The first time I dipped my toes into the Gulf of Mexico, I was a kid visiting South Padre Island with my family.
The salty breeze, the rhythmic crash of the waves, and the warmth of the Texas sun left an imprint on me. Back then, I thought it was a dream location for a holiday; now, as an adult, I still feel the same way.
Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find the best beaches in Texas — not just the well-known ones but also the hidden gems where the sand feels softer, the crowds are thinner, and the ocean stretches endlessly before you.
Over the years, fellow travelers have raved about quiet, tucked-away shores that most tourists never think to visit. Armed with their recommendations and my curiosity, I explored some of the prettiest beaches in Texas, from the border near Mexico to the sleepy shores of Matagorda Bay.
What have I found? Nothing less than a collection of underrated coastal treasures, each with its charm, just waiting to be discovered.
Boca Chica: Where the Ocean Meets the Stars
Just north of the Mexican border and across the Rio Grande lies Boca Chica, a serene escape from Texas’ busier coastal destinations. Unlike more built-up beach towns, Boca Chica is refreshingly undeveloped, offering an experience that feels closer to nature.
The eight-mile stretch of soft sand is perfect for long walks, and the warm Gulf waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. You won’t find bustling boardwalks or fancy resorts here — just the sound of seagulls overhead and waves lapping at the shore.
I recommend bringing your gear if you plan to fish or snorkel, as rentals are scarce. On my visit, I spent an afternoon wading in the gentle surf, spotting small fish darting through the shallows.
The biggest surprise, though? Boca Chica’s proximity to SpaceX’s launch site.
If you time it right, you might catch a rocket piercing the sky while lounging on the sand. A beach with ocean views (yes, there is an ocean in Texas!) and a glimpse of the future — what could be better?
Surfside Beach: The Go-to Beach in Texas for Surf Lovers
About 40 miles southwest of Galveston, Surfside Beach offers some of the best waves in Texas for all levels of surfers. I heard about it from a friend who swore it was the best Texas beach for catching a wave.
Intrigued, I rented a board and took a lesson; after all, I’m always up for a new adventure, and Texas beaches are one of the best places to seek this out. The rolling waves were forgiving for beginners but exciting enough to keep more experienced surfers engaged.
Beyond surfing, the shoreline here is pristine, with four miles of soft sand perfect for sunbathing or strolling.
Kayaking and jet skiing are also popular, and a well-maintained fishing jetty offers anglers a great spot to cast a line. It’s interesting to watch them at work, pulling in fish from the water while you lounge nearby, whether on the beach or in a beachside café.
For nature lovers, the Bird & Butterfly Trail provides a peaceful escape. This 2.5-mile trail is well-maintained and puts you right in between the area’s stunning native plants, birds, and woodland. It’s definitely worth stopping by if you can.
Whether you’re hitting the waves or just soaking up the sun, Surfside Beach captures the easygoing spirit of Texas beaches.
Port Aransas Beach: The Ideal Texas Beach for Campers
Affectionately known as ‘Port A,’ Port Aransas Beach is one of the top beaches in Texas for those looking to camp by the shore.
Located on Mustang Island, it boasts 18 miles of public beach, where you can park your vehicle, set up a tent, and wake up to the sound of crashing waves.
I spent a night here under a sky bursting with stars, the salty breeze making the Texas heat bearable. While Texas summers can be brutally hot, I love spending time on the beach when the weather is particularly warm.
During the day, there’s no shortage of adventure. I went parasailing, watching dolphins play in the distance, and then rented a kayak from Crystal Bend Kayak to explore the nearby waters. I convinced myself I didn’t need to bring my own, so their rentals were an ideal convenience!
Port A also has some of the cleanest beaches in Texas, with regular maintenance keeping the sand inviting.
If you’re looking for a beach in Texas where you can camp at a budget-friendly price while enjoying stunning ocean views, this is the place to be.
Mustang Island State Park: Best Beach in Texas for Outdoor Adventures
Nestled on a barrier island about 25 miles east of Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park is a haven for outdoor lovers. This Texas beach is known for its excellent surfing, but what truly sets it apart is the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail.
Spanning roughly 20 miles of shallow-water canals, it’s an incredible spot for kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. For a kayaker like me, it was the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the Great Outdoors.
I spent a morning kayaking through the trail, surrounded by nothing but water and wildlife. The stillness was only interrupted by the occasional splash of fish breaking through the water’s surface for the briefest moment.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the park’s five miles of sandy beach are perfect for sunbathing or beachcombing. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins playing in the surf.
Matagorda Bay Nature Park: A Texas Beach With a Wild Side
Where Texas’ Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico, Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers two miles of coastline and more than 1,300 acres of land, according to LCRA Parks! This lesser-known beach in Texas is a dream for nature lovers.
On my last visit, I watched horseback riders trotting along the shore while birds soared above the marshlands. I’ll be returning here next summer, as I’m a big fan of horseback riding and regret not having the opportunity to go before.
Fishing and crabbing are popular here; if you don’t bring your gear, you can rent kayaks, beach chairs, and wagons from the park service. This area’s untouched beauty makes it one of the prettiest beaches in Texas, perfect for those seeking solitude and scenic coastal views.
What more could you possibly ask for?
Whitecap Beach: A Hidden Gem in Corpus Christi
Tucked between Padre Balli Park and North Packery Channel Beach, Whitecap Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Texas for those craving peace and quiet.
Unlike some more party-heavy Texas beaches, Whitecap Beach is laid-back, attracting dog walkers, families, and those who want to relax with a book by the waves.
One of its biggest perks? You can drive directly onto the beach, making setting up for the day easy.
The soft, fine sand and uncrowded shores make it a perfect spot for a picnic. It’s also a dreamy stop if you’re planning one of those scenic Texas road trips that take you off the beaten path.
Here, you can watch the sun dip below the horizon, the sky erupting in the most beautiful shades of orange and purple. There will be moments I won’t soon forget, and I know you won’t, either.
Isla Blanca Beach: A Texas Beachfront Escape on South Padre Island
At the southern tip of South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Beach offers a mile-long stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and some of the best ocean views in Texas. With jetty fishing, walking trails, and plenty of seaside attractions available, there’s something for everyone here.
I spent many weeks of my childhood summers splashing along the shoreline with my siblings and cousins. In fact, this is where I learned how to swim properly!
Years later, I discovered the beach is also excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. On a guided offshore dive this past summer, I explored the Texas Clipper, a sunken ship now serving as an artificial reef.
For those lucky enough to visit at the right time, the release of baby sea turtles is a heartwarming experience that will surely make your trip even more memorable.
Final Thoughts: Texas Beaches Are Worth the Trip!
I’ll be completely honest: I can’t offer a definitive answer to “What’s the best beach in Texas?” However, that’s only because there are so many great contenders that could easily make my list of the best Texas beaches, and it’s hard to choose just one favorite.
Texas is often praised for its wide-open deserts and dramatic hiking trails — and yes, Big Bend National Park deserves every bit of that hype. But after exploring these hidden coastal gems, I can confidently say the Lone Star State has some of the best beaches in the country.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded shore to unwind, waves to ride, or an adventurous day on the water, there’s a Texas beach with your name written on it. Each visit reveals something new — a quiet sunset, a perfect surf break, a glimpse of wildlife — and keeps me coming back.
So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Are there beaches in Texas?” or “Does Texas have a beach worth visiting?” the answer is a resounding yes. Pack your sunscreen, grab your beach chair, and hit the road: the Texas coast is calling.
This article appears in May 14-20, 2025.