15 Best Beaches in Texas

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Texas, look no further! We’ve got all the information you need to know about some of the most beautiful beaches in the state.

With its 600 miles of rugged shoreline and pristine waters, the Gulf coast beckons you to take advantage of one-of-a-kind sights only nature can provide.

With so many beaches to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down which one is right for you. From Galveston to South Padre Island, there are plenty of options for families looking for a fun day in the sun or couples wanting a romantic getaway.

Get involved in snorkeling, sea kayaking, fishing, or jet skiing. There are even opportunities to learn how to surf. We’ve got all the information you need to know about some of the most beautiful beaches in the state.

Here are the best Beaches in Texas

Let’s look at a few of Texas’ top beaches to get you interested.

1. South Packery Channel Beach

South Packery Channel Beach is renowned for swimming and solitude, and for being a great place for kids to splash in the water or build sandcastles on the shore. It is home to some of the best jetty fishing in South Texas (you could reel in kingfish, grouper, tarpon, or trout).

This swimming hole in Texas is a keeper since it’s frequently less crowded than some of the other popular tourist attractions.

2. Crystal Beach

It is a great place to enjoy crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. It’s located in Crystal Beach, Texas, which is just south of Galveston Island and north of Surfside Beach. The beach is popular with surfers and swimmers alike since it has calm waters that are perfect for swimming.

With the tranquil sound of the surf as your constant companion, renting a beach cabin at Crystal Beach will make you feel as though you’re in your own private universe.

This beach on the Bolivar Peninsula is seven miles (10 km) long and allows camping and fires (break out the s’mores!) This is a superb fishing location.

3. Port Aransas

The city of Port Aransas is in Nueces County in the U.S. state of Texas. in terms of location, this city is 280 kilometers south of San Antonio.

The only thing that comes and goes in this place is the tide. You will find no hustle and bustle or commotion like in a huge city.

Despite the close proximity of Corpus Christi, you won’t notice anything save the exquisite tranquility and solitude of the long, leisurely beach that beckons you to stay and indulge your lazy side.

It’s the kind of beach that’s ideal for clear days when tinkling laughter soars upward and time seems to have almost completely vanished.

4. North Beach / Corpus Christi

North Beach is the perfect place for a family day trip or romantic getaway. You can enjoy all sorts of activities, such as surfing, swimming, and boating. There are also several shops and restaurants along the beach that offer delicious food and drinks.

Take in the scenery while cooling off in one of the lovely cabanas after soaking up some sun on the pristine sand and enjoying a swim.

Visitors can board the U.S.S. Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier of the Essex class, and locals enjoy close encounters with wildlife at Texas State Aquarium’s Corpus Christie location.

The city is also home to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, which is a deep-water channel that connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Port of Corpus Christi. The channel is approximately 22 miles long and has a depth of 45 feet at its deepest point.

5. Cinder Lake Beach Tx

This is not a traditional sea beach.

The few tourists who do visit the islands are likely to be found in the more popular tourist areas, where people feel compelled to constantly be on the go, doing something new or looking for their next big thrill.

The islands are home to many species of birds and fish, which makes them a popular destination for bird watchers and fishermen. In fact, the Texas State Aquarium has its own research center on Mustang Island where scientists study the local marine life.

This beach is a great place to look for crabs or clouds. If you talk with the villagers, they’ll tell you about their peaceful way of life.

6. Mustang Island

Once you’ve arrived at Mustang Island, it will be hard for you to contain your excitement. Although the beach is beautiful, there are plenty of other things besides swimming and tanning that people do on its shores.

Make a campfire along the shore and go camping. Go beach hopping for an hour or two and investigate kilometers of stunning paddling trails along unspoiled shores, investigating birds as well.

Look for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles during the animal’s breeding season on Mustang Island, it is one of only a few places where this endangered species can still be found.

In contrast to some other Texas beaches, you are welcome to bring Fido along as long as he is on a leash.

7. Beach Surfside

Surfside Beach is in Brazoria County in Freeport and is a short drive from Houston. The beach is one of the most popular in Texas with its white sand, clear water, and gentle waves. It has a boardwalk that stretches across the beach and there are lifeguards on duty during peak hours.

The city has recently renovated the pavilion at Surfside Beach for parties or family reunions.

You can park for free, build a bonfire on the beach (no need to haul heavy coolers and awkward chairs), and drive your car along the shore.

8. San Jose Island

The private, uninhabited island known as “St. Jo Island” is across the water from Port Aransas—if you’re looking for total solitude, this is your place. But a jetty boat will have to take you there (several drop-offs and pick-up times are available).

The island has no roads; instead, it has a network of trails and boardwalks through the trees. The boat drops you off on the shore, so you can either walk or ride bikes to get around. There are cabins available for rent on the island if you want to stay overnight.

This is a place where you go swimming, fish, watch birds, and beach comb. You’ll be blown away by its breathtaking—and lonely—beauty. There are no homes or automobiles in St. Jo; only nature!

9. South Padre Island

It’s a hot spot, and not only because of all the sunshine. Tourists hunting for wildlife and those interested in wildlife observation love South Padre Island. Others are drawn to the majestic sea turtles scuttling in the sand and the silky smooth dolphins dotting the surf, while some come to check out the boisterous bar scene.

In particular, if you go when it’s not Spring Break when the beach might be overrun with students, this beach, which is located just off the southern tip of Texas, has crystal-clear seas that calm and soothe.

10. Rockport Beach

Due to the lack of severe undertows or large waves, Rockport Beach, which faces Aransas Bay, is quite popular with families with young children. But it’s not simply a terrific place for families with little children; it’s also a lovely spot to indulge your romantic side.

You may enjoy a romantic stroll with your significant other while feeling like there is nowhere else you’d rather be thanks to the 1,500-foot lit jetty pier at the edge of Rockport Harbor.

In addition, Rockport Beach is regarded as one of Texas’s cleanest beaches.

11. Padre Island National Seashore

There is a lot to take in here, specifically 130,000 acres. The world’s largest undeveloped barrier is found in this magnificently preserved National Park, which is home to a profusion of beaches, dunes, and grasslands.

You can discover and explore interests of almost every kind here, including beachcombing, hiking the picturesque Grasslands Nature Trails, off-roading on the sand, seeing newborn sea turtles make their way to the water, taking a birding tour, and listening to park ranger talks.

Padre Island National Seashore is mind-blowingly beautiful whether you visit it at sunrise, sunset, or any time in between.

12. Stewart Beach

Stewart Beach should be on your itinerary if you’re going to Galveston. This beach has an advantage over others nearby because you can bring your four-legged friend with you. Sponsored events like volleyball tournaments increase the enthusiasm level throughout the busy season.

You may rent chairs and umbrellas so you don’t have to carry your own to your favorite area, and there are on-site showers so you won’t have to sit in your own personal sand pile as you drive home.

13. Malaquite Beach

Malaquite Beach is a great place to go for those who want some peace and quiet. This beach isn’t heavily trafficked, so you can enjoy the solitude without feeling like you’re getting in anyone’s way.

There are plenty of amenities available for those who want them, such as restrooms, showers, and concessions.

It’s quite a place at Malaquite Beach. The visitor center has exhibits on local history and wildlife, as well as kayaking and windsurfing—so it makes sense that travelers would love to go there! They could get there by traveling 60 miles in smooth sand along the Mansfield Channel.

The beach has a way of bringing together all the elements that make life worthwhile — sun, sand, surf, and sea. But you need an entire lifetime just to scratch the surface of this special place.

14. The Boca Chica Beach

This beach, located in the middle of Boca Chica State Park, has a delightfully alluring tropical vibe.

It has a shallow and sandy bottom that is great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months, making it safe for families with children.

The beach is known for its popularity among surfers because of its consistent waves. In addition, there are multiple picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park.

The beautiful vegetation and sandy shore appeal to those who value nature and would rather see unrestrained wilderness than excessive development.

Try your hand at the fantastic snorkeling, plentiful fishing, and risk-taking kiteboarding if you want to switch up your routine from tanning and swimming.

15. Porretto Beach

Porretto Beach is one of those places that is simply designed to remain off-limits. Locals congregate there and snowbirds swarm there, as they did ever since it was founded in the 1950s.

This beach is a popular place for fishing, swimming, and snorkeling. The water temperature ranges from 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the ocean without freezing their toes off.

But over the years, it has remained privately owned and run, drawing visitors who yearn for the extra attention and unusual sports like jet skiing and paragliding that are conspicuously lacking from most public beaches.

Additionally, there is a beverage service accessible in case you start to feel a little dehydrated while lounging on your beach seat.