City of Houston and Frying Pan are great dives aren't they. Scubadoo, there are some ok shore dives with good vis, but you have to do them in winter. That's when the inshore algae and stuff dies off. As far as shore dives go, you are limited to piers and jettis. Lot's of people like them, but the surge is bad and the vis is limited to about 40ft. I say, save up about $100 and do two offshore dives. If you get into the gulfstream, you have 85 degree water and almost 100ft vis all summer long.
Besides, you live near me. so, there is a great quarry in Thomasville--Blue Stone. It's cold and rather murky, but not at all bad. There is some pretty cool stuff in there.
brandon