I hear things are better “Deep in the Heart” of Texas...
Lived in Houston for ten years. Corpus is much better. Galveston is essentially a suburb of Houston.
If you’re driving, you must stop at a Buc-ees.
Open for suggestions and information.
Here’s a few.......
The water in Galveston can be pretty murky, because of silt from the MS river. South Padre island is a better choice. Even better, go spend time in the Hill country.
Corpus Christi
Just make sure you’re not coming during spring break. It’s a zoo. If you avoid the spring break crowds, Port Aransas (small beach town near Corpus Christi) is your best bet. Make reservations.
Apples, Oranges.
Galveston better in town and better beach front facing gulf, more historic, not a suburb of Houston. Naval museum with subchaser and submarine on display. USS Texas battleship and San Jacinto monument a reasonable drive away. NASA center if you feel like Houston.
Corpus has the USS Lexington museum, but decent beaches you have to drive to drive to get to. Corpus itself is on the bay, not the gulf. More Mexican feel. Kinda ok, but you can fly direct into town, unlike Galveston.
Definitely Corpus. Beach dunes that are picture perfect (South Padre Island is good, too). Water Street Oyster Bar....
I LOVE Texas. I love being a 4th generation Texan. However, beaches.... well not sure Galveston is really considered a beach. Corpus is better but Harvey did some damage down there so check around before you go. As for this Texan, we make the drive to Destin each year for a great beach.
Not Galveston. I agree with the Whataburger comments, however, I’m not a fan of the spicy ketchup. WB has the best regular ketchup made. It’s so good, it can also be purchased in grocery stores to take home.
Depends on your priorities.
Corpus is better beach.
Galveston is more interesting city.
Galveston easily has more “stuff”. Corpus though, if you want a quiet time and want to escape.
Don’t go to Corpus during college spring break.
Houston’s got the Battleship, Corpus a carrier. A lot more to see and do at Galveston - Moody Gardens, the Railroad museum, the carved trees. Although I admit pretty much the only part of Corpus I’ve seen is the inside of the federal courthouse.
For beaches, I recommend Destin, Florida.
If you have the time (it’s a few hours away) head to the hill country and visit Fredericksburg and the Nimitz museum (of the Pacific war). Great stuff. And stop by the Altdorf while you’re there for some great food.
(Who needs beaches anyway?)
I’ve spent a little time in Galveston, not yet in Corpus.
Beaches are best on the West End of the Island in Galveston.
Be aware its not tropical this time of year in Galveston. Check the weather.
Also if you carry, check out ahead of time the locations you stay in / visit, and/or check the business’ website to make sure they aren’t gun banners:
I grew up in Walton County, Florida. At one time I dated a little cutie from Lake Jackson. She took me to the beach near there and I was surprised how awful the water was. I would never go in that brown muddy water.
My wife and I spent a week on Mustang Island near Corpus Christi. A whole lot better but still not great. At least it was good enough to actually swim in or walk on the beach.
Dry camped in our Rv right on the beach near Surfside last spring break- quiet, remote enough and mostly vacant except on weekends, no cost and amenities a few minutes away. Went to the Gardens in Galveston proper- the pier with the grands etc, other than the mosquitos when the breeze died down, no pests otherwise. Would do it again.
Corpus, not so easy to get on the beach with equipment, parks and RV centers full up or expensive.
Galveston is only a 30 mile or so drive out of Houston.
San Antonio is about 2 hrs out of Corpus. In case you
were interested in spending a day away from the beach.
Each area has their attractions, etc.