Texas in general isn’t exactly known for its beaches. While we’re not about to compare ourselves to the likes of, say, the Maldives, the Lonestar State does feature fantastic sandy beaches that make for wonderful summer destinations. For those of us in Houston, our usual beach destinations hang around the Galveston area. Lesser known, however, is Matagorda Beach – one of the best beaches in Texas that’s less than a two hour’s drive from Houston.
We would call Matagorda Beach an underrated destination, but it seems like the word is getting out. According to the USA Today’s panel of experts, the beach at Matagorda Bay along the Texas Gulf Coast is the second best beach in the state of Texas in its 2025 article. In 2024, the beach hadn’t even featured on the top 10 list.
Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, Matagorda Bay southwest of Houston a laidback beach town populated with local eateries, scenic expanses of white shores, and teeming wildlife. In contrast to other beach towns, bustling with commercial retail, exciting nightlife, and summer crowds, Matagorda Bay is a more peaceful, bare-bones kind of place.
What it does offer is an uncut chance to connect with nature. Residents and travelers alike enjoy the area of its birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor pursuits. Matagorda Beach, possesses an untouched quality to it, offering sandy beaches ripe with seashells. The beachfront is also open for camping.
For an even more natural experience, take a charter by way of Port O’Conner to Matagorda Island – a virtually untouched haven for adventure enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.
Here’s what the publication had to say about the Texas beach:
“Matagorda Beach, nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its expansive sandy shores provide a perfect backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities, from bird-watching to fishing, attracting nature enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of a less crowded beach, the charm of local wildlife, and the opportunity for camping right on the beachfront.”
For those curious about USA Today’s list of the best beaches in Texas. It’s No. 1 ranked beach in Texas is Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island.
Located in Rio Grande Valley on the southern tip of Texas – a long-albeit-worth-it-six-hour drive from Houston – Isla Blanca Park is a positively swell beach destination, renowned for its white sandy shores, crystal-blue waters, and exciting opportunities for beach-goers of all ages.
South Padre Island itself recently featured on Travel + Leisure’s reader’s poll of the best islands in the United States, coming in at No. 13 – two places higher than its placement in the previous year.