When exploring the Upper Texas Coast, you’ll find that three of the nation’s top 10 Christmas bird count locations are in this region, as are significant historic districts from the Victorian Era, right alongside our nation’s energy story – from the discovery of oil at Spindletop that changed the world to nuclear, wind, and solar that are leading the energy transition. Historic sites representing the six national flags flown over Texas have miles and miles of amazing places to fish, kayak, paddleboard, and otherwise enjoy nature. Foodies will love exploring local picks for barbecue or oysters. Or plan ahead for festivals and holiday events in the Upper Texas Coast. 

Unique Stops When Exploring the Upper Texas Coast

Here’s just a sampling of things you can only tour when exploring the Upper Texas Coast:

• Step back in time in a replica boomtown at Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown in Beaumont. Check their Facebook page so you can be there for a gusher re-enactment.
• Visit the hometown of Janis Joplin in Port Arthur and tour the Museum of the Gulf Coast.
• Go kayaking in the Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve and leave with a painting with Artist Boat in Galveston.
• See an original Andy Warhol painting at The Bryan Museum in Galveston 
• See the largest red drum hatcheries in the world at the Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson,
• Paddle through one of the most incredible ecological systems in our region in the Sugar Mill Stretch of the Stephen F Austin Trail on the Brazos River in Brazoria County.
• Savor breakfast at Hotel Blessing coffee shop and restaurant in Matagorda County.
• Go sailing on half scale seaworthy reproduction of Rene-Robert Cavelier’s ship LaBelle in Palacios, TX 

Cities like Beaumont or Palacios make a great start to a weeklong tour through this varied region. This is a tiny glimpse of things to do in the Lone Star Coastal region along the Upper Texas Coast. Stay tuned for more exploration ideas for Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties.

This is just a glimpse of things to do along the Upper Texas Coast. Download our new Trip Plans for more ideas for experiencing Jefferson, Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda Counties. 

About Lone Star Coastal Alliance

The Lone Star Coastal Alliance is a 501(c)3 created to preserve and promote the upper Texas Gulf Coast region in a manner that enhances coastal resilience while fostering economic development focused on conservation and tourism, elevating the unique natural, cultural, and historical assets of the region and benefitting quality of life within the communities.

The post <strong>Exploring the Upper Texas Coast</stong> appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.

May 1, 2020

Building on more than three decades of scientific exploration and public calls for additional protections, NOAA today released a proposal to expand Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary to protect additional important Gulf of Mexico habitat.

NOAA is proposing to add 14 additional reefs and banks to the sanctuary that provide essential habitat for recreationally and commercially important fish, as well as habitats for threatened or endangered species including sea turtles, corals, and manta rays. The sanctuary would expand from 56 square miles to 160 square miles. Follow this link to read the article: file:///Users/jamesdion/Desktop/Expansion%20proposal%20for%20Flower%20Garden%20Banks%20sanctuary%20released%20_%20

Photo Courtesy of NOAA

The post Expansion proposal for Flower Garden Banks sanctuary released New boundaries would protect Gulf habitat appeared first on Explore Lone Star Coastal.