] Cam Tower Leak Addict

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    Member:
    #13508
    Messages:
    1,749
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Devin
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra 5.7FFV CM 4X4
    We are definitely more going for sitting on the beach and playing in the water. We went to North Carolina last year and it was awesome. Looking for something a bit closer this time and we were thinking of either Texas or SoCal - but SoCal has so many effing people. How are the crowds on Padre Island in the summer (say July/August timeframe)?

    Thanks for all the replies.
     
    TXRailRoadBandit73 likes this.
  9. Mar 4, 2019 at 7:53 AM
    #9
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2019
    Member:
    #26430
    Messages:
    3,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Outside of Weird, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    South Padre and Rockport will definitely be closer to you. No need to drive maybe another 200 miles to Galveston if you only want beach. I-10 to San Antonio, I-37 close to Corpus, then state highways to either.
     
  10. Mar 4, 2019 at 7:55 AM
    #10
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14884
    Messages:
    27,768
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Hudson Valley, New York
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM Tundra TRD Sport Double Cab
    What is illegal contraband from South padre island?
     
  11. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:05 AM
    #11
    rustynail11

    rustynail11 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2017
    Member:
    #10935
    Messages:
    453
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Mansfield,TX (DFW Area)
    Vehicle:
    2017 Grey Tundra TRD
    If you are coming from NM I would stick with South Padre, Port Aransas, or Rockport
     
  12. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:23 AM
    #12
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2019
    Member:
    #26430
    Messages:
    3,008
    Gender:
    Male
    Outside of Weird, TX
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DC TSS 4.6L
    TRD Pro grille, 2018 LED Headlights, Undercover Flex bed cover, Neoprene seat covers, Bed/tailgate mats, Power tailgate lock, auto headlights, illuminated key switch
    I don't know why, but that Cheech and Chong scene with heavy smoke pouring out of that VW bus comes to mind...:rofl:
     
  13. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:29 AM
    #13
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12738
    Messages:
    6,736
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JR
    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    More from Matamoras, MX bordertown......
     
  14. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:37 AM
    #14
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12738
    Messages:
    6,736
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JR
    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    South Padre best beaches and water in TX. Haven't been in 20 yrs, it has grown with more things to do. Should be way less crowded than SoCal. Do not think crowds are problem except maybe for SPring Break.

    Corpus Christi (Not as nice) has ok beaches, they just do not have as much beach as you would think or cater to it. Port Aransas has some nice new developments and a few resorts, P.A. is a big Barrier Island to CC.

    Galveston, definitely more to do overall, beaches are far from spectacular.
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2019
  15. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:41 AM
    #15
    DvilleMafia

    DvilleMafia New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #20927
    Messages:
    439
    Gender:
    Male
    DFW
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra SR5 4x4
    South padre - best beaches
    Port Aransas/Rockport - best bay fishing
     
  16. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:44 AM
    #16
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,630
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    I have always wanted to go and stay in S Padre Island. I had a friend that spent his last days with his wife there. Passed away peacefully on the beach. I’m glad he got to pass in his favorite place in the world.
     
  17. Mar 4, 2019 at 9:54 AM
    #17
    aRabidLunatic

    aRabidLunatic Professional Hobo

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2018
    Member:
    #14645
    Messages:
    576
    Gender:
    Male
    Central Texas
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra SR5 Black
    Sout Padre is where we go. Glaveston is closer but water is dirtier. Brownsville is pretty close to south padre. Also, check out rental condos instead of hotels.
     
  18. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:08 AM
    #18
    TokerJoker

    TokerJoker ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2018
    Member:
    #19328
    Messages:
    2,223
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Travis
    Nowhere, Specific
    Vehicle:
    2014 Black SR5 4.6 Dbl Cab
    None.....yet
    Think my handle may have clue.....
     
    Trooper2 likes this.
  19. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:10 AM
    #19
    TokerJoker

    TokerJoker ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2018
    Member:
    #19328
    Messages:
    2,223
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Travis
    Nowhere, Specific
    Vehicle:
    2014 Black SR5 4.6 Dbl Cab
    None.....yet
    Guess we should've Party Hard like Andrew W.K.
     
    Trooper2[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:26 AM
    #20
    Atomic City Tundra

    Atomic City Tundra [OP] Cam Tower Leak Addict

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    Member:
    #13508
    Messages:
    1,749
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Devin
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra 5.7FFV CM 4X4

    Yeah, the plan is to secure a beachfront house/condo. That is what we did in North Carolina and it was the bees knees.
     
  21. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:32 AM
    #21
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4546
    Messages:
    3,288
    Gender:
    Male
    Fate, Tx
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra TSS 4x4
    Go to Alabama or the Fl panhandle. Not much further than Texas beaches and a WHOLE lot nicer.
     
  22. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:34 AM
    #22
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12738
    Messages:
    6,736
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JR
    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    Not many Beach house on the beach down there. Most Houses will be across the street from beach. Lots of condos Beachfront..
     
  23. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:39 AM
    #23
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12738
    Messages:
    6,736
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JR
    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    Nicer but 8-12 hrs further when driving........
     
  24. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:41 AM
    #24
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14884
    Messages:
    27,768
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Hudson Valley, New York
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM Tundra TRD Sport Double Cab
    I think we are going to Panama City Beach, Florida, in August.
     
  25. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:43 AM
    #25
    Atomic City Tundra

    Atomic City Tundra [OP] Cam Tower Leak Addict

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    Member:
    #13508
    Messages:
    1,749
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Devin
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra 5.7FFV CM 4X4
    We will be flying. But still, plane time is a consideration this go 'round. Carolina was great, but the flights out there were pretty long, and we ran into pretty horrible weather and ended up driving from Pennsylvania because of a cancelled/redirected flight. I never really considered Alabama - I'll look into it. What makes the beaches so much nicer there?
     
  26. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:43 AM
    #26
    Atomic City Tundra

    Atomic City Tundra [OP] Cam Tower Leak Addict

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2018
    Member:
    #13508
    Messages:
    1,749
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Devin
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tundra 5.7FFV CM 4X4
    I was noticing that. Condos are fine - we lucked out in Carolina and got a top floor condo. Not seeing many of those in S. Padre so far....
     
  27. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:44 AM
    #27
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12738
    Messages:
    6,736
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JR
    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    Some nice areas down there. The traffic can be bad, especially on weekends, folks leaving and arriving for week long rentals.
     
  28. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:45 AM
    #28
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12738
    Messages:
    6,736
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JR
    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    Beaches are fairly clean and white, water is much clearer than TX upper coast, they don't have as many rivers clouding up the Gulf in that area.

    S. Padre compares to Gulf Shores / Destin / Panama City
     
  29. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:46 AM
    #29
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14884
    Messages:
    27,768
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Hudson Valley, New York
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM Tundra TRD Sport Double Cab
    Yep, we were there about 5 years ago. Beautiful beach.
     
    Trooper2[QUOTED] likes this.
  30. Mar 4, 2019 at 11:33 AM
    #30
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

    Joined:
    May 30, 2016
    Member:
    #3487
    Messages:
    50,312
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    How far south you wanting to go?
     

Products Discussed in

To Top