Celebrate the Arrival of Spring in the Bay Area

Spring has (almost) sprung and we’re already planning how we can celebrate its arrival. Whether you enjoy paddling or you prefer marvelling at world-class cars, we’ve got an attraction that will appeal to you. Take a peek at our list of activities in the Bay area to plan your next adventure (in close proximity to our Coastal Point community, too.)

1. 44th Corvette Chevy Expo

Saturday, March 19; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. / Sunday, March 20; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Free for children 12 and under; $15 for adults; $25 for weekend pass

View world-class show cars, meet the celebrities from the In Wheel Time Radio show and shop the vendor room at the 43rd Corvette Chevy Expo in Galveston, Texas. On Saturday, children can participate in the Youth Judging Program too.

2. Clear Creek Paddle Trail

Open daily; Free

Get out your kayaks and hit the trail — the paddle trail that is. Launch your boat from Countryside Park, Heritage Park or Walter Hill Park and enjoy the scenery as you float past the beautiful forested areas in League City. Pack your binoculars and stay alert — you may catch a glimpse of some wildlife on the way.

3. Space Center Houston

Open daily; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Prices range from $24.95-$27.95

Calling all space enthusiasts: ever wonder what it takes to live in space? Visit the Space Center in Houston to find out. Take part in NASA’s mission to explore space and science as you study their collection of spacecrafts and artifacts.

4. Moody Gardens

Hours of operation vary by season and per individual attraction.

Prices range from $35-$80

At Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, the opportunity to immerse yourself in activities is endless. Discover the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids, MG3D and 4D Theaters, Discovery Museum, 20,000 Leagues Interactive Adventure, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, and Reef Rescue Virtual Reality Experience.

5. Kemah Boardwalk

Open daily; Hours of operation vary

Strolling is free; rides are extra

The fun never stops at the Kemah Boardwalk. Pack your water shoes and splash around in the Dancing Fountain, ride the Boardwalk Beast, dine at the waterfront restaurants nearby and pick up some saltwater taffy before you leave. It’s only a 20 mile trip from downtown Houston.

6. Stroll the Strand

Open daily; Free

Take a walk down the sidewalks of The Strand Historic District in Galveston, Texas. Admire the breathtaking Victorian architecture on display, have a picnic and finish off the day with a stroll through Saengerfest Park located at 23rd Street and The Strand.

7. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Days and hours of operation vary

$19.99 all day ride pass for those under 48″; $26.99 all day ride pass for those 48″ and up

Spend the day at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier where there’s fun for everyone. Experience thrilling rides and take in the view as you soar over the Gulf of Mexico, have lunch at the world-famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, and search for a memento of your visit from one of the Pier’s shops, kiosks or carts.

8. Galveston Island State Park

Open daily; 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

$5 per person

Named one of the top five “Best Gulf Coast Beaches” by Travel Channel in 2013, Galveston Island State Park offers kayak tours, beach and surf explorations, bird walks, nature field trips and fishing clinics.

9. Seawall Urban Park

Open daily

Parking: $1 per hour; $8 per day; $25 per annual pass

In addition to its beautiful beachscape, this urban park located in Galveston stretches more than 10 miles and has the longest continuous sidewalk in the nation — making it the ultimate destination for walking, running or biking.

Images courtesy of: Galveston (Flowers); League City (Clear Creek Paddle Trail); Moody Gardens (Aquarium); Travel Squire (The Strand Historic District); Texas Parks & Wildlife (Galveston Island State Park).