15 Breathtaking Texas Beaches to Visit This Summer Break

Texas is known for many things, including sprawling deserts, vast cattle ranches, legendary cowboy culture, vibrant cities, and some of the most stunning beaches in the United States. These beaches stretch over 367 miles along the Gulf of Mexico and are perfect for a family-friendly getaway, a romantic retreat, or an adventurous escape.

However, with all these beaches, it can get somewhat confusing, especially for visitors. Therefore, to help you narrow down your choices, this article has compiled 15 breathtaking Texas beaches to visit this summer break.

South Padre Island

Padre Island is a barrier island that stretches 113 miles along the Texas coast. It has two parts: the Southern Padre Island and the Padre Island National Seashore.

If you ask locals about the best beach in Texas, most of them will recommend South Padre Island. That's because it provides everything you will need for a summer break at the beach. From crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches to vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of fun activities for all ages.

For water sports lovers, the Laguna Madre Nature Trail offers parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and dolphin watching. The calm waters and gentle waves make it an excellent spot for beginner surfers.

Galveston Island

Galveston Island is located off the southeast coast of Texas, just 50 miles from Houston. As you can expect, the proximity to such a big city means it receives a lot of traffic. The island serves as a major cruise port, with ships departing regularly to the Caribbean and beyond, offering travelers the chance to extend their beach vacation into a full-fledged adventure.

The island boasts over 32 miles of coastline, featuring popular spots like Stewart Beach, East Beach, and the Seawall Urban Park, which stretches 10 miles along the gulf. Other attractions on the island are Moody Gardens, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and the Strand Historic District.

Mustang Island State Park Beach

Mustang Island is a long-barrier island located in Nieces County. This beach is perfect if you are looking for a quieter alternative to more crowded beaches. The beach is part of Mustang Island State Park, which is a haven for shallow-water fishing and paddling excursions.

Paddle along the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail as you watch birds fly. After a long day of activities, camp at the park for an authentic beach camp experience.

Port Aransas Beach

Port Aransas Beach is located north of Mustang Beach and is a favorite among locals and tourists. It is popular due to its sandy beaches and clear waters, which make it great for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing.

Several events are held here, including the Texas Sand Fest. After a day on the sand, visit Port Aransas town to enjoy its museum, art scene, and delicious seafood.

Boca Chica Beach

Boca Chica Beach is a hidden gem of Texas, offering a serene and unspoiled coastline. It is located near the Mexico border and is ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. It's a perfect holiday destination to escape from city noise and civilization.

However, you should keep in mind that the beach does not have amenities. Carry food or any sporting equipment you will need. Nonetheless, the beach is a haven for birdwatching, snorkeling, picnics, fishing, and surfing.

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is located in the charming coastal town of Rockport in Aransas County. It is another hidden gem in Texas known for its pristine environment and family-friendly atmosphere. It is Texas' first certified "Blue Wave Beach," a national environmental certification given to beaches that meet strict standards for cleanliness, safety, and environmental stewardship.

This serene beach perfectly blends natural beauty, recreational activities, and a peaceful setting. It is an ideal destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a relaxing getaway. Beachgoers can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, and playing various beach sports.

Surfside Beach

As the name suggests, this beach is a water sports lover's paradise. It is located in Brazoria County, only an hour's drive from Houston.

Surfside Beach is a favorite spot for locals and tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. You can enjoy surfing, jet skiing, fishing, and kayaking. Outside the water, you can lie on the sand or stroll along the beach.

Matagorda Bay Nature Park Beach

Matagorda Bay Nature Park Beach is a tranquil, unspoiled coastal destination that stretches two miles and is located in Matagorda County. It offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.

Travelers can stroll along the beach while looking for birds in the marshes, go fishing or kayaking, or participate in plenty of activities in the park, such as walking on trails, picnicking, or camping.

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach in Bolivar Peninsula is another gem for beach lovers who prefer sparsely populated shorelines. You can do plenty of outdoor activities here, including playing in the sand, picnicking, sunbathing, beachcombing, or shell collecting.

The waters are also ideal for swimming, surfing and fishing. Afterward, pass by the iconic Bolivar Point Lighthouse to learn more about the area's history.

Padre Island National Seashore

The Padre Island National Seashore is 30 miles south of Mustang Island State Park. It is part of Padre Island, which includes the South Padre Island Beach. The 130,000-acre site includes dunes, prairies, and beaches and is a haven for family-friendly activities.

At the beach, you can engage in windsurfing on Laguna Madre, swim, build sand castles, cruise down the sand, or scavenge for shells deposited by currents at Little Shell Beach and Big Shell Beach. If you are lucky, you may catch the release of turtle hatchlings.

When done with beach activities, take the Grasslands nature trail that takes you through the marshland and offers a glimpse of various wildlife, like kangaroo rats, coyotes, ghost crabs, and deer. To save on accommodation, you can camp on the beach.

San José Island

San José Island, locally known as Saint Jo, is a private island accessible only by ferry from Port Aransas. The island is largely undeveloped and offers pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. You will head to Fisherman's Wharf for a five-minute ferry ride to get to the island. The view from the ferry is simply breathtaking.

The island is home to about 300 species of birds and 600 species of fish. Some activities you can engage in here include beachcombing, swimming, and fishing. One thing you must note is that this beach has no amenities: no washrooms, changing areas, or shops, so you'll have to bring everything you need. The earliest ferry to the island leaves at 6:30 a.m., and the last return boat leaves at 6 p.m.

Sea Rim State Park

Sea Rim State Park is a unique destination where the Gulf of Mexico meets marshland. It is located in Jefferson County, just south of Port Arthur. The 4000-acre park has a 5-mile beach that is ideal for all sorts of beach activities.

The most popular activities here are paddling, fishing, and kayaking. The paddling trails vary, ranging from 2 to about 12 miles. The routes will take you through the brackish marsh of phragmites and cordgrass and some small lakes. Along the route, you will come across ducks, alligators, river otters, egrets, and many other animals, but please don't get close.

Bryan Beach

Bryan Beach is yet another Texas beach that is still in its natural state. It is located near Freeport and offers three miles of undeveloped coastline, perfect for fishing, sunbathing, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. The beach is also known for its excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

There are no shops around the beach so you must bring everything you need. Bryan Beach is also one of the few beaches left in Texas that allows visitors to camp and drive on the beach without paying a fine. However, fireworks and glass containers aren't allowed here.

East Beach

East Beach is one of Galveston's most popular beaches. It is located on the eastern side of Galveston Island, just an hour's drive from Houston. It is known for its lively atmosphere and numerous events.

There are all sorts of activities to engage in for all ages, and amenities are good. Unlike other Galveston beaches, East Beach allows alcohol, making it a go-to spot for parties and festivals. The beach features a pavilion, boardwalk, and stage for live music, making it a hotspot for summer fun.

Magnolia Beach

Magnolia Beach is one of the best camping beaches in Texas, thanks to its hard-packed sand that allows even RVs to pack as close as 15 feet from the ocean. It is located along Matagorda Bay, about a 20-minute drive from Port Lavaca.

The water here is less salty than in the sea because the Lavaca and Colorado Rivers flow into the bay. The beach is perfect for camping, fishing, and enjoying the calm waters, and it is also dog-friendly.

Wrapping it up

Texas is home to many spectacular beaches ideal for summer break visits. You will find lively beaches with amenities and secluded beaches that are still in their natural state. These destinations provide the perfect backdrop for sun-soaked days and starlit nights. Whichever beach you visit, there will be plenty of opportunities to have fun and connect with nature.

Are you planning a beach vacation in Texas and want to make the most of it? Consider getting an RV or motorhome. These vehicles can be quite expensive, but you can get a mobile home ready to go wherever you want at the price of a nice car. Alternatively, you can apply for an auto loan to finance a new or used RV.