When thinking about the best beaches for families to vacation, the Texas beaches are most likely not the first pick on anyone’s list. Some of the questions might be does Texas have beaches? But, the Texas Coast can surprise you on the amount of beach destination on its 367 miles of waterfront.
Texas is located in the South Central part of the United States and the second-largest state in America. Its diverse landscape can range from coastal swamps and piney woods to rolling plains and rugged hills, deserts in the west with the mountains of Big Bend as the background.
If you need any ideas on what to do at the beach click here.
The characteristics of these best beach cities in Texas are very distinct. It varies in so many factors like the population, commercialization of the surroundings, and many others but there is something for everyone to enjoy. When determining what is important for you, take account of the priorities that will make your stay memorable.
Most of the best beaches in Texas for families listed here will have a variety of local eateries with exquisite seafood, especially gulf shrimp, and some chain restaurants, if that is what you crave, making them a perfect vacation destination. But, some of the small beach towns won’t have a place for you to stop and have a meal so please plan accordingly to drive somewhere or bring a picnic to enjoy at the beach.
Table of Contents
Here is a list of the best Texas Beaches
South Padre Island
A resort town located in the southern tip of Texas coastline, accessible by the Queen Isabella Causeway, South Padre Island has everything that a resort town has to offer but with a small-town feel.
Arguably the prettiest beach in Texas, South Padre Island is a prime spot for Texas beach vacations year-round. But, if you are looking for some relaxing family time, try to avoid visiting during spring break. The island transforms into a party town.
For a full article about South Padre Island click here.
Here is South Padre Island, one of the prettiest beaches in Texas
Port Aransas
This Texas beach town is also known as Port “A”, a very family-friendly beach with warm clear water, and open sand is all about the beach activities for an extra special stay. Whenever you make plans to visit Port A, make sure to include a visit to all or some of the beaches around this quaint little town. Here is a list of some of them:
Picture courtesy of visitcorpuschristi.com
IB Magee Beach
Located in the northernmost point of Mustang Island, close to the ship channel, this is a great place to camp. The park has water and electric site and some primitive site also. (Please check their website for park closures).
Mustang Island State Park
Newly remodeled and ready to host you and your family, this state park has some camping site just steps from the sandy beach and the best of all, it’s minutes away from Port A and Corpus Christi for your convenience;
When looking for a Texas beach vacation, the Mustang Island State Park can be a great choice for families.
Padre Balli Park Beach and Bob Hall Pier
Fun in the sun is the name of the game, this park is perfect for families wanting to have a fun beach vacation in Texas and for the fishing enthusiasts. The pier offers a tackle and bait shop for the fisherman and a restaurant for visitors.
The park also offers RV/tent camping sites equipped with water and electricity. The dump station is nearby for your convenience. Everything to make your texas beach vacation as relaxing as possible. Please check the park website for closures.
Photo courtesy of visitcorpuschristi.com
San Jose Island
A secret Island off the shore of Port A, San Jose Island can be an awesome adventure. With only one way in and out of the Island, you can bring a picnic and all you need for the day, including your fishing pole, and spend the day in an undisturbed paradise. Just don’t forget to get on the last shuttle boat out of the island or you’ll be stranded for the night.
Photo courtesy of Sanjoseisland.com
Corpus Christi
Home of many beautiful beaches in the Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus is well worth the visit to enjoy all the activities, the food and drinks with the touch of the Texas hospitality. Some of the beaches you can visit while in Corpus Christi are:
Photo courtesy of visitcorpuschristi.com
South Packery Channel Beach
It’s located between Padre Island and Mustang Island, this is a safe bet if you want to relax without the crazy crowds of some of the neighboring towns. A great place to Surf, fish, swim and play in the sand.
Photo courtesy of portaransa.org
North Packery Beach
A great beach for water activity, North Packery Beach attracts the young crowd looking to socialize. A plus for this location it that you can drive on the beach. Therefore, avoiding having to drag all your beach gear through the sand which makes for a great texas beach vacation
Padre Island Beaches
A barrier island located on Corpus Christi’s city limit. This paradise is home to the Padre Island National Seashore, with 70 miles of undeveloped beaches and natural habitats.
Whenever considering the best beaches in texas for families, plan accordingly to participate in the Kemp’s ridley hatchlings release, it would be quite the experience for the whole family.
Photo courtesy of visitcorpuschristi.com
Malaquite Beach:
Located inside Padre Island National Park, this beach is where you can enjoy the same amenities of the National Park with a feeling of seclusion. Lots of activities can be enjoyed at this beach like: bird watching, fishing, camping, beachcombing, you can bring your own canoe or kayak and the kids can become a Jr. ranger.
Photo courtesy of portaransas.org
McGee Beach
Another great Texas beach vacation destination is McGee Beach. This bayside beach is conveniently located close to downtown Corpus Christi. It’s great for families, with a playground, basketball court, and even a dog park. Parking is available at Waters Edge Park.
Photo courtesy of visitcorpuschristi.com
North Beach
The most family-friendly beach on the bay, North Beach provides a casual atmosphere. There is shopping, restaurants, and some attractions including the Ferris wheels that provides stunning views of the bay. Also, it’s where the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium are located.
Rockport
Located just about 3 hours from Houston, Rockport is one of the best Texas beach towns. It’s small in size but mighty in activities. You can simply enjoy a day at the beach playing and having fun in the sun.
Some other options are fishing excursions, very popular I might add, or just go exploring and sight-seeing around town. The food in Rockport is also great, lots of local cuisines for you to choose from. A very popular place is The Boiling Pot, always attracting a big crowd, Moondog Seaside eatery is also great option.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park
A great place to spend a weekend enjoying the outdoors. There are camping sites in the park and you can also rent a kayak, paddleboard, and other beach equipment. This is a great option for families trying to have some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Quintana Beach
A great park with full hookup camping facilities and some cabins for rent. This park is a great option for a day at the beach or a camping getaway. The beach is beautiful with some palapas to be used on a first come served bases. Additionally, there are plenty of picnic tables and charcoal grills around the park in a shady area for you to delight in.
Quintana Beach, Texas
Surfside Beach
Another small coastal town with a big array of activities, Surfside has something for everyone, from surfing, kite flying, kayaking, fishing. You are bound to find something to satisfy your adventure-seeking heart in this quaint little town. There’s even horseback riding from September to May.
There are many VrBos, RV parks, and a couple of hotels in this coastal town and you can drive your car on the beach, but don’t forget to buy the parking pass. Also, get there early if you decide to visit on a weekend, it can get very crowded.
Surfside Beach, Texas
Best beaches in Galveston Texas
Galveston Island State Park
A great place for you to enjoy the ocean breeze, the salty sea and do all the bird watching your heart can take. This park has a beach side for those that need some vitamin sea and the bay side for those that love to fish, go crabbing or just enjoy nature.
Porretto Beach
Located in the heart of Galveston Island, Porretto Beach has all you need for a great day at the beach. They have beach umbrellas, chairs and jet-skis rentals, as well as, a concession stand.
Stewart Beach
A very family-friendly beach with great amenities for an unforgettable day at the beach. There is a pavilion, bathrooms, playground, gift shop, and a concession stand. There is also lifeguards as well, to make your stay even better. A public favorite, Stewart Beach is considered the best beach in texas gulf coast by many visitors.
Photo by Galveston.com
Bolivar Peninsula
With 27 beach in this peninsula it’s hard to pinpoint the best one here. There is a beach to suit anyone’s fancy and activities for families as well as the younger crowd. One of the most popular beaches of the peninsula is Crystal Beach.
Photo courtesy of bolivarpeninsulatexas.com
With the beautiful white sand and warm clear waters, Crystal Beach is the perfect place to spend your vacation. So much to see and do to connect with nature in this coastal paradise, and you can drive on the beach also. With many RV parks, Vrbo, and a few hotels, this should be on your list of top beaches in Texas to visit.
Have you been to any of the beaches listed here? I would love to hear from you. Also, sign up for our email list so you don’t miss out on our upcoming posts.
“To Travel Is To Live”. – Hans Christian Anderson
All the Best. Patricia M.
When I think of Texas I always think of the desert and I lose its more maritimous and probably nicer side! Wonderful!
The state is so big that we have it all. Have you been to Texas?
this is a noce compilation of recommended beaches within the area. gives your readers a great listing to make their search a lot easier.
very useful information regarding texas beaches
Have you been to any Texas Beaches?
BEAUTIFUL! The only time I was in Texas was right before a cruise so I didn’t have much time to explore. I’d love to visit sometime soon.
You should, there is still time. We don’t get real cold until January, sometimes in December it get to the low 60s.
We love beaches! We usually go to Port Aransas or Mustang Island. Both are pretty amazing.
They are great. I love that you can camp at Mustang Island.
There are so many to visit. We literally have about two, maybe three in this country (Northern Ireland). There are more in the South, but I’ve never been. We never really get the weather for beach days! There is so much to choose from here 🙂
I’m from the east coast of Brazil and grow up going to the beach all the time. I love that we can choose from a variety of them.
So many beaches I’ve never heard of! That’s really exciting. I might need to check some of these out. South Padre is always beautiful and has some of the bluest water you’ll find on the Texas shore.
South Padre is great, we spend a week there this past August.
I have never been to Texas, but if I was to visit i would definitely go to Padre Balli Park Beach to see the magnificent Bob Hall Pier 🙂
You should plan a visit soon.
As weird as it sounds, I sometimes forget that Texas has such a big shoreline.. These beaches look amazing and sounds like a perfect place to visit
I knew we had a big shore line, just did not know how long it really is.
We surely love the beach. If we have such nice beaches in our island, we would probably be going out every week!
Where are you located?
Wow! I didn’t know Texas has tons of beautiful beaches! I find Quintana Beach and Surfside Beach very inviting! I’m a surfer and I’m always on the look out for different surfing sports. Thanks for compiling all these!
Those 2 are great spots for surfing. Galveston can also have some great waves at times.
Wow, so many stunning beaches! I think people often overlook how beautiful the Gulf waters and beaches can be.
Very true, Galveston has a reputation of not having clear water but we have been very lucky this year, every time we’ve been it was beautiful.
These beaches omg they all look amazing…I need to go on a beach hopping road trip, that would be so cool.
It sounds like a great road trip to me.
Although I’m not a big fan of the sand, it’s amazing how these beaches are rich in beauty and a desire to share them with the family. It would be to organize a vacation to visit them all!
My plan is to visit them all and write a blog post about each one.
Those are beautiful beaches! The only time I’ve ever been to Texas is driving through en route to Arizona. We never had time to stop and explore, so I’ve never been to a Texas beach.
You should plan a vacation over here. There is plenty to do.
I love that some of these beaches look so remote, without any other tourists around. These are my kind of beaches.
You are right, some of them are very touristy over the summer but some are very remote.
It’s funny, I never really think about Texas and Beaches. I’m not sure why… they obviously exist, but it’s not something I automatically associate with Texas! Thanks for shining some light on these beautiful beaches.
You are welcome. I don’t think a lot of people associate Texas and beaches.
These beaches all look so beautiful and sandy. Thank you for sharing. Hope you have wonderful day x
Laura
Pink Frenzy
Thanks for stoping by Laura.
These are such beautiful locations! I’ve never been to Texas so it’s good to know that the coastline has so much to offer. One day will make it there 🙂
Start planing Natalie, there are so much to do in Texas
What a great list of beaches! So love the fact that there are so many places where families can have fun without having to spend so much.
Exactly, you don’t have to spend a ton to have a great vacation
It was nice to read and learn a little about Texas. I had never thought of the beaches there. A great, extensive list. Maybe one day I will travel there
It’s beautiful and very diverse as far as places to visit.
Awesome list. Nothing beats having fun with the family in the sun. With the water and wind there are a lot of fun activities to choose from.
It sure does. My favorite activity all summer long is to visit the beach.
All of these beaches look amazing. I didn’t even realize that there were so many near the Texas coast. When I visit Texas, I am going to have to check some of them out. I’ll definitely be bookmarking this list. Thanks for this!
You are welcome. Lots to do here.
San Jose Island is my personal favorite.
Love the place.
I’m planing on visiting on my next trip to Port A.
Love the look of the beaches. I have never been to Texas before. I hope to visit one day.
You should plan a trip soon.
So many different opportunities for the travelers to Texas! This is so helpful for those who are booking their vacation and would love to have more info about the places they go.
Having you as an expert with experience is invaluable!
Thank you. I hope I can help.
I never realized there were so many great beaches along the Texas coast beyond South Padre Island and Corpus Christi. This is a very helpful list.
I’m glad I can help.
These beaches are really beautiful! I would love to see the Padre Balli Park Beach and Bob Hall Pie beach. It must be so beautiful during sunset. Travelers to Texas should really enjoy these beaches.
I know right? These two are also my top picks. Wish I could also bring my children there. 🙂
Your post is making me miss Summer! All these beaches look aamazing! I can’t wait to go swimming again.
Same here Mommy Peach. Well, it’s just a few months away.. We still have Halloween and Christmas to contend with 😀
The beaches looks amazing..! Thanks for sharing pics,I hope I could explore here someday. 😘
You are welcome, the beauty of Texas is that is not too expensive to visit.
I didn’t know Texas has a lot of amazing beaches you can visit, thanks for compiling them. Will definitely go to some of those, our family loves beaches and it’s nice to enjoy once in a while.
I wish to visit them all in 2-3 year span. Love how beautiful and yet entirely a different experience they are.
Your beautiful photos have me longing for summer weather and trips to the beach once again.
XO, MJ
htttps://www.lush-fab-glam.com
We are still able to enjoy the beach for another month or so.
These all look amazing! I’ve always wanted to go to South Padre Island. My folks used to live in Corpus and tell me such amazing things about going to the beach all the time 🙂
South Padre Island is amazing, we just spent a week there last August.
I haven’t spent much time in Texas, so I haven’t been to any of the beaches. I never really think of the state for beach adventures, but perhaps I should! The flight and stay would be much cheaper than Hawaii, and I bet the water is pretty warm!
Definitely warmer than Hawaii, maybe not as blue but still very pretty and way cheaper than Hawaii.
Wow you have so many beaches to choose. All of them look amazing. My son loves to play with sand he would like Texas beaches
My daughter enjoys every time we go.
These are great suggestions. Within the next year…my goal is to experience the beaches in this area. Top on my list…Corpus Christi. Thanks for sharing!
Ceci, have you been to South Padre Island? It’s very pretty too.
I was in Texas a few years ago. Mustang Island State Park is one of my favs!
We are planing a camping trip there.
Wow, never imagine that Texas possesses such beautiful beaches. I’ve come to realize I never had Texas in my bucket list, I’m adding it now. Great photos you have too 🙂
And if you have enough time you can do all that Texas has to offer.
Stunning photography! Some of these are definitely going on my bucket list!
They should Kate. You won’t regret.
Wooow I didn’t even know there was that many beaches along the coast. They are so beautiful. I want summer to begin already hahaha.
I’m sad that the summer is almost over for us.
Wow! This is Texas? From the photos i first thought it was Germany or Poland, their beachside looks kinda similar, but i love it!
How funny, I’ll be researching the Germany and Poland beaches now.
Texas is big and beautiful. Before I moved there, I thought it was full of cattle ranches and open fields. But after living there for 5 years, it changed my life. I’ll have to go back and check out a few of these; I’ve only been to South Padre for spring break.
I hear that spring break in South Padre Island can get crazy. We just spent a week there last August.
We enjoy going to the beach as a family and these are the perfect destinations for us to visit, they are beautiful and I am sure every member of the family will really enjoy it.
You are right, there is something for everyone in the family.
These beaches are all beautiful! I wish I could have the opportunity to visit each and every beach you featured in this post. Malaquite beach would be a good place to visit first.
I’ll be planing a camping trip there soon. I want to see the Turtle release.
I love beaches and looks like Texas is calling me I have never been to Texas but after reading this blog I am surely planning to visit Texas sooon
You should, the people here are very friendly too.
the places look so very nice! So calm and so relaxing! Oh I wish I was on the beach from the photos (any will do)
I’m sad the summer is almost over to us. I love sitting at the beach.
The beaches are really awesome and looks like it is very clean and nice to hang with! A very good place for outing with family and kids.
Some can get a little crowed over the summer but some are very calm.
Wow. All of them are so beautiful. I loved San Jose Island . It looks and sounds amazing. I hope to go there someday.
I haven’t been there yet but will visit soon.
I’ve never been to Texas but I’ll have to keep these in mind. I loved your photos, especially the sunset shots.
Thank you Jess.
I love going to the beach! I haven’t really thought of Texas as a place to go for a beach vacation, but it’s awesome to thee are so many frat options!
You should plan a visit soon Amanda
It looks that there are lots of beaches to visit along the Texas coast. I wish I could visit that part of the world as it seems to be a perfect destination for long summer trips. Love the USA! 🙂
It’s a great place to visit and it’s not too expensive. You should plan a visit
Beach is one of my families favorite location to visit most especially during summer season and it is also a great place for us to bond and to relax.
I agree. We always play games and walk on the beach.
I have never been to that side of USA but after reading your post I am tempted to plan a trip
You should Sudipa, it’s very fun.
I have never been to Texas but would love to travel there one day! The beaches look beautiful.
They are beautiful. Thanks for stoping by Tasha
These are lovely beaches! I would start with Padre Balli Park Beach and Bob Hall Pier as my husband is a fishing enthusiast.
The fishing in the area is outstanding.
Wow, Texas really have a beautiful beaches to visit and I think I’ve seen some of these beaches in the movies.
You probably have. Thanks for stoping by Catherine
First, sorry for my ignorance but never thought that Texas has a beach because I thought it is found in the center of US. The beaches are stunning and for sure really perfect for families.
We have these and many more along the Gulf of Mexico.
I had no idea that there were so many beautiful beaches in Texas. Some of them look so amazing that you would guess they are in the Caribbean.
South Padre Island is in South Texas very close to the Caribbean Sea.
These are such incredible beaches! I’ve never been to Texas so it’s good to know that the State has so much on offer for avid beach-goers!
There is something for everyone, some of them are very different than others.
You quite an impressive job putting together this post! I’ve never been to Texas so it’s great to know that the State has so much on offer for avid beach-goers!
Thanks Ivan, also, thanks for stoping by.
These all look like beautiful beaches! Whenever i visit Texas, il keep these places in mind
You should plan a visit here.
There are so many beaches along the Texas coast. I love to see these beaches when visit Texas.
They are great places to visit
My family loves the beach, it is our go-to vacation choice. These are great suggestions, they all look cool. I have not been been to Texas yet but when I do, i am checking them out.
You should Kevin, some of them are not to be missed.
We love all of these beaches so much! it’s hard to choose just one!!
It really is. I’m still trying Jessica.
Always enjoy chilling at the beach-not necessarily taking a dip thus when i saw Mustang park i am 100% that that beach park is for me. Regardless the beach shots arw just awesome!
It’s a great place to camp also Erik.
I never knew Texas had so many beautiful beaches. I’m going to plan my next beach vacation here!
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We have some beautiful beaches here, you should stop by some time when you are in between trips.
South Padre is our family’s favorite, hands down! Next time we are in TX I’d love to visit another one on this list.
It’s hard to beat South Padre though.
There are so many of them along the Texas Coast.