The 10 Best Beaches in Texas

On the Gulf Coast of Texas, you'll find some of the prettiest white sand beaches and warm crystal-clear waters. Long, thin barrier islands, like Galveston Island and Padre Island, beckon beach-goers to throw down a beach blanket and splash in the mild waters, even build a sandcastle or two. Whether you're looking for the best family beach or your own piece of unspoiled coastline, we've got you covered.

From Galveston, it's an 18-minute ferry ride to Bolivar Peninsula, which is home to a seven-mile stretch of coastline called Crystal Beach. On this wide-open beach, visitors can drive and park on the beach, even light up a grill, gather around a campfire and sleep under the stars (permits are required). More than 100 species of migratory birds visit this Gulf peninsula each year, so bring your binoculars for bird watching. Shelling is popular, too. You may even find such coastal treasures as sea glass, shark teeth and sand dollars. Off the beach, explore the historic Bolivar Point Lighthouse.

South Padre Island ranks among the most visited Texas beaches. It's also a wildly popular destination for spring breakers in March who come for bustling beach bars and plenty of fun in the sun. Beyond sunning and swimming, look for parasailing, dolphin-watching excursions and deep-sea fishing. For a more chill beach experience, consider North Padre Island, which is home to Padre Island National Seashore, the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. Plan to fish, swim or ride your bike along South Beach.

Port Aransas – or simply Port A – bills itself as the original "island life" destination, and it's easy to see why, thanks to its laid-back vibes and scenic stretches of white, sandy coastline. Consistently ranked among the top beach towns, Port Aransas is home to Mustang Island State Park and Port Aransas, a top family destination. In October, Texas SandFest draws 180 sand sculptors to Port Aransas Beach for the largest sand sculpture competition in the United States. Port Aransas Beach is also well-known as a sport fishing destination, ideal for those eager to catch blue marlin, sailfish or tuna.

Thanks to its location on the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi is home to more than one beautiful beach in Texas, including North Beach and Whitecap Beach. It's a cinch to use Corpus Christi as a base on a family vacation, then take day trips to each of the area beaches. McGhee Beach is situated in downtown Corpus Christi, so it's ideal when you want to quickly get into the water. Meanwhile, North Beach is ideal for pairing with off-the-beach attractions, like the Texas State Aquarium. Whitecap Beach is a fun family beach that's just right for honing sandcastle building skills.

Just one hour southeast of Houston, Galveston Island is a coastal escape known for 32 miles of sandy beaches. With so much coastline, there's a beach for everyone, including family-favorite Stewart Beach and East Beach, which hosts an annual sandcastle building competition in August. Pleasure Pier is another huge draw thanks to more than a dozen carnival rides, like the Iron Shark Rollercoaster. Off the beach, Moody Gardens in Galveston is not to be missed for its aquarium, rainforest and paddlewheel boat, as well as Palm Beach, a water park with a lazy river and splashpad.

There's a lot to love about Mustang Island, a barrier island just 30 minutes east of Corpus Christi. Named for the wild horses that once freely roamed the sandy shores, Mustang Island is home to Mustang Island State Park, which boasts five miles of preserved sandy shoreline. Splash in the waves, camp out on the beach or paddle the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail in Corpus Christi Bay. When the sun sets, gather around a campfire on this Texas beach to celebrate the end of a fun-filled day at the shore.

The relaxing Boca Chica Beach is less than 45 minutes east of Brownsville. It's also a stone's throw from Mexico, which is on the other side of the mighty Rio Grande River. Here you'll find an undisturbed eight-mile stretch of pristine coastline on the Gulf of Mexico made for swimming, snorkeling, surf fishing and sunning on a warm day. There are no services at Boca Chica Beach, so bring all the essentials, including snacks and water (and pack them out at the end of the day).

Located on Follet's Island, Surfside Beach is a one-hour drive southwest of Galveston. Much like Rockport Beach, this four-mile stretch of sandy coastline is known for its overall cleanliness. As the name suggests, Surfside Beach is one of the best beaches in Texas for surfing thanks to strong, consistent waves and swells. Off the beach, wander the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in search of migratory birds, like roseate spoonbills and sandhill cranes. In the off-season, horseback riding along the coastline of Surfside Beach is a popular activity.

Not only is Rockport Beach a pristine coastal destination, but it's also known as one of the cleanest beaches in Texas. In 2019, the Clean Beaches Coalition recognized Rockport Beach as a Blue Wave Beach for its safe sand and clean water. It was the first beach in Texas to receive this certification. A short drive from Corpus Christi, families flock to crescent-shaped Rockport Beach for its warm, shallow waters. Here you'll find well-groomed beaches, shaded picnic tables and fishing piers. Off the beach, stroll the four-block promenade for views across Aransas Bay.