Attractions

Explore the longest-serving Essex Class aircraft carrier from World War II—the impressive 'Blue Ghost.' With 16 decks to explore, it showcases military artifacts and over 20 aircraft. This self-guided tour of the USS Lexington Museum offers an up-close view of 20 aircraft from the National Museum of Naval Aviation. You'll witness anti-aircraft guns, landing gear, and delve into fascinating naval history.

Padre Island National Seashore, stretching over 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, showcases unspoiled beaches, dunes, and rolling waves. This protected area is a haven for nature lovers, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. It's renowned as a nesting ground for endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles, drawing visitors during nesting season from April to August.

San Jose Island, also known as Saint Joseph Island, is a serene and largely undeveloped barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast. Its untouched natural beauty, including pristine beaches, dunes, and coastal grasslands, attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers. Accessible primarily by private boat or guided tours, the island offers seclusion and a chance to explore unspoiled landscapes.