With its vast coastline stretching along the western Gulf of Mexico, Texas boasts a surprising variety of beautiful beaches. From the bustling shores of Galveston Island to the serene stretches of Padre Island National Seashore, there’s a beach escape on the Texas coast for everyone.
If you’re planning a coastal getaway or road trip to the South Central region, finding the best beaches in Texas can be overwhelming with so many options. Below, we’ve gathered our top Texas beaches for you to choose from, highlighting unique features, activities and what makes each beach special.
1. South Padre Island
- Address: A common address for the main beach area is near the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and Access Road 6.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at various beach access points along Gulf Boulevard.
South Padre Island is located on a barrier island off the southern coast of Texas. This popular destination offers a wide range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to windsurfing, kiteboarding and dolphin-watching tours. It’s also a haven for nature lovers with places like the Sea Turtle, Inc. rescue center and the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
If you’re looking for resorts in Texas, South Padre has plenty of options. The Isla Grand Beach Resort is a longstanding favorite known for its beachfront location, multiple pools and family-friendly atmosphere. The Margaritaville Beach Resort brings a lively, tropical atmosphere to the island and features a large pool area.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island
2. Malaquite Beach
- Address: Malaquite Visitor Center, Padre Island National Seashore, Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78480
- Parking: Parking is available at the Malaquite Visitor Center and along the beach access roads.
Located within Padre Island National Seashore, Malaquite Beach offers a more natural and tranquil beach experience compared to the bustling South Padre Island. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and bird-watching.
Because it’s part of the National Seashore, Malaquite Beach is protected, ensuring a more preserved and untouched environment. You might spot various shorebirds and sea turtles may nest on the beach during certain times of the year. The natural beauty of the area is the main draw, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to unwind away from crowds.
3. Port Aransas
- Address: 100 Port Aransas Beach Blvd., Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Parking: Free parking is available along the beach.
Port Aransas, often referred to as “Port A” by locals, is a charming beach town located on Mustang Island. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent fishing opportunities, Port Aransas offers a classic beach vacation in Texas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing and kayaking.
The town itself has a vibrant feel, with local shops, restaurants and live music venues providing a lively atmosphere. Port Aransas is also a popular spot for bird-watching and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see various coastal birds and marine life. The town’s proximity to the gulf provides consistent waves, attracting surfers of all levels and making it one of the best beach towns in the U.S. for catching waves.
Where to stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi
4. Galveston Island State Park
- Address: 14901 FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554
- Parking: Parking is available within the park at designated lots.
If you’re in search of a day trip to Galveston, Galveston Island State Park offers a unique blend of beach and nature experiences. This park features a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Beyond the beach, there are diverse ecosystems to explore, including coastal marshes, tidal flats and various bird habitats.
Unlike some of the more developed beaches, Galveston Island State Park has a more natural setting. The park is divided into two sides: the beach and the bay. The beachside offers direct access to the gulf, while the bay side provides opportunities to explore the coastal marshes and enjoy activities like kayaking and bird-watching.
Where to stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Galveston Island
5. Matagorda Beach
- Address: A common access point is near the Matagorda Beach County Park, located off FM 2031.
- Parking: Parking is available at various access points. Many visitors choose to drive directly onto the beach.
Matagorda Beach, situated on the Matagorda Peninsula, offers a more rugged and natural beach experience compared to some of the more developed beaches in Texas. Known for its wide-open stretches of sand, excellent fishing and abundant wildlife, it’s popular if you’re after a quieter escape.
If you’re looking for the best beach campsites, the beach is also known for its drive-on access, making it a favorite for off-road vehicle enthusiasts and those who enjoy camping directly on the sand. Bird-watching is also a popular activity, as the area attracts a variety of coastal birds.
6. Mustang Island State Park
- Address: 9394 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78418
- Parking: Parking is available within the park at designated lots. Parking fees are required for entry into the park (see below).
Mustang Island State Park offers a diverse coastal experience with both beach access and chances to explore the island’s unique ecosystems. If you head to the beach, you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Beyond the beach, you can explore the island’s coastal marshes, tidal flats and a variety of bird habitats.
One of Mustang Island State Park’s unique features is its paddling trail. This trail winds through the shallow water flats on the bay side of the island, providing a fantastic opportunity to observe wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
7. Boca Chica
- Address: The beach is located at the end of TX-4, southeast of Brownsville.
- Parking: Free parking is available near the beach access point at the end of TX-4.
Boca Chica Beach, located at the southernmost tip of Texas, offers a remote, undeveloped beach experience. Known for its natural beauty and relative isolation, it’s great for those seeking peace and quiet.
The beach is backed by dunes and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a popular spot for fishing, bird-watching and simply enjoying the solitude of the natural environment. The area is also near the SpaceX Starbase, which can be a fun stop during your trip.
8. Surfside Beach
- Address: 1304 Monument Dr., Surfside Beach, TX 77541
- Parking: Parking is available along the beachfront.
Surfside Beach, located on the Brazos Island barrier island, offers a relaxed and family-friendly beach experience and is one of the best beaches near Houston. Known for its wide, sandy beaches and gentle surf, it’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and building sandcastles.
The town itself has a laid-back atmosphere with just a handful of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for a beach getaway. The jetties at the west end of the beach are a popular spot for fishing and the area is also known for its bird-watching opportunities.
9. San José Island
- Address: San José Island is accessible via jetty boat from Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas. The address for Fisherman’s Wharf is 900 Tarpon St., Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Parking: Parking is available at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas, where you catch the ferry.
San José Island, often referred to as St. Jo’s, offers a uniquely secluded beach experience, as it’s a privately owned, uninhabited island. Accessible only by ferry from Port Aransas, this 21-mile stretch of shoreline provides an escape from the mainland crowds.
Because San José Island is privately owned and primarily managed for wildlife, there are no facilities or amenities available. Be prepared to bring everything you need, including food, water and sunscreen and pack out all trash. This lack of development enhances the island’s natural beauty and provides an immersive experience in nature.
10. Rockport Beach
- Address: Beach Access Road, Rockport, TX 78382
- Parking: Parking is available at various beach access points along Beach Access Road.
Rockport Beach offers a unique and family-friendly beach experience. Known for its calm, shallow waters and meticulously maintained sandy shores, it’s a popular spot for families with young children. Unlike many gulf beaches with crashing waves, Rockport Beach’s protected location on Aransas Bay creates a calm, almost lake-like environment.
The adjacent Rockport Harbor offers opportunities for fishing and boating and the charming town of Rockport has a variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries to explore.
11. Corpus Christi
- Address: North Beach: near the 100 block of North Shoreline Boulevard; McGee Beach: along Shoreline Boulevard near the downtown area
- Parking: Paid parking is common along Shoreline Boulevard and near attractions like the Texas State Aquarium.
Corpus Christi offers a variety of beach experiences within the city limits, catering to different preferences. From the lively shores of North Beach, with its proximity to the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington, to the more relaxed atmosphere of McGee Beach along the Corpus Christi Bayfront, there’s a beach for everyone.
The beaches of Corpus Christi offer a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring maritime history at the USS Lexington, observing marine life at the Texas State Aquarium or simply relaxing on the sand, Corpus Christi provides easy access to a variety of activities.
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Corpus Christi
Plan Your Next Texas Beach Vacation With AAA
If you’re ready to experience the best beaches in Texas, AAA can help you plan the perfect coastal getaway. From finding accommodations to accessing exclusive member discounts at participating hotels and resorts, a AAA membership provides a wealth of resources so you can sit back and enjoy your trip.