13 Best Beaches in Texas
Texas is home to the most beautiful beaches in the country. From the pristine white sands of South Padre Island to the stunning blue waters of Mustang Island, these beaches have something for everyone. Whether you’re up to spending a day at the beach, swimming or surfing, or just relaxing with a good book, these beaches have it all. If you’re planning to visit Texas soon and are looking for some great places to visit, this list is for you!
- Boca Chica State Park — Brownsville
Boca Chica State Park is a state park located on the Gulf of Mexico in Cameron County, Texas, United States. The park is located on Boca Chica Beach, the northernmost tip of South Padre Island, and offers some of the best surfing conditions along its west coast.
The park features trails for hiking and biking, as well as several camping sites that are available for rent year-round. In addition to these activities, picnic areas and restrooms are available during your stay at this location!
- Padre Island National Seashore — Corpus Christi
Padre Island National Seashore is a long barrier island on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Texas, located in Cameron County and Willacy County, with a small portion extending into Hidalgo County. The park protects over 30 miles (48 km) of beachfront from Tres Palacios to Mustang Island, as well as all of Padre Island’s offshore islands and cays except for Pelican Point (which is part of Brownsville).
There are three main sections: North Beach, South Beach, and Dog Island—all with distinct features and attractions!
- South Padre Island — South Padre Island
South Padre Island is the most popular Texas beach, and for a good reason. It boasts one of the most extended stretches of sand in the state, with a broad area perfect for sunbathing or swimming. The island has many hotels, restaurants, and bars to choose from if you want to enjoy your time here at South Padre. It’s a must-visit place if you’re looking for something different than other beaches on this list!
The water is warm year-round, and the island offers many activities for the whole family. You can enjoy parasailing, jet skiing, or walking along the beach. The island also has plenty of shops to visit if you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts from your trip.
- Rockport Beach — Rockport
Rockport Beach is in Rockport, Texas. This beach is the second largest in Texas and has plenty of things to do for people who love nature and spending time with their families. If you like fishing or boating, this place will be perfect! It also has many beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, making it a great place to go swimming!
The beach has many places to enjoy the beautiful weather, such as the fishing pier and boat launch. A concession stand also sells snacks, drinks, and souvenirs for everyone who wants them.
- Mustang Island — Port Aransas
This attraction is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas. An excellent destination for beachgoers, surfers, and fishermen. The island offers numerous activities, including fishing trips, charter boat charters, and dolphin-watching tours. There are several restaurants on Mustang Island, such as Captain Tony’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar (where you can get some real-deal seafood) or The Coffee Pot at Texan Cafe, serving breakfast all day long!
There are also hotels located on Mustang Island, including some famous names like:
- Corpus Christi Beach Resort
- Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Corpus Christi South Beach Area
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites By Wyndham Corpus Christi North Entrance/South Entrance
- Lighthouse Beach — Port Lavaca
Lighthouse Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has been a popular vacation destination for locals and tourists since it was first revealed in 1887. The beach is accessible, making it easy to get there by boat or car. The sand is also clean and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing by yourself.
However, you won’t find lifeguards on duty at this beach—which makes sense since there are no waves here! But don’t worry if you want some company; most days during the summer months, some activities will engage you in enjoying the spot, including volleyball games (yes!) and kayaking trips through shallow water areas around Lighthouse Beach Port Lavaca, Texas!
- Corpus Christi Beach — Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Beach is a great place to swim, surf, and sunbathe. Located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, this beach offers some of the best swimming in our state. Corpus Christi Beach has been ranked number one by “Best Beaches in Texas” readers on TripAdvisor!
The beach also features activities like kayaking and SUP boards available for rent at nearby shops or restaurants (for more information about those activities, check out our article about them here). To explore more than just your backyard, you should visit nearby attractions.
Pier 21 Marina offers boat rentals and free wifi access from their lounge area, where you can eat lunch while watching dolphins swim. For a more luxurious experience, try renting one of their luxury yachts. These yachts are equipped with everything from Jacuzzi tubs down to massage chairs if that’s what floats your boat. An entire crew of masseurs will ensure every inch of your body feels pampered after spending hours lounging near watery depths without sunscreen protection!
Town Brook Bridge Park contains miles upon miles worth of trails perfect for hiking enthusiasts who want something different than just walking next door at Wimberley Spur Trailhead Park. There are plenty of other scenic sights, such as wildflowers blooming around each bend along its path through brushy woods filled with wildlife, including deer often grazing peacefully alongside humans enjoying peaceful moments under sunny skies overhead.
- Crystal Beach — Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a small town on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s located on the Bolivar Peninsula and has less than 100 residents.
The town is known for its beautiful beach and fishing, which makes it an ideal place to visit during your travels through Texas.
The town is famous for its Crystal Beach Bald Cypress trees and the Crystal Beach Lighthouse. If you’re planning a vacation to relax and enjoy life, you should consider visiting this small town on your next trip through Texas.
- Surfside Beach — Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach from Texas is one of the best beaches to visit in Brazoria County. The beach has a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s perfect for swimming or walking along its white sand.
It’s an ideal place to spend the day and a popular spot for surfing. The beach offers free parking and restrooms for visitors.
This attraction is open from 9 a.m. to sunset every day of the year, and it’s located at 1001 S.W. County Road 453 in Freeport. The beach has on-duty lifeguards during the summer, so bring your sunscreen and swimsuit to enjoy the beach day to the fullest.
- Port Aransas Beach — Port Aransas
Port Aransas Beach is in the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its white sand beaches and clear water, making it a must-visit place for fishing, swimming, and boating.
You can also do plenty of activities on this island beach: scuba diving, surfing; sailing; kayaking, and so on!
- San Jose Island — Port Aransas
San Jose is a barrier island that the San Antonio River formed. The island is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is part of the Padre Island National Seashore, which means it’s both protected by law and open to public access.
The island is home to numerous wildlife species, including sea turtles and other marine animals. There are also swamps on this beach that feature mangroves where you can see alligators! The water temperature here ranges from 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bring plenty of sunscreens or other sun protection when visiting this beach!
- Matagorda Bay Nature Park — Matagorda
Matagorda Bay Nature Park is a state park in Texas, USA. The park is located on the Gulf Coast of Texas and is part of the Gulf of Mexico. It is located in Matagorda County and was established in 1967.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park features over 30 miles (48 km) of beaches stretching from Port O’Connor to Brazosport, Texas; it covers over 4,000 acres (1,600 ha). The park is along Matagorda Bay and the Laguna Madre. It has several beaches, dunes, estuaries, and tidal flats, home to many species of birds. So everyone from your family can spend adventurous and quality time here.
- McFaddin Beach — Sabine Pass
McFaddin Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico, in the easternmost part of Texas. This popular destination for birdwatchers and surfers is also a favorite for fishermen catching redfish and sea trout. Mcfaddin Beach magazine has been voted one of America’s best beaches three times by Mcfaddin Beach!
The beach has on-duty lifeguards and restrooms with showers available. The concession stands at the beach also sell snacks and drinks. The beach is open daily from 8 am to sunset, but swimming isn’t allowed after 9 pm.
The best beaches in Texas are a great place to go for a fun day. They offer plenty of activities, such as swimming and fishing, but they also have beautiful scenery and scenery that ensures to please any visitor. We hope that you enjoy these beaches as much as we do!