When you are planning a beach vacation, Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind.
You will be excited to find some wonderful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico though.
Due to more temperate weather conditions, many, if not most of these beaches can be visited throughout the year.
So dive in and get ready to wiggle your toes in the sand!
Best Beaches in Texas
Galveston Island
Located near Houston, many people enjoy the sand and warm waters of the beaches in this area.
While water sports and beach time are at the top of the list for every traveler, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
The city of Galveston has many opportunities for dining and entertainment.
One of the most popular locations is the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier.
There is literally something for everyone from theater to exploring new, exciting shopping options.
What to stay longer at the beach? That is now possible at the Galveston Island State Park.
A $10 million beach renovation created new opportunities at the state park.
There are hiking trails to keep everyone moving and exploring.
Campsites for overnight stays and a boardwalk so that you can soak up the views.
The state park is the only site on the island where tent camping is permitted.
Historical items to note are that Galveston is where the historic Juneteenth was born.
This holiday commemorates the ending of United States slavery after the Civil War.
Also of note is the 1900 storm that hit the island and is now considered to be the largest natural disaster in American history.
Visitors to the island have many opportunities to learn more about both of these events.
Rockport Beach
Located in southeastern Texas, this beach location is on Aransas Bay.
The beach is well known for its cleanliness.
The Clean Beaches Coalition recognized the area as the first Texas Blue Wave Beach.
This makes strolling along this crescent-shaped beach much more enjoyable.
Walking along the promenade is particularly enjoyable at sunset.
During the day, soak up the sun on the sand or bring a beach chair to simply relax and watch the Gulf waters.
There is also a natural saltwater pool perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
But that’s not all, when you’re done with time on the sand, there are a number of other activities to engage in such as volleyball courts and playgrounds.
Picnic tables are available for lunch and snack times.
For the die-hard fishermen in the group, there is a pier that is well-known as a prime location.
South Padre Island
In the past, South Padre Island was renowned as a party destination for spring breakers.
This has changed in past years, however, as the island welcomes more families with activities suited to them.
As a barrier island, visitors can enjoy 34 miles of beaches for most of the year.
From many affordable hotels, you’ll be able to enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico throughout the day and evening.
Isla Blanca Park is a very popular area on the island not only for the beach but also for the amenities that are available there.
Located in the south of the island, the park has a number of food options available.
Many people also flock to the area for the boating and fishing opportunities.
To keep things fun and educational for everyone, visit Sea Turtle, Inc.
This organization provides rehabilitation for sea turtles.
The next stop should be Sandcastle Trail where everyone can explore over 30 sandcastles that have been constructed by professionals.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi offers a number of options to get some beach time in.
While there are nearby beaches that may opt to also visit, the city has its own beaches.
McGee Beach is within walking distance of the downtown area.
The beach is smaller than some others on this list, but it is very clean and convenient for sunbathing and fishing from a pier. Another option is North Beach.
This beach is accessed by going over the Harbor Bridge.
There you’ll find a 1 ½ mile of beautiful sand and the Gulf waters.
Other attractions in this area include the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium, both of which make for memorable visits.
Port Aransas
Being ideally located with Mustang Island State Park toward the south and San Jose Island toward the north, you are able to enjoy the beaches of Port Aransas and also those of these other nearby islands.
Known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas”, Magee Beach Park provides access to Horace Caldwell Pier.
There are also camping options for those who want to stay longer.
Port Aransas Beach itself is lined with resorts and rental options.
The town itself offers visitors many dining options, as well as, museums and an active art-centric vibe.
There is something for everyone in this beach community.
Mustang Island
Mustang Island is a popular destination for visitors.
Conveniently located 30 miles east of Corpus Christi, there are many beach activities to engage in.
Surfing and camping top the list of things that draws visitors to the island.
There are 18 miles of sandy beaches to explore or just relax on.
When time in the sand is done, head to the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail.
This is 20 miles of winding shallow water canals.
This gives everyone the chance to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard through the area.
Another favorite activity for visitors to the island is simply spending time on the beach to watch for birds, dolphins, and the occasional turtle.
San Jose Island
Also located close to Mustang Island and Port Aransas is San Jose Island
This island is well known for its natural beauty.
It is easily reached by ferry from Port Aransas The island has 21 miles of beautiful beach and coastline.
As a privately owned island, there are some limitations to the beaches.
Everything below the high tide line is open to visitors.
This doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to do.
Besides sunbathing, many simply enjoy looking for shells
and birds. Fishing from the many piers is also a popular activity.
Some just sit on the jetties and watch for sea turtles which are common around the island.
Padre Island National Seashore
This seashore is about 70 miles long and unspoiled.
Visitors to the Padre Island National Seashore can spend time on the sandy beaches.
Then explore the dunes and tidal flats that have been created along the Gulf Coast shoreline.
Malaquite Beach is a popular beach in this area.
As the shoreline and beach are all protected areas, there are many opportunities to learn about ongoing conservation efforts and wildlife in the area.
For instance, there are interpretive programs about efforts to conserve and release sea turtles.
Other popular areas include Little Shell Beach and Big Shell Beach where everyone can enjoy searching for the perfect seashell.
Simply walking along the shoreline is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
Camping is also allowed.
Swimming and windsurfing are a few of the water sports that everyone can engage in.
Boca Chica
When you are hanging out in this beach town, you are just a short way from Mexico – just across the Rio Grande.
You won’t find flashy attractions here, but you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of beach activities.
Spend time lounging on the 8-mile Boca Chica Beach.
Then head out to snorkel, swim or surf.
This is one beach where you need to bring your own equipment.
When that is done, there is also plenty of fishing spots available.
As the beach is located near the SpaceX test site, the beach is closed during rocket launches so plan ahead.
Texas Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Texas Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit beaches in Texas?
The state of Texas has such a vast shoreline.
This gives each area a different climate.
In general, summers are warm to downright hot.
Exploring each area before you head out on vacation will give you a better idea of what the temperatures will be during your visit.
Even during the wintertime, there are some Texas beach areas that are warm and sunny during the day so don’t discount winter as a time to get out of the snow and into the warm waters.
Where can I go, so the beaches aren’t overly crowded?
Consider the time of year that you are planning to travel.
This will affect the number of people on the beach.
Also, avoid spring break season if you don’t want to be surrounded by crowds.
Some beaches are just naturally more secluded and afford a more peaceful and comfortable stay.
These are both along the coastline and some of the barrier islands.
My family is looking forward to experiencing both classic Texas food, and seafood. Is this possible?
Yes, most beach communities offer a variety of dining options to suit every taste.
You’ll even find Asian selections with a Cajun twist!
Enjoy the seafood for dinner then have BBQ for lunch the next day.
The options are endless.
Is there a risk of hurricanes on Texas beaches?
Yes.
Hurricane season runs from June through November.
While there is always a risk during this time period, pay attention to weather reports for any storm systems of concern.
