Best Beaches in Texas
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 a few of 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 invite you to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax by the shore. From family-friendly spots to wide-open natural landscapes and unforgettable sunsets over the water, Texas’s coast offers something for every kind of traveler. Here are the beaches I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Boca Chica Tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge
I thought this windswept stretch of sand at the southern tip of Texas was one of the most hauntingly beautiful places I’d ever seen and one of the best beaches in Texas, with its undeveloped shoreline, sand dunes, and wild coastal prairies. Then there is the surreal backdrop of SpaceX’s Starbase launch facilities.
A 30-minute drive east from Brownsville took me past wildlife-rich wetlands before I reached this untamed barrier beach. Trust me... the mix of raw nature and cutting-edge space exploration here 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
The 4-star Margaritaville Beach Resort - South Padre Island offers pools, a spa and many activities if you don't want to rough it. We stayed at the more affordable 2-star Port Isla Inn for two days.
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.
2. East Beach, Galveston Island
Is this you first trip to Texas and not sure where to go for a relaxing beach day? Head to Galveston Island... This lively stretch of sand on Galveston’s far eastern tip was one of the most energetic spots along the Texas coast. It has a wide shoreline, rolling surf, and the buzz of music, festivals, and family gatherings.
Unlike the quiet beaches farther down the island, East Beach, about 50 miles southeast of Houston, is Galveston’s social heart with something always happening on the sand. There's also lots to do nearby so I recommend at least three day here if you are from out of town. My favorite is the 2-day Galveston Sandcastle Competition in September. Check out my Things to Do in Galveston post for more info.
- Location: Galveston Island, Texas (far eastern tip of the island)
- Map & Directions
We checked into 3-star Gaido's Seaside Inn for two days, a nice place to stay near East Beach. Stop for lunch at Porch Cafe, it's a highlight.
3. Rockport Beach
Just a few minutes from Rockport’s charming arts district, the beach offers a sandy shore, picnic cabanas, and a mile-long promenade for catching a sunrise. Families will enjoy the calm waters, while anglers can cast their lines from the pier.
It's no wonder Rockport Beach had earned Texas’s first “Blue Wave Beach” designation because it's clean and calm. We stayed at 3-star The Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay for two nights.
- Location: Rockport, Texas (Aransas County, Texas Gulf Coast)
- Map & Directions
4. IB Magee Beach
IB Magee Beach Park on Mustang Island, about 40 minutes from Corpus Christi, has wide sandy stretches and steady Gulf breezes. I thought that it was one of the best beaches in Texas when I moved here. Why? Unlike the carefully manicured feel of Rockport Beach, IB Magee is more raw and relaxed. Bring along your fishing rod, beach chairs, and surfboards for a fun day in the sun.
I spent my mornings at Horace Caldwell Pier, watching surfers and shrimp boats headed as they out to sea. Afternoons were very relaxing and sometimes dolphins surfaced in the distance.
- Location: Port Aransas, Texas (northern tip of Mustang Island)
- Map & Directions
My highlight was the sunset which was especially magical. I also love the 3-day Texas SandFest in April.
5. Magnolia Beach
Magnolia Beach felt like one of those hidden gems along the Gulf Coast that only locals seem to know about. I immediately thought this quiet curve of shoreline along Lavaca Bay was one of the most peaceful beaches I’d found on the Texas coast when I visited this month. It has this unique shell-and-pebble surface.
Unlike Mustang Island or Galveston, Magnolia Beach felt tucked away and unhurried, less of a tourist stop. I found it just a short drive from Port Lavaca. There are picnic tables and covered gazebos for visitors. The beach allows for up to 14 days of free camping.
- Location: Magnolia Beach, Texas (Calhoun County, on Lavaca Bay)
- Map & Directions
6. Matagorda Bay Nature Park
Texas’s Matagorda Bay Nature Park completely won me over with its 2 miles of undeveloped Gulf beaches, sprawling dunes, and the tranquil meeting point of the Colorado River and the sea. The constant seabreeze made even the hottest afternoons feel bearable.
Just a two-hour drive southwest from Houston, I arrived at this tucked-away spot that felt worlds apart from the city bustle. It’s managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority, and while it’s a bit more developed than a true wilderness island, it still carries that quiet, remote energy that makes you want to slow down and just breathe.
Fishing enthusiasts lined the river mouth, while families searched for sand dollars on the Gulf side. Unlike more isolated barrier islands, amenities here were handy: there’s a small park store, kayak rentals, campsites, and even cabins.
- Location: Matagorda, Texas (on the Matagorda Peninsula)
- Map & Directions
- Matagorda Bay Nature Park website
My highlight were sunsets, painting the sky pink and gold over the water.
7. Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore completely blew me away with its wild, endless horizons, 66 miles of untouched beaches, shifting dunes, tidal flats, and prairies. I think Padre Island National Seashore 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. There's only the sound of surf, gulls, and the wind filling the air.
Just a short drive southeast of Corpus Christi, the park feels remote the moment you leave pavement behind. A 4WD vehicle is essential if you want to explore more than a few miles down the beach, but that’s part of the adventure — the further you go, the emptier and wilder it feels.
The seashore has almost no development (there's no restaurants, no gas stations once you enter!) so it pays to come prepared with food, water, and supplies. But there are primitive camping areas right on the sand, RV spots near Malaquite Visitor Center, and the feeling of waking up with nothing between you and the Gulf sunrise is unforgettable.
8. Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach on Mustang Island felt like one of the most joyful and exciting coastal spots in Texas, combining small-town feel with a Gulf shoreline.
There are six miles of soft, sandy shoreline where the Gulf waves roll in steady and warm, and where sunsets get gold and lavender across the horizon. Unlike the wild, remote stretches of Padre Island National Seashore, Port Aransas feels more like the perfect blend of coastal town and natural beach escape. So if you are looking for a balanced Texas beach vacation, this is your spot.
Just a short ferry ride from the mainland and only a 40-minute drive from Corpus Christi, the journey itself set the mood: seabirds circling overhead, and that salty air that instantly makes you relax.
Unlike more isolated barrier islands, amenities here were abundant, including restaurants, beach rentals, and shops were within a few blocks of the sand. But I was still glad I packed a cooler and shade tent for lazy hours parked right at the water’s edge (yes, you can drive onto the beach with a permit!).
- Location: Map & Directions
9. High Island
High Island may be a tiny town perched on a salt dome above the Gulf, but it completely captivated me with its legendary birding sanctuaries and its location off the beaten path. I think this is the best beach in Texas if you want an island getaway for bird lovers. In spring, this spot is a preferred stop for migrating birds of all kinds.
Just under two hours east of Houston and a quick hop from the Bolivar Peninsula ferry, arriving here felt like stepping into a quieter world. 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
The focus here is the birds and their natural setting, and that’s exactly what makes it so special and my personal highlight.
Conclusion
In the end, what I love most about Texas beaches was their sheer variety. As a Texas resident, I can't get enough of them. Each one offers a spectacular experience, from lively and exciting stretches like Port Aransas and East Beach to hidden gems such as Magnolia Beach and High Island.
I found it joyful that some places felt wild and untouched, like Padre Island National Seashore, while others, like Rockport or Mustang Island, blended family-friendly comfort with natural beauty.
The balance of convenience and adventure stood out too. Some beaches were perfect for affordable weekends close to town, while others gave us that dreamlike feeling of total seclusion.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
