Gulf Coast Plus: Padre Island, Texas, to the Florida Keys
South Padre Island, TX, is the wispy tail of a string of barrier islands and, resting just north of the Mexican border, is an ideal starting point for a southern RV adventure. Beyond the tiki bars and seafood restaurants, Padre Island National Seashore beckons with miles of rustic beach and excellent fishing. Head north into Corpus Christi, featuring the Art Museum of South Texas and the impressive Texas State Aquarium.
Next, wend northeast through small, Gulf Coast towns towards the Cajun joie de vie of Lafayette and Baton Rouge. Find live music on Royal Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. After a deep-sea fishing charter out of the Biloxi, MS, city port, ramble though Alabama’s coast and down to Destin, FL, a burgeoning fishing-golfing-fun-in-the-sun city. Pick your way down the Florida barrier islands from there, but don’t miss the left turn in Naples onto Alligator Alley, an arrow-straight road lined with subtly beautiful swampland and wildlife. Take a deep breath to survive Ft. Lauderdale-Miami traffic (or wild nightlife – your choice), then roll out to the Florida Keys and let the island vibe take over.
