Sand and surf equals only good vibes, especially these days. We’re working from home, quarantining at home, schooling at home. Escape to some place where sunscreen is the only screen needed this season

In our Escape — To Nowhere series, we’re highlighting locations where guests can have their own space, feel far enough away from others and cook for themselves in their own full kitchens, if they so choose – yet, still escape. Yes, unplug to feel more connected!

This week and last, we’re spotlighting two coastal options. Both sit on Port Aransas/Mustang Island, likely the most popular shoreside destination in Texas due to the fun sandy beaches you can drive on. (And even camp on, for free!) Last week you heard about Cinnamon Shore. And, now…

Lively Beach, Mustang Island

The new kid on the Mustang Island block, Lively Beach opened its first units to beachgoers in mid 2020 and continues to open in staggered stages. This modern beach condo community sits near Mustang Island State Park, off Highway 361. The art deco vibe sets it apart from other nearby communities. 

Guests have their own door to their unit, which opens to the outside; therefore, no busy hallways to maneuver around. Condos, which are all short-term rentals, sleep as many as nine, but as few as two. At time of writing, there are 46 open units, sitting just across a brand new private boardwalk from the public beach.

6 Highlights of Lively Beach

♥ Close access to the beach just across the elevated boardwalk. Pro tip: pack your car full of your gear and take the road alongside the property that heads straight to the beach, where you can park; but not before you get a $12 beach permit for your vehicle. Purchase your permit at the local grocery stores.

♥ Rooftop patios are accessible to all guests. For your own happy hour, take a cocktail to the rooftop, with lights strung for a relaxed beach vibe, and grab a seat with the view of the ocean.

♥ The large community pool with swim-up island is perfect for reading a good book with a cold beverage nearby. Pro tip: Each unit contains beach towels for pool use so you don’t have to take your bath towels down. There is no towel service at the pool and bring your own beverages.

Other appreciated amenities include community grills, freshwater outdoor showers and Adirondack chairs, all near the bottom of the boardwalk. 

♥ The condos come in a variety of sizes. We were in a unit with two bedrooms, each with king size beds and full bathrooms, plus a living room featuring a king-size foldout sofa alongside the full kitchen, where we cooked all our meals. 

♥ Golf cart rentals are available onsite from Top Deck and can be reserved either when you make your condo reservation or the day of, based on availability. Lively Beach architects have big visions for the fresh-faced property, with plans to add an event venue and a food and beverage location onsite. 

♥ Lively Beach condos are fortified and built to withstand Cat 5 hurricanes. 

Daily Seasonal Rates

Fall (Winter rates are lower)

– Studios starting from $159 midweek to $209 weekend

– 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom units starting from $219 midweek to $284 weekend

– 2 bed, 3 bathroom units starting from $304 midweek to $394 weekend

Peak (Summer 2021)

– Studios starting from $199 midweek to $259 weekend

– 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom units starting from $314 midweek to $404 weekend

– 2 bed, 3 bathroom units starting from $399 midweek to $514 weekend

Lively Beach, Mustang Island, Texas

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Cover photo courtesy Lively Beach

Marika Flatt is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. You can find her “escaping” all over Texas, to bring you the best and most safe places to visit. You can hear her “Weekend Trip Tips” on the statewide NPR show, Texas Standard.