Texas is an absolutely amazing state to visit in the United States. With historic cities like San Antonio, vibrant cities like Austin, and epic locations in Houston and Dallas, it’s a state that has something for everyone. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that Texas revolves around its cities! There is a heap of the best beaches in Texas scattered across its coasts and you really can’t miss it. Over the years we have visited some of the best places in Texas on road trips and have always absolutely loved our trips here. So, to make sure you’re making the most of your time (and don’t get bogged down in research), I’m sharing some of the coastal gems of Texas that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy your time visiting Texas! 1.) Boca Chica Beach Boca Chica Beach is the place to go for a totally serene trip to the Texas Gulf Coast. Located within Brazos Island State Park, this is one of the best beaches in Texas to visit that’s got something extra too! You see, just shy of Boca Chica Beach is the SpaceX launch facility which is pretty epic. Now, just remember, Boca Chica Beach (including Del Mar Beach) can be very quiet in terms of facilities. I mean, you won’t find piers, beach bars, or restaurants close by. However, this long stretch of sand is well worth a visit if you are looking for a totally quiet beach and picnic. Also, if you’re an early riser, Boca Chica Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunrise. Read More: Best Places To See In Texas 2.) Padre Island National Beach Not too far from Corpus Christi, Padre Island National Beach is a long “spit” of an absolutely beautiful island to visit in Texas. Honestly, it’s a great place for kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing – as long as you’re a pro at this. Remember that waves and currents can be strong here. However, there is a visitor center that is always worth checking out for local conditions. Additionally, you can learn about local wildlife, and park rangers can tell you about their conservation efforts during public sea turtle hatcheries. Oh, and if you like to hike, head to the Grasslands Nature Trail that meanders through Padre Island. All that said, if you don’t want to leave Corpus Christi, head to McGee Beach, located in the city itself. Further Read: Best Things To Do In Austin 3.) Bolivar Beach Located on the Bolivar Peninsula, Bolivar Beach (and Crystal Beach) is a seven-mile marvel and one of the best beaches in Texas that is very close to Houston. In fact, you can easily go here for a long afternoon. Now, it may be known locally for its fishing opportunities. All of this means that the area around Crystal Beach has heaps of fresh seafood served up nearby eateries. We absolutely loved Jose Cantina’s casual restaurant. They even serve an amazing seafood platter. Now, due to their very large size, Bolivar Beach and Crystal Beach are less crowded than some of the other locations in Texas. All this makes it an ideal place if you want a cooler beach trip. Further Read: Best Things To Do In Houston 4.) Surfside Beach Less than an hour’s drive from Houston, Surfside Beach is an absolutely peaceful place to visit if you want to get out of the city. Southwest of Galveston, Surfside Beach has heaps of activities making it a great place to visit with friends and family. Not only that, Surfside Beach is often said to be one of the cleanest beaches in all of Texas. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is! Plus, if you’re staying all day, head to Sharkies On The Beach. They have some delicious cocktails and they are all quite casual. Alternatively, for some flavor on the beach, head to the Beach Front Deck Bar and Grill. Catfish is fine! 5.) Rockport Beach With a length of about one kilometer, Rockport Beach is one of the best beaches in Texas and is ideal to visit when driving between Corpus Christi and Houston. Designated as Blue Wave Beach, Rockport Beach is a gem worth visiting and an absolutely gorgeous stretch to enjoy. A crescent-shaped stretch of sand that’s popular with families and easy to include without the beach locations of Mustang Island and Padre Island. Not only that, Rockport Beach’s shallow and calm waters make it perfectly protected from the swells, especially when the kids are around. 6.) South Padre Island Another family-friendly beach in Texas is South Padre Island Beach. Right next to the border with Mexico, South Padres Island is probably the most southern beach you can visit in Texas. Once here, you can stroll along the long stretch of beach and try out activities like kitesurfing, water skiing, windsurfing, and windsurfing. Just make sure to always listen to local and expert advice and never venture into extreme conditions. It has to be one of my favorite spots around Isla Blanca Beach. Not only is it totally fun, but there is ample parking (which is very nice on weekends). Getting hungry? Head to Blackbeards for fried shrimp and fast food. Totally informal and very tasty. 7.) Sea Rim State Park Best for spotting wildlife, Sea Rim State Park is one of the best areas and best beaches in Texas to visit where you can stay for a long weekend. You see, Sea Rim State Park is much more than just the beach itself. It is the perfect area for bird watching and canoeing and is very good. For a great view of the park, be sure to hop on the Gambusia Nature Trail. 8.) Galveston Beach (You guessed it), Galveston Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Texas but still one of the best beaches to visit. Everything is completely accessible and easy to visit by car. Of course, you have all the restaurants and beachfront locations for you to enjoy, but the beach itself is all about it. For a quieter area, head to Stewart Beach – though, you won’t get many dining options here. Oh, and don’t forget to spend some time at the fun pier. Believe me, you will scream at some of these games. 9.) Port Aransas Beach Honestly, you can’t go wrong when visiting Port Aransas for its beaches. It’s a very cold place, and being part of the island of Mustang means it has that mix of bustling beach areas and totally quiet. Believe me, even though Corpus Christi is located near the beach, there is no sign of it when you get to the place. 10.) Magnolia Beach Park Magnolia Beach Park is one of the best beaches in Texas to visit in complete peace and cool. Here, you can really relax and explore the sheltered coast ideal for the whole family. What I liked the most about Magnolia Beach is that it is a lot less crowded than some of the other locations. This may be because some visitors prefer more popular sites with more amenities – but I just love that. Plus, nearby, you have Indianola Beach Park if you want a much larger stretch of sand. 11.) Mustang Island State Park The quietest part of the island (far from Port Aransas beach), Mustang Island State Park is a stunning place in Texas to visit. Aside from swimming and sunning, Mustang Island has many more exciting activities than you and your family or friends would for a quiet day at the coast. Once here, set out to explore the kayaking trails, bird watching, and more. Another best thing about this beach is that it is dog friendly. This makes it a great place to visit if you are traveling with your furry friend. Having said that, always make sure they are in a chain so you are considerate of other beachgoers. Oh, and one of the easiest ways to get to the beaches at Mustang Island State Park is via the second access road. This will get you straight to the beach in no time at all. Further Read: Best Places In Texas To Visit Top 10 Places In Texas To Visit The Best Places In Great Britain! Head over to our YouTube channel to watch travel videos!
