By Jeanni Ritchie
Texas has 367 miles of coastline, and I tried to cover a good stretch of it in just over a week. From the mid-century charm of Galveston to the high-rise resorts of South Padre, the laid-back beaches of Port Aransas, and the carnival spirit of Kemah, this trip was equal parts adventure, reflection, and pure coastal joy.
Galveston: Where History Meets the Sea
The drive into Galveston set the tone: a yellow suspension bridge, a port buzzing with hundreds of trucks, and then, suddenly, water everywhere. By the time I reached Hotel Lucine, a revamped 1960s motor lodge right on the Seawall, I was already in love with the view.
My days in Galveston were a mix of old-world charm and kid-in-a-candy-store fun. Moody Gardens took me from penguins to rainforests in a single afternoon, while a narrated Duck Boat Tour reminded me why amphibious vehicles never lose their thrill. Downtown, the Strand District was buzzing with cruisers in floppy hats fresh off the Carnival Breeze (note to self: avoid Love Boat cosplay when I take my own cruise).
Evenings belonged to sunsets—on the beach, from Hotel Lucine’s rooftop bar, or during a historic harbor tour where dolphins showed up in droves. Galveston’s mix of Victorian mansions, the Absolute Equality mural celebrating emancipation, and boardwalk kitsch reminded me why this city holds its own against any coastal escape.
In between was plenty of pool time at Hotel Lucine. From afternoon sunbathing to night swims, it had the whole pool-meets-beach vibe.
Where to Eat:
• The Fancy — elevated Gulf Coast dining with a modern twist, ideal for a special night out or an elevated breakfast
• Starfish Coffee — a cozy breakfast stop for fresh coffee, pastries, and a low-key morning vibe.
• Good Dough for kolaches with attitude (yes, Mean Girls references included).
• Rainforest Café for the experience (sparklers on dessert, animatronic gorillas—what’s not to love?). Don’t skip the boat ride!
• Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood with a view.
Where to Stay:
• Hotel Lucine — rooftop sunsets, courtyard pool, and a boutique vibe right on the seawall.
What to Do:
• Moody Gardens — Three pyramids (aquarium, rainforest, and discovery) plus theaters and seasonal exhibits make this a full-day adventure.
• Moody Mansion — Step inside the restored 28,000-square-foot 1895 home and glimpse Galveston’s gilded past.
• Galveston Duck Tours — Part bus, part boat, this narrated tour splashes from downtown streets straight into the harbor.
• Historic Harbor Tour — Cruise through Galveston Bay for dolphin sightings and a front-row seat to working ships and oil rigs.
• Tall Ship Elissa — Climb aboard this fully restored 1877 sailing vessel, one of the world’s oldest still in operation.
• Bishop’s Palace — A National Historic Landmark, this ornate Victorian home is as dramatic inside as it is from the street.
• Then & Now Bookshop — A cozy independent bookstore perfect for browsing, chatting with locals, and picking up a beach read. (Pick up a “mystery book” for a special date night with a book!)
• The Strand — Galveston’s historic downtown district, lined with 19th-century buildings, shops, galleries, and restaurants.
South Padre Island: Margaritaville State of Mind
Seven hours down the coast, I traded Victorian mansions for high-rise resorts. Margaritaville South Padre Island was pure escapism: balcony views, pool contests, fire pits, and live music drifting through the salty air.
Days here were blissfully lazy—lounging by the pool, reading in an Adirondack chair, occasionally joining kids in the Cha Cha Slide from my balcony. Nights brought dolphin cruises past SpaceX launch pads and abandoned shrimp boats, sunsets painted like a Van Gogh prequel to Starry Night, and plenty of tacos and cheesesteaks from Landshark. Plus the pool stayed open til 11 PM!
For anyone who thinks “doing nothing” is a waste, I’ll politely disagree. Sometimes paradise looks like sunscreen, a bagel from Joe Merchant’s, and a nap in the lounge chair.
Where to Eat:
• Landshark Bar & Grill for tropical tacos, Philly cheesesteaks, and live music.
• Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions for bagels, muffins, and grab-and-go treats.
Where to Stay:
• Margaritaville Resort — pool, beach access, live music, and that “no worries” vibe.
What to Do:
• Sunset Dolphin Cruise at a nearby harbor (you’ll see dolphins, birds, and maybe even SpaceX).
• Chill at the pool or beach—it’s what this place is all about.
Port Aransas: Laid-Back Island Life
If South Padre was high-rise resort energy, Port Aransas (or Port A, as locals call it) felt like the Gulf Coast version of “Cheers.” Everybody waves, ferries shuttle cars across the bay, and you’re just as likely to talk sunsets with strangers as you are to get stuck in the sand (yes, that happened—I was rescued by kind locals with a tow strap).
I split my stay between dolphin cruises, writing chapters of my book on the beach, and one perfect seafood dinner: crab-stuffed mahi-mahi at Fins, which might be the freshest fish I’ve ever tasted. Port A was also a lesson in slowing down — whether that meant getting sandy at the beach, ferry rides under the stars, or laughing at myself after channeling Double Jeopardy ferry fears.
Where to Eat:
• Fins for crab-stuffed mahi-mahi or a “cook your catch” option.
• Kody’s for shrimp pasta and local vibes.
Where to Stay:
• Airbnb in a botanical garden nursery (quirky, peaceful, unforgettable). https://www.
What to Do:
• Sunset Cruise for dolphins and Texas skies that outshine postcards.
• Drive (carefully!) on the Port A Beach. Bring a picnic; stay until sunset.
• Hop ferries like a local — it’s part of the charm.
Kemah: Boardwalk Thrills & Harbor Dreams
I wrapped up my coastal trip with a carnival-meets-marina vibe in Kemah, just south of Houston. The Kemah Boardwalk is 60 acres of rides, restaurants, and waterfront fun — think Ferris wheels, wooden roller coasters, and speedboat thrills.
Dinner at Tookie’s Burgers (the Balboa pizza burger with a milkshake mash-up) was indulgent in the best way. But the real highlight was my final night: staying aboard a sailboat in the harbor, reading the last pages of my novel as the sunset reflected off the water.
I woke up to the sound of pounding rain—just a couple of feet above my head. And then it hit me: I was already below deck. Temporary panic set in as I imagined the boat turning into my own personal swimming pool! It was fine, I was fine, and then I hit the road, stopping at Skipper’s right by the marina in Clear Lake Shores. It’s a true local hangout, and serves breakfast all day—which, honestly, was perfect for me. With both me, and the car, fueled up, we were ready to head home!
Where to Eat:
• Tookie’s Burgers — award-winning, quirky, and worth the hype
• Skipper’s — local hangout with all-day breakfast, great service
Where to Stay:
• Sailboat Airbnb in Kemah Harbor — rocking gently to sleep is better than any lullaby. https://www.airbnb.
What to Do:
• Kemah Boardwalk rides and attractions.
• Swing on the stern of your Airbnb boat with a book and let the harbor rock you into peace.
After the final Texas sunset …
This coastal stretch of Texas gave me a little of everything: history, nature, theme-park thrills, resort indulgence, and small-town charm. Each stop had its own personality, but all shared the same Gulf breeze and sunsets that seemed painted just for me. I’ve been in love with Texas sunsets since I was 16 years old, and I’ve been chasing them ever since.
Sometimes travel is about adventure, sometimes it’s about reflection, and sometimes it’s about laughing when your car gets stuck in the sand. This trip was all of that — and more.
Jeanni Ritchie is a travel writer from Central Louisiana. Follow her adventures in real-time at https://www.facebook.com/
