10 Best Beaches in Texas

Located in Boca Chica State Park, Boca Chica Beach offers fine white sand, gently sloping dunes, lovely patches of beach grass, and direct access to the water. The beach is also open to vehicles, allowing you to drive along to find the perfect spot. That does mean pedestrians should watch for traffic.

There’s more to do here than just sunbathe and swim. You can fish, take on the waves with your surfboard, or even camp in some areas. You also get access to everything else there is to do in the state park, including birding, hiking, and exploring the wetlands.

Padre Island National Seashore is a nature preserve and offers access to unspoiled beauty and tranquillity. Dubbed “PINS”, the park itself is primitive and offers access to the sandy beach, clear waters of the Gulf, and plenty of camping.

PINS spans a full 70 miles and includes not just the pristine beach area, but also tidal flats, sand dunes, and other microenvironments. For windsurfers, Laguna Madre is located on the west side of the island and is reputed to be one of the best windsurfing spots in the world.

Isla Blanca Park spans 1 mile of pristine white-sand beach, along with jetties, food and drink concessions, and fishing supplies. Located on South Padre Island, it’s also a massive RV park with 600 hookups.

You get access to a private waterpark, cabanas to rent, camping areas, a boat ramp, picnic spaces under shady trees. Feeling peckish after exploring Isla Blanca Park? You'll find plenty of restaurants around the marina.

Mustang Island State Park sits on a barrier island of the same name. The island itself spans 18 miles, but the park only takes up a small portion of that. You’ll find 5 miles of stunning, undeveloped beach to enjoy, and the beach is open to vehicular traffic for convenience.

Besides sunbathing and swimming, you can surf, camp, fish, enjoy birdwatching throughout the day. Many visitors also enjoy the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, which includes 3 sections along the island’s shoreline. If you need a break from the sun and surf, you’ll find 20 miles of hiking trails in the park.

Rockport Beach might only measure 1 mile in length, but it still offers plenty of fun for the whole family. You’ll find 4 separate areas here – Little Bay, Saltwater Pool, North Rockport Beach, and South Rockport Beach. Each has something slightly different, from birdwatching to pavilions to rent. The beach is usually open to vehicle traffic, so you can drive right up to the water.

Along with the calm water, you’ll find several playgrounds for the kids. Hermit crabs, birds, and other wildlife also flock to the area, allowing you to learn more about the animals that call Rockport Beach home.

Crystal Beach is a long stretch of white sand within an unincorporated community of the same name. It sits on the Gulf-facing side of the Bolivar Peninsula and offers a quiet place to enjoy the sun, sand, water, and wind.

Driving is permitted on Crystal Beach, and you’ll find rental homes and bungalows on offer. The beach itself is undeveloped and well-suited to those who want a more secluded experience. Note that during some tides, seaweed may be present on the beach in large quantities.

If you’re looking for beachside fun close to everything in Corpus Christi, you’ll find it on North Beach. It’s a popular destination in the area where you can stroll the white sands, enjoy the calm waters of Corpus Christi Bay, fish, and relax.

North Beach offers a paved multi-use trail, as well as the Texas State Aquarium, a restaurant, and a Ferris wheel. The USS Lexington is also moored here, and it dominates the view. As you explore North Beach, you’ll find 2 fishing jetties, bait and tackle shops, public showers and restrooms, and more.

Lighthouse Beach might not be on your radar, which is just how those who love this area prefer it. The beach itself is formed of white sand and gently slopes down to the water, offering easy access for everyone. The water is also shallow for a long way out, giving wading opportunities.

You can find the Half Moon Lighthouse nearby Lighthouse Beach. Make sure to take the Formosa Wetlands Walkway out to Alcoa Bird Tower, too. The boardwalk along the beach is a popular attraction, and the fishing pier offers access to deeper waters. For the little ones, there’s a small waterpark available, too.

If you’re looking for an amazing beach experience with that little something extra, Matagorda Bay Nature Park is for you. It offers you over 1,300 acres of beach, wetland, and estuary to explore. This is the spot where the Colorado River meets the sea and, as you might expect, there’s a lot to enjoy.

Along with the miles of white-sand beaches, you can enjoy activities like birdwatching, kayaking, camping, boating, and fishing. Nearby, you’ll find horseback riding, mini-golf, and picnicking opportunities. Make sure to hit the gift shop for snacks and souvenirs before you leave.

San Jose Island is a barrier island that separates Port Aransas from the Gulf of Mexico. It’s privately owned, and the interior of the island is given over to wildlife management. You're only allowed to explore the beaches below the vegetation line. However, on an island that extends over 21 miles, that’s a lot to explore.

A visit to the island also allows you to see over 300 species of birds and fish from over 600 different species. Shelling is also a popular activity on San Jose Island. Note that the only way to reach the island is via ferry, which only runs at specific times per day.