Set On The Coast Of Texas' Corpus Christi Is A Gulf Island Alive With Saltwater Fishing, Quiet Coves, And Birds

If you want a Gulf Coast vacation, one of the best states to experience everything the Gulf has to offer is Texas. From Galveston to South Padre Island, the Lone Star State has some of the best beaches, cities, and fishing spots around. In fact, the Fishing Capital of Texas is a salty-sweet escape just outside of Corpus Christi — Port Aransas. However, if you want to avoid the crowds of Port Aransas, you can head just a little north to the oft-overlooked Matagorda Island instead.

As a remote barrier island across from the quiet Texas wildlife refuge brimming with birdlife, Matagorda Island is unlike the other, more developed islands in this area. You can't even drive to Matagorda; instead, you must charter a boat to take you out there.

But once you're on the island, you'll marvel at its natural beauty and abundance of saltwater fishing spots. While Port Aransas might get all the attention, Matagorda Island is a much quieter, more laid-back option that allows you to fish, relax, and go birdwatching. So, if that's the kind of vacation you're looking for, here's everything you need to know about this place.

Officially, the island is known as the Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge and State Natural Area, so it's owned and managed by both the Texas General Land Office and the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. Because Matagorda is designated as a refuge, it's free from the usual development and infrastructure you might find elsewhere. However, on the northern tip of the island is a lighthouse dating back to 1852, which you can visit and explore (from the outside) during your stay.

As we mentioned, the only way to get to Matagorda Island is to charter a boat in nearby Port O' Connor, or you can use your own vessel if you have one. However, if you're going to use a charter, you can pick from one of the many fishing guides in town. Boats will take you into Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, or the Gulf of Mexico (also known as the Gulf of America). According to local anglers, common fish species include redfish, trout, sheepshead, and kingfish.

If fishing isn't your thing, or you want to relax after a day on the water, you can chill out at Sunday Beach on the northern end of the island. Here, you'll find white sand and calm waves, making it the perfect spot for watching the sunset and cracking open some cold drinks with friends or family. Just remember to leave the area as pristine as you found it.

Depending on where you're visiting from, you can either fly into the Corpus Christi International Airport or the San Antonio International Airport. From Corpus Christi, it takes less than two hours to reach Port O' Connor. From San Antonio, it's almost three hours, so plan accordingly. Because Port O'Connor gets quite a few visitors, it has plenty of hotels and lodges that can fit any budget. Alternatively, you're close to some of the best Texas Gulf Coast beaches where you can camp for free, including Matagorda Bay Jetty Park.

One downside of Matagorda Island's uninhabited status is that there are no amenities available. So, everything from water to toilet paper to food has to be brought (and removed) from the island. Whether you're planning to hang out on the beach or explore as much of the island's 56,000 acres as possible, make sure to bring all necessary supplies, including first aid kits and satellite phones, as reception is spotty.

On the flipside, Matagorda Island is a fabulous place to experience nature and find local wildlife. Many migratory birds call the island home, including 19 endangered or at-risk species. You can also find white-tailed deer, alligators, and plenty of other animals as you venture through the quiet coves and secret beaches of Matagorda. This place is truly an untamed wilderness, so you'll feel almost like an intrepid explorer coming across the island for the first time.