Gulf Coast: Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Rockport, South Padre Island

THE GULF COAST OF TEXAS IS an ideal destination for your next gathering due to its convenient access, diverse venues, and scenic coastal views. You’ll find a combination of modern yet relaxed conference facilities, beaches, and things to do on the coast that will provide more than ample opportunities for relaxation, teambuilding, and recreation.

BEAUMONT

Beaumont sits east of Houston toward the Louisiana border, and cross-cultural connection is a watchword there. The city includes a diverse range of recreational, dining, cultural, and shopping destinations. The Art Museum of Southeast Texas and the historic Jefferson Theatre are two highlights of the city’s thriving cultural scene. Live music performances and various bars and pubs are always welcoming visitors downtown. Outdoor pursuits in the neighboring Big Thicket National Preserve are also available. Beaumont has a wide variety of dining options, including delicious barbeque, Cajun cuisine, and local seafood. The people are friendly and welcoming to folks from all over.

CORPUS CHRISTI

Down south on the western end of the coast is Corpus Christi, a city offering a dynamic mix of everything interesting about getting away from it all to concentrate on work. Cultural highlights include the Art Museum of South Texas and the Texas State Aquarium, which provides fun for families if your meeting accommodates them. Entertainment options include watersports and beach activities, of course, but more your speed might be a visit to the USS Lexington Museum. You’re also going to find plenty of places to while away the evening hours, especially if coastal cuisine, fresh seafood, and Tex-Mex specialties are in your wheelhouse. Corpus Christi’s scenic coastal views and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for business and leisure.

GALVESTON

Venture toward the gulf on I-45 from Houston and you’ll find Galveston, the setting for the familiar Glen Campbell recording. It sits on a barrier island where scenic beauty and historic charm provide a quintessential backdrop for a productive and enjoyable meeting. Check out the Strand District for unique shopping and cultural experiences, including the Galveston Arts Center and Moody Mansion. You can kick back at the end of the day or kick out the jams, with entertainment ranging from sandy beaches to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, an amusement park and much more. It’s the coast, so dine and imbibe accordingly as you and your group cohere.

ROCKPORT

Just up the road from Corpus Christi are the relatively small coastal towns of Rockport and Fulton, which personify charm. They’re an ideal home base if gathering in a relaxed atmosphere with cultural, commercial, and entertainment attractions is your goal. The Rockport Center for the Arts and the Texas Maritime Museum provide enriching cultural diversions, while beaches, boating, and fishing are available for the ambitious. Dining doesn’t get much better than in Rockport and Fulton if you’re into fresh Gulf seafood, local eateries, and waterfront restaurants offering scenic views. Rockport and Fulton combine everything you want in a business destination with everything you need.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

Then, for really getting away from it all (or achieving a close facsimile, at least), consider South Padre Island, tucked near the Mexican border about as far south as you can get in Texas. Stunning gulf views and natural attractions like the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center showcasing the island’s natural beauty. Entertainment options range from watersports and dolphin watching to relaxing on pristine beaches. Like other destinations in this list, dining is all about fresh seafood, but many beachfront restaurants serve diverse cuisines. South Padre Island has a blend of scenic beauty, topnotch amenities, and cultural and entertainment diversions that make it a top choice for business events.

Sources: Beaumont CVB, Visit Corpus Christi, Visit Galveston, Find Yourself in Rockport Fulton, Visit South Padre Island.