This Secret Beach Town Is The South’s Most Underrated Winter Getaway

The South is often misrepresented beyond the likes of sun-drenched Florida beach towns or timeless towns still oozing charm and charisma from a bygone era.

Too often, people think podunk towns are riddled with trailer parks and hillbillies like we often see in the movies, but there are dozens of overlooked getaways ready to rock your socks off.

One such place lies deep in the heart of Texas, a state that is often overlooked as a beach destination, given Florida’s easy-to-reach Caribbean-esque paradises.

However, Texas does indeed have blue-water beaches if you bypass Galveston for the flip side of the Lone Star State.

Hugging one of the South’s most popular spring break destinations lies a secret oasis touted as one of the best hideaways for a relaxing winter getaway.

Welcome To Port Isabel: Texas’s Colorful Coastal Hideaway

Don’t know where to go on your next escape for winter sun?

Well, if you’ve picked up on the habit of a majority of travelers lately, you’re seeking something new rather than following the crowds to more notable names.

That’s where hidden gems like Port Isabel come into play. The colorful facades are equally as vibrant as the calm, blue bay waters and surrounding canals, inviting you to a serene little town you may not have known existed.

As a born-and-raised Texan myself, people tend to scope out Corpus Christi, South Padre Island, and Galveston (for reasons I’ll never understand) when it comes to a proper Texas beach vacay.

As South Padre is a stone’s throw away, Port Isabel tends to hide in the shadow of beachfront resorts like Margaritaville, but don’t sleep on what this tight-lipped local secret has to offer.

From multiple viewpoints, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf, which is way more vivid than its brackish reputation east of Alabama.

Better yet, especially in today’s economy, prices are more within budget for a cozy stay with a more local feel, such as Casa Rosa Inn or enjoying a night out feasting on the “catch of the day” — keep in mind Port Isabel is Texas’s ‘shrimping capital’ when ordering.

The ‘Venice of Texas’? South Padre Vacationers Have Been Missing Out!

South Texas may not be the place you picture where ‘the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie’, but Port Isabel has been dubbed the “Venice of Texas’ with good reason.

While most vacationers are dead set on South Padre’s party vibes, they completely overlook the fun to be had next door.

Circling back to Port Isabel’s colorful facades, many of those can be found along rows of picturesque cottages hugging the maze of waterways running off the bay.

Best of all, you can hop aboard a variety of boat tours to enjoy the scenery firsthand. Whether it be a pirate-themed Black Dragon Cruise or going dolphin-spotting with Dolphin Docks, both are a blast in their own unique way.

Is Port Isabel Truly A Beach Destination?

Port Isabel certainly oozes coastal charm with its gorgeous scenery and towering lighthouse, but what about beaches?

The answer is up in the air depending on what constitutes a worthwhile beach in your eyes. There’s no denying the town’s maritime charm and astounding scenery, but chances are you’d likely favor nearby South Padre for a sunny beach day over Port Isabel’s Arturo Galvan Coastal Park along the bay.

Though there are an abundance of islet clusters and lesser-known coastlines, including Del Mar Beach, which boasts a perfect 5.0 Google rating for its footprint-free shores and clear waters — plus, you can drive on the beach for prime parking!

Texas’s Space Race Tourism: Does Houston Have A Problem?

Not often do you see a new city formed, but that’s what happens when super-genius billionaires take on unprecedented challenges in space exploration.

That’s the case for Starbase, Texas, a city officially established and recognized by Cameron County last spring, and it has been taking off for a new era of Texas tourism.

Normally, those interested in learning the ins and outs of space travel would visit Houston’s Johnson Space Center, but there’s another (newer) option on the complete opposite side of the state.

Anchored by SpaceX’s Starbase launch complex near Boca Chica, visitors can witness history as the world’s most powerful rocket lifts off from the Texas coast.

Texas’s newest town is located closer to Brownsville, the easiest entry point to the region if you’re flying, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.