When you think of Texas, I’m sure a few other things come to mind before sandy beaches.
But, hey, Texas has a lot to offer!
In fact, Texas actually has about 367 miles of coastline which includes numerous stunning, sandy beaches.
The only problem is knowing which one to visit!
That’s why, in this guide, we’re revealing the top 11 best beaches in Texas that are downright gorgeous.
Featuring crystal clear waters and sandy shores, you’re in for a real treat.
1. Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is a famous beach located on the east end of Galveston Island, right by the Gulf of Mexico.
Picture a wide stretch of soft, golden sand where you can lay out a towel and soak up the sun.
The water is clear and inviting, making it the perfect place for a refreshing swim.
This beach is especially loved by families because it’s safe and has lots of activities to keep kids occupied including volleyball courts, a playground and even giant Jenga!
Stewart Beach is known for being super clean and well-maintained. It also comes with facilities like showers and restrooms to help make your visit super comfortable.
Lifeguards are always on duty, watching over swimmers to ensure everyone stays safe.
And if you don’t want to bring your own beach gear, you can even rent chairs and umbrellas right there on the beach.
2. Port Aransas Beach
You’ll find the stunning Port Aransas Beach on Mustang Island, along the Texas Gulf Coast.
This beach is famous for its 6-mile long stretches of soft, white sand that feel great under your feet.
The ocean here is also a beautiful shade of blue. It’s super inviting and makes you want to jump in and cool off on a hot day.
Port Aransas is a popular place and the locals love it for activities like fishing, surfing and bird watching (as it’s home to a lot of wildlife).
The beach is also perfect for building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball or just relaxing with a good book. Although it’s popular, it’s still really peaceful.
One thing in particular that Port Aransas is known for is its laid-back vibe.
This makes it the go-to spot for families and friends looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There are also several beachfront restaurants situated right along the beach where you can grab a bite to eat whilst enjoying the stunning ocean views.
3. Matagorda Beach
Matagorda Beach is a hidden gem located on the Texas Gulf Coast, not too far from the town of Matagorda.
This beach is known for its natural, untouched beauty and features over 20 miles of soft, golden sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s breathtaking!
The waters here are a mix of the blue Gulf and the brownish flow from the nearby Matagorda Bay so it’s unique-looking to say the least.
Matagorda Beach is a favorite spot for fishing as there are plenty of opportunities to catch fish right from the shore or by boat.
And if you like exploring the outdoors then you can head out onto the nearby trails and wildlife areas. These are particularly great for bird watching.
The beach itself is also great for camping (including RVs) as you can camp right on the beach! You can fall asleep to the sound of the waves under a gorgeous star-filled sky.
Beachcombing is a popular activity at Matagorda Beach due to the abundance of sea shells!
Matagorda Beach has a quiet, secluded feel and is much quieter compared to Texas’s other more popular beaches.
Swimming can be hazardous at this beach so you should check the conditions first. Swimming near the piers & jetties is dangerous. Please note that there are riptides on Matagorda Beach so make sure you know how to get out of a riptide before heading out into the ocean.
4. Whitecap Beach
Whitecap Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located on Padre Island, just outside of Corpus Christi.
This beach is known for its soft, white sand that feels like fine powder between your toes and the clear, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s a great place for swimming and playing in the waves because the water is usually pretty calm and inviting.
Whitecap Beach is especially popular with families due to its clean and safe environment. There’s also restrooms and showers on site!
If you love water sports, you’ll find plenty of activities here including surfing, boogie boarding and windsurfing. It’s pretty fun!
The beach also has a unique feature that you won’t find on many Texas beaches – a long boardwalk that follows the length of the beach, offering a beautiful view of the ocean.
Fishing is a popular activity here and you’ll often see fishers casting their lines in the nearby waters, hoping to catch something special.
5. Rockport Beach
Rockport Beach is located in the charming town of Rockport, along the state’s Gulf Coast.
This beach is famous for its calm, clear waters and fine sand. For this reason it’s pretty popular, especially with families.
It’s actually Texas’s first Blue Wave Beach which means it’s recognized for being clean, well-managed and environmentally friendly.
The beach features a long pier for fishing and a designated swimming area that’s free from boat traffic, which means it’s safe for everyone.
In particular, you’ll love the picnic areas, volleyball courts and pavilions which make it super easy to spend the whole day here. You’ll never want to leave.
Rockport Beach is also known for its scenic walking paths that offer beautiful views of the coastline.
Bird watching is also a popular activity here as there are many opportunities to spot coastal birds in their natural habitat.
6. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is a cozy beach town located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, near the city of Freeport.
This 4-mile beach is a little slice of paradise with miles of soft, sandy shores where you can walk barefoot and feel the gentle waves wash over your toes.
The water here is a lovely shade of blue-green. It’s super inviting and you’ll definitely want to jump in for a swim or catch some waves on a surfboard.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin swimming out in the ocean!
Surfside Beach is especially known for its laid-back atmosphere which makes it a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It’s also a popular spot for fishing and you’ll find plenty of spots to cast your lines, either from the shore or by heading out into deeper waters on a boat.
For those who love adventure, there’s jet skiing, kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding available. What’s not to like?!
They even offer horseback riding at certain times of the year.
7. Isla Blanca Beach
Isla Blanca Beach is a beautiful spot located at the southern tip of South Padre Island.
This mile-long beach is known for its stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico with wide stretches of soft, white sand where you can lay out and enjoy the sun.
The water here is crystal-clear and warm making it perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, jet skiing, kiteboarding and even surfing.
Another bonus is that Isla Blanca Park, where the beach is located, offers more than just sand and sea.
There’s also picnic areas, pavilions and even jetties where you can fish or watch dolphins play in the water.
The park is also home to a historic lighthouse, Port Isabel Lighthouse, which is another must-see.
The beach is particularly famous for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets so it’s a perfect spot for early birds and night owls to catch breathtaking views.
8. Magnolia Beach
Magnolia Beach is a hidden gem located on the Texas Gulf Coast, near the small town of Port Lavaca. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere.
This beach features long, shallow waters and hard-packed sand. Due to the hard sand, you can actually drive your car right up to the water’s edge.
The beach stretches on for around a mile and a half, offering plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy the day.
It’s also a fantastic place for camping right on the beach! You can even bring along your RV.
The beach also has fantastic amenities including public grills, showers, restrooms and picnic tables.
Magnolia Beach is popular for bird watching as it’s home to a variety of coastal birds.
Families love this beach because it’s less crowded than others which gives kids plenty of room to play and explore. You’re never struggling for space here.
9. Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is a cozy seaside community located on Galveston Island, just a short drive from the city of Galveston.
This beach is known for its beautiful, sandy shores that stretch out invitingly along the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll also find many seashells along the sand.
The water is typically warm and welcoming so is perfect for a swim or just dipping your toes in.
Jamaica Beach is popular among families looking for a quieter beach experience away from the crowds.
There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from fishing and boating to kayaking in the nearby canals and bay.
The area is also great for bird watching with many species stopping by during their migrations.
For those who love the outdoors, there are also places to rent bikes or go for a leisurely walk along the beach.
10. Malaquite Beach
Malaquite Beach is a serene and beautiful spot located on Padre Island National Seashore.
This 4.5 mile beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and fine, white sand. It kinda looks like a postcard come to life!
It’s a peaceful place where you can really listen to the sound of the waves and relax. It never gets super busy and beach driving isn’t allowed.
Malaquite Beach is known for being a nesting ground for sea turtles, especially the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, which is the most endangered species of sea turtle in the world.
During nesting season, visitors might even get the chance to see baby turtles making their way to the ocean. Be careful not to disturb them though.
It has a really pure, untouched feel as there are no buildings or stores on the beach. You will find picnic tables along the beach though.
For activities, you can go swimming, bird watching or just take a leisurely walk along the shore.
Malaquite Beach does have a visitor center nearby where you can learn more about the wildlife and ecosystem of the area.
Please check conditions before swimming as there are no lifeguards on duty and the waves can be strong from time to time.
11. Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is an incredibly scenic area located on Mustang Island, near Corpus Christi.
This park is a stretch of coastline that offers 5-miles of beautiful sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
The beaches here are perfect for building sandcastles, sunbathing and taking long walks along the water’s edge.
Mustang Island is particularly famous for its clear waters where you can swim, surf and paddleboard.
In fact, you can even paddle along the famous Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail which follows the western shoreline of the island. It’s very scenic!
For those who love fishing, there are great spots to cast a line, both from the shore and by kayak in the bay waters.
The park also has numerous campgrounds to choose from where you can stay overnight, listening to the waves under a sky full of stars.
