The state of Texas has over 360 miles of coastline. For residents and visitors alike, this means that the search for the best beach in Texas can be never-ending. Sunbathers can find white sands while surfers can get in some exercise riding the waves. Whether you're packing a healthful picnic for the family to share or are setting out for a long bike ride on the sand, Texas has plenty of locations to satisfy you. Some of the best, and most popular, beaches along Texas' coast are found in and around Galveston and Corpus Christi.
Galveston Island Beaches
Galveston is a small island, 32 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, off the coast of south Texas. Galveston's East Beach is the largest in Texas, and is known for its music concerts, outdoor events and party atmosphere. Palm Beach at Moody Gardens is distinguished by its clear lagoons and exotic landscape. Sand Castle Beach is home to a wetlands preserve, great for taking long hikes. All three of these Galveston Island beaches feature public access and parking, for varying fees.
State Park Beaches
Texas has plenty of state parks that also boast beaches. Mustang Island State Park, near Port Aransas and San Antonio in southeastern Texas, offers guests five miles of coastline. Surfing, swimming, kayaking and biking are popular activities for beach-goers. Near the Louisiana border, in far southeastern Texas, is Sea Rim State Park, with 5.2 miles of beach. The park's Gambusia Nature Trail, which winds through marshlands ideal for viewing wildlife, is popular with hikers and nature lovers. On Galveston Island, just west of the city, Galveston State Park is divided into bayside and beachside areas, with the features that face the Texas shore on the "bayside" and those that face the Gulf of Mexico on the "beachside." In addition to water play--swimming, snorkeling, kayaking--the park features 4 miles of hiking trails and a boat ramp at Pirates' Cove.
Island Beach
Port Aransas is located on Mustang Island and offers visitors 18 miles of shoreline. Both the Gulf of Mexico and inland waterways are excellent for all sorts of beach activities, including, para-sailing, windsurfing and fishing. There are plenty of options for lodging in Port Aransas, and year-round events make it a good Texas beach for families.
Remote Beaches
Brazosport, Texas is located only a few hours from Houston and has some of Texas' less traveled-to beaches.
Surfside Beach is known for the shells lining the shore. The beach's jetties create waves that are great for surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. The pedestrian portion of the beach is free to the public, with easy access, but parkers must purchase an annual pass.
Bryan Beach, located and maintained by Freeport, is free to the public--cars can drive down and park on the sand for free. The beach is completely natural, with no amenities, so guests are encouraged to get supplies in nearby Freeport before heading to the beach. Camping and fishing are popular activities at Bryan Beach.
Corpus Christi Beaches
J.P. Luby Surf Park is the best beach in Corpus Christi to catch some waves. Throughout the summer, the beach is dotted with equipment-rental vendors. The beach is free, open to the public and has restrooms for visitors' convenience.
On Padre Island, Packery Channel is an excellent place to swim and surf. Shorebirds and migratory birds are common attractions for wildlife lovers.
Padre Island National Seashore is the longest span of barrier islands in the world. Guests can drive on the beach to reach more remote areas of the island. Tons of dunes, sandy beaches and wildlife trails draw visitors to this Texas beach.
Corpus Christi and its beaches are located around the southernmost tip of the state.
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