While Texas may be celebrated for its vast landscapes and vibrant cities, the allure of its beaches is often an under-appreciated gem. The over 350 miles of stunning shoreline reveal a world of sun-kissed sands and engaging activities that rival any coastal retreat. Whether it’s bird-watching, swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or boating, the beaches in Texas offer a unique blend of relaxation and recreation throughout the year. Explore the Gulf Coast as we delve into the 10 best beaches in Texas for your next perfect getaway!

1) Port Aransas
Port Aransas Beach, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
Karen / Flickr
Port Aransas, often known as "Port A" to locals, holds a charm all its own. This beach radiates a laid-back, chill vibe that provides a quieter area, where the sound of crashing waves can be enjoyed without interruption. Its expansive, sandy shores are ideal for leisurely walks. For those looking to engage with nature, the beach is frequently visited by a variety of seabirds, adding a touch of wildlife magic to the coastal landscape. The tranquil setting of Port Aransas makes it a perfect spot for those seeking a more relaxed, intimate beach experience in Texas.

Check out the Port Aransas Beach, one of the best beaches in Texas, in this video from Boondocking with Dennis:
2) Boca Chica
Boca Chica Beach, Texas 78521, USA
Justin Hundsnurscher/Wikimedia
Way down in Brownsville, you'll find an eight-mile stretch of beach between the Rio Grande delta and lower Laguna Madre. It's relatively free from tourists most of the time, so it makes for the perfect temporary escape from civilization. The Boca Chica State Park is a beautiful hidden gem.
3) Rockport Beach
Rockport Beach, Rockport, TX 78382, USA
Luvzdollz / Flickr
This is one of the cleanest beaches in Texas, and since it faces Aransas Bay, it makes it safer for children to swim since there are no big waves or strong undertows to worry about. It's also considered a pretty romantic beach with a 1500-foot lighted jetty pier at the end of Rockport Harbor. Perfect place for your sweetheart and the kids, too.
4) Galveston Island
Galveston Island Beach Patrol, 3, 201 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Clintie P / Flickr
People say the beaches of Galveston have been noisy, dirty, and overrun with tourists, but we disagree. You just have to know where to go, and we know from experience to avoid the paid beaches such as Stewart, since the showers, gift shop, and umbrellas & chairs attract a huge crowd during the summer. Drive down Seawall Blvd a bit until you see Rita's and Pleasure Pier ... this is the area of the island where we've found fewer people, and if you need food or the restroom, there are plenty of businesses across the street.
5) South Padre Island
South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Sherri Abendroth/Flickr
You can't mention great beaches without listing South Padre Island; it's definitely a tourist hot spot though, and can get pretty rowdy with the bar scene and younger tourists. However, it's one of the best places to spot dolphins and massive sea turtles. Some reports show it to be the cleanest beach near Houston! At least as far as the water quality goes.

South Padre Island is one of our favorite Texas beaches with gorgeous white sand and beautiful ocean views. Take a walk on the beach in this video from LOMAS ATX:

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6) Mustang Island
Mustang Island, Texas, USA
John W Schulze / Flickr
Pick a nice sandy spot to lay your towel on either the Corpus Christi Bay side or the Gulf side and if you check out the Mustang Island State Park, you can go kayaking down the Mustang Island Paddling Trails. Mustang Island is known for having the whitest, most pristine sand out of all of the beaches in Texas.
7) Padre Island
Padre Island, Texas, USA
Terry Ross / Flickr
This island is actually the longest undeveloped barrier island in the entire world, and it's not teeming with tourists like South Padre Island just below it. There are many beaches to choose from here, including Bird Island Basin, one of the nation's top windsurfing destinations. If you go to Malaquite Beach between June and August, you can see hundreds of baby sea turtles hatch as part of the hatchling program. However, if you just want to relax on the beach, head down to the southern part of the island, where you will find the most solitude.
8) Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach, Bolivar Peninsula, TX 77650, USA
Billy Metcalf Photography / Flickr
If you don't feel like taking the ferry to Galveston, you can always head to Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula; there are not nearly as many people here, and you can also rent a beach cabin if you're staying with friends or family.
9) Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach, TX, USA
Mike Cole / Flickr
Located in Brazoria County near the city of Freeport, it's one of the cleanest beaches you'll find within driving distance of Houston. You can also make bonfires here, drive on the beach, and enjoy free parking. And Surfside Beach is one of Texas' best hidden beaches if you're looking to really get away.
10) Matagorda Bay Nature Park
Matagorda Bay Nature Park, 6430 FM Rd 2031, Matagorda, TX 77457, USA
Kris Jones / Google Reviews
Known for its abundant wildlife and natural beauty, Matagorda Island is a true nature lover's paradise. As part of the Matagorda Bay Nature Park, it offers an array of outdoor activities, including bird-watching, fishing, and hiking. For those interested in marine life, the clear, blue waters often reveal a fascinating underwater ecosystem. With camping options available, families have the opportunity to extend their stay, turning a simple beach visit into an immersive island adventure. All in all, Matagorda Island provides an idyllic setting for those seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Explore the Matagorda Bay Nature Park in this video from RV America Y'all:

So there you have it – from the chill vibes of Port Aransas to the untouched beauty of Padre Island, Texas sure has a beach with your name on it. Maybe you’re looking for a wild ride with dolphins and turtles at South Padre Island, or perhaps the white sands of Mustang Island are calling your name. Whatever your beach style, these ten spots offer something for everyone, every day of the year. They aren’t just summer hot spots – they’re year-round treasures waiting to be discovered.

Now, whether you’re into bird-watching, making a splash, or just kicking back and soaking up the sun, Texas is here to show you how it’s done. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car, grab your swimsuit, and let’s hit the beach – Texas style. Let us know which beach you’ll be visiting next, and share your favorite Texan beach memories below. Y’all come back now, you hear?

Have you been to any of these beaches in Texas? Let us know below in the comments section! We are always happy to hear from our readers.

Looking for more fun things to do in Texas? Check out these 11 things you must do in Texas during the summer. Or, pack your bags, load up the RV, and take this Texas beaches road trip!

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More to Explore

Beaches In Texas

Luke | May 31, 2023

What cities in Texas are on the ocean?

Some of the cities on the ocean in Texas include:

 

Boasting 350 miles of coastline, Texas is home to many cities nestled near the ocean. Those searching for the vibrant hustle and bustle of a coastal metropolis should set their sights on Houston. This city offers the allure of urban life combined with easy access to the Gulf Coast. For those looking for a smaller city feel with a coastal charm, Galveston and Baytown provide an enticing blend of historic architecture, seaside attractions, and ocean views. 

Does Texas have beaches?

Indeed, it does! Texas might be famed for its sprawling plains and cowboy culture, but it also offers an impressive array of sandy shores. While the state's inland cities, such as Dallas, may not be beachfront, they are by no means cut off from the beach scene. With just a quick plane ride or a leisurely drive, you can leave the bustle of the city behind and breathe in the salty sea air in no time.

Do Texas beaches have clear water?

They certainly do! The beaches of Texas are renowned for their clarity, particularly at Padre Island, where the water dances with shades of turquoise and emerald green. Alongside this beautiful display of color, the sand is exceptionally white and smooth, further enhancing the overall beach experience.

Do Texas beaches have waves?

Yes, they do! South Padre Island, a favorite Spring Break destination, also boasts some of the finest surf in Texas. Waves around the South Padre Island Jetties are particularly impressive. Additional top spots for surfing enthusiasts include Surfside, Matagorda, and the Mansfield Jetty.

What's the prettiest beach in Texas?

Choosing the most stunning beach in Texas is a challenging task—it’s akin to selecting a favorite masterpiece in an art museum. Nevertheless, Crystal Beach consistently wins admiration for its beautiful landscape. Don’t overlook other charming locales, though. Surfside Beach, Rockport Beach, and Matagorda Bay Nature Park each offer uniquely picturesque vistas that warrant exploration. In essence, Texas has a wealth of beautiful coastal landscapes, each offering a different slice of seaside beauty.

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