Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers 1,600 acres of coastal habitat and several miles of pristine beach where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. The unique location provides both river and Gulf access, creating diverse fishing opportunities and ecosystems. The park features 2-story screened shelters for overnight stays, RV sites, and tent camping areas. […]
Beaches for Wildlife Viewing
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach is one of Texas’ most untouched and natural beaches, located at the southern tip of the state where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico. The 8-mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline offers no facilities or amenities, providing a truly remote experience. The area is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley […]
Gasparilla Island State Park
Gasparilla Island State Park features pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico with the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse as its centerpiece. The island has a fascinating history tied to the phosphate industry and wealthy winter residents including the du Pont family. The waters around Boca Grande Pass are known as the ‘Tarpon Capital of […]
Blind Pass Beach
Blind Pass Beach sits at the narrow pass between Sanibel and Captiva Islands, creating unique currents that make it one of the best shelling locations in an area already famous for shells. The pass offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly during tidal changes. The beach has a more natural, less developed feel than other beaches in […]
Bowditch Point Park
Located at the northern tip of Estero Island, Bowditch Point Park offers beach access on both the Gulf and back bay sides. The park combines recreational beach areas with a 17-acre restoration zone featuring native coastal vegetation and wildlife habitats. Walking trails wind through the preservation area with interpretive signs about local ecology. The location […]
Ponte Vedra Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach is an upscale community with pristine beaches and world-class golf, including the famous TPC Sawgrass course, home of THE PLAYERS Championship. The beach features unique coquina rock formations that create tide pools at low tide, perfect for exploring marine life. The GTM Research Reserve offers excellent hiking trails and wildlife viewing. The […]
Clam Pass Beach Park
Clam Pass Beach Park offers a unique beach experience with a three-quarter mile boardwalk winding through a mangrove forest before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The narrow tidal pass creates interesting water currents and a small lagoon area popular with families. The mangrove estuary is excellent for kayaking and wildlife viewing including herons, egrets and […]
Marco Island Beach
Marco Island is the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, featuring beautiful crescent beaches with pearlescent sand and gentle waves. The island is known for excellent shelling and wildlife viewing, especially dolphins and bald eagles. South Marco Beach offers a wide public beach with gorgeous sunsets, while Tigertail Beach features a tidal lagoon that’s perfect […]
Sanibel Island Beach
Sanibel Island is world-renowned as one of the best shelling destinations due to its east-west orientation that catches shells from the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches feature a gentle slope with an abundance of intact seashells of all varieties. Over 60% of the island is preserved as wildlife refuge, making it ideal for nature lovers […]
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach is part of Canaveral National Seashore, featuring 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic shoreline. The beach is known for excellent surfing conditions and as a prime viewing location for rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. The protected status means the beach remains natural and pristine with abundant wildlife including sea turtles and migratory […]