Summer is here, Texas. If there’s any solace to be had in 100+ degree weather, it’s that it makes swimming all the more refreshing. While there’s a number of fantastic places to swim in Houston, be it a rooftop lazy river, the backyard pool of a cocteleria, or a local lagoon, you can let summer go by without a beach trip. Find out the best beaches near Houston and in the state of Texas. As always, be sure to first check the colors of the flags flying on the beach to understand its present conditions.
1. South Padre Island
While the thought of South Padre Island might conjure of the image of rowdy spring breakers, the Texas beach is much more. Once named as one of America’s top 10 under the radar beaches, South Padre Island harbors some of the best beaches Texas has to offer.
Beach experiences vary at South Padre Island. At South Padre Island Beach, you can go boating, jet skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, and more, on the pristinely sandy – pet friendly – shore. Its neighboring beachfront venues also offer exquisite dining and drinking options with stellar views.
Isla Blanca Park, with its crystal-blue waters and white, sandy shore, provides an excellent beach experience for families, while Beach Access 6 is an idyllic, secluded beach setting.
2. Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas in Mustang Island stands as a family-friendly beach destination boasting expansive stretches of breathtaking sandy shores. Beyond its picturesque landscapes, this “fishing capital of Texas” is celebrated for its abundant local wildlife, including the renowned Leonabull Turbull Birding Center, as well as its hiking trails, recreational water sports, and diverse culinary offerings.
3. Sea Rim State Park
Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Texas, Sea Rim State Park is a 4000-acre wetland sanctuary. With over 5 miles of pristine beaches stretching along the shoreline, the Sea Rim State Park is home to diverse ecosystems of marshlands, dunes, and coastal prairies.
The area is perfect for nature enthusiasts as it teams with bird species and wildlife ranging from river otters to alligators and ghost crabs.
Furthermore, visitors can kayak through the tranquil marshes, fish in the brackish waters, or simply relax on its sandy shores.
4. Surfside Beach
If you’re looking to catch a surf in the vicinity of Houston, ride the wave down to Surfside Beach. Located in Freeport, a coastal town 45 minutes southwest of Galveston, the golden-sandy beach is a haven for local surfers as well as other aquatic enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Surfboards, jet skis, and kayak rentals are all available for rent on site.
5. Rockport Beach
About three hours from Houston lies the delightful coastal town of Rockport, where you’ll find the stunning, family-friendly Rockport Beach. Known for its pristine shores, this beach is perfect for relaxing, picnicking, and immersing yourself in island atmosphere, making it one of the best beaches in Texas.
Additionally, the area offers attractions such as the Texas Gulf Coast at the Texas Maritime Museum, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the Rockport Center for the Arts, and even the country’s largest model crab.
6. Matagorda Island
Experience the great outdoors like never before at Matagorda Island. Accessible only through private boat charters from Port O’Conner, the secret beach in Texas is a tranquil, unspoiled seaside haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Visitors can explore winding trails that meander through marshlands, oak groves, and pristine beaches, kayak along the bay’s tranquil waters, or just get some R&R on its sandy shores. As for wildlife, the island is populated with bald eagles, alligators, white-tailed deer, and coyotes.
Be apprised, when visiting Matagorda Bay Nature Park understand that there is no drinking water or electricity on the island – so prepare accordingly. Furthermore, if you wish to stay overnight, camping is the only option.
7. San Jose Island
Accessible only by ferry from Port Aransas, San Jose Island is a remote beach destination in Texas that eludes crowds. While the island is privately-owned, visitors are allowed to comb the beach and enjoy fishing, shelling, birding, and relaxing.
8. Crystal Beach
Situated on the Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach offers a (somewhat paradoxical) retreat for partiers and relaxing beachgoers. Seven miles of wild sand span the shoreline where visitors can fish, camp, or join in on a volleyball game.
The area is also home to the Margaritaville Beach Club and Resort, a resort oasis complete with swim-up bars, poolside cabanas, a resort-style pool, and more.
9. Galveston Island State Park
Recently reopened in 2019 after extensive renovations, the Galveston Island State Park is better than ever. Now with over five miles of hiking trails, additional bayside kayak stations, vendor area, and beachside group-use pavilions, the Galveston Island State Park offers extensive outdoor experiences at the beach.
For those wishing to stay overnight, in addition to nearby lodging, there are now 95 campsites on the beach – important to note, Galveston Island State Park is the only place in Galveston where you can actually camp on the beach. The area is also beloved by nature enthusiasts, as it boasts fish-teeming waters as well as a diverse range of species for birders.
10. Boca Chica Beach
Immersed in shell-speckled sand dunes near the mouth of the Rio Grande, Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville is a relatively unspoiled beachside oasis.
The beach area spans over 1,055 acres, providing a plethora of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Its expanse, alongside the neighboring beaches of Del Mar and Boca Chica, offers a range of recreational opportunities, from swimming and birdwatching to camping, fishing, and surfing.