My turn! How about Galveston or North Padre?

Sinafey

I've never been to a Texas beach, so I'm clueless.  I mentioned the possibility of going to South Padre to DH after seeing the recs on Rach03K's post, and he suggested Galveston or North Padre Island instead.  He hasn't been to a TX beach in 20 years...

We're looking for low key, clean beaches, a rental house within walking distance of the beach that isn't crazy expensive, and small local places to eat.  I don't want to spend 10 hours in the car driving there.