Best Beaches in Texas, United States
A laid-back and calm Texas beach, McGee Beach is an ideal destination for families to enjoy time together. Its soft white sand makes it a great place for kids to build sandcastles and soak up the sun.
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The Lone Star State features more than 400 miles of breathtaking coastline combining warm Gulf Coast waters with excellent beaches perfect for swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing or simply relaxing by the shoreline. Whether you are looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway or an action-packed vacation, Texas has it all!
Known as a favorite among surfers, this beach near the coastal town of Corpus Christi boasts pure white sands and plenty of entertainment. You’ll find surfers congregating in the water and playing volleyball, while bonfires provide a romantic backdrop for your sunset picnic.
Lighthouse Beach #1
When you’re visiting the Lone Star State, there’s no better way to soak up some rays than at one of its beautiful beaches. Texas offers a wide range of beach vacation options, from party-centric destinations like South Padre Island to secluded beach retreats on Galveston Island.
For families looking for a safe place to spend time at the beach, Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca is an excellent choice. Small kids can have a blast at the splash pad while adults can swim in the pristine waters of Lavaca Bay, which doubles as a bird sanctuary.
If you want to stay in touch with nature during your visit, you can walk the Formosa Wetlands Walkway at Lighthouse Beach. This secluded destination also boasts campgrounds that allow you to connect with the area’s wildlife in a more intimate manner.
The city of Port Lavaca is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Half Moon Reef Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse is open for tours and is a popular destination for photographers.
Corpus Christi #2
Tucked into Corpus Christi Bay, this quaint Texas city is home to miles of beautiful beaches and attractions that are sure to delight any traveler. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly day at the beach or want to explore a legendary World War II aircraft carrier, there’s something for everyone in Corpus Christi!
One of the most popular things to do in Corpus Christi is visit North Beach, a 1.5-mile-long stretch of golden sand that’s nestled between Harbor Bridge and the downtown area. This sandy beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and more.
Other top attractions in the area include the Texas State Aquarium, a marine science facility that showcases the incredible wildlife of the Gulf Coast and Caribbean. The USS Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier built for the United States Navy, is also a popular destination with tours available.
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is another popular place to explore a world of beautiful flowers and flora, as well as a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can take in the scenery and wildlife of this 180-acre botanical garden, including nature trails, piers, and picnic areas.
Crystal Beach #3
Crystal Beach is a family-friendly beach community in Galveston County, located on the Bolivar Peninsula. Its 27 miles of shoreline are one of a kind. The sandy beaches are perfect for building sand castles, searching for shells and shark teeth, surfing and boogie boarding.
It is also a popular destination for fishing and camping. To reach it, take the free Galveston-Bolivar ferry from Houston to Port Bolivar, then drive south on Highway 87 to Crystal Beach. You can rent cabins or houses in Crystal Beach and enjoy a comfortable stay on the beach. Many of the homes are located directly on the beach, so you can enjoy stunning views and easy access to the water.
Another popular attraction in the area is Fun Spot Waterslide, which has been entertaining families for over 36 years. The water slides are a great way to cool off on hot days!
Crystal Beach is also home to The Gulf Range, an 18-hole miniature golf course. The course is a family-friendly venue that is ADA compliant and features a practice green in the shape of Texas. It also offers a variety of other attractions, including billiard tables, volleyball courts and a giant jenga set.
Rockport Beach #4
Rockport Beach is a quintessential Texas coastal getaway with warm sea breezes, pristine sand, and crystal-clear water. This public park is home to the first Blue Wave designated beach in Texas and offers a variety of recreational activities like kayaking; fishing; golfing; birding; hiking; and swimming.
This family-friendly destination features a one-mile-long beach with plenty of shade huts, a playground, two fishing piers, volleyball courts, volleyball nets, picnic areas, and BBQ pits. It also has two well-designed event centers and clean restrooms with freshwater showers.
For nature lovers, this pristine spot is a popular destination for bird watching and bird watching tours. Visit this beach during the spring and watch as pelicans and roseate spoonbills build their nests on the beach, while snowy egrets and blue herons build their nests on tree tops.
The Maritime Museum is another fascinating attraction to visit in Rockport. The museum is dedicated to exploring the history of maritime activity in Texas and educating visitors about its impact on the development of our state. There are a variety of exhibits and interactive highlights like a ship’s wheel to spin.
Mustang Island #5
Sitting within a half-hour drive of Port Aransas, Mustang Island is a popular barrier island that boasts beautiful dunes and plenty of wildlife. It offers sand beaches for sunbathing, building sandcastles, swimming, fishing, kayaking and bird watching.
While on the beach, you might be lucky enough to see sand crabs, gulls and sea turtles. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of Mustang Island State Park, which is home to over five miles of pristine beach.
This state park subsumes the entire barrier island ecosystem, including dunes, coastal grasslands, marshes and bayside tidal flats. A visit to the park can reveal Glaucous Gulls, Piping and Snowy plovers, Red Knots, Sedge Wren and LeConte’s Sparrow, among other birds.
The park also features over 20 miles of paddling trails. Each trail connects to Corpus Christi Bay and passes through areas that are perfect for casting a line or kayaking.
The park also has 96 single family campsites along the beach that have electric hookups. You can also pitch your own tent right on the sand at one of the 50 primitive sites.
South Padre Island #6
The beach town of South Padre Island, Texas is a popular destination for tourists from all over the state. It has everything from vibrant beaches to outdoor activities and local attractions, making it a perfect getaway for anyone.
The tropical climate of South Padre Island means that it’s a year-round destination, with the exception of winter (January to February) and the hurricane season. During the summers, the weather can be hot and humid, but this is manageable with plenty of cool and breezy indoor spaces to escape it.
For a more relaxed vacation, head to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun or take a walk along the beachfront for some beautiful scenery. Alternatively, enjoy the sun setting over the water during a sunset cocktail!
Another way to enjoy a memorable experience on the island is to take part in a sandcastle-building lesson. It is a fun and unique way to learn more about the history of the area and it can be enjoyed by all ages!
Boca Chica #7
Boca Chica is a popular beach destination in Texas. It’s a peaceful and remote area that makes for a great vacation spot for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Located just a short drive from Brownsville, Boca Chica offers a variety of activities and attractions. For example, you can visit the Gladys Porter Zoo to get a look at some of the most exotic and endangered species in the world.
If you want to relax, you can also enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches of Boca Chica. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and birdwatching.
The beach is open to the public year-round and has a lot of amenities, including loungers and umbrellas. During the summer season, you can even take part in different water sports such as kayaking and surfing. This beach is supervised by lifeguards and has plenty of parking space available.
FAQs: Texas, United States
What City in Texas Has the Best Beach?
The gulf coast of Texas is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. From party beach towns like Galveston Island East Beach to secluded, quiet beaches on the barrier islands.
What is the Number One Beach in Texas?
The answer is a bit different than you might expect. The number one beach in Texas is actually a small town called Malaquite, located about 30 minutes southeast of Corpus Christi.
This spot is incredibly picturesque, and is perfect for families looking to spend the day relaxing. It offers changing facilities, an outdoor shower, and plenty of picnic areas.
