My husband and I have been in Austin nearly 2 years. We have a 7 month old baby girl, and we are getting ready to move to another state. BUT, we would like to take a trip to the Texas coast before we go since we never got around to do that. I am looking for a family friendly beach. A clean hotel and restaurants that are infant friendly nearby are important. Are there any sggestions out there?
My family took a trip to Corpus Christi last year and the kids just loved it, they were a little older though. We didn't get in the water because there were too many jelly fish but they did play in the sand and there is a wonderful aquarium there. We stayed at the Raddison which was right on the beach and within walking distance to the Lexington Aircraft Carrier museum and the Aquarium.
L.
Rockport has a lovely, mile long beach that is perfect for the little ones. The beach has shallow water with sand bars ever so often and the waves are generally not large like you will find on the islands of Mustang and Padre and Galveston. They can play in the sand - build sand castles - enjoy the water. Occasionally there will be jelly fish, but they are common on the islands as well. I must say that the shell picking is not as nice as the island beaches, but there is a harbor, lots of fresh seafood, a small aquarium, tourist shopping, and tons of fishing possibilities and birds of all sorts to see. There is certainly enough in Rockport to make a trip to the beach for the little ones just as enjoyable for their parents. Rockport is about 3 1/2 hour drive from Austin, and there are several routes to drive down there, and historical places to visit along the way. Have fun...we were down there two weeks ago and the kids were already playing in the water!
Port Aransas is where we go. In fact, my son and his family (youngest 6 months) just got back from there. I recommend kitchenette as they are much cheaper than a hotel. We hit the HEB before crossing to the island to save on food. Once you get across, everything you need is within a few miles.
We found Crystal beach to be VERY family friendly. It is just east of Galveston.
Last summer we rented a beach house Front row on the beach for 1100 for the week. It was great because we could go in for nap time - cook - chill and invite friends up to visit.
We used Cobb Real Estate - they furnished the linins & towels for a small fee (worth it!).
Have fun!!
T.
Port Aransas is an awesome beach to go to with your family. I spent every summer there as a baby. It's been our family vacation place for 4 generations! I'm about to take my baby down there for the first time! Very family oriented, and a cute little island with fun things to do when you're not on the beach as well.
We love going to Port Royal (http://www.port-royal.com/index.html) on Port Aransas. I can't tell you from experience how it would be with an infant, but there were plenty of families with infants there. (We have a four year old and an eight year old.) What we like about it is that they have amazing pools as well as a very nice beach. The kids go back and forth between playing in the waves and jumping down waterfalls from one pool to the next. It's very fun! They also have their own restaurant as well as kitchenettes in the condos.
Hope this helps! Have a great time!
