10-Day Coastal Escape from Amarillo, Texas: Beachside Relaxation and Activities

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Amarillo to Port Aransas, Texas on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Amarillo

Begin your journey driving approximately 10-11 hours to Port Aransas, a charming beach town on Mustang Island offering beautiful sandy beaches and lively atmosphere.
USD0, 10h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Virginia's on the Bay

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the marina, open till 9pm, a perfect welcome dinner spot.
USD25-40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Beach & Town Exploration

Port Aransas, Texas on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Beach and Station Street Coffee Bar

Start your day with excellent coffee and breakfast pastries in a cozy spot open from 7am.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30am

Relax at Port Aransas Beach

Spend your morning sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing along the wide sandy shore, open all day with free access.
USD0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fins Grill and Icehouse

Enjoy a casual beachside meal with great seafood and local brews, open from 11am-9pm.
USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Port Aransas Nature Preserve and Birding Center

Explore nature trails and birdwatching opportunities, open 8am-5pm, showcasing coastal wetlands and wildlife.
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Gaff

Dine on fresh seafood and steaks with harbor views, open till 9pm.
USD30-50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Island Adventures

Port Aransas, Texas on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sam's Schnitzel Platz

Enjoy hearty German-style breakfast dishes, open from 7am.
USD15-20, 1h

9:00am

Kayaking and Dolphin Tour

Book a guided kayaking tour exploring mangroves and dolphins around the island, tours run morning hours and last about 3 hours.
USD60-80, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Beach & Station Street Coffee Bar

Light lunch with sandwiches, salads, and coffee specialties, open till 3pm.
USD10-15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi

A 30-minute drive away, the aquarium is open 9am-5pm and features marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks.
USD25, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Water Street Oyster Bar

Enjoy fresh oysters and Gulf Coast seafood in the heart of Port Aransas, open till 8:30pm.
USD30-50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to South Padre

Port Aransas to South Padre Island, Texas on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Quick breakfast and coffee before departure.
USD10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to South Padre Island

Approximately 4-hour drive south along scenic Texas coast to South Padre Island beach resort area.
USD0, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Padre Island Brewing Company

Relax with craft beers and craft-inspired dishes in a casual waterfront atmosphere, open 11am-9pm.
USD15-25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore South Padre Island Beach

Spend the afternoon at one of Texas' most popular beaches with activities including swimming and beach volleyball.
USD0, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sea Ranch Restaurant

Fine dining with Gulf seafood and beachfront sunset views, open until 9pm.
USD30-50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Water Sports & Nature

South Padre Island, Texas on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Blackbeard's Restaurant

Casual breakfast with ocean views, open from 7am.
USD12-18, 1h

9:00am

Parasailing Adventure

Experience thrilling parasailing over the Gulf waters; tours operate from 9am-4pm and last about 30 minutes.
USD70-90, 1h

11:00am

Visit Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center

Learn about local marine life and conservation efforts, open 9am-5pm.
USD15, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Garden Grille

Fresh and health-conscious meals with vegetarian options, open until 3pm.
USD15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

Explore boardwalks and birdwatching towers in this pristine coastal habitat, open 8am-5pm.
USD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Gabriella's Italian Grill & Pizzeria

Enjoy classic Italian dishes after a full day outdoors, open till 9pm.
USD20-35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Relax & Explore

South Padre Island, Texas on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coco Tropic Island Bistro

Tropical-inspired breakfast fare in a laid-back setting, opens at 7am.
USD12-18, 1h

9:30am

Beach time and swimming

Unwind on the wide beaches with crystal-clear waters for swimming and sunbathing.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dirty Al's

Casual shack-style eatery known for tacos and seafood, open till 4pm.
USD10-15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Family-friendly water rides and pools, open 10am-6pm.
USD45, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Pier 19

Seaside dining offering fresh seafood and panoramic bay views, open till 9pm.
USD30-45, 1h30m
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Day 7: Corpus Christi Day Trip

Corpus Christi, Texas on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at First Watch

Healthy breakfast options with fresh ingredients before heading into Corpus Christi, open 7am.
USD12-18, 1h

9:00am

Visit USS Lexington Museum

Explore this historic aircraft carrier turned museum, open from 9am-5pm. Great for history and military enthusiasts.
USD15, 2h

11:30am

Walk along Corpus Christi Bayfront

Scenic walk and photo opportunities along the water with parks and shops nearby.
USD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Black Sheep Bistro

Upscale casual dining serving farm-to-table Southern cuisine, open till 3pm on weekends.
USD20-35, 1h

2:00pm

Texas Surf Museum

Discover the history of surfing in Texas, open 12pm-4pm on Saturdays.
USD5, 1h

3:30pm

Return to South Padre Island

Drive back to your beach base to relax.
USD0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Louie's Backyard

Exquisite waterfront dining with fresh Gulf seafood and elegant atmosphere, open till 9pm.
USD40-60, 1h30m
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Day 8: Leisure & Shopping

South Padre Island, Texas on July 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sunrise on the Beach

Beautiful beachfront breakfast with a variety of dishes, opens at 7am.
USD15-20, 1h

10:00am

Shopping at The Pearl South Padre

Explore boutiques, art galleries, and shops offering local crafts and souvenirs.
USD0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shrimp Haus

Casual dining specializing in shrimp dishes and coastal favorites, open until 4pm.
USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at your hotel or beach

Enjoy downtime at your resort or relaxing on the beach.
USD0, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Palms at Isla Blanca

Upscale dining with Caribbean-inspired cuisine and views of the dunes, open till 9pm.
USD40-60, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return Journey to Amarillo Start

South Padre Island to Amarillo, Texas on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast to go

Grab breakfast before starting your road trip back to Amarillo.
USD10, 30m

7:30am

Drive towards Amarillo

Prepare for approximately a 13-hour drive back inland to Amarillo, Texas.
USD0, 13h

8:30pm

Late dinner or arrival snacks in Amarillo

Rest and unwind after your trip with a quick dinner or snacks at a local 24-hour eatery.
USD15-20, 1h
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Day 10: Rest & Local Exploration

Amarillo, Texas on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ye Olde Pancake Station

Popular Amarillo breakfast spot known for pancakes and country-style dishes, opens at 6am.
USD10-15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Explore the second largest canyon in the US with hiking trails and scenic views, park open daily from 8am to sunset.
USD8 per vehicle, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Famous steakhouse offering Texas-sized portions and a unique experience, open from 11am.
USD20-40, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Amarillo Museum of Art or local shops

Art lovers can enjoy the museum, or opt for browsing downtown Amarillo boutiques.
USD6, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Crush Wine Bar & Deli

Relax with a fine selection of wines and gourmet small plates, open till 9pm.
USD25-40, 1h30m
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