Galveston? Other Places Within Driving Distance?

We went to Galveston last summer. The kids loved it, but we didn't like it. The beach was covered in seaweed and smelled horribly! That aside, we stayed at the Hilton on the beach. It is next door to the Rainforest Cafe. We did rent the bikes that fit the whole family and rode up and down the boardwalk. There is a Ben & Jerry's shop along the way too.

One place we went to last summer was the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. It is close to Sea World. They have a lazy river that connects the pool areas. There is a sandy beach in at least one part too. The kids had a blast! There is enough to do at the resort that you wouldn't have to leave the resort if you don't want to.

I have heard the Port Aransas area is nice, but I can't speak from personal experience.

Good luck!
C.

Casa Del Mar
We stayed here when my son was 15 months old last year in May. Walking distance to main beach, gas station, and McDonalds. Theres a kitchen in the room and a grocery store and WalMart near by. Check out the webcam to see how close you are to the beach. They were renavating it when we went. http://www.casadelmartx.com/

Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites are a super value, ideal for a family vacation or a weekend getaway for two.

Each comfortable one-bedroom suite features:

� Private Gulf view balcony.
� Fully-furnished living area with small studio kitchen.
� Separate bedroom with queen bed.
� Queen sofa sleeper and bunkies for kids.
� Maid service.
� Nightly, weekly and monthly rates.

Greet your family and friends in a unique setting. Our beautifully landscaped property features two swimming pools (one heated), a barbeque area, laundry facilities and a view from every room.

Relax by the pool, take a sunset stroll on the beach or enjoy our rich Island history. Casa del Mar and Galveston Island offer something for everyone.

Have fun,
SAHM T.

N.,
South Padre Island is a little bit of a drive from Dallas, however last year my husband and I flew down there and the tickets were about 400.00. It is beautiful and there is alot of activities for everyone. We spent 1500.00 on flight, hotel, and car and activities. There is a few websites you can check out: www.sopadre.com, www.spiviews.com. Hope this helps.
Pam

Hi N.,

My fiance, my son and myself are heading to Galveston for this long weekend. We are staying at the hawthorne suite (8002316363). It is right by the beach and the suites are like condos with pretty much everything you need.
http://www.hawthorn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?f...
This is going to be our first get away with our 1 year old, it will be interesting but we are looking forward to it.
Good luck.

Oh we had so much fun at Galveston Island! And my 2 yr old son had a blast playing in the sand and the water! We rented a beach house that was steps away from the beach -- further south on the island and away from the crowded beach area! I liked having the privacy. The only other people near us on the beach were other renters and some homeowners. Here's the website to the beach house properties -- we stayed at The Blue Heron and shared it with my parents. Had so much! And we were able to save some money by cooking breakfasts, lunches and some dinners there at the beach house kitchen.
http://www.beachandbayrental.com/galvestonrentals.htm

I don't know if you are not wanting to leave Texas, but Lake Murray is very family friendly with lots of different activities. There's also Turner Falls. Both are only about 1 1/2 hours away from the metroplex.

O.K. - Not to discourage you but the ocean in Galveston is different than say Florida's or say California's. The water gives the appearance of being dirty. It is not however. The sediment in the Gulf tends to float more which gives the water a not so clear look to it. Other than that it is fun with the kiddos. My parents live in Clear Lake and I was just in Galveston last week. The city has grown leaps and bounds. Some fun things to do with the family: Rainforest Cafe, Slitther Bahn (sp)Water Park, The Strand (resturants/shops), Moody Gardens. Try and stay in a hotel on the seawall if you can! Hope this helps!!!

Hi N., I grew up very close to Galveston and Crystal Beach (other side of the ferry) and spent most summers there. The water is not the prettiest and sometimes resembles chocolate milk more than water. There is a boardwalk with tons of little shops. There are several places to rent bikes or you can just walk. "The Strand" is a fun part of Galveston as well for shopping and restaurants. The one place we always went to everytime we were there is a old fashioned ice cream parlor with real fountain drinks. Lots of good places to eat yummy seafood too. Moody Gardens is absolutely fabulous and I think they just opened a Schlitterbahn there too. You might want to check out Kemah as well. www.kemah.net It's lots of fun there too! Good luck with your planning and have a great vacation!

N.

Driving down Hwy 35.....
**New Braunfels
http://www.schlitterbahn.com/default.htm

**Corpus Christi
http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/entrance.cfm

I have taken my children, ages 2 and 4 to Galveston/Houston three times in the past two years. All three times we had a great time. In Galveston itself, you should check out Stewart's Beach. You do have to pay for parking - however, you are esentially paying for the ability to shower after a day at the beach - worth the cost of admission. They also have umbrella and chairs for rent, a playground, consession area and a sand volleyball pit. In Houston itself, they have a wonderful Childrens' Museum and water play park down town within a couple blocks of eachother.

Galveston is family friendly. In my opinion, if you have ever been to the "real" ocean, Galveston is a bit of a disapointment. It's gulf water, so it is murky and brown. And the beaches are not white sand beaches.

I would suggest Sea World in San Antonio. San Antonio is family friendly as well. We took my oldest son when he was 1 1/2 and he loved it.

Check out Glenrose Texas. You will be amazed at everything you've been missing that's been right under your nose. Affordable, family friendly. Lodging, cabins etc.