The Texas Gulf Coast has some 3,300 miles of shoreline, including the islands, bays and river mouths. It stretches from Louisiana down to the Mexican border. Some of the best beaches in America are along the Texas coast. There is so much to offer everybody. The marshlands and wetlands around Port Arthur, close to the Louisiana border, offer fantastic opportunities for bird watchers. Here you can see many species of both local and migratory birds. Accommodation is plentiful, from budget to high end. There is bound to be something to suit all requirements from hotels to beach houses. Water sports like fishing, boating and surfing can be had. Then there is shelling, hiking or just enjoying the beach. Another popular activity is horseback riding on the beach. There are restaurants and coffee shops for you to visit. If you like Cajun food then you will be able to find several places serving it. As you move down the beach to Boliver Peninsula the beaches are a little less crowded and the pace a tiny bit slower. It is an ideal place for a stroll along the wide beaches. In May a crab festival takes place and often there are fishing tournaments. Birding is another pastime here. Many species of birds can be found, including pelicans which can be seen all along the Texas coast. They can also be found on the rivers, lakes and ponds of Texas. From Boliver you can take the ferry ride over to Galveston and spend the day there, shopping or visiting the many attractions. The ferry is free and takes about 35 minutes for the crossing. If you are lucky, you will see the many dolphins that play alongside the ferries as they cross. One of the most popular attractions in Galveston is Moody Gardens, with the Rainforest pyramid, the Aquarium pyramid and the Science pyramid. There is a large hotel, wonderful tropical gardens and beaches. Padre Island is the world's longest barrier island. The island is just one of the 300 islands stretching all the way down from Maine to Mexico. There a.