8 Best Texas Beaches
Searching for the nicest beaches in Texas? Well, you are in the right place! As a Texan who has also visited beaches around the world, I can confidently say that the beaches in Texas are some of the most unique and underrated coastal escapes in the U.S. They’ve become my favorite places to enjoy the Gulf Coast, not just because they’re close by.
I discovered lively boardwalks, quiet barrier islands, and beaches that let you to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax by the shore. My guide has the beaches I recommend from our recent four week road trip in Lone Star State, and I hope you’ll enjoy them on your day trip or longer vacation as well.
Boca Chica Tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge
If you are craving a vacation on some of the most unspoiled beaches, head to the southern tip of Texas. Here, you'll find heaps and heaps of sand dunes, and wild coastal prairies! Then there is the surreal backdrop of SpaceX’s Starbase launch. Trust me... this Texas beach destination is unlike anywhere else in the world!
You can spend days walking along the remote sands, watch ghost crabs on the sand, watch pelicans dive for fish, and walk on The Boca Chica Tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. At night, the sky was so dark that the Milky Way stretched clearly overhead (except at SpaceX launch times).
- Location: South Texas, near Brownsville in the Lower Rio Grande Valley
- Map & Directions
Camping is not allowed on the refuge, but you can stay nearby at the 4-star Margaritaville Beach Resort - South Padre Island. The resort has pools, a spa and many activities if you don't want to rough it. Then there is also the more affordable 2-star Port Isla Inn where we spent two days.
What I loved best:
My highlight were nesting sea turtles on the beach. Hatchlings begin to emerge July to September on this beach. I think this is the best beach in Texas if you want to get close to wildlife.
East Beach, Galveston Island
Is this you first trip to Texas and not sure where to go for a relaxing beach day? Head to East Beach on Galveston Island...You'll find East Beach on Galveston’s far eastern tip. East Beach is lively and has a wide shoreline. This beach is Galveston’s social heart with something always happening on the sand. From my house near Austin, it's usually under 4 hours each way to drive to for a relaxing weekend getaway.
There's also lots to do in Galveston so I recommend at least three days here if you are from out of town. If you are staying in the Huston area, you can drive to East Beach (Google Maps pin) on a day trip but I have to warn you that it can get crowded on weekends if you don't arrive early.
I’ll admit that before visiting, I mostly associated Galveston with the historic Strand and cruise ships, but East Beach showed me a completely different side of the island.
In addition to the beach, there's so much to do on Galveston Island that you can never get bored, including one of my favorite Texas castles. My favorite annual event here is the 2-day Galveston Sandcastle Competition in September. I like lunch at Porch Cafe.
We based ourselves in a relaxing vacation rental for five days. Prefer a romantic inn? Gaido's Seaside Inn is a romantic place to stay near East Beach.
Rockport Beach
Chris and I both absolutely love Rockport Beach (Google Maps pin), and have been many times. For me it was no surprise when I learned that Rockport Beach had earned Texas’s first “Blue Wave Beach” designation because it's clean, family-friendly, and calm!
You can let you kids play, paddleboard, swim, boat and fish! There is plenty of space for afamily picnic here too.
Afterward, visit downtown Rockport with its art galleries and breezy cafés. A quiet highlight was visiting the marina at sunset.
What I loved best:
Staying at 3-star The Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay for two nights was my personal highlight.
A downside? I learned that this region is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms so it's important to check the weather before you head here.
IB Magee Beach
Ahh... IB Magee Beach on Mustang Island , one of the true coastal gems of South Texas! From Rockport Beach, you drive through the town of Aransas Pass and then take the 24/7 Port Aransas ferry which is free. If you’ve never been, it’s hard to explain how peaceful and refreshing it feels. IB Magee Beach is natural and unspoiled. The beach stretches for miles, giving you plenty of space to spread on your beach day. It's great for fishing with your kids. The sunsets are magical.
There’s a small entrance fee to access IB Magee Beach. Port Aransas is close-by when you get hungry. I also enjoyed visiting the 3-day Texas SandFest in April. Corpus Christi is about 40 minutes by car.
Magnolia Beach
This beach felt like one of those hidden gems along the Gulf Coast that only locals seem to know about Google Maps pin. I immediately thought this quiet curve of shoreline along Lavaca Bay was one of the most peaceful beaches I found on the Texas coast when I visited this month. In addition, it has this unique shell-and-pebble surface that was super fun for our sun.
There are picnic tables and covered gazebos for visitors. In, addition, I like that the beach allows for up to 14 days of free camping (you need to get a beach pass) so you can plan a very affordable beach vacation. Just keep an eye on the weather in case strong winds (or a storm) significantly elevate tides. Also, there was only cold water when we visited.
What I loved best:
A relaxing picnic on the beach with my husband and son was my personal highlight.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park
This place completely won me over with its 2 miles of undeveloped Gulf Coast beaches and heaping dunes.
After just a two-hour drive southwest from Houston, I arrived at this hidden spot. I head that it’s managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority. While it’s a bit more developed than a true wilderness island, it still feels quiet.
I loved the way fishing enthusiasts lined along the river mouth, while families searched for sand dollars on the Gulf side. There’s a small park store, kayak rentals, campsites, and even cabins.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in summer for smaller crowds
- Location: Matagorda, Texas (on the Matagorda Peninsula)
- Map & Directions
- Matagorda Bay Nature Park website
What I loved best:
My highlight were the sunsets.
Padre Island National Seashore
I think this place is home to some of the best beaches in Texas. Why? There’s something magical about standing on sand that seems to stretch forever in both directions. Padre Island National Seashore was big...really big! I learned that there are over 60 miles of beaches, dunes, tidal flats, and prairies here. You'll find Padre Island National Seashore just a short drive southeast of Corpus Christi. I have to warn you that a 4WD vehicle is essential if you want to explore more than a few miles down the beach. You will have to purchase an entrance pass ($15+).
You should know that he seashore has almost no development. There's no restaurants, no gas stations once you enter!. So you absolutely need to come prepared with food, water, and supplies. But there are primitive camping areas right on the sand, and RV spots near Malaquite Visitor Center.
You can swim, watch birds fly overhead, and just enjoy nature. I kept thinking how underrated this place is compared to other beaches.
High Island
Ready for another secluded beach idea? In spring, High Island (Google Maps pin) is a preferred stop for migrating birds of all kinds. I think this is the best beach in Texas if you want an island getaway for bird lovers.
Just under two hours east of Houston and a quick hop from the Bolivar Peninsula ferry, arriving here means stepping into a quieter world. So leave your phones and work stress behind and get ready to get back to nature! The town itself is modest, but its sanctuaries (Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks, and others managed by the Houston Audubon Society) have trails, viewing platforms, and rookery boardwalks full of birds.
There aren’t many amenities right in High Island itself (a couple of small stores and gas pumps) so I was glad we brought snacks, water, and binoculars.
- Location: Map & Directions
What I loved best:
For me, High Island is one of the best beaches in Texas because it's peaceful and unique!
The focus here is the birds and their natural setting, and that’s exactly what makes it so special and my personal highlight.
Looking for more Gulf coast beaches? Read about my favorite Gulf coast destinations in Florida.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
