If you’re looking for fun in the sand and waves, then Texas has some amazing beaches on the Gulf of Mexico! From quiet little beach towns to the most popular stretches of sand, here’s a complete list to help you choose your next beach vacation!
One of the most popular questions I get asked is what are the best beaches in Texas! It really depends on what you like to do, because like people, each beach is unique! Some are great for families, and at some the party never stops! These are my 10 favorite Texas beaches that sit on the Gulf of Mexico.
Boca Chica Beach, Cameron County As close to Mexico as you can get in Texas, this county park beach offers a sandy beach, amazing shells, camping, fishing, drive on the beach and play in the surf. It’s very remote, with no amenities, but you can see the Space X facility just off the road and even drive down to see the mouth of the Rio Grande River. You won’t find hotels nearby, and this makes a fun day trip from Brownsville or even South Padre Island!
Crystal Beach, Bolivar Peninsula Just across the ferry from Galveston on the Bolivar Peninsula sits Crystal Beach, a sandy beach amidst beach homes on a narrow strip of land. The beach is open for driving, camping and day use, beach-type activities, and a perfect destination for those who are looking for a beach with fewer rules.
East Beach, Galveston Known as Galveston’s Party Beach, it is the only beach on the island that allows open consumption of alcohol. Also the home of the annual AIA Sandcastle Competition, as well as numerous sand volleyball competitions, concerts and live music. It is also the home of Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides.
Mustang Island State Park, Corpus Christi Named for the wild Spanish Mustangs that once ran wild on this barrier island located between Port Aransas and North Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island offers day use and overnight camping on the beach, as well as a fishing pier, where you can often spot green sea turtles.
North Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi This pristine barrier island, which stretches from Corpus Christi down to Port Mansfield. The entire beach is open for driving, but 4-wheel drive is required on much of the drive. For the less adventurous, Malaquite Beach at the entrance to the National Seashore is an easy beach to visit with restrooms and showers, and a Visitors Center.
Port Aransas Beach, Port Aransas In one of the best beach towns in Texas, Port Aransas Beach offers miles of sandy beach for driving, day and overnight use, a large pier for fishing, and beach rentals. You’ll find tons of cute hotels, condos and beach houses to rent, great restaurants, tours and activities in town, too!
San Jose Island, Port Aransas From Port Aransas, take the ferry across the bay to this small, privately owned barrier island for incredible shelling and fishing along the beach. While the interior of the beach is privately owned and no trespassing is allowed, the beach is public property, as are all Texas beaches. Take the ferry back at the end of the day, or bring a tent to spend the night on the beach!
South Padre Island The whitest sand and clearest water of all the Texas beaches can be found in South Padre Island. Home to many Winter Texans from November – February, each March the island shows it’s wild side when party-goers descend from around the state and country for Spring Break! Summers are perfect for families looking to enjoy all the island has to offer!
Stewart Beach, Galveston A fun, family-friendly beach in Galveston, it’s just one of the many things to do on the island! Galveston is a perfect beach getaway for those who also enjoy history, shopping, nightlife or family-friendly activities like museums and Schlitterbahn Waterpark!
Surfside Beach, Village of Surfside Beach Skip the crowds at this mostly locals beach, where sun and surf reign supreme!
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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