12 Best Texas Beach Towns Lone Star Has to Offer

Galveston Beach Texas beaches

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When you think of visiting Texas, you probably have a vision of its large cities like Austin or maybe one of its national parks such as Big Bend, but did you know there are several Texas beach towns you can visit?

There are many popular beaches on the Gulf Coast of Texas, aka the Texas Coast, where friends take day trips and families enjoy annual vacations.

Within a few hours’ drive from any major city, you can dine on seafood and go boating in the Gulf of Mexico.

Here is your guide to the top beach towns Texas offers so you can pack up the car for a beach day or stay for an extended trip. 

Remember to pick up your trash, visitors complain that this is an issue on many of the beaches in the Lone Star State, be the solution.

You may also like our Austin to Big Bend itinerary and beach packing list with a free checklist.

Beach towns in Texas map

The Best Beach Towns in Texas

Houston Beaches, aka Ocean City, Texas

Houston is a fun city because of its urban attractions, such as shows at its theaters, live music, food, and NASA astronaut training.

However, another big plus for Bayou City is its proximity to the Gulf Coast, making it one of Texas’s most popular beach getaways.

1. Galveston Beach For a Lively Vacation

There isn’t just one beach in Galveston Island, there are actually 32 miles of Gulf coast sandy shores for you to explore.

Starting with East Beach and running down to Galveston Island State Park, there are seven beach areas.

Galveston has the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, which is well-used by joggers, cyclists, and skaters.

Visitors love that you can rent umbrellas and chairs and bathrooms dotted along the beach area.

There is also plenty of parking at affordable rates. Pack a wagon to carry your beach day gear.

The downside of Galveston is that the water can be rough.

This Texas beach is lively, with its seawall bars, restaurants, and rollercoaster at Pleasure Pier.

You can get your bearings and learn about history, architecture, and culture during this coach tour.

For its costs, Galveston is often cited as one of the best places to live in Texas, as it is one of the most affordable beach towns in TX.

Things to Do at Galveston Island

  • Watch a concert at East Beach
  • Enjoy cool alcoholic beverages, too – the only beach that allows this
  • Get judgy at the annual sandcastle competition
  • Jump on a ride at the Pleasure Pier
  • Set sail on a paddlewheel boat tour
  • Scoot along on a segway
  • Dress up for Mardi Gras at Galveston
  • Watch the July 4th fireworks
  • Bike around the bay
  • Birdwatch or go fishing
  • Catch a wave surfing
  • Sail the waves kayaking
  • Watch a 3D movie at Moody Gardens
  • See a show at The Grand 1894 Opera House
  • Tee off at the golf course
  • Sail the skies on the zipline
  • Relax on the Lazy River at Palm Beach
  • Have a nosey at the Galveston mansions

What are your favorite things to do during your Texas beach trip to Galveston?

So, which is the best beach in Galveston?

Younger visitors like the alcohol laws and concerts at East Beach, while families love the award-winning Stewart Beach. Which is your favorite?

Tell me in the comments below.

There is so much accommodation to choose from on Galveston Island.

From Texas beach resorts to private holiday rentals, there’s something for every type of trip and visitor.

If you’d prefer a day trip to Galveston, check out this tour from Houston.

Hotels in Galveston

Learn more about the island’s haunted hotel here.

2. Sunny Beach, Galveston, For a Dog-Friendly Beach Trip

Sunny Beach is another Galveston beach worth mentioning for its fishing opportunities and because it is dog-friendly.

You can park on Sunny Beach, so you don’t need to plan carting your beach tents, coolers, and water sports gear from the parking lot.

The road down to Sunny Beach is an 8-mile drive.

Las Penitas Leon Sunset Nicaragua Dog

3. Pirates Beach, Galveston For Upmarket Rentals

Arrrr, me matey!

If you want to rent accommodation in a small beach community, consider Pirate Beach in Galveston.

This beach area is well-maintained with high-end rentals and manicured gardens.

Pirate Beach Rentals

While Pirate Beach is more upmarket, it can still be classified as a cheap Texas beach vacation, as group rentals come in at under $200 per night.

However, some properties have a three-night minimum rule.

4. Bolivar Peninsula (Crystal Beach) For Fewer Crowds

Another popular beach near Houston is Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula.

It is a relatively quiet beach that allows beach camping, which is excellent if you keep costs down during your vacation. 

Boasting 27 miles of sandy beaches and plenty of activities for guests, it’s not just its location in the Southeast of Houston that is an appeal.

For nature lovers, this area is full of wildlife and is a popular bird-watching destination.

The peninsula is part of the Great Coastal Birding Trail, where you can observe spoonbills and blue herons in their natural habitats.

History enthusiasts can visit Fort Travis, built in 1836 to protect Port Galveston.

After a day of exploring, enjoy some seafood on the water at Stingaree Restaurant or Hardheads Icehouse and Grill for live entertainment with your meal.

While in the area, you can stay at Boardwalk Resort.

It provides guests with easy beach access and plenty of on-site activities.

There is a pool, as well as a splash area for children. Enjoy a game of mini-golf or foot billiards with your family.

If you like relaxing, hop into a hammock or hot tub overlooking the water.  

Music fans will enjoy the lineup of (mostly) free music.

Houston to Crystal Beach takes just over 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

One of the ideal beaches in Texas for spring break.

Where to Stay

5. Freeport, aka Surfside Beach For Food, Golf & Beach Days

Freeport is just an hour south of Houston.

You will find a quiet town where you can drive your car right up to the waters of Surfside.

You can also go jet skiing in the nearby Old Brazos River.

Stop by the Freeport Municipal Golf Course for a few rounds of golf.

At Surfside Beach, dining options include Red Snapper Inn for fresh seafood and Scott’s Beach Bar.

Entertainment comes in the shape of live music at the Brick House or the Sundown Restaurant.

Some accommodation is on the sand in Surfside, so you won’t have to walk far to get your feet wet.

Fun fact: Surfside was once Old Velasco, the ‘Boston harbor of the Texas Revolution.

Where to Stay

6. Lighthouse Beach, Port Lavaca For Family Texas Coast Vacations

Families enjoy time at Lighthouse Beach because it has a splash pad, picnic tables, and a kid’s playground to keep the wee ones entertained while they run around in the fresh ocean air.

Bamboo umbrellas dot the sandy beach for those who require some shade, you will need to pack sun loungers though.

A path leads out to the boardwalk over Lavaca Bay, providing nice views over the water and fishing opportunities.

The sunsets are a big draw.

Lighthouse is one of the best family beaches in Texas.

7. Rockport Beach For Clear Water

Rockport Beach is just under three hours from Houston and San Antonio and just over three hours from Austin.

It is the state’s first Blue Wave beach, making it the cleanest and one of the clearest water beaches in Texas.

Visitors like the fact that the water is shallow, which is great for families.

There are fishing opportunities and local shops that sell bait.

Rockport has BBQ grills and picnic areas for beach meals by the sea.

You can walk along a designated path to visit the Little Bay Shores.

No dogs are allowed on the beach.

Where to Stay

BBQ on beach

8. Port Aransas For Fishing

This small beach town is located at the end of Mustang Island and is one of the beaches near Corpus Christi.

While it is quieter than other locations, there are still plenty of things to do.

Some people call Port Aransas the fishing capital of Texas, with fishing competitions happening almost every weekend during the summer.

After exploring the 18 miles of beaches, stop by the Port Aransas Art Center, which features work from local artists.

Irie’s Island Food is popular with locals, while The Crazy Cajun provides tasty Cajun dishes such as jambalaya and shrimp boil.

The best event of the year is SandFest, the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the USA. 

Where to Stay

Sunrise on Port Aransas Beach in Texas

9. McGee Beach For A City Beach

Heading a little inward to Corpus Christi Bay, you’ll find McGee Beach.

Fewer people visit this beach, which is great if you can’t deal with crowds.

Another bonus is that you don’t have to pack too much beach stuff, as canopies, umbrellas, cabanas, and chairs are available for rent.

Beach amenities include showers, bathrooms, and parking.

There’s a boardwalk at the beach and a marina close by.

McGee Beach is right off Corpus Christi Downtown, so you’ll find plenty of food options a short walk away.

Birds eye view over Corpus Christi in Texas Skyline Cityscape.

10. North Padre Island, Close to Corpus Christi

North Padre Island is located just north of the Padre Island National Seashore and is completely different from South Padre.

It is only a 20-minute drive from Corpus Christi, making it easily accessible and allowing visitors to easily take advantage of the city’s attractions.  

At North Padre Island, you will find world-class fishing, fun shelling, and local events and festivals throughout the summer. 

From late June to mid-August,t you can witness baby turtles make their way from hatching on the shore till they enter the waters.

Beaches include Whitecap, Little Shell, and Big Shell.

For some family-friendly fun, you can hop aboard the USS Lexington.

Where to Stay

Aerial-view-North-Beach-in-Corpus-Christi-Texas-USA

11. South Padre Island – Texas Beaches Vacation Variety

Located right on the southern border of Texas, South Padre Island is a very popular spring break destination with plenty of entertainment for more laid-back vacationers.

The island is known for its clean waters and tropical climate, making it one of Texas’s most beautiful beaches.

Expect white sand beaches in Texas at Padre Island and blue water beaches. 

It is located at the same longitude as Fort Lauderdale.

You will find swimming easier here since Laguna Madre Bay is a “hyper-saline” bay with a lot of salt in the water.  

South Padre is the furthest beach from the big cities, about 5-6 hours from Austin or Houston. 

Being so far south is what makes it a great destination. 

If you are looking for high-adrenaline fun when you aren’t relaxing on the beach, try windsurfing.

For family-friendly fun, check out Schlitterbahn Waterpark, home to dozens of waterslides, or enjoy fishing opportunities from the shore and deep sea.

After a long day in the water, enjoy the Mexican influence in the many restaurants.

You cannot eat enough tacos, nachos, or ceviche – dreamy South Texas beach vacations, you’ll agree!

Sunset at South Padre Island Beach in Texas

12. Boca Chica Beach, Texas’s Last Beach in the South

Boca Chica Beach is the last beach in our guide on where to vacation in Texas on the beach and the last beach in the state before it hits the border of Mexico.

While the skyline of Boca Chica is quite industrial, the buildings don’t block out the sun, and the structures surrounding the beach are space rockets, which is pretty unique!

Locals love the lack of tourism, dog walks, and grassy dunes.

There are also some great shell-picking opportunities.

Boca Chica State Park is close by.

Looking for more beach vacation ideas? Here’s our guide to beach towns on the East Coast.

South Padre features in our guide to spring break destinations for students.

Texas Beach Towns Packing List

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas have beaches?

Yes! I know that is a surprise to many as think of Texas a desert and cities but there are a number of great beaches beach towns in Texas.

Which is the cleanest beach in Texas?

Rockport Beach was awarded the first Blue Wave Beach status.

What are the bacterial levels in Texas beaches?

Texas Beach Watch runs lots of tests to evaluate the levels of bacteria in the sea. Check out daily results here.

Is beach camping allowed in Texas?

Yes, at specific beaches like Crystal Beach, one of Texas’s best vacation beaches for visitors trying to budget travel.

Which is your favorite coastal town in Texas? Tell us in the comments!

Save for future planning.

Texas beach vacation, texas beaches, texas beaches with kids, Corpus Christi, Texas road trips, Things to do in Texas, San Antonio, South Padre, Port Aransas, Galveston, Rockport, Springbreak

About the author – this guide to the top Texas beach destinations was created by Two Scots Abroad and Honeymoon Always.

2 thoughts on “12 Best Texas Beach Towns Lone Star Has to Offer

  1. Kerry Reich says:

    hi-I’ve been reading/looking thru all the pics here & I don’t notice any places to rent/buy. Are there any?

    Thank you,
    Kerry Reich

    • Gemma | Two Scots Abroad says:

      Hi Kerry, lovely to hear from you. Where it says apartments in X in the guide – these are holiday rentals you can rent. I am not familiar with purchasing. Good luck! ~ Gemma

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