Finding the PERFECT beach just got a whole lot easier. I mean ‘click-of-a-button’ easy. And, we can thank Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush for that.
Today, he launched Texas Coasts, a Web-based app to help vacationers find the perfect beach, picnic park, or RV park for their next outing. Texas Coasts’ responsive design fully integrates across all platforms for an easy user experience whether using a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone. TxCoasts.com allows users to sort by multiple filters to find the perfect place for their next outing.
“Texas Coa
sts is the one-stop digital app for anyone who wants to enjoy Texas’ amazing coast,” Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said. “It’s a great app for families, fishermen, spring breakers, anyone anywhere who wants to find the right Texas beach or boat ramp for their summer fun. Texas Coasts is also an economic development tool, since the coast is one of our state’s top economic engines.”
Texas Coasts provides a location-enabled mapping function with turn-by-turn directions to each of the more than 600 destinations along the Texas coast – from Brownsville to Beaumont. The application also integrates with both Facebook and Twitter for users to share vacation plans with friends and family.
Now, here’s what makes this desktop app so appealing. Users can search for destinations with multiple filters to find a variety of amenities and activities at each location including:
·       Boat docks
·       Boat ramps
·       Camping
·       Hiking
·       Kayaking
·       Canoeing
·       Mooring
·       Picnic tables
·       Restrooms
·       RV access
·       Showers
·       Swimming
·       Wildlife viewing
·       Beach Watch Program
·       ADA Compliant
By clicking on destination pins users can view information about a site including activities, available facilities, fee information, site type, access type, location, and contact info. Most site pages also include images associated with each access point. With so much information available for interactive use on a computer, tablet, or smart phone, travelers can plan their next getaway from anywhere.
Commissioner Bush campaigned on making government more efficient, and on bringing new technology and ideas to the General Land Office. Texas Coasts was among the items he noted were in development in his 100 Days address. The Texas Coasts Web app replaces the Beach and Bay Access Guide (BBAG), a popular hard-copy publication, which is used by nature enthusiasts, beachgoers, fishermen, local governments, chambers of commerce and state employees. Replacing the printed publication with an online version eliminates printing costs. Additionally, Texas Coasts can be continuously updated as new access sites are opened or if weather conditions require sites to temporarily close. The most recent update to the current printed Access Guide was completed in 2003.
