We've anchored in padre bay before and there are places with both sand, sun, and shade, it's just a matter of being the first one there!

I'm going houseboating this August, and we can never find great beaches that get good shade. Usually we have to choose, between anchorages that are hot all day but have sandy beaches, and rocky spots that get good morning and afternoon shade? Does anyone know of places where you get the best of both worlds?

That's a good idea.. We've always dug our own holes.. just scouting out places to park as we go... This last time at powell was amazing until the last day when we were smashed with 24 hours of 40mph winds.  we were pretty unsure about the ropes, the houseboat was like a big sail, but we had 2 anchors from each corner of the back of the boat and we were just fine. 

Wow.. I don't remember the water depth, but know it was good and deep, there was a triple decker house boat that got up there past us, so had to be at least more than 30 feet in most places.