Are you ready for an adventure along the stunning shores of Texas?
Whether you’ve been beachcombing for years or it’s your first time, this blog post is for you.
Texas might be famous for its big cities and BBQ, but did you know it’s also home to some incredible beaches perfect for beachcombing?
From sea glass to sand dollars, there’s so much to find and enjoy.
So get ready to discover the 10 best beaches in Texas for beachcombing!
1. Matagorda Beach
Matagorda Beach, located in Matagorda County, is a paradise for beachcombers with its 58 miles of pristine shoreline.
This beach is famous for its abundance of lightning whelks, lettered olive shells, scallops and Atlantic giant cockles.
The best time to find these treasures is before or after low tide or following a storm.
The secluded West Beach offers an incredible shelling experience as it’s only accessible by boat or kayak, making it a prime spot for shell collectors due to its seclusion.
The beach features clear waters and clean sand, making it a beautiful spot to explore.
Remember to stay near the water, especially on the west side of the Colorado River, to avoid trespassing on private property.
2. Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park, located near Corpus Christi, features five miles of pristine coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.
This beautiful barrier island is perfect for finding unique shells like snail shells and cockles, especially near the Fish Pass jetty.
The park’s sandy shores are not only great for shell hunting but also for spotting dolphins and sea turtles.
For the best finds, try beachcombing early in the morning or after a storm when the tide has brought in fresh treasures.
With its clear waters and natural beauty, Mustang Island is a fantastic spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
Don’t forget to explore the park’s other activities like camping, kayaking and birdwatching!
3. Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park, located on the western end of Galveston Island, is a fantastic spot for beachcombing.
This park features a variety of treasures including shark teeth, sea glass, sea beans and various shells like moon shells, olive shells and sand dollars.
For the best finds, search the beach early in the morning or after a storm when the tide has brought in fresh treasures.
The park’s sandy beaches and shallow waters make it a beautiful and family-friendly destination.
Besides beachcombing, you can also enjoy activities like fishing, hiking and birdwatching.
Don’t forget to check the seaweed beds for hidden sea beans, especially from May to September!
4. San Jose Island
San Jose Island, also known as St. Jo’s, is a hidden gem off the coast of Port Aransas.
This island is renowned for its rich variety of seashells including lightning whelks, shark eyes, sand dollars, starfish and angel wings.
Accessible only by ferry from Port Aransas, the island has a peaceful and undeveloped environment, making it feel like a true escape.
For the best shelling experience, visit early in the morning or after a storm.
Remember to bring all your supplies as there are no amenities like shops or bathrooms on the island.
5. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach, located in Brazoria County, is a fantastic destination for beachcombing.
This beach is known for its golden sands and a wide variety of seashells including lightning whelks, horse conchs and zebra periwinkles.
With four miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of space to explore and discover hidden gems.
Besides shells, you might also find sea glass and other marine debris.
Don’t forget to bring a mesh bag or bucket to collect your finds and enjoy the beautiful, serene environment of Surfside Beach!
6. Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore, located in Corpus Christi, is a beachcomber’s paradise with 66 miles of wild coastline.
This beautiful barrier island is known for its high concentrations of seashells, including Southern Quahog, Cross-barred Venus and even the unique Ram’s Horn squid shells.
For the best shelling experience, head to Little Shell Beach and Big Shell Beach, where offshore currents push an abundance of shells onto the shore.
Early mornings and post-storm visits are ideal times to find the best treasures.
The park’s sandy shores and clear waters make it a picturesque spot for exploring.
Don’t forget to bring a four-wheel drive vehicle to access the best beachcombing areas and a bag to collect your finds!
7. Sea Shell Beach Pocket Park 3
Sea Shell Beach Pocket Park 3, located on the west end of Galveston Island, is a top spot for beachcombing.
This small, secluded beach is famous for its variety of seashells including Murex, Shark’s Eye, scallops and clams.
The best time to collect these treasures is during the winter months especially after a storm when the tide brings in fresh shells.
With its soft sands and pretty scenery, the beach offers a peaceful and enjoyable shelling experience.
Remember to arrive early to avoid crowds and bring a bucket or bag for your finds.
Don’t forget to check that no one is living in the shells before taking them home and enjoy the natural beauty of Sea Shell Beach Pocket Park 3!
8. Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach, located at the far south of Texas near Brownsville, is a hidden treasure for beachcombers.
This remote beach is famous for its abundance of seashells including lightning whelks, cockles and sand dollars.
With its pristine sands and clear waters, Boca Chica offers a serene and picturesque setting for shell hunting.
Be sure to bring all your supplies as the area is quite remote and lacks amenities.
9. Rockport Beach
Rockport Beach, located in Rockport, is a fantastic spot for beachcombing.
This beautiful beach is known for its clean, crushed seashell sand and a variety of shells including scallops, clams and sand dollars.
The best time to find these treasures is early in the morning or after a storm.
With its shallow waters and well-maintained facilities, Rockport Beach is perfect for a family day out.
Besides beachcombing, you can also enjoy picnicking, birdwatching, fishing from the pier and a scenic walk along the boardwalk next to the beach.
10. Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach, located on the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, is the perfect place for beachcombing.
This beautiful beach stretches for 27 miles and offers plenty of space to find treasures like lightning whelks, moon shells and sand dollars.
The beach’s soft sand and panoramic views of the Gulf make it a picturesque spot for a day of exploration.
Besides shells, you might also come across sea glass, shark teeth and even sea beans along the shoreline.
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