Texas Democratic Women

🌊 Texas Democrats — escape to North Padre Island while you're here! 🏖️
You came to Corpus Christi for the convention, but our island is just 20–25 minutes from downtown — where the bay opens into the Gulf, the sunsets are unreal, and the seafood's fresh off the boat. Here's a local's guide.
🚗🚌 GETTING HERE

Drive: Take SPID/Hwy 358 south over the JFK Causeway — it drops you right onto the island. Off-beach parking is free almost everywhere.
Bus: CCRTA Route 65 "Padre Island Connection" runs daily; ~$1.25 ($1.75 day pass). Plan & pay in the GoPass app.
Uber & Lyft serve the island (~20–30 min from downtown) — great if you're bar-hopping.

🏖️ BEACH STICKER (only if you drive ONTO the sand)

A $12/yr permit lets you park on the sand (valid all 2026) — grab one at island Circle K/Stripes, H-E-B, or Padre Balli Park; it works at all city/county beaches including Port Aransas. Not driving on the sand? It's free — including the free Windward lot at Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall (restrooms & showers). No glass on the beach; alcohol 21+ in cans; dogs on leash.
🦐 WATERFRONT DINING & SEAFOOD

Doc's Seafood & Steaks — on-the-water sunset icon; live music
Snoopy's Pier — bayfront, counter-order; ice cream next door
The Pearl Oyster Bar — raw bar & seafood towers on the water
Perrin's on the Water — Cajun grill & boil; gumbo, crawfish
Laguna Reef — seafood plus a great wagyu burger

🍝🍣 MORE GREAT EATS

Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar — fresh Peruvian: ceviche, lomo saltado, poke
Island Italian — pasta, pizza & beachy cocktails
Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge — creative rolls (small — reserve)
Padre Island Burger Company — build-your-own burgers, big patio
Captain's Diner — Greek family, big portions, great breakfast
Ridley's — bougie-island brunch & craft coffee
Hometown Seafood — seafood boils & redfish; they'll cook your catch

☕ COFFEE

Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery — container shop; free coffee for a bag of beach trash ♻️
Kilates Coffee Roasting Co. — top-rated local roaster
Wednesdays Coffee Co. — cozy spot, huge pastries
Starbucks (Padre Island) — bay-view patio; opens 4:30 AM

🍹🎶 BARS & LIVE MUSIC

The Sandbox Beach Bar — fire pits, pickleball, food trucks, playground & live music
The Anchor Beach Bar & Grill — waterfront, brunch, live music
Pelican Lounge — free live bands; Thursday steak night
The Slip — woman-owned; pool & live music
Salty Dolphin — karaoke, bingo, music trivia
Castaways Beachside — drinks by the waves

🍦 SWEET STUFF

Desserted Island — themed-room ice cream & sundaes (cash)
Scoopy's Veranda — scoops by the water at sunset
Magnolia Grace Gelato y Más — gelato & crepes, open late
Sweet Swirl — self-serve froyo & a wall of toppings

🛻🏖️ PLAY

Drive a Humvee on the beach! 🪖 Padre Island Combat Cruiser Rentals — cruise the National Seashore (cooler & speaker included). Also Padre Island Buggies (dune buggies) and JoyRide Rental Co. (carts & off-road UTVs).
Mini golf: Treasure Island Golf & Games — two courses
Fishing charters: Southbound (Capt. Pierre), Spot N' Tails (Capt. Larry), Laguna Moon (Capt. Chris), CC Bay (Capt. Alan); or cast from Bob Hall Pier & the Packery jetties (license 17+)

🌅 Grab a coffee, drive onto the beach, get your toes in the Gulf, and watch the sun set over fresh shrimp. Welcome to the Coastal Bend! 💙🌊
Brought to you by Island Democrats · www.IslandDemocrats.com

Our Blue Hearts Are Full — Thank You to Our First Statewide Blue Hour Sponsors!

We are endlessly grateful for the generosity, dedication, and belief in our mission shown by these incredible women. Because of you, Texas Democratic Women continues to grow, organize, and help elect women across our state. Your support doesn't just fund a convention — it fuels a movement.

🌟 $1000 Ann Richards
🌟 $500 Barbara Jordan
🌟 $250 Frances "Sissy" Farenthold
🌟 $100 Wilhelmina Delco

To each of you: thank you for showing up, investing in women, and standing proudly with TDW.

We see you, we appreciate you, and we are stronger because of you.

Inspired to join them? We'd love to welcome you into this incredible circle of sponsors — reach out today and be part of what's next! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tdw_blue_social

Thank You to Merida!!
A big thank-you to Merida Forrest, President of Coastal Bend Texas Democratic Women, for sharing her amazing guide to Downtown Corpus Christi!

🌊 From coffee shops to local favorites, Merida's hometown knowledge is helping make convention week unforgettable for all of us. Thank you, Merida!

Read our Convention newsletter: https://conta.cc/4voFLPd

Blue Dinner Ticket Reminder for TDW Blue Hour Social at the Texas Democratic Convention

⏰ Last call! Blue Dinner tickets ($15) close TONIGHT, Sunday 6/21, at 8:59 PM. Don't miss out on pasta & salad with your TDW sisters in Corpus — grab yours before time runs out! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tdw_blue_social

You can still be a sponsor too! it's never too late.