20 Terrific Texas Beaches

Texas doesn’t have a reputation as one of the best places in the United States for beaches, unlike states like California, Florida or the Carolinas. However, there are excellent beaches in Texas for those who love nothing more than a relaxing day on the sand. This shouldn’t come as a surprise either. 

The largest state in the contiguous USA runs along the coast of the Gulf Of Mexico, and there are plenty of beautiful stretches of sand just waiting to be enjoyed. Many of Texas’ beaches are hidden gems that are a delight to discover in the Lone Star State. So whether you’re looking for beaches in Galveston or Corpus Christi, South Padre Island or beaches near Houston, you will be surprised to find a good time on the sand. 

20 Texas Beaches

Galveston Beaches

Galveston is 54 miles (86 km) from Houston and Gulf Coast island city with some of the most family-friendly Texas beaches. 

1- Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach is a beautiful beach, just a short drive from Houston, making it the perfect place for a getaway from the city.

With on-beach parking and fishing spots and being completely dog friendly, you can spend a day relaxing on the beautiful sand, having fun in the water with your kids or four-legged friends and enjoying unobscured views of the Gulf Of Mexico.

Sunny Beach from Houston at 2704 8 Mile Road, Galveston, 77554.

Stay at: Four Seasons on the Gulf

2- Porretto Beach

Porretto Beach is one of the most popular tourist beaches in Texas. 

With concession stands, places to rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and water sports activities, such as jet skis, it is the perfect destination for those who like a lively beach with plenty going on.

Even if you simply want to relax, the soft sands and convenient location near the centre of Galveston make it a perfect choice.  

Porretto Beach is at Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, 77550.

Stay at: Galveston Getaway

3- San Luis Beach

San Luis Beach is a serene stretch of sand on the south end of Galveston Island at the San Luis Pass. 

Its somewhat isolated location means it receives far fewer visitors than the beaches closer to the city. 

This will allow you to enjoy the natural features, including sand bars and soft white sand.

Go fishing, enjoy a picnic, or spend a day relaxing without travelling too far from the city.

San Luis Beach, Galveston, 77554.

Stay at: Amazing 360 Ocean & Bay

4- East Beach

East Beach is a family-friendly beach on the eastern point of Galveston Island. 

With perfect, quiet spots for sunning and swimming, the beach periodically hosts events throughout the year, such as concerts and a sandcastle competition.

Those who want to go for a walk around the bay will also find the Fort San Jacinto Historic Point, where they can see stunning ocean vistas and the Fort San Jacinto historic marker.

East Beach, 193-199 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, 77550.

Stay at: Clarion Pointe Galveston Seawall

5- Stewart Beach

Stewart Beach is immediately to the north of Porretto Beach, meaning it offers the same convenient location. 

While still popular, it is a little quieter than its neighbour, due to the lack of as many facilities.

However, with features like showers and plenty of amenities nearby, it is ideal for those who want to enjoy a more relaxing day at the beach without being completely cut off or isolated.

Stewart Beach, Galveston, 77550.

Stay at: Beachfront Galveston Condo

6- Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is a wonderful destination in an unincorporated community of the same name, combining the beach and small-town environment.

Private beach accommodation options surround the beach, allowing you to settle in and wake up to ocean views each day before taking a relaxing stroll down onto the sand. 

For those staying further away, though, with vehicles allowed right on the sand, you can easily drive down with all your things for the day without worrying about carrying items for miles, making it equally relaxing and convenient.

Crystal Beach, Crystal Beach, 77550.

Stay at: Tranquility Cove

Other Beaches Near Houston

7- Bryan Beach

Bryan Beach and Bryan Beach Park are in Freeport, just a short drive from the city of Houston. 

Its secluded location makes it a perfect option for those looking to get out of the city for a day and enjoy a while relaxing, fishing, swimming and sunbathing. 

Its greatest selling point is the diversity of water sources on offer. 

While Bryan Beach itself runs along the Gulf Of Mexico, a beautiful lagoon and the mouth of the Brazos River are located just to its south. 

This means you have plenty of different options to take a dip, opening it up to people of all different swimming abilities. 

Bryan Beach is 39 miles (63 km) from Galveston and 65 miles (104 km) from Houston.

Bryan Beach Park, County Road 241, Freeport, 77541.

Stay at: Luxury Waterfront Home Family and Pet Friendly

8- Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is a relatively calm, quiet beach that exudes the atmosphere often found in European beach resorts.

With plenty of beach bars and restaurants nearby and beach shops and places to join a fishing trip, Surfside Beach is all about enjoying the experience of the entire destination, rather than just the beach itself.

Surfside Beach is 39 miles (63 km) from Galveston and 65 miles (104 km) from Houston.  

Surfside Beach is at 206 Starfish Street, Freeport, 77541.

Stay at: Starfish Swim-up Beachfront

9- Sylvan Beach Park

Sylvan Beach Park is a wonderful destination with things for people of all ages and interests to enjoy. 

The beach itself has soft golden sands and calm waters, where you can top up your tan, enjoy a BBQ, go for a swim and frolic in the sand before rinsing off using the free showers.

A pier with its own bait shop provides a perfect place to enjoy a spot of fishing or take in the views, while children’s play equipment and a wonderful pavilion that hosts events give you options when you are in the mood for something a little more energetic.

Sylvan Beach is 27 miles (43 km) from Houston. 

Sylvan Beach Park is at 636 North Bayshore Drive, La Porte, 77571.

Stay at: La Porte Home

Corpus Christi Beaches

10- Whitecap Beach

Whitecap Beach is among the most popular beaches in all of Corpus Christi. 

Long stretches of soft, fine sand and small, rolling waves create the perfect destination for a relaxing day by the sea. 

Add in seasonal lifeguards and on sand parking, and Whitecap Beach is an ideal spot for people with children to have some fun and stay safe without worrying about dragging all of their gear back and forth.

Whitecap Beach is at 14802 Whitecap Boulevard, Corpus Christi, 78418.

Stay at: Multi Resorts at Puente Vista

11- McGee Beach

Located near the centre of Corpus Christi, McGee Beach is an excellent beach for those seeking a scenic yet convenient experience. 

Laze on the sand and enjoy views of the boats docked to the north, the palm trees lining the park to the south, or simply the ocean itself. 

Then, when you need anything, the range of amenities in the surrounding area means you can quickly find whatever you require.

McGee Beach, Corpus Christi, 78401.

Stay at: Emerald Beach Hotel Corpus Christi

12- North Beach

North Beach is a white-sand beach filled with activities to ensure even the most active of visitors are entertained. 

It is the perfect spot for larger groups or families where everyone has different tastes and interests.

Ride the Ferris wheel, soak in the sights at the aquarium or enjoy a meal with stunning views in the restaurant.

Take a walk on the paved trail, relax, take a swim, or top up your tan, all in the same fantastic location.

North Beach, Surfside Boulevard, Corpus Christi, 78402.

Stay at: Waterfront North Beach Condo

13- Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is a destination with a tropical vibe that you can enjoy without venturing too far from the city.

Straw-topped umbrellas are dotted along the beach for when you need to take a break from the sun.

Attractions like a children’s playground and a beautiful pier to fish or enjoy the views from makes it a fabulous destination for all, no matter what a dream day at the beach looks like for you.

Rockport beach is 36 miles (57 km) from Corpus Christi. 

Rockport Beach, Rockport, 78382.

Stay at: Benjamin’s Pier at Laguna Reef Resort

14- Port Aransas Beach

Port Aransas Beach is a 6-mile (9.6 km) stretch of beautiful white sand along the eastern coast of Port Aransas on Mustang Island. 

Equally popular with both locals and tourists, there are stretches of the beach offering experiences suitable for all types of visitors.

Swimmers and surfers can enjoy the water and make the most of the waves, while the Port Aransas Jetty is an excellent pier that those who fancy a spot of fishing can take advantage of. 

Each year, Port Aransas Beach is also known for its sand sculptures and various sand building competitions. 

Many other recreational options are also on offer, while there are even beautiful, quiet sections for those who want to spend a while peacefully sunbathing. 

With so much diversity, Port Aransas Beach is ideal for groups, as there will be something to appeal to everyone. 

Port Aransas Beach is 45 miles (72 km) from Corpus Christi in Port Aransas, 78373.

Stay at: BeachGate CondoSuites and Oceanfront Resort

15- Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse Beach is an attraction-filled destination specifically designed for families with small children. 

It has a kids’ play area, splash pad and picnic tables, as well as soft sands and protected waters, where younger visitors or less confident swimmers can have fun.

Lighthouse Beach is a dream come true for those who want to keep the younger members of their party entertained while also having fun themselves. 

Lighthouse Beach is 87 miles (140 km) from Corpus Christi. 

Lighthouse Beach is at 700 Lighthouse Beach Road, Port Lavaca, 77979.

Stay at: Holiday Inn Express Port Lavaca, an IHG Hotel

16- Magnolia Beach

Magnolia Beach and the Magnolia Beach Park are located on the southern outskirts of Port Lavaca and offer that rare combination of a calm, quiet beach with plenty of facilities and conveniences.

Magnolia Beach’s slightly out of the way location means it never gets too busy, even with its convenient location near the city. 

This makes it a perfect spot to do some fishing, swimming, sunbathing, or a host of other relaxing recreational activities.

With clean bathrooms, showers, pavilions, BBQ grills, and even campsites on hand, you can spend an extended period enjoying this waterfront beach location without ever feeling like you are cut off from modern amenities.

Magnolia Beach is 87 miles (140 km) from Corpus Christi. 

Magnolia Beach Park, 525 North Ocean Drive, Port Lavaca, 77979.

Stay at: Magnolia Inn and Suites

South Padre Island Beaches

17- Boca Chica Beach

Boca Chica Beach is located on the edge of the Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area, immediately to the north of the Mexico – United States border.

With its isolated location, you can enjoy the soft, fine golden sands, grassy dunes and trails, a tranquil, natural feel, and even unique views of the nearby SpaceX Launch Facility, all without worrying about being surrounded by crowds.

Boca Chica Beach is 42 miles (68 km) from South Padre Island in Boca Chica State Park, 78521.

Stay at: Clam Circle Retreat On The Laguna- LIV Resort

18- Malaquite Beach

Malaquite Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the natural wilds of the Padre Island National Seashore without having to rough it.

With a campground offering tent sites, grills, showers, and bathrooms, you can explore the beautiful region, laze on the soft sands, or splash about in the water before rinsing off and dining as you enjoy the stunning waterfront views.

Malaquite Beach, Padre Island National Seashore, 78418.

Stay at: Breezeways

19- UFO Beach

UFO Beach is an isolated destination that is perfect for people who want to do a spot of off-roading or simply enjoy a relaxing day in the sun, sea, and sand without worrying about other people and the noise they bring with them.

However, when you throw in the unique attraction of a large model of a flying saucer decorated in vibrant graffiti, it gives you the chance to enjoy a beach experience you are unlikely to find anywhere else. 

UFO Beach, South Padre Island, 78597.

Stay at: South Padre Island Beach Rentals

20- Isla Blanca Beach

Isla Blanca Beach covers the south end of South Padre Island and is a perfect beach resort for anyone wanting to unwind and have fun. 

Stretching for one mile along the coast, the beach is backed by various bars, restaurants, shops and pavilions.

At this beach, everything you need is close at hand to help you spend a long, carefree day relaxing on the sand. 

A beautiful marina also provides a place to watch the boats bob up and down on the water or book a cruise along the Gulf Of Mexico. 

The South Padre Island Jetties at the southern end of the beach allow you to walk along the rocks and over the water to take in the panoramic views without ever technically leaving dry land. 

Isla Blanca Beach, South Padre Island, 78597.

Stay at: Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island-Beach Front, an IHG Hotel

For more beaches in North America and Caribbean read: