Looking for a new beach to enjoy, but don’t want to travel far? Relax, I’ve got ya covered. Here are the 10 Best Texas Beaches — from family-friendly spots to off-the-beaten-path choices, there’s a beach town in Texas for everyone!
Best Texas Beaches + Beach Towns
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1. Port Aransas, Mustang Island
If you’re looking for Texas beaches with something for the whole family, the city of Port Aransas on Mustang Island may be just what you’re in search of. Head to Roberts Point Park for sweeping views of the bay and maybe even a dolphin sighting or two!
For active types, surfing and camping on the beach are popular activities for visitors to Mustang Island.
2. Corpus Christi - one of the most popluar Texas Beaches
Corpus Christi is one of the best Texas beach destinations for travelers not looking to give up the convenience and fast pace of city life. It’s easy to strike the ultimate balance between the bustle of downtown with the laid back vibe at the beaches all around Corpus Christi—favorites include McGee beach which is within walking distance of downtown, and Whitecap Beach, which is just across the bridge on the island.
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3. South Padre Island - Best Texas Beaches
While once one of the top destinations for spring breaking students, South Padre Island now offers something for every sort of traveler. South Padre Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Texas!
The crown jewel of this tiny barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is Isla Blanca Park, located along the southern edge of South Padre. This park is filled with white-sand beaches, boating facilities, picnicking pavilions, and fishing spots.
4. Padre Island National Seashore
If you’re looking for one of the more rustic and off-the-beaten-path beaches in Texas, check out Padre Island National Seashore. Located on North Padre Island, this national seashore is actually the longest undeveloped stretch of coastline on a barrier island in the entire world.
Padre Island National Seashore is perfect for those looking to really soak in the beauty of nature while at the beach!
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5. Rockport - Family-friendly Texas Beach Town
Rockport Beach in Rockport, Texas is a quaint beach perfect for family fun. It’s also Texas’ only Blue Wave beach, meaning it’s super clean and completely free of litter!
Rockport is one of my top picks for families because there are playgrounds, fishing piers, and volleyball courts to keep kids of all ages entertained all day long.
6. Boca Chica - Prettiest Texas Beach
Located just outside of Brownsville, Texas, Boca Chica is beloved by many and considered one of the prettiest beaches in Texas. Boca Chica is one of the best Texas beach towns because it’s still got that laid back, beachy charm. No overdevelopment here!
Whether you want to camp out on the beach overnight, surf the waves, or just gaze across the water towards the Mexican border, Boca Chica has got you covered.
7. Galveston
Galveston is just a short drive from Houston, and really the perfect spot to settle in for a Texas beach trip. That’s because Galveston is home to a litany of beaches, all with their own unique benefits and charm… but you also don’t have to give up on the conveniences of staying in the city!
Here are some of the top beaches in Galveston:
- Jamaica Beach
- Stewart Beach
- East Beach
8. Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is another great choice if you’re looking to avoid big beach crowds. Accessible by ferry from Galveston, Crystal Beach is the sort of place where it’s not uncommon for beachgoers to be outnumbered by the local hermit crab population.
Visitors to Crystal Beach can enjoy quiet beach days with beautiful surf, killer bird watching, and even overnight camping excursions if you get a permit.
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9. Surfside Beach, Texas - Best Texas Beaches for Surfing
40 miles southwest of Galveston, you’ll find this gem of a beach town. If you couldn’t already tell from the name, Surfside Beach has deep water that makes for ideal conditions for surfing—as well as kayaking and windsurfing!
On top of that, the town of Surfside Beach is small and quiet, making it one of the best Texas beach destinations for those just looking to unwind and relax alongside the locals.
10. Matagorda Bay - Best Texas Beach Towns
Witness the beauty of the Colorado River flowing into the Gulf of Mexico at Matagorda Beach. With over 58 miles of coastline, there is a lot to explore on Matagorda Bay. The best way to do so is by buying a vehicle permit for just $10 so you can drive directly on the beach! Plus, Matagorda Bay has some GREAT fishing!
Have you been to any of these Best Texas Beaches? Which one is your fave? Let me know in the comment below or send me a DM on Instagram!
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xx Chels
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