Marsh

A unique coastal park where Gulf beach meets freshwater marsh creating one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the Texas coast. The Gambusia Nature Trail is a boardwalk through the marsh where kids can spot alligators and dozens of bird species. The beach side offers open Gulf swimming and the marsh unit has a 4.5-mile paddling trail through channels teeming with wildlife. It is one of the least visited state parks which means you often have the beach to yourself.

Twenty-five miles of trails wind through forests, prairies, and wetlands where kids can spot a real bison herd and an active prairie dog town. The quarter-mile boardwalk over the marsh is a hit with younger kids who love peering down at turtles and frogs. Inside the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, hands-on exhibits teach about local ecosystems, and the staff runs excellent family programs on weekends year-round.