Galveston/Houston vs. Corpus/Padre Island (Corpus Christi, Rockport: home, live in, restaurants)

[OzzyRules]

I am referring to all coastal areas around the Houston area, as well as all coastal towns near Corpus Christi.

What are the main differences between these two coastal areas? In terms of sightseeing, types of people they attract, or any other factor. Are some people drawn to one over the other (assume driving distance is not a factor).

Thanks.

[HtownLove]

The further away from the Mississippi you go, the better the water quality. The Houston area is a bigger economic engine so people are attracted to that, while S Padre has clearer waters and people are attracted to that

[Dr.Mcninja]

Houston has 3.5 million more people and toll roads. It also has more restaurants.

[Brewzerr68]

Houston is a huge metropolis, Corpus is a much smaller port city.

Nothing against CC, but how can you compare the two? That's like comparing L.A. to Bakersfield.

Corpus has nicer beaches. There.

[bamba_boy]

Corpus-SPI for the beaches. Houston-Galveston Island for jobs, culture, everything else.

Basically I'd live in Houston and you can always have a couple of long weekend vacations every year on N. or S. Padre Island beaches (just 1/2-day to day's drive away after all).

[KimFreebish]

Galveston's beaches are not the prettiest, but I looked into the eye of the island and what I saw ... was beautiful.

[Sunderpig2]

If you're more into cities, concrete, lots of jobs, spending time in your vehicle driving miles to get around, etc, you'd prefer the Houston area. If you prefer a quieter and more laid back existence, CC would be more appealing.

Concerning the beaches though, Galveston has much more to offer (in the way of activities, restaurants, and variety). But if you want just a simple beach experience, they would be about the same. Galveston might get more crowded at times though, but I'm not 100% sure.

[OzzyRules]

Thanks. This should have seemed like common sense (Houston being more populated) but it has been helpful to me.

What about places closer to Houston like Clear Lake?

[Sunderpig2]

Are you talking about sightseeing? I don't think CL has enough there to write home about in the sightseeing department (which is not a complaint though), other than maybe a quick visit to Kemah. I mean the bay and the lake are great, but not particularly noteworthy unless you have a boat.

Otherwise, Galveston has the most coastal stuff around, though Rockport and Port Aransas might be worth investigating.

[TT Dave]

Originally Posted by Sunderpig

If you're more into cities, concrete, lots of jobs, spending time in your vehicle driving miles to get around, etc, you'd prefer the Houston area. If you prefer a quieter and more laid back existence, CC would be more appealing.

Concerning the beaches though, Galveston has much more to offer (in the way of activities, restaurants, and variety). But if you want just a simple beach experience, they would be about the same. Galveston might get more crowded at times though, but I'm not 100% sure.

I assume that Galveston has more activities/resturants, etc. because of it's close proximity to Houston. I've been to Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, South Padre Island, and I've been to Houston but I've never been to Galveston. From some of the pics I've seen online, Galveston also seems to have a lot of beautiful historic buildings. I think it would be very interesting to visit Galveston sometime.