Best Texas Beaches
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Sure – there are a lot of miles of coastline and dune-covered barrier islands that frame the Lone Star State against a backdrop of warm Gulf waters.
Over 400 miles of coastline, in fact, with plenty of great beach escapes just waiting for your next road trip to the coast. From Port Arthur to Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville, there’s a lot to the Texas coast, including quaint waterfront communities, great deserted beaches, a national seashore, and a bay system that rivals anywhere else in the world.
Explore our picks for Best Texas Beaches below and then scroll down lower to review our picks for Best Beach Getaways for the summer season or any time of the year. Get ready for plenty of fun in the sun and in the water.
South Padre Island
Rated one of the Top Ten beaches in the United States, South Padre Island offers a warm tropical environment and 33 miles of unspoiled beach just waiting for your next adventure. From swimming, surfing, and all kinds of typical water sports to searching for lost pirate treasure, you’ll find plenty to do and plenty to see in this great Texas hideaway.
South Padre Island is one of the best Texas beach getaways. Its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and tropical climate make it the perfect spot for a laid-back vacation. Located on the southernmost tip of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island offers plenty to do in addition to its many miles of shoreline. Whether you’re looking for fun activities or want to relax and take in stunning views, this is an ideal destination.
You’ll find no shortage of things to do while visiting South Padre Island either; from parasailing and jet skiing to fishing and swimming, there’s something for everyone! The town also has plenty of restaurants and bars on the beachfront, so you can dine with a view and unique local attractions like Schlitterbahn Water Park & Resort, which promises an unforgettable water park experience.
Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach, located on Mustang Island, is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching. The beach is known for its calm waters and wide, sandy shores.
For the best part of a century, Port Aransas and Mustang Island have been the beach playground for Texans everywhere. And little has changed in the last 50 years! If you’re looking for a timeless beach playground without the hustle and bustle of the big city, Port A offers long, empty beaches and plenty to see and do in nearby Corpus Christi. Escape to Mustang Island!
The only thing that comes and goes in this place is the tide; there is no commotion or large metropolis comings and goings. Even though Corpus Christi is close by, all you’ll notice is the exquisite peace and tranquility of the long, leisurely beach, which begs you to linger and indulge your lazy side.
It’s the kind of beach ideal for clear days when tinkling laughter rises to the sky and time seems to stand still.
Padre Island National Seashore
Looking for a wild, unspoiled beach? If you like remote, timeless beach destinations, your best choice is Padre Island National Seashore, accessible only through Corpus Christi and North Padre Island village. You’ll get plenty of wild adventures with over 50 miles of undeveloped beaches to roam.
Warning: Some, if not many, areas up and down this barrier island can only be reached by 4-wheel drive, and even then, the way can become treacherous and difficult. It’s best to travel in two vehicles or a caravan for the more remote areas and be warned cell service may not be significant in some areas. There are also wild hogs, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. Well, we did say wild!
The good news is that stepping onto the Island is like a step back in time, the remote beach in North America. Keep it clean; however, carry your trash out with you, and be warned that a lot of sea trash (and treasure) washes on shore daily.
But explore as the pirates and explorers explored hundreds of years ago. It’s just that wild and lonely!
Galveston Island
A favorite beach for nearby Houstonians, Galveston Island offers all the benefits of a beach getaway with rich history and culture on the Texas Upper Coast. Take a day or a week to explore the great beach amenities and get in touch with one of the state’s oldest and most historic communities.
Galveston Island is one of the best beach getaways in Texas. Located along the Gulf Coast, this island offers a variety of activities and attractions that make it an ideal vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Galveston Island has something for everyone, from charming boutique stores to some of the best seafood restaurants.
From relaxing beaches to thrilling amusement parks, there’s no shortage of things to do on Galveston Island. Spend your days lounging on its soft white sand or stroll down its historic Strand District. If you’re looking for more adventure, check out Moody Gardens, where you can explore rainforests and ride roller coasters before ending your day with a romantic sunset cruise along the coast.
Be sure to include Stewart Beach in your itinerary to visit Galveston. One advantage this beach has over others nearby is that you can bring your four-legged friend.
Surfside Beach, Texas
Surf’s always up at Surfside, Texas, just an hour’s drive from Houston. Long noted as a surf Mecca for active Texans, you’ll find all the water sports you can handle, plus great coastal eateries, unique lodging opportunities, and plenty of vacation home rentals begging you to spend a week or a month at this hideaway resort.
Surfside Beach is popular because it is spotless. You can make bonfires (beaches and bonfires are a perfect fit), drive on the beach (no walking and hauling those bulky coolers and awkward beach chairs), and there is free parking (no exorbitant fees to put the brakes on your fun).
Surfside Beach offers various activities, from swimming and sunbathing on its beautiful sandy beaches to fishing, boating, and kayaking in the nearby bays. There are also plenty of restaurants offering fresh seafood dishes, as well as some unique boutiques to explore. Nature lovers will surely enjoy bird watching at Jones Creek Park or strolling along the many nature trails that wind through the area. And don’t forget about all the fun attractions nearby, like Moody Gardens Aquarium or Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Corpus Christi Bayfront and Beaches
Corpus Christi Bayfront and Beaches are some of the best Texas beach getaways. Located along the sparkling shoreline of the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi offers stunning views, picturesque sunsets, and miles of sand to explore. With its mild temperatures year-round, Corpus Christi is a great spot to escape everyday life.
While not all the beaches of Corpus Christi are directly on the Gulf, you would be hard-pressed to find a City beach that didn’t offer plenty of fun, sun, and surf. Add that new improvement to the bayfront, and you have a natural winning combination!
The city’s bayfront area has many activities, such as sailing and fishing. There are also numerous restaurants offering outdoor seating with views of the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing, at nearby beaches like McGee Beach and North Beach. For those looking for more serenity, Bird Island Basin offers calm waters perfect for swimming or relaxing in the sun.
Rockport Beach, located near Corpus Christi, is family-friendly, with calm waters and plenty of amenities, including a fishing pier, playground, and picnic area. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Get sun on the pristine sand, swim, and cool off in a lovely cabana before exploring the area. The Texas State Aquarium allows you to get up close to a broad range of creatures from the area, and the U.S.S. Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier of the Essex Class, is open to visitors. And providing a stunning backdrop for everything is Corpus Christie’s skyline.
Magnolia Beach, Texas
Magnolia Beach is an excellent choice if you’re looking for one of the best beach getaways in Texas. Located on the coast of Matagorda Bay, Magnolia Beach boasts crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, making it an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. This picturesque beach offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, or kayaking, there’s something for everyone here. Visitors can also take advantage of easily accessible picnic areas and pavilions near the beachfront.
Family time at Magnolia Beach entails slowing down, spending time together, and enjoying the sun. Fast food restaurants are not available in this area. Few tourists congregate in popular areas where people feel compelled to constantly be on the go or look for the next big thing.
Magnolia Beach is ideal for families vacationing together as many kid-friendly attractions are nearby, including mini golf courses, water parks, and amusement parks. Plenty of restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes with stunning views of the bay.
You can look up here to look for clouds or look for crabs in the waves. You can talk to one or two villagers if you choose. It’s not just about beauty at this beach; it’s also about peace and family.
Best Texas Beach Getaways
Texas is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the country. From its crystal clear waters to its white sand dunes, Texas offers various beach getaways that will make any vacation memorable. Whether you’re looking for a romantic vacation spot or want to relax and unwind, these five best Texas beach getaways can provide precisely what you’re looking for.
Start your journey on South Padre Island, where the soft sand and the waves are gentle. Enjoy plenty of fun activities like parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding or stroll along one of its several nature trails. Head up north to Port Aransas, where fishing and kayaking opportunities abound. Galveston’s east-end beaches boast some of the best waves for those who enjoy surfing.
Crystal Beach Cabanas
Check out a trio of beach cabanas large enough for the entire family and more modestly priced travel trailers for rent for a couple or more wanting to rough it on the beach; this great location is just across the ferry from Galveston and a little way down the beach. Not far from Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park and miles and miles of beach right out your door.
The Habitat Vacation Cabins – LAMAR
Pirates once roamed these woods just north of Rockport on the Lamar Peninsula, and the wildlife still abounds. Located on St. Charles Bay, this rustic getaway lodge is perfect if you’re seeking a little R&R and want to avoid crowds!
The San Luis Resort – Galveston
An ocean of opportunity awaits you at The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, a 30-acre year-round beachfront resort on Galveston Island and recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award. Luxury and fun await in the heart of historic Galveston! Discover the nearby Moody Gardens, the historic Strand District, and incredible coastal seafood Galveston style!
Coral Cay Beachfront Resort – Port Aransas
Coral Cay’s beachfront location is just what the doctor ordered. Accommodations range from efficient studios to spacious three-bedroom units, each fully furnished with all-electric kitchens, microwaves, cable TV, and telephone. There are two swimming pools, tennis courts, and an activity room.
The OMNI Bayfront – Corpus Christi
Luxury and the perfect downtown location await at this beautiful bayfront facility. Enjoy the downtown entertainment district just out your door, the bayfront, the nearby beach, and more. The OMNI is our favorite downtown coastal hotel.
Conclusion
Texas is home to some of the most stunning and inviting beaches in the United States. From Galveston Island to South Padre Island, there are a variety of beachfront destinations for travelers and locals alike. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly destination, an action-packed trip, or a quiet getaway, there is something for everyone at these amazing Texan beaches.