We have always went East , towards Orange Beach / Pensacola. Opting to stay in state this summer. We’ve only ever been to Galveston . Where should we go for best beach access , water cleanliness and inshore fishing ?

I like the Rockport, TX area and from there you can also visit the national seashore. The national seashore is a lot cleaner. Be sure to check out the visitor's center.

Bring stuff for tar balls on feet.

South Padre has the best beaches and water (remember, that's relative)...trout fishing in the lower laguna madre is great too.

Depends upon who we is? You, the wife and kids or?

The kids and I always enjoyed staying on Mustang Island south of Port Aransas.
Plenty of mid to nice resorts and condos, you are actually on the gulf and not to far from either Port A if you need a restaurant or club or Corpus Christi if you had an emergency.

Miles and miles of beach's to walk, run, drive a vehicle or golf cart on.

Be aware that if you are going to Galveston on I-45 that there are some lane closer on the bridge around Tiki Island. At times a 6 hour back up.

Just got back from Rockport/Port Aransas/Corpus Christi. Stubs assessment is spot on. Ate at Mickeys Bar and Grill in Aransas Pass on Skinnerbacks recommendation. It was great also. The area beats anything Galveston area related for sure.

I've done all 3 in past 5 years, South Padre Island, Padre Island (grew up in Corpus Christi as well) and Galveston and my takeaways are as follows: Galveston probably has the most restaurants and things to do but it's like being along the bay near Cole Park in Corpus Christi, very touristy and crowded. South Padre Island probably has the nicest beaches of the 3 because you can't legally drive on them as you can at Padre Island. Not as much space to spread out in South Padre Island but some very good restaurants (Blackbeards, Senor Donkey) and things to do there. Padre Island's beaches are a small step down from South Padre but there is certainly more room to spread out and I'd say newer, nicer condos, hotels on the beach than South Padre. Similar number, quality of restaurants as South Padre in Port A, Aransas Pass and Rockport and Flour Bluff and when you throw in Corpus Christi, far more restaurants in play than South Padre and things to do as well, shopping.

If your sole concern is nicest beach, I'd say South Padre; if you want good beaches and things to do and restaurants, I'd say Padre Island, Galveston has lesser beaches but plenty of touristy things to do.

Me , the wife and the dog. Thanks for all the info fellas. I always appreciate ya