Are there any small, rustic, cottage towns along the Texas coast? (Houston: rent, houses)

[dpow]

When I was a kid my family lived in Michigan and we had a summer cottage on Lake Huron. It was a small town, with dirt roads, lots of wooded cottages and cabins, small family owned restaurants and shops, and very little traffic or tourists. We used to love walking down the dirt trail that led from our cottage to the beach, and then looking out at the huge freighter ships that were way off in the distance.
So now I'm living in Texas and I would love to find a similar town that I could visit at least once a year, and rent some type of rustic cottage or cabin for a few days.
Do any places like that exist around the Houston area? I've been to Galveston, but that is a little too full of tourists, traffic, and commercialism. I'm trying to find a town or neighborhood that is a little bit more small and rustic.
I currently live closer to the Dallas area, so I would prefer not to drive too much further than the Houston/Galveston area. Places like Corpus Christi and South Padre Island might be a little too far to drive every year. If anybody knows of any hidden gems along the coastline then please let me know. Thanks.

[SugLandDAd]

Sargent or Matagorda


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sargent,_Texas


https://www.sargenttexas.com/

[SanJac]

If you want the beach experience did you drive to the west part of Galveston near San Luis Pass? Sounds like you may have visited the east-end including the Strand which is much more touristy.

If the beach is not a requirement I'm sure there are many small towns in Texas that will meet your requirements. I can think of many around Houston. There are probably many around DFW as well.

[dpow]

Originally Posted by SanJac

If you want the beach experience did you drive to the west part of Galveston near San Luis Pass? Sounds like you may have visited the east-end including the Strand which is much more touristy.

If the beach is not a requirement I'm sure there are many small towns in Texas that will meet your requirements. I can think of many around Houston. There are probably many around DFW as well.

The beach along the Gulf of Mexico is my #1 requirement. I’m not familiar with San Luis Pass. I’ll have to check that out.

[SanJac]

Originally Posted by dpow

The beach along the Gulf of Mexico is my #1 requirement. I’m not familiar with San Luis Pass. I’ll have to check that out.

To be clear, there really aren't any small rustic villages along the gulf coast. You can meet some of your requirements but not all.

[supfromthesite]

You might like some of the towns that are further south down the coast. The water is more clear and they are less densely populated… however the drive from Houston would be further away.

[WRM20]

Keep in mind that rustic in Texas is going to be very different than rustic in Michigan. The beach areas will have very few trees. Another issue is that many of the older structures were wiped out or damaged in Harvey, so most things will be newer or repaired.

Some places to check out:
West end of Galveston Island
Surfside
Quintana(although this is getting to be really industrial)
Crystal Beach
High Island(not sure there are any houses on the beach here)

You can go further South, but won't be on the beach except at Port Aransas. All the other small towns with rustic places will be on the bays, not on the Gulf.

Sea Rim State Park is pretty cool, but you have to drive through Beaumont and Port Arthur to get there. The State gave up repairing Hwy 87 years ago, and there's a gap from High Island to Sea Rim, and even good 4WD vehicles have trouble making it.

[SugLandDAd]

Sargent is south of Galveston, and has houses on the beach. I own one.


https://i0.wp.com/tchdrillers.com/wp...00%2C600&ssl=1


https://images1.loopnet.com/i2/rj51_...22-1-Large.jpg

[ChristieP]

You won't find lots of trees (like you saw in Michigan) along Texas beaches for two reasons: 1. hurricanes, and 2. significantly hotter climate.

I agree to look at Port Aransas.

[LocalPlanner]

I agree with Sargent, Matagorda, and Port Aransas (Port A as many call it) - though Port A will be somewhat touristy and a considerably further drive.