State Park is Sandy Alternative to Galveston Beach

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - FOX26 Meteorologist John Dawson is highlighting several state parks this month. And this week he is looking towards the Gulf of Mexico. Find Life- Outdoors with JD in a state park with a beach, Mustang Island State Park.

Most folks in the Houston area look to Galveston as their beach. It’s close, convenient, and plenty of space to play. But if you need a little change pace, maybe something a little further from home, you’re sure to like Mustang Island State Park.

The beach is the main draw to the park. People visit for all the usual fun in the sand and waves; whether it’s for swimming, fishing, surfing, windsurfing, or just to go for a stroll and spend some time with the kids.

Another popular activity is birding.

“Mostly out here, people are coming to get the shore birds,” explains Damon Reeves with Mustang Island State Park. “The things you are only going to see out on the gulf beaches and maybe in the tidal flats on the backside of the island.”

There are campsites with water and electricity and on the beach you can put up your tent in one of the primitive campsites. Also in the park you’ll find shade shelters and restrooms with showers. There is plenty of space on the 5 miles of beach for hiking, mountain biking or just relaxing.

More information on Mustang Island State Park can be found on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s website:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/mustang_island/