While Texas may seem like an unlikely place to find tropical settings, the state hosts some of the most serene and beautiful beaches in the country. The Texas gulf coast offers beaches of every kind, from tropical, to city, to state park beaches, to islands. From South Padre Island at southernmost tip of the coast, to Galveston Island on the eastern portion of the gulf, there are a number of incredible beaches in southern Texas, all of which readily afford opportunities for relaxation, playtime, and soaking up the south Texas sun rays.
Tropical Beaches: South Padre Island Beach
According to the website TexasLessTraveled.com, South Padre Island has been rated among the top 10 beaches of the United States and includes 33 miles of preserved, natural beaches. As a result, it has become a premier vacation destination spot for both Texas residents and non-residents alike. The island is located at the very tip of the state of Texas, between Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Beach activities, aside from relaxing and tanning in the hot tropical sun include surfing, water-skiing, horseback riding, dolphin and sea turtle siting, birdwatching, along with many others.
City Beaches: Corpus Christi Beach and McGee Beach
According to the City of Corpus Christi website, the ASBA awarded Corpus Christi and McGee Beach with the 2010 Best Restored Beach Award. Both beaches are located in the downtown portion of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi Beach is one of the busier beaches in the area and has a wide array of nearby attractions such as restaurants, hotels, shopping venues, the Texas State Aquarium, and the Harbor Bridge. The water is known for its excellent swimming conditions since it features calm conditions. McGee Beach is a family-friendly beach also known for its calm waters. The beach has a pier which is lined with concessions, shops, restaurants, and places to fish.
Galveston Beaches
Galveston Island, located just south of Houston, Texas, hosts a number of Texas beaches that offer a little bit of everything. Stewart Beach, located towards the eastern tip of the island just beyond where the seawall veers inward, is a family-oriented beach. It hosts events such as volleyball tournaments and sand building competitions each summer, has a children's playground, snack stands and plenty of restrooms. Entrance to the beach does require an admission fee. East Beach, located near Stewart Beach, is known for being the largest Texas beach. If you're looking for a year-round spring break vibe, East Beach is the place to go. The beach hosts concerts, live bands, bikini contests, and is one of the few beaches which allows alcohol.
State Park Beaches: Galveston State Park
Another Galveston Beach is Galveston State Park, located on the far west end of the island. Galveston State Park is famous for its natural setting, preserved surroundings, and its large amounts of wildlife. The beach is far less commercial and much more natural. There are camping sites available for purchase, and the park also offers restrooms, tables, grills, and showers.
Mustang Island and Port Aransas Beaches
Port Aransas is an 18-mile beach island located on the coast of Texas, just off of Mustang Island. The beach is drivable, and is part of the longest barrier in the world. Beach activities at Port Aransas include dolphin siting, jet skiing, fishing, surfing, windsurfing, para-sailing, kayaking, kite-boarding, and nearby golf sites.
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