Moon Houston & the Texas Gulf Coast

DISCOVER HOUSTON & THE TEXAS GULF COAST

5 TOP EXPERIENCES

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

EXPLORE HOUSTON & THE TEXAS GULF COAST

HOUSTON’S BEST 2-DAY GETAWAY

A TASTE OF TEXAS CUISINE

GULF COAST ESCAPE

STEP BACK IN TIME

HOUSTON FOR FAMILIES

Everything about Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast is larger than life. From towering skyscrapers to endless stretches of sandy coastline, this region of the Lone Star State exemplifies grandiosity, all with a hearty sense of Texas pride.

Houston offers travelers a cosmopolitan playground with a Texas flair that sets it apart from other urban landscapes. Its thousands of restaurants specialize in far beyond most cities’ standard fare. The multifaceted nightlife ranges from down-home honky-tonks to stylish, sophisticated dance clubs.

Just down the road, the Gulf Coast boasts more than 350 miles of shoreline, appealing to all types of recreational travelers. Salty fishermen escape to Galveston or Mustang Island near Corpus Christi for no-frills fishing while South Padre Island draws visitors from the opposite extreme: road-tripping families and spring breakers who frolic on the pristine white beaches.

This cosmopolitan Southern city has an independent spirit befitting Texas’s colossal charm, making it a worthy destination for anyone seeking a memorable escape.

5 TOP EXPERIENCES

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

WHERE TO GO

HOUSTON AND EAST TEXAS

With historic oil boomtowns, five national forests, and the megalopolis of Houston, this enormous region is an ideal place to experience the legacy of the Lone Star State. East Texas has a distinct Southern bayou influence, reflected in the food, heritage, and even the accents. Standing apart is Houston, the fourth-largest city in the country and home to NASA, oil-related industries, and some of the most preeminent restaurants, museums, and humidity in the nation.

THE GULF COAST

Stretching 350 miles (560 km) along the Gulf of Mexico, this region’s moderate beaches and waves draw casual beachcombers, salty anglers, and frolicking families. The biggest city on the gulf, Corpus Christi, offers plenty of recreational activities to accommodate a quick weekend getaway and the ubiquitous Winter Texans. Once a year, students from across the country invade South Padre Island for a rollicking spring break, but otherwise, the region remains as low-key as the gulf’s lightly lapping waves.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

WHEN TO GO

The region is downright pleasant in spring and fall, quite tolerable during the mild winter months, and absolutely hellish during the summertime.

Spring is the ideal time to visit, so plan for March or April. Vegetation is blooming in parks and gardens, festivals capitalize on sunny 73-degree days, and people enjoy the final few months they’ll be able to spend outside. Fall is the next-best season. By late October, things begin to “cool” down to the 80s, drawing cabin-fever sufferers out of their homes to restaurant patios and neighborhood parks.

Winter is a distinct season, but snowflakes and icy roads are rare. Temperatures can be erratic, jumping from the 30s to the 70s in just a few hours. This is a good time to plan a trip to South Padre Island.

Houston has gone to great lengths to accommodate its sweltering humid weather during summer (May through mid-October), mainly via overpowered air-conditioning systems and subterranean downtown tunnels. The constant flow of air-conditioning and water recreation allows residents and visitors to (barely) tolerate the heat. The coastal communities don’t have these fancy amenities, but he constant 15-mph wind coming off the water is a welcome change from oppressive urban humidity.

TRANSPORTATION

Air travel is the best option for getting to Texas, and Houston is a hub for United Airlines. It’s wise to reserve a rental car before arriving, and to specify a fuel-efficient vehicle, since you’ll likely be driving a lot. If you wait to rent a vehicle on arrival, there’s a good chance you’ll have to choose from the remaining fleet—typically an SUV or a minivan.

In a state this big, a vehicle is virtually a necessity, despite some recent advances in metropolitan public transportation systems. Fortunately, the interstate highway system is impressive—you can drive between major cities in a few hours.

EXPLORE HOUSTON & THE TEXAS GULF COAST

HOUSTON’S BEST 2-DAY GETAWAY

With dozens of worthy attractions and hundreds of notable restaurants in greater Houston, planning a weekend getaway may be challenging. But who can complain about having too many good options?

DAY 1

Kick the day off in the Museum District to get a feel for the city’s cultural story. Prioritize the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. For a nearby lunch, go with new-school Vietnamese cuisine at Lua Viet Kitchen or old-school comfort food at Benjy’s.

Continue discovering Houston’s cultural legacy at the Menil Collection (the Rothko Chapel will provide welcoming serenity), then venture a few miles southeast of town to experience unique folk art at The Orange Show. Afterward, enjoy an incredible Southern dinner at Lucille’s, then head down to Main Street for cocktails at Dean’s Credit Clothing.

DAY 2

Skip the hotel breakfast and beat the lines at Breakfast Klub, where the delectable chicken and waffles are still drawing crowds. Then hit the road for an out-of-this-world experience at NASA, where you can see the recently restored Mission Control Center and learn about the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.

Then head north for an afternoon of history at the San Jacinto Battleground. Drive back to Houston for some strolling along Buffalo Bayou then have a hearty dinner—for Mexican food, head to Hugo’s; for a traditional Houston steakhouse, go to Pappas Brothers Steakhouse. Top off the evening with craft beers at Hay Merchant or live music at the Continental Club.

GULF COAST ESCAPE

Combining a Houston trip with excursions along the Gulf Coast is not only possible, it’s encouraged. For those with limited time who need a quick saltwater fix, there’s nearby Galveston Island, just 50 miles southeast of Houston on the Gulf Freeway (I-45). Though the beaches aren’t exactly pristine, they’re close and easily accessible. Less crowded and more inviting is Mustang Island near Corpus Christi, offering steady waves and wide-open stretches of sand. Texas’s preeminent beach – think soft white sand and surfable waves – is on South Padre Island, a nearly five-hour drive from Houston but well worth the effort to truly kick back, relax, and soak up the warm Texas sun.

The following itinerary offers a solid introduction, but most visitors may prefer to enjoy these coastal towns at their leisure. To truly experience more than one of these destinations, plan for at least five or six days. Factor in driving time: from Houston, it will take about three-and-a-half hours to reach Corpus Christi via U.S. Hwy. 59 through Victoria (State Hwy. 35 along the coast is more picturesque but takes about 45 minutes longer). The five-and-a-half-hour drive to South Padre Island on U.S. Hwy. 77 is pretty lengthy, but absolutely rewarding once your feet hit the soft sand.

DAYS 1-2

GALVESTON ISLAND

Just an hour southeast of Houston, welcoming waves beckon at Galveston Island. Visit The Strand district, a 36-block National Historic Landmark District that features New Orleans-style hotels, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and a seaport museum with the 1877 tall ship Elissa. Enjoy a local lunch at Mosquito Café. In the afternoon, you can choose your adventure based on the weather—if it’s nice outside, visit Pleasure Pier for the amusement park rides; if it’s too hot, windy, or rainy, head to the indoor pyramids at Moody Gardens for aquariums and exhibits. Dinner and drinks await at the tremendous Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill.

If you want to extend your stay, consider spending the night at Tremont House, a stunning 1879 Victorian hotel in The Strand district. Spend the morning at Broadway Street’s stately historical mansions—Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion—then enjoy lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf, with a deck overlooking the bay, before heading to your next coastal stop.

DAYS 3-4

CORPUS CHRISTI

A few hours down the coastline, Corpus Christi offers wide-open beaches on Mustang Island. Named for the wild horses that once roamed free on the island, the park offers five miles of outstretched beach, perfect for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Those seeking recreational fun can rent a kayak or windsurfing equipment and tackle the gulf waters. Be sure to schedule time for a meal at Water Street Seafood Co. Stay at the Radisson, located right on the sand of Corpus Christi Beach.

On your next day, hit one of the top-notch cultural attractions like the USS Lexington or Texas State Aquarium.

DAYS 5-6

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Serious beachcombers should alter their schedules to spend a few days on South Padre Island. Soft white sand and bright blue water are major attractions, and so is the marine life at Sea Turtle, Inc. It’s also well worth the 74-step climb up the tight spiral staircase to experience the breathtaking views from the Port Isabel Lighthouse. The seafood here is the best in Texas, so be sure to catch a lunch or dinner at Pier 19 or Sea Ranch Restaurant.

EAST TEXAS

If you happen to be heading back from the coast along U.S. Hwy. 77, be sure to visit the legendary King Ranch to experience Texas’s cattle culture where it was born. Then hightail it to one of East Texas’s national forests for some camping or cabin time.

Another option—via U.S. Hwy. 59 and State Hwy. 103—is to explore the Piney Woods by bike or canoe, or hike to the abandoned Old Aldridge Sawmill in Angelina National Forest. Learn about the region’s logging heritage at Lufkin’s Texas Forestry Museum, or take a leisurely ride on the Texas State Railroad. At mealtime, be sure to sample a regional specialty like chopped beef barbecue or fried catfish. An East Texas day trip or overnight regional jaunt directly from Houston is also feasible.

HOUSTON FOR FAMILIES

Houston is the ideal stomping ground for frolicking families. The city is brimming with museums and recreational pursuits. From toddlers to great-grandparents, there are activities for all ages and interests.

DAY 1

Houston’s Museum District is a natural place to get things rolling on a family road trip. Start things off at the Museum of Natural Science, where kids and parents can learn about dinosaurs, mummies, gems, and oil production through interactive exhibits. The museum’s butterfly exhibit is worthwhile to see the colorful creatures in the towering domed rainforest habitat. Another option is to actively participate in the fun exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Houston.

The Museum District is surprisingly lacking in walking-distance restaurants, so head to the nearby Montrose-Kirby area for lunch at Goode Co. Barbeque. Then head back to the Museum District to visit the Health Museum next, where children are educated about the importance of health. The Amazing Body Pavilion lets you walk through a human body and learn about the various systems and organs.

DAY 2

Head southeast of town for a day of family fun at NASA. Young children may not grasp the historical significance of viewing Mission Control, but they’ll certainly appreciate Kids Space, a massive collection of exhibits, games, and hands-on activities. Grab some lunch on the bay and then head to Kemah Boardwalk, featuring restaurants, shops, fountains, and an impressive collection of amusement park-style rides at the water’s edge.

DAY 3

Stick around Houston for an animal-themed day, staring with the Houston Zoo. Five thousand animals keep adult and children entertained on those 55 acres, including a world of primates, Asian elephant habitat, lion and tiger exhibit, and children’s zoo. Afterward, head to the Downtown Aquarium for lunch – the seafood restaurant on the second floor is extremely kid friendly and surprisingly tasty. Plan to spend a few hours at the aquarium mingling with marine life. Families will marvel at the enormous tanks, Shark Voyage train ride, and outdoor midway rides.

If time permits, visit the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum dedicated to the African American troops who protected the Texas frontier (Native Americans gave them this noble name because of their immense bravery and valor).

HOUSTON AND EAST TEXAS

HIGHLIGHTS

PLANNING YOUR TIME

INFORMATION AND SERVICES

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Houston

ORIENTATION

SIGHTS

RECREATION

ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS

SHOPPING

FOOD

ACCOMMODATIONS

INFORMATION AND SERVICES

GETTING THERE

GETTING AROUND

Vicinity of Houston

BEAUMONT

PORT ARTHUR

Piney Woods

S BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE

SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST

DAVY CROCKETT NATIONAL FOREST

ANGELINA NATIONAL FOREST

SABINE NATIONAL FOREST

LUFKIN

NACOGDOCHES AND VICINITY

TYLER

JEFFERSON