Every year, thousands of snowbirds trade frozen driveways and icy roads for the warm, salty air of the Texas Gulf Coast. And more and more of them are discovering that Bayside, TX is one of the best-kept secrets on the entire coast.

The Texas Coastal Bend — stretching from Corpus Christi up through Rockport, Fulton, and Bayside — has long been a favorite destination for Winter Texans. The combination of mild winters, affordable living, world-class fishing, and a welcoming community makes it hard to go anywhere else once you've experienced it.

Why Bayside, TX Is Perfect for Winter Texans

Mild Winter Weather

Bayside sits in a sweet spot on the Texas coast where winter temperatures are consistently mild. Average highs in December and January hover in the mid-60s, with overnight lows rarely dipping below 40°F. Cold fronts do pass through, but they're typically short-lived — a day or two of cooler weather followed by a return to sunshine and gentle coastal breezes.

Compare that to the frozen tundra of the Midwest or the icy roads of the Northeast, and it's easy to understand why so many snowbirds make the drive south each fall.

World-Class Winter Fishing

One of the biggest draws for Winter Texans is the fishing. Copano Bay and the surrounding waters remain productive through the winter months, and some of the biggest speckled trout of the year are caught in December and January. Cold fronts actually improve fishing conditions as fish stack up in deeper holes and channel edges, making them easier to locate and target.

For anglers who spend their summers fishing northern lakes and rivers, the ability to fish year-round in warm(er) weather is a game-changer.

A Welcoming Community

The Rockport-Fulton-Bayside area has a long tradition of welcoming Winter Texans. Local businesses cater to snowbirds, community events are plentiful, and the permanent residents are genuinely friendly and welcoming. You'll quickly find yourself feeling less like a visitor and more like a local.

What to Expect at Down By The Bay RV Resort

Down By The Bay RV Resort is designed with Winter Texans in mind. Our spacious RV sites accommodate rigs of all sizes — from compact travel trailers to 45-foot Class A motorhomes — with full hookups including 20/30/50-amp electric service, water, and sewer. You won't need to move your rig for months if you don't want to.

Things to Do During Your Winter Stay

Life as a Winter Texan in Bayside is never boring. Between fishing, exploring the area, and enjoying the local community, the days fill up quickly.

• Rockport Beach — Texas's first Blue Wave Beach is just 20 minutes away and beautiful even in winter
• Fulton Mansion State Historic Site — a fascinating piece of Texas history, just 15 minutes away
• Goose Island State Park — home to the famous "Big Tree," a 1,000+ year old live oak
• Aransas National Wildlife Refuge — the winter home of the endangered Whooping Crane, a must-see for birdwatchers
• Corpus Christi — USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, waterfront dining, and shopping just 28 minutes away
• Local festivals — Oysterfest in Fulton (March), Rockport Art Festival (July), HummerBird Celebration (September)

Ready to Make the Move South?

If you're a Winter Texan looking for a new home base on the Texas coast, we'd love to have you at Down By The Bay. Our resort is new, clean, and designed to make your winter season as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Book early — our sites fill up fast once the season gets going.