10 Best Beaches In Texas

Sunny Vacations in the Lone Star State

By Erica Moody | Published on November 19, 2025

Football, barbecue, cowboy hats … and beaches? While sandy shores may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Texas, the Lone Star State happens to be an underrated coastal destination. Whether you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere, a quiet romantic escape or a fun-filled family getaway, Texas has it. With diverse natural landscapes, charming towns, cultural attractions and even an epic sand sculpture competition, these are the best beaches in Texas to add to your travel bucket list.

1. South Padre Island Beaches

Its subtropical climate has earned South Padre Island the “Caribbean of Texas” nickname. The 34 miles of soft sand beaches at the southern tip of Texas near the Mexico border are famous for clear waters and year-round warmth. Families love its seaweed-free shoreline (perfect for sandcastle building), panoramic Gulf views and welcoming atmosphere. And while the beaches are excellent for family fun and relaxation, those who want a party atmosphere flock to its plentiful music and beach bars.

2. North Beach, Corpus Christi

Do you love the East Coast boardwalk experience, with ice cream and souvenir shops and arcades lined up on the beach? North Beach in Corpus Christi is the next best thing to that classic experience. Its 1.5-mile beachfront promenade is lined with shops and eateries. The South Texas beach is also home to family-friendly attractions like the Texas State Aquarium, where kids can learn about the ecosystems of the Gulf and the Caribbean, and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, a national landmark where visitors can climb aboard a real World War II aircraft carrier and learn about naval history.

3. Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island State Park is a peaceful coastal escape located on the west end of Galveston, a barrier island city about 50 miles southeast of Houston. Approximately a 20-minute drive from the Royal Caribbean cruise terminal, this state park has both bay and beach sides, making it ideal for nature activities like wildlife viewing, kayaking and hiking. Shaded picnic shelters, scenic dunes and newly renovated campsites make it a perfect spot for travelers looking to enjoy Galveston’s natural beauty away from the crowds, whether before or after a cruise.

4. Mustang Island State Park

This tranquil, five-mile stretch of undeveloped coastline in Corpus Christi is known for its soft sand and wide-open Gulf views. Mustang Island State Park stands out for its outdoorsy adventures, including a 20-mile paddling trail through coastal wetlands, birdwatching, geocaching and beach camping under the stars. There are 48 campsites with electricity in addition to drive-up sites. Its peaceful, natural setting offers a more immersive coastal experience than many of Texas’s busier beaches.

5. Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is a laid-back alternative to its bustling neighbor, Galveston. Stay at a colorful beachfront rental property and head out your front door for surfing (it has some of the most consistent waves of any Texas beach), fishing or jet skiing. Guided horseback rides on the beach are also available. Take the kids crabbing or to the splash pad, and dine at casual seafood restaurants with decks overlooking the sea.

6. Matagorda Beach

Two hours southwest of Houston sits Matagorda Beach, an ecologically diverse getaway that boasts marshes, wetlands and sandy beaches. With its expansive sandy shoreline, dark skies and untouched natural setting, it’s ideal for travelers who want the feeling of solitude without going totally off-grid. Stay in an elevated bungalow with a private deck at Matagorda Bay Nature Park and venture into the small beach town of Matagorda for barbecue or fried shrimp at a waterfront restaurant between surf fishing, beach camping, stargazing or watching migratory birds.

7. San José Island

Located just off the coast of Port Aransas on the Gulf of Mexico, San José Island is a privately owned, undeveloped barrier island that’s accessible only by ferry. Nicknamed the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” the unspoiled island is especially popular with anglers who come for its excellent surf fishing. Shelling enthusiasts love the unique seashells to be found, including lightning whelks and sand dollars. Though the island is private, visitors arriving by ferry have full access to its beach and surf zone.

8. Rockport Beach

Situated along Aransas Bay on the Gulf Coast, Rockport Beach features calm, shallow waters and a well-maintained shoreline, making it ideal for families with young children. A scenic walking path, bird sanctuary, fishing piers and shaded picnic spots create a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere while regular arts festivals and market days provide variety for things to do in the eco-friendly, litter-free town. It’s fully handicap accessible and holds the distinction of being the state’s first certified Blue Wave Beach — a reflection of its clean and environmentally responsible design.

9. Port Aransas

In this charming Gulf Coast town within the stretch of beaches known as Mustang Island, Port Aransas is consistently recognized as one of the South’s best beach towns. There are lively beach bars, a variety of restaurants (where you can feast on Cajun seafood boils, barbecue or your own freshly caught fish prepared on-site) and plenty of things to do, including participating in the annual Texas SandFest (the largest beach sand sculpture competition in the country) or joining a guided deep-sea fishing excursion.

10. Whitecap Beach

This North Padre Island beach is popular with out-of-towners and locals alike. Known for drive-on beach access in designated areas, a welcoming atmosphere, rolling dunes and beautiful sunrises over the Gulf of Mexico, Whitecap Beach’s proximity to Corpus Christi makes it convenient for cruise departures. Serene trails and parks, lifeguards on duty in the summer and shallow waters add to its reputation as a family-friendly beach.

Beyond The Beach: Traveling From Texas

One of the biggest advantages of a Gulf Coast getaway is how easily a beach trip can be paired with a cruise vacation. Texas isn’t just home to wide stretches of coastline — it’s also a major cruise hub, giving travelers the chance to blend a few blissful beach days with the excitement of setting sail. Whether you’re looking to unwind before embarking on a Caribbean voyage or ease back into real life after returning to port, adding a little extra time by the shore can add variety to your vacation.

For many travelers, Galveston is the natural jumping-off point. Passengers can board itineraries to destinations like Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatán. Combining a Texas beach escape with a cruise allows travelers to tailor their trip to their own pace and to extend the fun without any complicated travel logistics.

Start Planning Your Texas Beach Vacation

Decide what vibe you want in your next beach trip and make the difficult decision of which of these top ten Texas beaches to combine with your cruise vacation — and if you’re lucky and plan far enough in advance, maybe you’ll have the chance to visit more than one beach. Whatever you choose, a blend of time on sand and time at sea will be a winning vacation combination.

Explore cruises from Texas and start your beach adventure today.