After a lot more reading, and suggestions from members on this site, we have narrowed our rather abbreviated tour of Texas (about 3 weeks) to these three areas. We are retired and have never been to Texas before. We are looking for any and all info about these three areas especially CC and Galveston as we have quite a bit of info about San Antonio. Obviously we are looking for recommendations about campgrounds in all three areas--but would like some "off the beaten path" type advice as well as some retaurant suggestions (seafood, BBQ, Italian, American, breakfast). We are planning to head that way in the next 2-3 weeks. We really appreciate the info.
Al Youngs
07 Tundra Doublecab 5.7
06 Flagstaff 831FKSS
Equalizer
You will be hitting Galveston right at Mardis Gras time and the island will be a zoo. Make sure you have reservations. State park or Delanara's are both good. The is a new park thaat I have not stayed in at Jamaica Beach that looks very nice. For Italian food Di Bella's is a must. It is on 31st I believe and the locals usually go to Shrimp and Stuff on 39th and O for their seafood. Rudy and Paco's on the Strand is very good if you are looking for fine dining...(read Expensive!)There will be parades and parties all over the place far into the night but it is an experience not to be missed.
Both retired. 1 year until son finishes college, then financial freedom! We lost Max, the Schnoodle after 16 wonderful years but now enjoy Nicklaus Von Schnoodle (Nicky), who is a full time job. Our new Allegro Bay 34 XB is wonderful.
Al, we spent a week at the Blazing Star RV Resort in San Antonio in Jan, 2006. Nice CG with cement pads and trees which we love. Only draw back was you have to go to the rec center to get WI-FI reception. You will find that Sea World is closed in January. If you like caves see 'The No Name Cave'. Highly recommend driving up to Austin and visit the LBJ Library and Museum. While in Austin go to the Iron Works for the best Texas ribs I have ever tasted. They can give you directions at the Library. Also recommend you take a trip to the LBJ Ranch State and Federal Park. Site of the LBJ Western White House. Never been to Galveston or Corpus Cristie.
Dave Kedrowski
2004.5 White Dodge Ram3500 SLT QuadCab 4x4 Cummins Auto 4.1 Antislip SRW SWB Sport Appearance
The state park in Galveston is nice, lots of sites, on and off beach. Cement
shelter and table with hook-ups. Separate dump station. Clean and has grass lawns.
Clary's seafood is about the best in Galveston. On I-10 going to San A. from
Houston stop at Shulenburg at the Smokehouse. They have a great buffet with barbq
and german sausage. Northwest of SA is Kerrville that is a great area to see.
Grudalupe rv park on the river there is very nice. Check rvparkreviews.com
01 Kodiak 22'
02 Dodge Ram van Hi-top
James-Hortense
Taki and Buddy Canines
As soon as you cross the border (to Texas) stop at one of the visitor's center. They have excellent information about the state which covers historical things, camping, local attractions, etc.
Galveston: There is a lovely state park on the beach which we have stayed at several times. Seafood is king and there are lots of places to try out and sample with all sorts of price ranges. Many have outside menus posted. Take advantage of them. Check out the Elyssa (old sailing ship) and movie/exhibits on 1900 huricane. Strand is the touristy shopping area.
Corpus Christi: Check trailer guide for what might suit you. I like beach campgrounds in winter. Check out Texas State Aquarium and Lexington (I think that is the aircraft carrier made into museum there). Again seafood is tops; try finding a place you can buy fresh or right off boats. Corpus is prettier than Galveston and beaches are generally cleaner.
San Antonio: Avoid city center in your rig but do take the toad into town. Alamo and nearby river walk are top attractions and worth the visit. Mexican food or more properly Tex Mex food is wonderful in S.A. Go where it is crowded at meal times and the food will be good regardless of what the place looks like. There is an old converted house called Liberty Cafe (can't remember address) that makes their own bread and fixes wonderful to-die-for sanwiches (grilled zuccini and mushrooms on toasted sour dough bread).
Rather than do both coastal towns, I would recommend you do only Corpus and then spend some time in the Hill Country. Austin is the state capital and has a number of attractions. Hill Country lakes are popular year round and there are many state parks through out the Hill Country. Fredericksburg with its German history is unique but touristy. Enchanted Rock makes wonderful day hike. State literature does a good job of highlighting this area.
robbandi said it very well, HOWEVER(ya knew that's comin, right-lol), I would recommend that you stay in Rockport-Fulton area. Having lived in Corpus, I can't think of any park that I would recommend. www.rockportrvparks should help you.
Ya might want to try Goose Island state park in Rockport, good fishing pier and just down the road from Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (winter home of whooping cranes and lots of other birds). We like Nueces County RV park in Port Aransas, its on the beach next to the CC ship channel within bicycling distance of down town Port A, there is also a $0.25 bus that goes everywhere in town. Down the beach is Mustang Island state park, Padre Island National Seashore ( can drycamp on the beach and catch fish, collect shells and watch people).
Hope you have fun.
Larry
To experience the variety that Texas has to offer, I suggest you visit one coastal area, either South Padre Island or Corpus. The San Antonio area is hill country - it's a short hop from there to Austin. Prepare for traffic and confusing interchanges. If you have the time, try to get down to Big Bend National Park to experience the desert southwest.
As a native Texan, let me say a big "HOWDY" in advance.
The rig: 41' 2008 Monaco Diplomat SKQ
The toad: 2008 Honda CRV EX-L
The Pilot: Warren
The Navagator: Betty (recalculating!)
The Passengers: Bear and Sassy (our cat kids) Home is where we park it
In Aransas Pass, across the street from HEB, is the Olde Towne Cafe, great food and photos of the area from 1900 to today. In Port Aransas is the Tarpon Inn (Hotel) that has survived several huricanes and Teddy Rosevelt stayed there during his tarpon fishing trips, they have photos and tarpon scales from him and several other individuals. Also in Port Aransas across from the ferry is the Texas Treasure, a gambling ship that goes out twice a day. There is also Fishermans Warf that has two 60' catarmerman style fishing boats that can take out around 90 people at a time for deep sea fishing trips. In Corpus Christi, at the "T" head piers(along Ocean Drive) is one of the replica Columbus ships. Around 10 years ago they had all three setup and you could take tours of them, but the city let them fall into disrepair and Spain sued their butts off. There is a lot more in Corpus, including Staples Mall that has a merry-go-round inside, and the grayhound race track, the more i type the more places i remember around the costal area.
Seabreeze RV Park is right on the Corpus Christi Bay and a very nice park. www.campingfriend.com/SeaBreezeRVPark/. Also don't miss Pier 99 next to the Lexington for great seafood. If you like shrimp get the shrimp platter for 2. $31 but the best deal. A lot of food and the best shrimp.
Never been to Galveston.
San Antonio Riverwalk and Flea market is worth checking out.
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