38. Texas - Lonestar State II

38. Texas - Lonestar State II

Texas - beach time in South Padre Island/Mustang Island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island States Park wetlands, Houston, San Antonio, Austin.

Beach Time in South Padre Island and Beyond

Our journey took us further south toward the ocean, marking the southernmost point of our road trip. Since Albuquerque, we’ve been tracing the Rio Grande—first through New Mexico and now it winds along the Texas-Mexico border.

Upon reaching South Padre Island, the weather turned gloomy—cloudy skies and strong winds meant no swimming, just a brisk walk along the beach. Despite the gray day, I was thrilled to rediscover wildlife after what felt like an eternity without sightings.

At Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, we found an ecological gem. This area blends influences from the Great Plains, tropics, Gulf Coast, and desert, creating one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America. It far exceeded our experience at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park, where, apart from a few chirping birds (Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, green Jay), we saw little wildlife (though we missed a bobcat sighting by mere minutes—bummer!). Laguna Atascosa, however, delivered: we spotted javelinas (collared peccary), green jays, skunks, nilgai antelope, white-tailed deer, and my personal highlight—armadillos! These fascinating creatures, remnants of an ancient armored mammal group, look like a mix of kangaroo, anteater, and mouse in knight’s armor. Meanwhile, Theo was captivated by an American alligator lounging in the swamp.

We spent the night at Padre Island National Seashore, which protects the world’s longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island. During the night, the howls of coyotes serenaded us under the starry sky.

Mustang Island was next on our itinerary. Theo braved a swim despite the red and purple flags warning of jellyfish, but I was content with my mini wildlife encounter in the campground showers—four tiny green frogs hopping around kept me entertained!

At Port Aransas, the wildlife encounters continued: pelicans, roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, turkey vultures, white ibises, ducks, dolphins, an American alligator, and even a lone flamingo, likely separated from its flock after a hurricane. We may have glimpsed a whooping crane—the tallest bird in North America and critically endangered, with only about 250 remaining. These majestic cranes winter in Texas and summer in Northwest Canada, standing over five feet tall—almost my height!

Goose Island State Park offered a serene escape with thousand-year-old oak trees, eastern cottontail rabbits, and white-tailed deer.

At the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the Heron Flats trail provided yet another close encounter with an American alligator, just three meters away in the marsh. While it appeared lifeless, we knew better than to trust its stillness—alligators are deceptively quick. The Texas Coastal Bend region’s mix of freshwater and saltwater habitats creates rich estuaries and marshes, which in turn nourish abundant bird and wildlife populations.

Galveston Island State Park marked the end of our coastal adventures. After another long safari walk through wetlands, we treated ourselves to a restful afternoon bouldering indoors—a perfect blend of movement and relaxation.

The Texas Gulf Coast has been a treasure trove of wildlife, diverse landscapes, and memorable experiences. It's incredible to think about the abundance of life thriving here in such a delicate balance between land, water, and sky.Läs mer