One of the underrated perks of staying near the Texas Gulf Coast is the seafood. You're not far from the source — Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico supply some of the freshest shrimp, oysters, and fish in the country, and the restaurants in this area know how to cook them.

Whether you're a contract worker looking for a solid dinner after a long shift or a vacationing RVer ready to explore the local food scene, here's where to eat near La Marque and Texas City.

The Texas Gulf Coast has a long commercial fishing tradition. Galveston Bay is one of the most productive estuaries in North America — it produces a significant share of the nation's brown shrimp and supports thriving populations of blue crab, flounder, and oysters.

When you eat seafood at a local restaurant here, there's a good chance it was pulled from the water within the last 24–48 hours. That freshness shows up on the plate in a way that frozen or shipped seafood simply can't match.

A Galveston institution since 1975, Benno's sits right on the Seawall and serves some of the best fried shrimp on the island. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the view of the Gulf doesn't hurt.

Best for: Casual lunch or dinner, fried Gulf shrimp, po'boys Distance from Little Thicket: About 20 minutes

Another Galveston classic with a loyal local following. Shrimp N Stuff is known for its no-frills approach — paper plates, plastic forks, and absolutely excellent seafood. The boiled shrimp and stuffed crabs are standouts.

Best for: Boiled and fried seafood, budget-friendly meals Distance from Little Thicket: About 20 minutes

If you want something a step up from the casual spots, Olympia Grill on Pier 21 offers a more polished experience with a great view of the harbor. The grilled fish and seafood pasta dishes are consistently excellent.

Best for: Date night, grilled fish, harbor views Distance from Little Thicket: About 22 minutes

Gaido's has been serving Galveston since 1911 — that's not a typo. It's a full-service restaurant with a broad menu covering everything from Gulf red snapper to crab-stuffed shrimp. A bit more formal than the other spots on this list, but worth it for a special occasion.

Best for: Classic Gulf Coast seafood, family dinners, special occasions Distance from Little Thicket: About 20 minutes

Right on the water at Pier 19, this spot combines solid seafood with a lively atmosphere. The raw oyster bar is a highlight, and the sunset views over Galveston Bay are hard to beat.

Best for: Oysters, waterfront atmosphere, happy hour Distance from Little Thicket: About 22 minutes

A large, casual spot near the Strand with a broad menu and consistent quality. Good for groups — the tables are big and the staff is used to handling large parties. The seafood platter is a reliable choice.

Best for: Groups, large portions, casual dining Distance from Little Thicket: About 20 minutes

If you don't want to make the drive to Galveston, there are solid options closer to the resort.

Technically a short drive north toward San Leon, but absolutely worth mentioning. Gilhooley's is famous for its chargrilled oysters — they're arguably the best on the entire Texas Gulf Coast. Cash only, BYOB, and no kids allowed (it's a bar), but if you love oysters, this is a pilgrimage worth making.

Best for: Chargrilled oysters, adults-only atmosphere Distance from Little Thicket: About 25 minutes north

Several local seafood markets near Texas City and Galveston sell fresh-caught Gulf shrimp, crab, and fish at prices well below restaurant rates. If your RV has a grill or a decent kitchen setup, picking up a pound of fresh shrimp and cooking it yourself is one of the best meals you can have on the road.

Look for roadside shrimp boats along Highway 87 on Bolivar Peninsula or ask locals for their current favorite market — these change seasonally.

If you're new to Gulf Coast seafood, here's a quick guide to what's worth ordering:

Brown shrimp — The Gulf's most iconic product. Best boiled with Cajun seasoning or fried with a light batter. Avoid anything described as "imported" if you want the real thing.

Gulf oysters — Briny, plump, and best eaten raw on the half shell or chargrilled with garlic butter. Galveston Bay oysters are in season fall through spring.

Red snapper — A Gulf staple. Firm white flesh that holds up well to grilling or blackening. If it's on the menu as "fresh local," it's worth ordering.

Blue crab — Galveston Bay blue crabs are excellent. Soft-shell crab (available in season) is a particular treat — fried whole and served on a po'boy.

Flounder — A mild, flaky fish that's excellent fried or stuffed with crab. Very popular at local restaurants.

If you're on a turnaround rotation and eating out regularly, a few practical notes:

• Most Galveston restaurants are cash-friendly but accept cards
• Lunch specials are common and significantly cheaper than dinner menus
• Several spots near the Strand offer quick counter service if you're short on time
• The drive from La Marque to Galveston's restaurant row is about 20 minutes with no traffic — longer on weekends in summer

Little Thicket RV Resort is ideally positioned for exploring the Gulf Coast food scene. You're close enough to Galveston to make a dinner run without it being a major expedition, and the Texas City area has its own solid options for quick meals.

Call us at (409) 935-5375 or book online through RoverPass to reserve your site. We're happy to share current local recommendations when you check in.

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