Ready or not, summer’s is on its way. While the city provides ample respite in the form of indoor bars, poolside bars, and places to swim in Houston, no summer bucket list is complete with out a trip to the beach. Whether surfing, swimming, or just soaking in those sweet sun rays, grab a towel and some sun screen and head out to the best Texas beaches.
1. South Padre Island
Named one of the country’s top 10 under-the-radar beaches, South Padre Island is often thought of as a spring break destination for party-goers. But South Padre Island is so much more. The island destination is a home to some of the prettiest beaches in Texas.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take your family, enjoy fun in the sun at white sand, crystal-blue beach of Isla Blanca Park. Or, Beach Access 6 on the island offers a stunning, secluded beach experience.
If you’re looking for a little more action, go boating, parasailing, jet skiing, kite surfing, and more on the pet-friendly, pristinely sandy South Padre Island Beach – or at least grab lunch and a tropical cocktail at one the beachfront restaurants.
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
Located in the coastal town of Free port some 45 miles southwest of Galveston, is Surfside Beach – or “Surfside” as its affectionately by locals. Hence the name, the beaches’ waters are idyllic for surfing and other aquatic entertainment as well as dolphin watching and crabbing – the latter requires a license.
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
The recently renovated, 2000-acre Galveston Island State Park is a natural oasis to enjoy the gulf, bay, and beach. Between fishing, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and or swimming at Galveston Island State Park, visitors can explore things to do in Galveston for an array of entertainment ranging from amusement parks, aquatic fun, shops, dining, trolley-riding, and more.
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.