Experience the expansive and unique mosaic of natural, cultural and historic sites and recreational opportunities along the upper and middle Texas Gulf Coast.
The upper Texas coast sits at nature’s crossroads. Major biomes of spectacularly diverse flora and fauna converge here. In addition to the Gulf of Mexico, there are miles of bountiful bays, barrier islands and ancient river deltas. Double canopy forests flourish along five major rivers and countless bayous. Coastal prairies, estuaries and marshes provide wide-open vistas of flocks of waterfowl and shorebirds.
pictured: Estuary dock near Galveston, TX.
Now more than ever travelers are itching to get out of their homes and are seeking outdoor experiences that are safe and healthy. The Lone Star Coastal Alliance welcomes visitors to explore the abundance of open spaces across Matagorda, Brazoria, Galveston and Jefferson counties, including pristine coastline, beaches, forests, rivers, wetlands, bayous, bays and prairies.
These open spaces are home to outstanding places to bird, paddle, fish, camp, hunt, hike, bike, swim, boat, picnic, watch wildlife, watch the stars, or just relax.
Friendly by nature, we invite you to disconnect from the everyday and connect with our region’s lesser-known and appreciated small towns and welcoming communities. Places of culture, history, art and cuisine offer a special window into what makes this region and its people so unique.
The website features over 300 points of interest recommended by local residents, businesses, organizations, public and private land managers, educators, and community establishments. To help you experience it all, outfitters, guide services, tour providers and great places to stay, shop and dine are included as well.
This diversity in habitat also makes for a diversity of recreation – fishing, hunting, biking, kayaking, boating and, yes, exceptional birding! We are in the heart of the central flyway for neotropical migration, we are home to a large colonial waterbird population and hawk migration, we have the 2nd most abundant estuary in the nation with Galveston Bay, and we are home to 5 species of sea turtles.
Also included on the website are themed auto touring routes and recommended itineraries, including paddling and cycling routes and trails. An interactive map helps visitors build their own adventures, and blog posts provide the latest news about happenings in the region.
In addition to the diverse and extraordinary nature-based activities, the Lone Star Coastal region is also home to deep history and fascinating cultures including American Indians, Spanish and French explorers, portions of the Texas Independence Trail, the Civil War Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site, the birthplace of Juneteenth at Ashton Villa and other locations, Galveston’s Historic Strand District and the birthplace of the Oil and Gas industry.
Not only is this region a short drive from Houston, it is ... [an] ideal candidate for National Recreation Area designation. [This] affiliation would put this region on par with the nation’s finest public lands and heritage sites... Suzanne Dixon, Lone Star Coastal Alliance.
The locally-based Lone Star Coastal Alliance oversees and manages the Lone Star Coastal regional destination collaboration. The first product of the regional collaboration is the ExploreLoneStarCoastal.com website. Check it out today!
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Visit Galveston
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.
