The 15 Best Beaches in Texas

Texas may be best known for barbecue and big skies — but the Lone Star State also boasts 350 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline with beautiful, diverse beaches perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, and family vacations.

From Galveston to South Padre Island, here’s your definitive guide to the best beaches in Texas — where warm Gulf waters, soft sands, and coastal charm meet Southern hospitality.

 Why Texas Beaches Deserve More Attention

The Texas Gulf Coast offers a surprising variety of coastal experiences:

• Soft, golden sand and warm waters year-round

• Affordable, family-friendly getaways

• Fishing, dolphin tours, and water sports

• Pet-friendly and drive-on beaches

• Sunsets that rival Florida’s west coast

And unlike many U.S. beaches, many Texas shores are open-access, letting you drive right onto the sand for that ultimate beach freedom.

 1. South Padre Island Beach – South Padre Island, TX

Best for: Families, nightlife, and water sports

South Padre Island tops the list as Texas’s most famous beach — a tropical paradise at the state’s southern tip. It’s known for soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and year-round sunshine.

Top things to do:

• Parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin tours

• Visit Sea Turtle Inc. sanctuary

• Enjoy live music at beach bars like Clayton’s and Louie’s Backyard

Why it’s the best: South Padre blends the feel of a Caribbean escape with the energy of a Texas town.

 2. Mustang Island State Park – Port Aransas, TX

Best for: Nature lovers, camping, and kayaking

Stretching for five miles of protected coastline, Mustang Island offers pristine sand, gentle surf, and a quieter vibe than South Padre. It’s ideal for RV camping, picnics, birdwatching, and paddling the Mustang Island Paddling Trail.

Amenities: Campsites, showers, picnic areas, and lifeguards during peak season.

Pro tip: Reserve campsites early — this is one of Texas’s top state park beaches.

 3. Galveston Beach – Galveston Island, TX

Best for: Families, day trips, and historic charm

Just an hour from Houston, Galveston is Texas’s classic coastal getaway. The island features multiple beaches along the Seawall, including Stewart Beach, East Beach, and Galveston Island State Park.

Highlights:

• Stewart Beach: Family-friendly with lifeguards and rentals

• East Beach: Party atmosphere with live music and events

• Pleasure Pier: Carnival rides and ocean views

Local favorite: Walk The Strand for dining, shops, and the Galveston Railroad Museum.

 4. Port Aransas Beach – Port Aransas, TX

Best for: Families, fishing, and relaxation

Port Aransas offers 18 miles of wide, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s one of the most family-friendly and walkable beach towns in Texas.

Top things to do:

• Fishing at Horace Caldwell Pier

• Rent a beach buggy or bike

• Visit Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Why go: It’s one of the cleanest beaches in Texas, perfect for swimming and sunset picnics.

 5. Rockport Beach – Rockport, TX

Best for: Families and calm waters

Rockport Beach is Texas’s first certified Blue Wave Beach — a national designation for cleanliness and safety. Its gentle waves make it ideal for kids, and its shaded cabanas and playgrounds attract families year-round.

Amenities: Lifeguards, showers, BBQ areas, and fishing piers.

Pro tip: Bring binoculars — Rockport is a prime spot for birdwatching and dolphin sightings.

 6. Surfside Beach – Surfside, TX

Best for: Fishing, surfing, and laid-back vibes

Just 65 miles south of Houston, Surfside Beach offers a quieter, more natural atmosphere than Galveston. Locals love it for surfing, shore fishing, and beach bonfires.

Things to do:

• Surf or boogie board near the jetty

• Fish at Surfside Jetty County Park

• Grab fresh seafood at Red Snapper Inn

Good to know: Vehicle beach access passes available ($12/year).

 7. North Beach – Corpus Christi, TX

Best for: Families and convenience

Located just across the Harbor Bridge from downtown Corpus Christi, North Beach is calm, clean, and lined with attractions.

Nearby attractions:

• Texas State Aquarium

• USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

• Waterfront restaurants and souvenir shops

Ideal for: Families seeking a beach day with plenty of shade and easy parking.

 8. Padre Island National Seashore – Corpus Christi, TX

Best for: Camping, wildlife, and untouched nature

Spanning 70 miles of undeveloped coastline, Padre Island National Seashore is one of the longest natural barrier islands in the world. It’s protected land with dunes, tidal flats, and nesting sea turtles.

What to do:

• Camp on the beach under the stars

• Watch baby sea turtles hatch (summer)

• Birdwatch or kayak Laguna Madre

Pro tip: 4WD recommended beyond Malaquite Beach.

 9. Matagorda Beach – Matagorda, TX

Best for: Fishing and solitude

Matagorda is one of Texas’s best-kept beach secrets, offering over 20 miles of sandy coastline and world-class fishing. The dunes and estuaries nearby make it a paradise for nature photographers.

Activities:

• Surf fishing and kayaking

• Camp on the beach

• Visit Matagorda Bay Nature Park

Bring: Bug spray and shade — facilities are minimal, but the peace and quiet are unbeatable.

 10. Crystal Beach – Bolivar Peninsula, TX

Best for: Road trips and beach camping

Accessible via a short ferry ride from Galveston, Crystal Beach offers 7 miles of drivable shoreline. It’s a favorite for RV travelers and weekend campers.

Highlights:

• Bonfires and grilling allowed

• Family-friendly and pet-friendly

• Annual Texas Crab Festival

Tip: Get a Bolivar Beach parking sticker ($10/year) before driving on the sand.

 11. Boca Chica Beach – Brownsville, TX

Best for: Off-grid adventurers

Boca Chica is Texas’s southernmost and most remote beach, located near the Mexico border. It’s unspoiled and undeveloped — the place to go when you want nothing but the sea, sky, and solitude.

Unique perk: Watch SpaceX rocket launches from nearby Starbase!

Bring: Supplies, water, and a vehicle with good clearance.

 12. Sea Rim State Park – Port Arthur, TX

Best for: Kayaking and wildlife

Where the beach meets the bayou, Sea Rim State Park offers five miles of beachfront and over 4,000 acres of marshlands. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, paddlers, and campers who love nature’s quiet side.

Things to do:

• Paddle the marsh trails

• Camp on the beach or in elevated cabins

• Spot herons, egrets, and gators

 13. Bryan Beach – Freeport, TX

Best for: Locals and relaxation

A peaceful 3-mile stretch near Freeport, Bryan Beach offers drive-on access and plenty of room to spread out. It’s less crowded than Surfside but just as beautiful.

Tip: Bring your own shade — few amenities but total tranquility.

 14. Magnolia Beach – Calhoun County, TX

Best for: RV camping and free beach access

Magnolia Beach is one of the only free beachfront RV camping spots in Texas — a smooth, shell-covered shore perfect for sunsets and quiet walks.

Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic shelters, and open camping allowed up to 14 days.

Why go: Uncrowded, peaceful, and ideal for digital detox.

 15. San José Island – Port Aransas, TX

Best for: Shell hunting and seclusion

Accessible only by ferry from Port Aransas, San José Island is privately owned but open to the public up to the high-tide line. Its untouched beaches are famous for shell collecting and birdwatching.

Good to know: No facilities — bring everything you need for a day in paradise.

 Texas Beach Map

 Travel Tips for Visiting Texas Beaches

• Best time to visit: April–October for warm water and festivals

• Beach driving: Check local regulations and buy parking passes

• Sun protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated

• Wildlife: Don’t disturb sea turtle nesting areas

• Weather: Afternoon storms common — plan early beach mornings

 Texas Coast Weather Snapshot

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one beach in Texas?
South Padre Island consistently ranks as the best beach for its soft sand, nightlife, and family activities.

Are Texas beaches safe for swimming?
Yes, most beaches have calm Gulf waters and lifeguards during summer.

Can I drive on Texas beaches?
Yes, many allow vehicles with a permit — popular at Crystal, Surfside, and Bryan Beach.

What are the cleanest beaches in Texas?
Rockport Beach and Mustang Island State Park are Blue Wave certified for cleanliness and safety.

What beaches have the clearest water in Texas?
South Padre Island and Mustang Island usually have the clearest Gulf waters.