Why You Should Plan Your Next Beach Getaway to Texas

Texas features 367 miles of stunning coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and its barrier islands. To fully enjoy these beaches, having a four-wheel-drive vehicle is nearly as essential as sunscreen; you'll discover secluded spots ideal for relaxation and exploration along some of the state's untouched shores.

While the sandy shores of Texas are captivating, the wildlife adds to the allure. Bird watchers flock to the coastal area for exceptional birding opportunities, given its position on the migratory routes during fall and spring. The beaches of the Lone Star State also serve as vital nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles, offering a unique chance to witness hatchling releases.

From pristine, deserted islands to thrilling adventure spots, here are six top beaches to explore in Texas.

South Padre Island

• Location: South Padre Island
• Visit for: an action-packed escape at the southern tip of Texas

With 34 miles of soft, white sand and sparkling turquoise waters, South Padre Island is linked to the mainland by a single causeway and is just under 30 miles from Brownsville. This destination draws in visitors, including families and college students, with activities like sailing, windsurfing, dolphin watching, horseback riding, and snorkeling.

For those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle, head about 1.5 miles north of city hall to Andy Bowie County Park, where beach driving is permitted. Don’t have a four-wheel-drive? Simply continue north until the road ends, park along the side, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the unspoiled sands. Consider timing your visit with a SpaceX rocket launch: The southern end of the island sits just across the bay from the launch site.

Accommodations

Nestled in a residential area just half a block from the beach, the 2022-renovated South Beach Inn offers a tranquil retreat away from the crowds, complete with a pool and a central location.

How to Reach Your Destination

Avelo Airlines, American Airlines, and United all serve the nearest airport in Brownsville, just 30 minutes away. Otherwise, expect a lengthy drive from major cities like Houston (5.5 hours) and San Antonio (4.5 hours).

Mustang Island State Park

• Location: Corpus Christi
• Visit for: paddling, fishing, and bird-watching in marsh and coastal environments

This state park is named after the wild horse herds that roamed the 18-mile island for centuries. Today, this untouched island is a paradise for paddlers, featuring a 20-mile trail along the western shore and a fantastic shallow-water fishing area that winds through marshes and past spoil islands (artificial islands typically formed through dredging). The sun can be quite strong here, so be sure to apply sunscreen before enjoying swimming, surfing, kayaking, or building sandcastles along the five miles of beach. Like much of Texas’s coast, it's an excellent spot for bird-watching during the fall and spring migrations, when birds such as the ruddy duck and American white pelican are seen passing through.

Where to Stay

Opt for one of the 50 primitive beach drive-up campsites in the park or select from 48 sites equipped with electricity and shade shelters.

How to Reach Your Destination

It's a 27-mile drive from Corpus Christi. Follow TX-358 East to TX-361 North. If you're coming from Port Aransas, head south on TX-361 for 13 miles.

Galveston Island

• Location: Galveston
• Visit for: a vibrant beach town rich in art, culture, and history

Situated about 50 miles from Houston, this Gulf Coast barrier island boasts a vibrant port town with a thriving art scene (featuring the Galveston Art Center), historic mansions, and 32 miles of sandy beaches. Family-friendly Steward Beach is monitored by lifeguards and offers activities like volleyball, cornhole, and giant Jenga. East Beach, located at the northern tip of the island, is perfect for horseback riding and kite flying, while kayakers can explore the paddling trails at Galveston Island State Park. Be sure to check out the AIA Sandcastle Competition, where over 60 teams compete for the coveted Golden Bucket award.

Where to Stay

One of the latest additions to the boutique hotel scene is the 2023-opened Hotel Lucine, a transformed 1960s motor court inn (the longest-standing in town) featuring Galveston’s largest beachfront rooftop bar.

How to Reach Your Destination

From downtown Houston, take I-45 South for 50 miles until it leads directly onto the island.

Padre Island National Seashore

• Location: Padre Island
• Visit for: beach days focused on shell collecting and observing sea turtles

Padre Island National Seashore boasts several notable features: it holds the title for the world’s longest stretch of untouched barrier island, and it is the primary nesting site for more Kemp’s ridley sea turtles than anywhere else in the nation. From mid-June to August, visitors can participate in sea turtle hatchling releases at Malaquite Beach near the park visitor center.

The seashore features 70 miles of protected coastline, perfect for exploration, camping, and shell collecting. (A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential!) Bird Island Basin, a day-use area located by a hyper-saline lagoon on the island's west side, offers fantastic windsurfing conditions for adventure enthusiasts.

Where to Stay

Reserve a tent or RV spot at one of the two park campgrounds, or choose to camp on the beach in a primitive setting.

How to Reach the Location

Despite the similar names, Padre Island National Seashore is not linked to South Padre Island, which is a -hour drive away. The national seashore lies 36 miles east of Corpus Christi on TX-358 East, which eventually turns into Park Road 22. The pavement ends just before you reach the visitor center.

Bolivar Beach

• Location: Crystal Beach
• Visit for: a picturesque ferry ride leading to a spacious beach suitable for driving

The entire 27 miles of beach on Bolivar Peninsula, roughly a 1.5-hour drive east of Houston, is accessible for driving with an annual permit obtainable from local shops. (Golf carts are also permitted.) This expansive stretch of sand transforms into a prime viewing area on New Year’s Eve and July Fourth, when the town hosts grand fireworks displays. Plan your visit for Mother’s Day weekend to experience the Texas Crab Festival, an annual celebration since 1986, featuring seafood delights like boiled crab and crawfish étouffée.

The complimentary, round-the-clock Galveston–Bolivar Ferry makes a trip to the peninsula worthwhile. The one-way journey takes 18 minutes across the Houston Shipping Channel, offering a free dolphin-watching experience and a close view of shrimp boats at work.

Where to stay

For those looking to wake up to the soothing sound of the ocean, beach camping on the peninsula is permitted and comes at no cost. All vehicles parked on the beach must display a parking permit, available for $10 at local convenience stores.

How to get there

From the mainland, it's a two-hour drive from Houston. Visitors can also access the free public ferry from Galveston by either walking or driving on board.

Rockport Beach

• Location: Rockport
• Come for: a peaceful getaway in a charming fishing village with a stunning beach

In 2017, this beach in Port Aransas earned the distinction of being Texas’s first Blue Wave Beach, a certification from the Clean Beaches Coalition awarded to well-managed beaches committed to environmental protection. Its exceptional cleanliness makes it perfect for swimming, and it also boasts 65 picnic sites with shaded tables and grills. Don’t miss the bird sanctuary on the beach's west side, where you can spot egrets, roseate spoonbills, and blue herons. Alternatively, visit the 800-foot pier for excellent fishing opportunities.

Accommodation options

Reel ‘Em Inn, a recently renovated motor court inn from the 1950s, offers nine rooms, a private pier, and contemporary features such as mobile check-in and digital room keys.

Getting there

Rockport is conveniently located just a 30-mile drive from Corpus Christi and 18 miles from Port Aransas.