Showing posts with label places. Show all posts
Showing posts with label places. Show all posts

Saturday, November 13, 2010

One of My Favorite Places in Galveston - SeaWolf Park

Next time you go to Galveston, Texas for a day trip or vacation you should check out SeaWolf Park on Pelican Island. It's one of the hidden treasures of the Galveston area. The big attractions were two naval vessels from World War II, the Cavalla, a Gato class fleet sub and the USS Stewart that is a destroyer escort that was actually built in nearby Houston. The submarine was damaged by Hurricane Ike and is no longer there, not sure if they plan on refurbishing and bringing her back at this point. But the USS Stewart is fine and still on display.

Besides the famous USS Stewart (only one of three still in existence) there is also a 3-story pavilion for viewing the ship channel, a lighted fishing pier, and a playground. Pelican Island is surrounded by water and provides some great views of passing ships and even porpoises and other wildlife. There are picnic areas and pedestrian access to the shoreline.

This is a great spot for kids for fishing and the playground is a big attraction. You can fish off the shoreline for free or go on the Fishing Pier for $6 for adults and $3 for children. There are a lot of whiting and sand trout (not serious fisherman's choice of catch) that are easy to catch and keep the kids entertained. If you get lucky you can catch some good trout and redfish too. Spanish Mackerel and Stingrays can often be around so be careful handling both since they can sting or bite you. Best time to fish is usually when the tide is moving in or out.

The views from the three-story pavilion are great. You can see many ships coming and going through the ship channel and there are often cruise ships too. Many rarely see these large ships up close and it is a great place to just watch. A good pair of binoculars is good to have if you want to see the different bird species and other items of interest in and around the shorelines and ship channel.

Entry to the park is $1 for adults and $.50 for children. But they do get you for a parking fee too, cars are $6. The entry to the USS Stewart is $7 for adults and $3 for children under 11. These rates are subject to change so you might want to check if concerned. Take cash since the last time I was there (1/10) they did not take credit cards. And bring your own refreshments too if you plan on staying awhile.

The fastest and easiest way to get to Pelican Island and SeaWolf Park is to take Interstate 45 all the way to 51st Street and take a left. Just continue across the bridge to Pelican Island and go to the end of Seawolf Blvd. It ends at the entrance to the park. Take plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent. If there is a strong breeze the mosquitoes aren't a problem but if the wind dies down, you will know they are there. And even if it's overcast or cloudy the sunscreen is a very good idea.

Best time to visit is early in the morning or after 6:00 PM when it's cool and there is some boat traffic to watch. Fishing is good anytime the tides move but it's more comfortable early and late. Less crowded too so you can find a good picnic area or watching point.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Vacation Ideas - 5 places to visit in Texas

Looking for some holiday ideas? Consider a trip to the Lone Star State for your next family vacation. Texas covers a large area and includes various types of terrain. From large cities to the mountains, beautiful beaches, mountains, deserts and forests, Texas has much to offer. There are many things to see and do, which is difficult to decide, but here are some good ideas, the holidays are definitely worth considering for your next trip.

GreatBend National Park

Big Bend National Park covers a vast area in southwest Texas. It includes mountains, deserts and rivers. Within walking distance you can see from the Rio Grande River to travel Emory Peak with an altitude of 7825 meters. Camping and hiking are very popular in the Big Bend. the single or multi-day trips on the river is the Rio Grande, and the landscape through some of the canyon is absolutely amazing.

Palo Duro Canyon StatePark

Sometimes referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas" Palo Duro Canyon is a must see for any visitor to Texas. The canyon is 120 miles long, and in some places 20 miles wide and reaches a depth of 800 feet. The park offers horse rentals on-site cabin rentals, tent and RV sites, and many hiking trails and mountain biking. Texas Musical Drama plays inside the canyon. Enjoy a show with food and beautiful scenery of the canyon, asBackground for the stage.

Padre Island

Padre Island is a long barrier island off the coast of Texas. It extends about 130 miles from Corpus Christi, in the northern town of South Padre Island. The Padre Island National Seashore takes half the northern part of the island. It is undeveloped and offers many opportunities for observing wildlife. Activities include beachcombing, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and off-road adventure. South PadreIceland is a popular resort community at the southern tip of the island. Offers a wide range of accommodations, white sand beaches and entertainment for the whole family.

San Antonio

The Alamo usually comes to mind, if San Antonio is mentioned, but there is only one of many attractions here. San Antonio is a great city to visit and has many fun things to see and do. While you're here, exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns, and PanGems. Take a walk on the river and enjoy a fine meal or dessert at a bar. If you're tired of jumping on foot on a boat for a quick lap for your next destination. Other attractions include Sea World San Antonio Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Splashtown water park

Dallas

No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to D. "Big" Dallas has a wide selection of accommodation and restaurants to accommodate most any tripBudget. Visit the Dallas Zoo, Six Flags, or one of the many water parks. If you are interested in sports, Dallas offers many choices. While in town be sure and visit the Reunion Tower, take the 6th Floor Museum, and a bite to eat, the West End

If you visit Big Bend, Padre Island, San Antonio, or one of these other destinations, it is really a great trip. Be sure to take time for these special issues with your precious family. Start planning that specialFamily getaway today - you deserve it. Good safe and pleasant journey!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Tent Texas - 3 Popular places to camp in Texas

Texas is a huge state, so there is no room for error. It represents about 8% in the U.S. and is the largest state among the 48 United States. Texas Germany twice and three times larger than UK size.

You can easily different places to camp in great condition. Texas has all the possibilities, if you are planning a Family Camping trip with friends or visit the wildest party state pays des Beautiful beaches, state parks and numerous that manyNature reserves are in Texas can be found easily. You can set any kind of camping in this state.

The enormous opportunities and environments in Texas will be difficult to describe in one article. Has several excellent sites for field outdoor adventures. Some of the most popular are the best of the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, Iceland Padre National Seashore and Big Bend National Park

Develop, these three places as must visit if you livein Texas or nearby. Many tourists to a vacation, come to this wonderful country in the world. Three locations in Texas to visit are:

1) Hueco Tanks State Historic Site-This is one of the most fascinating areas of Texas and has several outdoor activities to offer than just climbing and camping. This place is famous for its cave walls that the ancient Indian rock art. You must book your trip at least two days in advance asThis site is very popular and crowded during the season. You should pay any fee to enter this site, but would be fascinated by their outdoor activities and historical tours.

2) Iceland Padre National Seashore-It 's a line from Corpus Christi to Port Mansfield Cut and is known for the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier worldwide Iceland. She gets incredibly beautiful and remote beach in the region of Padre Island.

E 'seat of the large number of flowersLivelihoods and livestock. Can be done, beach combing, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Or try it yourself with the aquatic animal and bird watching in this area along with other outdoor activities.

You can select each campsite of your choice, whether you like or extremely demanding basic campsites, Padre Island has to offer all routes. Facilities are available to decide on a campsite, their share of camping. Even if you need a permit for camping in this area, but this can be obtained free of charge in the price. Free

If you want to tend to "return to nature" types of plants may be at Yarborough Pass area, such as beaches and north not south, which robbed. But if you feel that at least some services, it must be Malaquite Beach Campground is the place to visit.

3) Big Bend National Park: If you want to see the wild and beautiful country in America, then if this national park of 1,100 square miles, the foot has 8,000 visitorsmountains, rivers and deserts. Therefore, it is home to many exciting outdoor activities like camping, rafting, fishing, cycling, trekking and hiking. All this can easily be enjoyed at Big Bend.

If you want to camp in Big Bend, would then be loaded with its exciting options. All three camps are very popular and with surveys of about 1,800 meters or higher. It is advisable to book your camping trip in advance to avoid problemslater. There are several sites you should visit each of the three camps.