Texas has many attractions: big cities, natural parks, and small hidden gems. However, although it is not one of the most popular beach destinations in the United States, it also has 372 miles of coastline, mostly wild and unspoiled, with golden sandy beaches, lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
We have selected 10 of them for you, each with its own peculiarities. Some are located in protected natural areas, and are therefore suitable for nature lovers, others in lively seaside resorts, perfect for those looking for a little nightlife.
Here are the 10 most beautiful beaches in Texas. Choose the one that suits you, get your swimsuit and flip flops ready, and leave immediately!
Contents
Map of the Beaches
All of Texas’ beaches are located along the Gulf Coast, which is characterized by “barrier islands,” which are islands of dunes and sand that form in front of the mainland coast. Because of this, there is no single road that connects them all.
Indicatively, Highway TX-35 connects the main locations between Houston and Corpus Christi, and from there onwards, going down to South Padre, you’ll have to use Highway 77. For detailed directions to each beach, please refer to the individual paragraphs.
Best Time to Visit
The Gulf Coast’s climate is tropical, so let’s take a look at what that means in detail:
- winter, although mild, registers temperatures between 50-70 °F, not exactly ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
- spring is hot and dry, with temperatures exceeding 70 °F, and little precipitation.
- summer is boiling hot, temperatures exceed 85 °F, with peaks of 105 °F. It is also the most humid season and, above all, the one at risk of hurricanes (especially between August and September).
- fall is very similar to spring. Rainfall decreases, and temperatures are pleasant until late November.
Therefore, the best time to visit the beaches of Texas are the mid-seasons, between April and June, and between October and November.
In the second half of March there is also the traditional spring break: this corresponds to the peak of high season for all the seaside resorts, from California to Florida, resulting in crowding and a general increase in prices.
The 10 most beautiful beaches in Texas
So let’s go discover the most popular beaches in the Lone Star State!
Padre Island National Seashore
In first place among the 10 most beautiful beaches in Texas is Padre Island, which is not only a beach, but also a national park and protected natural area.
Getting there is very easy, but do not use the address given on the GPS, because it will take you somewhere else.
From Corpus Christi, take TX-58, also known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway. Cross the two bridges, and you will arrive on Padre Island. Now simply follow Park Road 22 to the national park entrance towers. The total drive is 30 miles, about a 35 minute drive.
Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world, and separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of 6 hypersaline lagoons in the world.
The beaches are accessible by car, and driving on the shoreline is allowed, with a speed limit of 15-25 mph. The only car-free beach is Malaquite Beach, the one behind the Visitor Center. Bear in mind, however, that of the more than 68 miles of beach, only the first 15 miles are accessible to all vehicles. Beyond this point, the dunes become too high, and to continue you need a car with 4X4 traction. Remember that any recovery maneuvers are the responsibility of the driver.
Along this strip of sand, dunes and grasslands, you can swim, fish, kayak, windsurf and kite-surf, but of course also just relax and sunbathe. The best beaches to practice water sports on are North Flats and Holly Beach, while for a swim in the sea I recommend Malaquite Beach, which is equipped with toilets and showers, and is accessible to people with mobility disabilities.
When you get tired of the sea life, Padre Island National Seashore also offers other activities and attractions.
The Grassland Nature Trail is 0.8 miles long, level, and runs through a grassy area where you can spot many species of birds, including gulls, herons, and pelicans.
Another popular activity is collecting shells, only if they are empty, of course, and with a limit of one bucket per person (5 gallons). The richest beaches in this respect are Little and Big Shell Beach, both in the southern part of the park, and the best time to find as many as possible is after a storm.
Then, between mid-June and August, you’ll have the chance to witness the hatching of the eggs of the Kemp Ridley turtles, a protected endangered species. The hatchlings are released into the sea early in the morning, around 6:45am, at Malaquite Beach. Since the timing of the hatchings is naturally up to Mother Nature, if you’re interested in attending a release you should keep an eye on the park’s Facebook page, or call the Hatchling Hotline at +1 361 949 7163.
Padre Island National Seashore is open daily, 24 hours a day. The Malaquite Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
These are the admission fees, valid for one day:
- 10$ per car
- 7$ per bike
- 5$ each for pedestrians and cyclists
There are no services or facilities inside the park. So you’ll need to arrive stocked with gas, food, water, and anything else you might need to spend a day at the beach.
Crystal Beach
The second most beautiful beach in Texas is Crystal Beach, which is located on the Bolivar Peninsula northeast of Galveston. There are two ways to get to the beach:
- by car, from Houston, take I-10 eastbound to Winnie. From here, turn right on TX-124 until the end of the road, then turn right again on Highway 87, and follow the coast for another 15 miles. The total trip is 97 miles, and takes an hour and a half.
- from Galveston by ferry, a much more efficient system. The ferry, which you can also board in your car, runs 24 hours a day, at varying times depending on the turnout. It’s free, and the ride takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive on the Bolivar Peninsula, continue on Highway 87 for 10.5 miles.
Access to the beach is free, but if you want to park directly on the shoreline, you need a $10 pass, which can be purchased at most businesses along Highway 87, or at the Chamber of Commerce, at number 1750.
Crystal Beach is about 7 miles long and, although surrounded by houses, is very wild, in fact it is the ideal destination for nature lovers, who can enjoy fishing and birdwatching. As it is not very crowded, you will be able to enjoy a day of complete relaxation. The possibility of light bonfires, and the presence of many restaurants and clubs, make it also a very popular destination among young people.
One last attraction to note is the Bolivar Point Lighthouse, the 1872 lighthouse that has survived several hurricanes.
The best time to visit Crystal Beach is in the fall, when the seaweed that settles on the beach in the summer disappears due to the currents.
Rockport Beach
The last place on the winners’ podium of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Texas is awarded to Rockport Beach, certified as one of the cleanest beaches in the United States by the Clean Beaches Coalition. A recognition that, however, requires some more restrictive rules to be respected compared to the other seaside resorts of the state. Here, in fact, it is forbidden to enter the beach by car, to bring dogs, to light bonfires and to camp.
Rockport Beach overlooks Port Aransas Bay, and can be reached from Corpus Christi in about half an hour. Take TX-35 N to leave the city, and continue to Rockport. Turn right onto W Market Street, then take E Liberty Street to the left, and continue to the end of the street.
Parking is $10 for one day, while walking and biking access to the beach is free.
This beautiful crescent-shaped beach is very different from other Texas beaches. Thanks to the palm trees and straw umbrellas scattered here and there, you’ll feel like you’re in the tropics. The umbrellas are available for free, but you’ll have to be quick to snag one!
Since the beach overlooks a bay, the water is very calm, and there are no strong currents. These characteristics make it the ideal destination for families, even with small children. Adults and children can try their hand on the volleyball courts, have a picnic or prepare a great barbecue thanks to the grills provided.
Take a stroll down to the pier, where you can watch the fishermen at work and admire the beautiful colonial-style houses that populate the islet of Key Allegro. End the day in charming Rockport, which is filled with stores, restaurants and art galleries. The city also hosts several events, such as the Fulton Oysterfest, which takes place in March, and whose proceeds subsidize the fire department.
San Jose Island
San Jose Island beach, affectionately called St Jo’s, is particularly secluded, as it is located on a private island, accessible only by ferry from nearby Port Aransas.
Journeys depart from Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas, with varying schedules depending on the season. To plan your excursion, I therefore recommend checking the updated schedules on the official website. The cost of the round trip is $18 for adults, $9 for children between 6 and 12 years old, and free for younger children.
Awaiting you is 20 miles of unspoiled coastline, over 300 species of birds, including herons and spoonbills, and thousands of shells, to take home as a souvenir. Free of houses and cars, it is a true natural paradise, where you can spend a day of pure relaxation, away from it all.
Since it is a protected natural area, you will have to limit yourself to the beach, in fact, you will not be able to go beyond the limit of the vegetation. Also, there are no services, so bring everything you need for your day amidst nature.
Among the things to do, if you really don’t feel like sunbathing and swimming, there are fishing and birdwatching. Wander along the pier, and you might be lucky enough to spot Kemp Ridley turtles, who come to these shores to lay their eggs.
Boca Chica Beach
The quiet Boca Chica beach is located at the southern end of Texas, just north of the Mexican border. In stark contrast to nearby South Padre Island, it is a quiet place, located within the natural park of the same name.
To get there, from Corpus Christi take UD-77 S towards Robstown/Kingsville for 137 miles to Olmito. From here, take TX-550, then after 3.5 miles take TX-551 to the town of Reid Hope King. At this point, turn left onto TX-4 / E Boca Chica Boulevard, continuing for another 18 miles. This is a total of 186 miles, with a travel time of about 3 hours.
On the last stretch of road, just before the beach, you will have a chance to see the Space X Launch Facility, a space rocket manufacturing site.
Boca Chica Beach is 7.5 miles long, and is a wild and undeveloped beach, perfect for fishing, swimming, surfing and snorkeling. You will need to come equipped, however, as there are no rental companies or restrooms.
Here you can also explore the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refugee, a protected natural area at the mouth of the Rio Grande. Access is free, and you’ll be able to walk some hiking trails, watch birds from observation platforms, and even spot the ocelot, an elusive “big cat” belonging to the leopard family.
Mustang Island
Adjacent to Padre Island, Mustang Island is another barrier island, and takes its name from the herds of horses that once grazed the area.
From Corpus Christi, take TX-58, also known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway. Cross the two bridges, and you will arrive on Padre Island. From here, turn left onto TX-361, and continue for about 7.5 miles. The total trip is 29 miles, taking about 30 minutes.
Along its 18 miles of coastline and white sand, you can spot dolphins, turtles, and over 400 species of birds, including waders, herons, gulls, and spoonbills. Shell collecting is also allowed here, and if you want to have a perfect evening, you can even light a bonfire. Mustang Island is also a dog-friendly beach, so you can bring your four-legged friend.
Part of the beach is located in Mustang Island State Park, a state-owned nature reserve. The park is the realm of sportsmen: there are hiking and mountain biking trails, but kayaking enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy.
The Mustang Island Paddling Trail is a 20-mile-long trail that snakes through the dense vegetation of the lagoon, with excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. If you’d like to try this adventure, but are without a kayak, there are plenty of rental agencies in the area. The official website for nearby Port Aransas lists a few companies, but you can also ask on site directly. They often offer shuttle service to the boarding point as well.
The park is open daily, from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is charged for ages 12 and up, and costs $5.
South Padre Island
Not to be confused with the already mentioned Padre Island, South Padre is one of the most touristic areas of Texas, the favorite destination for college students during spring break. But that’s not all: thanks to the many accommodations and the mild climate, it is also very popular among retirees, who move there during the winter months.
All this, despite being in a logistically unfavorable position. It is in fact located a few miles north of Boca Chica, in the southern part of Texas.
From Corpus Christi, take UD-77 S towards Robstown/Kingsville for 137 miles to Olmito. From here, take TX-550, and continue to the interchange with TX-48 E. Here, turn left and drive about 20 miles to Port Isabel. Turn right onto TX-100, and cross the long bridge to South Padre. The total drive is 186 miles, with a travel time of 3 hours.
South Padre is a classic tourist beach resort, full of bars, restaurants, and attractions for the whole family. There’s the Beach Park water park, the Gravity Park adventure park, and you can even take lessons on how to build a sand castle, at Sand Castle Lessons. On the other hand, a very informative visit, especially for kids, is to Sea Turtle Inc, a center that rehabilitates sea turtles.
The most beautiful beach in South Padre is Isla Blanca Park, at the southern end of the island. Its wide, golden sandy beach is lined with a pleasant boardwalk, with plenty of umbrellas and benches to relax on. Walk to the end of the very long pier to take in the view of the city skyline and the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’re looking for a quieter environment, head north instead. The beaches are free, but since it is a residential area you will have a hard time finding parking. Starting from downtown, follow the main street, Padre Boulevard, until you pass the Andie Bowie County Park. From this point on it is easier to find public parking with direct access to the beach.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for a nature walk, you can take the easy, 1.1-mile-long, flat Laguna Madre Nature Trail. It starts at the Convention Center (7355 Padre Blvd), and is a wooden boardwalk trail with beautiful views of the lagoon, and the possibility of spotting alligators.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is popular because, in addition to being a beautiful beach, it is also easily accessible.
From Houston, take State Highway 288 S, and drive about 40 miles to the industrial town of Freeport. Then take the interchange for T-332 E, which ends after 7.5 miles right in front of the Surfside Beach welcome sign.
As with several other Texas beaches, you can park on the shoreline here, just get a $12 permit, valid for an entire year. Alternatively, park for free in town, and walk to the beach.
Surfside Beach is 4 miles long, and it’s a surfer’s paradise, because there’s always plenty of wind, and the water gets deep right away. You can also enjoy kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing. In addition, the Beach Bum Horse Rides company organizes horseback rides on the beach, at different times and conditions, depending on the season. If you are interested, I recommend contacting them in advance to make sure they are open.
Of course, you can also simply relax on the beach, collect shells, light a bonfire, or walk out onto the pier to try and spot dolphins and turtles. If you’ve worked up an appetite by now, there are several restaurants and bars, convenience stores, and liquor stores nearby.
Finally, I recommend that you walk or drive along the long Bluewater Highway, to see the colorful stilt houses, built on high wooden poles to withstand the storm surges.
East Beach (Galveston)
The huge beach at the eastern end of Galveston Island is perfect not only for the sea, but also for those who want to experience some nightlife, as it hosts many events, and is close to the main city attractions, such as the Galveston Pier.
It is less than an hour from Houston, and it is very easy to reach. Just take I-45 southbound and continue until the end of the highway, which enters Galveston as Broadway Avenue. From here, continue straight ahead to Seawall Boulevard, then turn right onto E Beach Drive.
The parking lot can accommodate up to 7000 vehicles, so you will have no trouble finding a spot. The daily cost is $12 during the week, and $15 on weekends. Alternatively, park on the street using a parking meter, at a cost of $1 per hour and for up to $8 per day.
East Beach is the only beach in Galveston where alcohol is allowed, as indicated everywhere in big letters. Because of this, it is a popular destination for teens, especially in the evening. But it is also a beach suitable for families. In fact, it is possible to rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and includes a playground, volleyball courts, and pavilions that can be rented for private events.
In August, East Beach hosts the annual sandcastle competition, where participants compete with shovel and chisel, creating works of art that will leave you speechless. For the updated event schedule, check out the official website.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas Beach ends up in last place among the 10 most beautiful beaches in Texas, but only because the others are true natural paradises.
Less crowded than Galveston or South Padre, Port Aransas is ideal for families, and couples looking for both tranquility and the convenience of having all the tourist amenities available. In 2017, it was severely affected by Hurricane Harvey, but it is recovering very well, and life is back to normal.
From Corpus Christi, take TX-58, also known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway. Cross the two bridges, and you will arrive on Padre Island. From here, turn left onto TX-361, and continue for 20 miles to get to downtown. The total trip is 39 miles and about 40 minutes.
The main beach, I.B. Magee Beach Park, stretches for 6 miles along the east coast of the island. It is very wide, and accessible to vehicles at a cost of $12 per day. You can purchase the pass at large beach stores, such as Islander Souvenirs at 602 S Alister Street.
It’s a free beach with a wide stretch of golden sand, dog-friendly and equipped with a few picnic tables. For the rest, like umbrellas and beach chairs, you’ll have to be on your own instead.
Among the most popular activities in Port Aransas is birdwatching, with more than 450 species of birds that populate the area during migration periods in spring and fall. Near the Marine Science Institute of the University of Texas (750 Channel View Dr) you can instead walk a short paved trail through the lagoon area, with many information panels on flora and fauna.
Another popular event is the Texas Sandfest sandcastle race, which takes place in April and lasts 3 days. Unlike the contest in Galveston, here the challengers must create their works according to the theme specified by the organizers, which changes every year.
Where to Stay on the Texas Coast
Texas beaches are all on the Gulf of Mexico coast, and as we’ve seen, some of them are very close together. By staying at these three locations, you will therefore have a chance to see them all.
- In Galveston, the Best Western Plus Galveston Suites and the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-on-the Beach are located along Seawall Boulevard in a quiet area. From here you can visit East Beach, Crystal Beach, and Surfside Beach.
- In Port Aransas, I recommend the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Beach Area, with parking and close to the beach. From here you can also visit Mustang Island, Padre Island, San Jose Island, and Rockport Beach, staying in a more relaxed environment than the chaotic Corpus Christi.
- South Padre Island has plenty of beachfront accommodations. I recommend La Copa Inn Beach Hotel and Isla Grand Beach Resort, close to the beach and with a good quality-price ratio. From South Padre you can also go to Boca Chica.
Best Places to Eat (Galveston, Port Aransas, South Padre)
Galveston offers several opportunities to eat along the Seawall, the waterfront promenade, The Spot, with tables on the rooftop terrace, serves burgers, tacos and seafood dishes, including the typical po’boy sandwich, stuffed with fried shrimp. The restaurant Gumbo Diner is a short drive away and serves southern dishes, including traditional gumbo, a thick fish and okra soup, and beignets, New Orleans’ signature fried dough treats. If you prefer a classic steakhouse, try Saltgrass, which serves meat and pork ribs.
In Port Aransas you won’t find so many waterfront establishments as the coast is less developed. Virginia’s on the Bay is located by the marina, and serves mostly fish and seafood, including oysters and southern country boil, a rich dish of shellfish, potatoes and corn. Although not on the water, two excellent restaurants are Irie’s, a tiny, no-frills eatery serving dishes cooked with fresh, local produce, and La Playa Mexican Grille, where I recommend trying the trio of seafood enchiladas.
In South Padre, Pier 19 overlooks the inner bay, and offers burgers, Mexican cuisine and fried fish, with the possibility of having the fish caught by you cooked (but contact them first). Laguna Bob has a large outdoor terrace, and is more of a live music venue. However, they also have a bar, which cooks ceviche, fried shrimp and hot dogs, to be consumed while you watch the show.
