Best Beaches in Texas: Gather some pink shells while taking a stroll on the beach as the sun sets over the glittering Gulf waters. Sounds magical, doesn’t it? Texas really is.
Not only its cowboy culture and Tex-Mex cuisine, everything is big in Texas including its beaches.
With 600 miles of coastline, the beaches here offer a plethora of outdoor activities including jet skiing, sailing, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, and much more.
Whether you want to have a fun family outing, a romantic beach date, or enjoy some solitude, you can find the perfect beach for it in Texas.
Wondering where to begin?
We’ve got you covered with our list of the best beaches in Texas:
Padre Island National Seashore #1
Dip your toes in the warm, soft sands of the longest underdeveloped barrier island in the world. It has 66 miles of coastline, providing shelter to more than 380 bird species. If you’re a birder, you’ll love it here.
You can swim, collect shells, camp overnight, or just lounge on the beach for a fun day out. This place is also famous for its Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle hatchings & release.
If you’re visiting in the months between June to August, catch the releases which are open for observation to the public.
Love beachcombing?
Head to Little Shell & Big Shell beaches & you’ll come home with a beautiful collection.
You can also go windsurfing & kayaking on Laguna Madre which is considered one of the saltiest water bodies in the world. With so many things to do, this place offers something for everyone.
Rockport Beach #2
The state’s first Blue Wave Beach, Rockport beach features manicured sands, a saltwater lagoon, cabanas, walking paths & playgrounds.
If you’re looking to enjoy some tranquillity with no vehicles, fireworks, bonfires, or camps around, this is the perfect spot.
Enjoy fishing from its pier, play in the surf or go for a picnic, soaking in the stunning views. If you love photography, you’ll find incredible picturesque spots here to get some amazing clicks.
Maintaining strict environmental standards, this beach is a delight to spend a relaxed, slow-paced day.
Port Aransas Beach #3
This is one of the most popular family beaches, which is affectionately nicknamed “Port A”.
You’ll find plenty of sandcastles along its six miles of coastline.
There is also a SandFest, an annual three-day castle-building competition accompanied by live music & various other activities that bring in hundreds of people here.
You’ll find charming restaurants & vacation rentals near the beach, along with well-maintained bathrooms & showers. There is also a whooping crane festival held in February.
With so many kid-friendly activities, this is one of the best beaches in Texas for families.
North Beach #4
Earlier known as Corpus Christi Beach, this beach is a popular destination due to the many Texas attractions around.
Soak up the sun on the clean sand, wade into the bay waters, go fishing or enjoy a picnic, the options here are endless.
You can also head to the Texas State Aquarium to get familiar with marine life.
You can even snorkel with the sharks there. How exciting!
If you’re a history buff, visit the USS Lexington Museum, a World War II aircraft carrier turned into a museum. When hunger strikes, grab the best tacos in Corpus Christi from its numerous eateries.
With so many attractions, a great time is guaranteed.
Crystal Beach #5
Located on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston, this is one of the topmost Texas beaches. You’ll need a ferry ride to reach here but the offerings make it worth the effort.
Keep a lookout for dolphins that usually accompany the boat. Once you reach it, you’ll be rewarded with the state’s most exquisite landscapes.
Due to its location, this beach is not as crowded as other popular ones.
Lounge beneath the shade of a cabana, go swimming, or soak in the beautiful sunset. Since this is a semi-hard sand beach, you can even go for running or fat-tire biking.
Traveling with your pooch?
This is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for some fun beach time with your four-legged partner.
Seawall Beach #6
Many cabanas, beach umbrellas & chairs can be spotted on Galveston’s most popular beach. It follows the 10-mile-long seawall, famous for being the longest continuous sidewalk in the nation.
Seawall Boulevard runs above the beach and is a favourite place for joggers.
If you wish to enjoy a picnic here, as you soak in the picturesque views, you’ll find plenty of benches, statues, and shaded pavilions near the sidewalk.
When the hunger pangs arrive, head to the nearby restaurants to dig into a scrumptious meal.
Pick the beach that attracts you the most & get ready for a fun day out.
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FAQs:
Q. What are the best beaches in Texas?
Padre Island National Seashore, Crystal Beach & Seawall Beach are some of the best beaches in Texas.
Q. Which beaches are free and best in Corpus Christi Texas?
Whitecap Beach, North Beach & Padre Balli Park are some of the best beaches in Corpus Christi, which are also free to access.