what reason is there for Houstonians to visit Corpus Christi or South Padre Island (close to RGV area) over Galveston? (Brownsville: transplants, to rent)

[Mescalero]

Originally Posted by Jack Lance

How hard are you supposed to look. You go to Galveston to lose yourself to vacate your thoughts not to investigate thug activity that could be found not far from where any of us live as well.

I don't know, it seemed to always be a little too prevalent in Galveston proper. Wonder what it would take to clean that place up.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by Mescalero

I don't know, it seemed to always be a little too prevalent in Galveston proper. Wonder what it would take to clean that place up.

Galveston is transitioning to a better place, but it has always been a gem of an amenity for the Greater Houston area. New Cruise Lines, new Hotels and other commercial developments and gentrification of what is one of the great reservoirs of Victorian architecture outside of Key West. The Hotel Galvez, and the Tremont renovations show Galveston has the bones that most cities that are much larger do not have.

The cost of living on the coast is continuously increasing. Property values and insurance rates not to mention the cost of rebuilding after bad weather events will eventually gentrify that thuggish element off the island and unto the mainland.

[rabbit33]

Galveston is a grotty beach town where they drive up and down all day on the beach (except for Stewart Beach up at the head of the island). Aside from a few fun places and the Seawall, there's little for the non-drunk adult. It's only an hour or two away depending on where you start in Houston.

Corpus is an actual city with a generally better experience. If you avoid spring break time, Port A is pretty nice (though still driving on the beach). It's a

South Padre is very nice, but a long haul from Houston.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by rabbit33

Galveston is a grotty beach town where they drive up and down all day on the beach (except for Stewart Beach up at the head of the island). Aside from a few fun places and the Seawall, there's little for the non-drunk adult. It's only an hour or two away depending on where you start in Houston.

Corpus is an actual city with a generally better experience. If you avoid spring break time, Port A is pretty nice (though still driving on the beach). It's a

South Padre is very nice, but a long haul from Houston.

What does "actual" city mean? It's telling that when people make these comparisons between Galveston and Corpus, they never mention that at its heart Corpus is a refinery town. Corpus Christi Bay is for its size is more industrial than Galveston Bay is. As mentioned in previous post Corpus is good for a change of pace but not worth the time on a regular basis.

[txdad99]

Originally Posted by rabbit33

Galveston is a grotty beach town where they drive up and down all day on the beach (except for Stewart Beach up at the head of the island). Aside from a few fun places and the Seawall, there's little for the non-drunk adult. It's only an hour or two away depending on where you start in Houston.

Corpus is an actual city with a generally better experience. If you avoid spring break time, Port A is pretty nice (though still driving on the beach). It's a

South Padre is very nice, but a long haul from Houston.

I disagree… Corpus doesn’t have that many interesting, beach-y things to do. Visiting the Selena museum, sure, but other than that who wants to go to a mall when at the beach? Galveston has much better eating & shopping in a more historic beach front feel. Even if it is a little run down in some areas.

[recycled]

If you want a quiet and scenic coastal place to stay for a few days on your way from Houston to Padre Island, stop at Goose Island State Park just north of Rockport, TX (also scenic but damaged bad by a hurricane a few years ago). Great place for fishing, boating, sailing and bird watching. If you don't catch your own fish, stop at a fresh fish market in Rockport or Aransas Pass.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by recycled

If you want a quiet and scenic coastal place to stay for a few days on your way from Houston to Padre Island, stop at Goose Island State Park just north of Rockport, TX (also scenic but damaged bad by a hurricane a few years ago). Great place for fishing, boating, sailing and bird watching. If you don't catch your own fish, stop at a fresh fish market in Rockport or Aransas Pass.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island

I don't know, a park where the biggest attraction seems to be a big oak tree doesn't sound all that "scenic" to me? The only pics the State parks website post of the park is of that tree.....

[recycled]

Originally Posted by Jack Lance

I don't know, a park where the biggest attraction seems to be a big oak tree doesn't sound all that "scenic" to me? The only pics the State parks website post of the park is of that tree.....

If you read some of the 1500 reviews on Google Maps of the state park (most are 5 star ratings) the comments say there is more than an oak tree to look at and many things to do if you are an outdoor lover. I just threw out a suggestion of a place that I found nice which I have actually visited and camped at. Maybe someone that likes good campgrounds and has actually been there would have something positive to add.

[Jack Lance]

Originally Posted by recycled

If you read some of the 1500 reviews on Google Maps of the state park (most are 5 star ratings) the comments say there is more than an oak tree to look at and many things to do if you are an outdoor lover. I just threw out a suggestion of a place that I found nice which I have actually visited and camped at. Maybe someone that likes good campgrounds and has actually been there would have something positive to add.

Ok the topic of the thread is, is Corpus or points south worth the trip rather than just going to Galveston. I would put your suggestion in that category of it's worth a one-time trip to check it out, but probably not worth passing up more local options on a regular basis. Have a nice weekend.

[texas7]

Originally Posted by That One 2000's Baby

Just curious

Galveston is borderline apart of Houston, have a long beach as well as a pier amusement park

the latter, neither Corpus Christi nor South Padre Island have

South padre has prettier water but other than that, it is a very short strip of similar restaurants and lots of bars. If you are beyond bar hopping, its fun for a weekend but not a long, extended stay. I get bored. Galveston has a much better dining sections and some entertainment and historical options. If the beach is your thing and you plan to spend thr majority of your time at the beach — then South Padre is the place to be.