Are you looking for the best beaches in Texas, but not sure where to start? If so, we have combed the great state and compiled a list to help pinpoint the ones you must see! When people think of Texas, they think of country music, BBQ, and desert, but beach spots in Texas are some of the top in the country! Whether it is a weekend getaway, or a Texas day trip, beach time is always a good time!
Texas’ ocean coast line is all in the Gulf of Mexico, but they also have a ton of inland lakes that we have included as beaches in Texas! When you think of beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, Texas beaches should be on the list!
The state is vast, but with 367 miles of coastline (not including lake coasts) you are sure to find a couple you can not wait to lay out on! Grab a beach towel and some sunscreen as we dive into this comprehensive but concise list of beaches in Texas!
15 Best Beaches In Texas You Must Visit
Padre Island National Seashore
One of the most beautiful Texas Gulf Coast beaches is Padre Island National Seashore! This seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world! There are many beautiful islands in the South to check out!
Not just a beach, Padre Island National Seashore is where Kemp’s Ridley turtle hatchlings are released! There is also opportunity for fishing, birding, and for the more adventurous you can rent water sport vehicles!
Texas National Parks are some of the most beautiful in the country and this is no different! With almost 70 miles of coastline for camping, tanning, or being a nature enthusiast, Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best beach spots in Texas!
This is truly one of the Best Things To Do In Texas to put on your Texas bucket list!
Big Shell Beach
Big Shell Beach is one of our favorite beaches along the Texas coast because of the opportunity to collect seashells! The 17 miles of coastline are filled with big arcs, coquina, cockles, and quahogs shells!
The presence of shells occurs because currents from the South deposit the shells right on the beach. There are smaller shells present on Small Shell Beach just north of Big Shell Beach. The shells are all different shapes, sizes, and colors.
There is an admission charge to this beach so we recommend packing a lunch and spending the day there! As far as beach trips in Texas, Big Shell Beach is sure to guarantee the most treasure to take home!
Rockport Beach
One of the quintessential Texas Gulf Coast beaches is Rockport Beach. Located on a small peninsula, this mile long beach sports some impressive recreational bayfront! This is the kind of beach that you bring a towel and a good book to spend the day alternating between reading and getting in the water to cool off!
Rockport Beach was the first in Texas to be given the “Blue Wave Beach” designation meaning it meets environmental standards set by the Clean Beaches Coalition! This beach includes public restrooms and lots of areas to picnic!
On the coast of Texas, everyone is looking for a place like Rockport Beach! This is truly one of the best Weekend Getaways In Texas!
Crystal Beach
Right in the middle of Bolivar Peninsula is Crystal Beach, one of the best beaches in Texas! At seven miles long, Crystal Beach is one of the most popular beach spots in Texas because they allow camping and fires on the beach!
The whole of Bolivar Peninsula and especially the town of Crystal Beach is a your dream beach town. With plenty of restaurants and places to stay, this is the place to go for a no hassle type of best vacation places in Texas! Also in the area is a golf course and a wildlife refuge!
Whether you want a relaxing day in the sand or an active day in the water, Crystal Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Texas!
Little Elm Beach
Located along the shore of Lewisville Lake is one of the best lake beaches in Texas, Little Elm Beach! This beach is within Little Elm Park which means it has a playground, soccer field, amphitheater, volleyball pit, and pavilion!
Tent camping is one of the reasons Little Elm Beach is one of the best beach trips in Texas! There is nothing quite like falling asleep and then waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the beach and knowing once you unzip that tent it will all be fresh air!
Although it is a lake beach, Little Elm Beach should make every list of beaches in Texas when it comes to camping! Pack your tent and sleeping bag and get ready for the most restful sleep of your life!
Matagorda Beach
Matagorda Beach is one of the best Texas beaches if you are looking for a more rugged beach experience! Matagorda has 58 miles of beach and only 23 miles are open to vehicles. The other 35 miles are only accessible via boat, kayak, canoe or other watercraft.
Not only does that make for a more rugged experience, but you also need watch out for rattlesnakes near the dunes and rip tides in the water. This beach is not for the faint of heart, but it is for the adventurous spirit!
The mouth of Colorado River, driving on the beach, and limited accessibility makes this Texas Gulf Coast beaches one that takes some planning! Keep it on the list because it is one of the best!
Don’t forget to check out some of the coolest Hidden Gems In Texas!
Isla Blanca Beach
One of the best vacation places in Texas is South Padre Island and specifically Isla Blanca Beach! With thirty-four miles of coastline on South Padre Island, it is hard to pick a best beach, but this one is definitely top three!
There are paved picnic pavilions, grills available, benches, lots of parking, restrooms and showers. Not to mention the stunning white sand and deep blue or gorgeous green water (depending on when you are there)! There is opportunity for fishing, RV camping, and so much space to find your perfect spot for aday on the sand!
Island Blanca Beach is one of the best beaches in Texas, but it is definitely one you need to see for yourself!
Boca Chica
Located on the United States side of the Rio Grande, Boca Chica is one of our favorite no frills beach spots in Texas! The lack of bells and whistles means that you get a quiet quintessential beach day!
At Boca Chica, you can swim, fish, snorkel, surf, or just lay on a towel and enjoy the atmosphere! Just remember to pack in your own equipment as there is no beach rentals in this area. The desolate dunes of Boca Chica and the eight miles of coastline can make you feel like the only person on the planet if you make it on the right day.
When it comes to beaches along the Texas coast, Boca Chica is a great option if you need to disconnect and spend the day surrounded by nature!
McGee Beach
McGee Beach is one of the best vacation places in Texas! Located in Corpus Christi, this small Coast Guard town is the perfect vacation spot! This seaweed free beach is great for all ages!
The calm warm water of this beach makes it a popular spot for locals. Its proximity to downtown Corpus Christi and closeness of restaurants and hotels also makes it very popular! There are rental companies located on the beach that have umbrellas, cabanas, chairs, and jet skis available for rent!
Parking is free and easy along the seawall so all you need to do is show up! If you forget anything, the shops surrounding have everything you could need! McGee Beach is one of the best beaches in Texas!
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca is one of the best beaches in Texas for RV camping! This popular beach features a sandy beach, splash pad, picnic tables, and a kids’ playground. This is one of the best beaches along the coast of Texas for families!
This shoreline doubles as a bird sanctuary if you want to take up or are interested in birdwatching! Many beachgoers end up on the short stroll on the beach’s Formosa Wetlands Walkway to see the wildlife in this area!
There is an RV park nearby if you would like an extended stay on the beach! When it comes to Texas gulf coast beaches, Lighthouse Beach is offers a unique selection of things to do!
Surfside Beach
Located 40 miles southwest of Galveston Island, Surfside Beach is the best beach in Texas for surfing! The deep water of this beach makes for prime conditions for surfing, kayaking and windsurfing! If you are a spectator, the soft and clean sand provides a wonderful place to comfortably enjoy passing the time!
If the surf is a little to intense for little ones, there is a splash pad nearby with ten water features! You can also walk the Surfside Bird and Butterfly Trail! There are plenty of restaurants nearby if you need to refill after a day in the sun!
There is so much to do at Surfside Beach and that is why it is one of the best beaches in Texas!
Malaquite Beach
Located on the Gulf side of Padre Island, Malaquite Beach is the place to go if you are looking for an isolated beach! Beach spots in Texas can sometimes be overcrowded, but that is never a problem at Malaquite Beach!
With 60 miles of powdery sand, Malaquite Beach is it’s own kind of paradise! The vastness allows you to have plenty of space from any other beachgoers! This is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world!
For one of the most quiet beach trips in Texas, Malaquite Beach is one of the best options out there! Make sure to pack your stuff in because although there are places available, it is a little bit of a trek!
Bob Wentz Park Beach
Located on the beautiful Lake Travis near Austin, Bob Wentz Park Beach is one of the best beaches in Texas to take your furry friend! Pups are welcome on a leash! A good amount of beaches in Texas are dog friendly, but this one encourages them!
The Bob Wentz Park Beach is perfect swimming with your dog on a leash, running along the surf, and then relaxing in the sand when you have tired yourself out! There is a waterfront lawn as well for a more comfortable lounge space (and an area for your dog to do their business)!
Our list of beaches in Texas has both gulf beaches and lake beaches because they really are comparable! Bob Wentz Park Beach is one of the best beaches in Texas for dogs!
Stewart Beach
Located where the Boardwalk meets the Seawall sits one of the best beaches in Texas for families! In addition to the perfect location, this beach also has lifeguards! There is also an array of additional family friendly activities such as volleyball, cornhole, giant Jenga, a playground and more!
Stewart Beach also has chair and umbrellas rentals, showers, a snack bar and concessions! As one of the best vacation places in Texas, there are plenty of restaurants and places to stay nearby. There is plenty of white powdery sand and beautiful blue water. Stewart Beach is the place to be!
San Jose Island
San Jose Island is the best beach in Texas if you are looking for an island getaway! You need to take a boat to get there, but once there it is like you are in a tropical hideaway!
Historically the island was a ranch, but now it is mostly used to preserve wildlife. On the beach you can go birding, shelling, fishing and beach combing! The twenty-one miles of undisturbed golden sand are known as the fishing capital of the Texas!
A quick boat ride and a walk on the beach is just what you need for a mini vacation! San Jose Island is full of some of the best beaches in Texas!
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