South Texas’ terrific beaches

Think “Texas” and a lot comes to mind: big oil, big cities, big place. What may not register is big, beautiful beaches – especially in the stretch of land arcing south from Corpus Christi. These beaches are some of the best. Courtesy of the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau, here’s a sampling of some surf ‘n sand hot spots:

Great birding spot … Mustang Island, Texas. Photo by eschipul

– The mere name Mustang Island evokes the tone and tenor of this state. Fishing, sand castles and beachcombing abound, but what sets this particular beach apart is birding. The area is rife with waterfowl, redolent with the sound of their screes mixed with the tumbling surf.

Surfing in Texas. Photo by thepipe26

– If it’s pure surf you seek, head to the J.P. Luby Surf Beach Park. The name may not give hint, but the surfing is very, very good. Corpus Christi’s CVB says, “Consistent offshore winds blow from the west northwest, promising surf at all stages of the tide.”

Birdlife at Padre Island National Seashore. Photo by NPCA Photos

– Solitude, stretches of sand sans commercialism? Padre Island National Seashore is the sanctuary of choice in these parts. Go early in the morning, at the right time of year (winter’s good) and stretches of this 130,000-acre retreat are all but barren of people. The National Seashore’s Malaquite Visitor’s Center gives you a good overview of the natural and cultural history of the park. You can also learn about how folks are attempting to rescue the planet’s most endangered sea turtle, the Kemp’s Ridley. You can fish along the seashore – as long as you have valid Texas fishing licenses, replete with saltwater stamps.

USS Lexington, Corpus Christi. Photo by Alkula’s

– Prefer people with your surf ‘n sand? Corpus Christi Beach is right in the city, and sports some first-rate seafood restaurants. The Texas State Aquarium is here, so too USS Lexington.

(Featured image is by jdpage)