Between Houston and Galveston Is A Coastal Texas Town With Fresh Seafood And Oak-Lined Avenues

It's not hard to find a nice waterfront place to visit in Texas. Just look at Galveston Island and its lively downtown with art walks, wine, and beaches galore. What's a bit trickier to come across is a coastal hub that offers the convenience and excitement of bigger hotspots as well as a relaxed, small-town charm. Luckily for you, League City promises just that. Don't be fooled by its suburban vibe, though; we're talking about a pretty sizeable city that homes over 121,000 residents according to local official documentation, so you can rest assured that there's a lot to see and do even after you're done with your seafood feast.

League City's location is as good as it gets, too. Its center is just a little over half an hour away from both Galveston and Houston (America's No. 2 "Sin City" behind Las Vegas), so it's just as perfect for a last-minute day trip as it is for a quiet base that gives you access to some of Texas' most coveted hubs. Usually, travelers come here through Interstate 45, though the city is also accessible via regional roads like State Highway 96. For fliers, the closest major airport is Houston's William P. Hobby, at just a little over 17 miles away. If you're traveling internationally, however, George Bush Intercontinental Airport might be your best bet, though that's a bit farther at almost 46 miles away. Those who favor public transportation won't find many viable options when it comes to transfers. Say you're coming from William P. Hobby: You're looking at a 25-minute drive if you have your own car, versus a 2+ hour ride plus a line change if you go the bus route.

While there are lots of things League City does well, seafood might be its ultimate specialty. The hub's location near Galveston Bay gives locals and visitors access to the freshest catches of the day, so it comes as no surprise that the seafood restaurant scene here is second to none. Even among the stiff competition, though, The Spot manages to stand out. This is your classic American restaurant, but with a special focus on bringing water flavors inland. Some of its most beloved dishes include the fried seafood platter, coconut shrimp, and fish tacos. The margaritas are fantastic, too, so try to come here during happy hour. Another perk of eating here? The reasonable price range, with most customers spending between $10 and $20 for their meal. 

If you don't mind spending a bit more, check out MiRu Seafood next. There are hundreds of stellar reviews praising its red snapper, halibut, seafood fried rice, and Chilean sea bass. Eating here sets you back between $30 and $50, but the overall quality and ambiance make the price tag feel worth it. If you still haven't gotten your foodie fix, why not plan a day trip to Texas City? Situated between Houston and Galveston, this hidden Gulf Coast city is famed for its crave-worthy seafood, and it's just 25 minutes away.

Water sports lovers will also be happy to learn that, thanks to League City's location near Galveston Bay, there's no shortage of marinas. Kemah Boardwalk Marina (16 minutes from the city center) is popular with those who go boating and fishing here. It's clean, well-run, and the staff couldn't be friendlier. While you can't fish from the boardwalk, there you'll find amusement rides, an Aquarium Restaurant with a live stingray experience, and more.

When you're not devouring some of the freshest seafood you've ever had, your time in League City will be spent strolling around its peaceful, historic avenues lined with century-old oaks. It's easy to go on a self-guided tour through it all if you follow this handy map. The sightseeing trip starts, of course, with League Park. This is a quaint, movie-like spot that promises everything from a romantic gazebo and scenic pond to a playground and basketball court. The oaks here were planted as part of an improvement plan back in the late 1890s and early 1900s. This is far from the only spot in town where you can admire these trees, though, seeing as they've become somewhat of a local icon. Walter Hall Park, Ghirardi Park, and Helen's Garden are all great oak-viewing spots, too, not to mention unmissable attractions in every well-made League City itinerary.

Nature lovers can't miss out on the Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Clear Creek Nature Center. This is a great place to see deer, armadillos, and a wide variety of birds, from mockingbirds to red-bellied woodpeckers and blue jays. The site itself is clean, quiet, and equipped with a public restroom. You can come here every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so use this place to fill any empty spot in your itinerary.

If you're planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, though, it might be worth rethinking the timing of your visit. This quick guide tells you when hurricane season occurs in Galveston, Texas (just 27 miles away) and how serious the risk is. Spoiler alert: You might want to take some extra precautions if you're visiting between June and November.