The Best Attractions in South Texas

The setting sun over Choke Canyon reservoir in Texas.

With its proximity to the Gulf Coast, South Texas boasts some truly exceptional destinations. Here are some of the best you need to check out:

1. Padre Island National Seashore

 One of the most spectacular destinations in the Gulf Coast area, the Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of preserved barrier island anywhere in the world. The national park protects 70 miles of coastline, tidal flats, dunes, and prairies that are home to hundreds of native marine species.

While this area prohibits commercial development, it welcomes visitors with a wide range of coastal recreation activities. You can explore Laguna Madre on a kayak or a canoe. See for yourself why this hypersaline (saltier than the ocean) lagoon is considered one of the most overlooked natural wonders in North America. You can also paddle along the waters on the opposite side, where the Padre Island National Seashore meets the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Windsurfing is also available along these shores.

Nature lovers will delight in the site’s five public campgrounds that are open year round, or time their visits for the hatching season of Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, the smallest marine turtle in the world and a critically endangered species.

2. The Great Texas Birding Trail

 The entire stretch of the Texas Gulf Coast is well known among birdwatchers and hikers, thanks to this state-designated trail system that connects 43 distinct hiking and driving trails. Covering a total length of more than 500 miles with more than 300 birding sites across the area, the trail treats guests to more than 450 bird species on viewing sites like boardwalks and observation decks.

3. Choke Canyon State Park and Reservoir

 Choke Canyon State Park is a quick, 20-minute drive from the city of Three Rivers in Live Oak County. It sits on the southern shore of the 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir and is an excellent destination for recreational fishing and birdwatching. Campers and hikers frequent the place to enjoy the refreshing lakeshore surroundings. Facilities include picnic pavilions, a dining hall, a youth camp, and a gym. There are also areas to play basketball, tennis, and soccer.

Wildlife lovers don’t have to go far to observe the teeming fauna of local South Texas habitats. The James E. Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area (WMA) surrounding Choke Canyon Reservoir offers interpretive trails and opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, gray foxes, bobwhite and scaled quail, mourning and white-winged dove, rabbits, coyotes, and wild turkeys, among many other wildlife species.

4. The Big Tree in Goose Island State Park

Goose Island State Park in Rockport is home to one of the state’s most remarkable residents – The Big Tree. One of the largest live oaks in the US, today, The Big Tree was the state’s national champ from 1966 until it was dethroned in 2003. This thousand-year-old oak is 11 feet wide, 40 feet tall, and has a crown spread of around 90 feet.

5. Corpus Christi’s Beach Loop

 For a casual, scenic drive around Corpus Christi Bay, take this route and marvel at the incredible sights – the stately homes along Ocean Drive, the gorgeous vantage points overlooking the Bay and Harbor Bridge at the Corpus Christi Bayfront, and the sparkling beach along Port Aransas. The loop connects you to the Padre Island National Seashore, so expect more adventures along the way.

 Want to find a home that brings you closer to these outstanding attractions? Call me, John Walker, at 361-449-2051 or send me a message at desertflowerrealty@desertflowerrealty.com.