If you’ve never driven the Texas coast, you’re seriously missing out.
This road trip has everything, including beaches you can drive on, dolphin shows, tiny beach towns with big personalities, and campsites right next to the waves.
One minute you’re riding roller coasters over the ocean, the next you’re spotting sea turtles or climbing a lighthouse with crazy good views.
Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a whole week, this stretch of coast is packed with so many cool stops, you’ll want to turn around and do it all over again.
1. Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula)
Crystal Beach is a 7-mile stretch of sandy shoreline on the Bolivar Peninsula, located just east of Galveston and reachable via a short free ferry ride.
It’s known for its drive-on beaches, so yes, you can literally park your car right on the sand and set up camp for the day.
People come here for beach campfires, crabbing at night, fishing off the shore, and cruising around in golf carts.
There’s no big hotel scene, but you’ll find tons of colorful beach houses, and every weekend feels like a laid-back beach party with families and music in the air.
2. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Up next is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, which brings pure boardwalk nostalgia with a Texas twist.
This place is filled with rides like the Iron Shark Roller Coaster that dives 100 feet toward the Gulf, along with classic games, funnel cakes, and neon lights.
And since it stretches 1,130 feet over the ocean, the pier puts you right above the water, with the Ferris wheel giving the best view of all.
You don’t need a full day here, but it’s the kind of stop that cranks up the energy and keeps the good vibes going long after you leave.
3. Port Lavaca
After the high-energy fun of the Pleasure Pier, Port Lavaca slows things down in the best way.
This chill coastal town sits along Lavaca Bay and is known for its waterfront walking paths and sunset strolls.
If fishing is your thing, you’ll love the lighted piers, where locals cast lines for redfish, flounder, and speckled trout after sunset.
And there’s also Lighthouse Beach, a peaceful stretch with a splash pad, sandy shore, and a cool boardwalk that winds over the marsh to an observation tower.
4. Port Aransas
About an hour and 20 minutes from Port Lavaca, Port Aransas is where you’ll find beach town life with non-stop adventure.
It’s located on Mustang Island and offers plenty to do, from dolphin tours and deep-sea fishing to kayaking through the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail.
If you prefer to stay on land, the beaches here are wide and driveable, with seasonal events like sandcastle contests and live music at beachfront bars.
To take in the scenery, head to Roberts Point Park, where you can watch ships glide through the channel and maybe even spot a sea turtle or two.
5. Mustang Island State Park
Just 15 minutes from Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park is where you go when you want beach time without the crowds.
This five-mile stretch of coastline is great for setting up camp on the sand, flying kites, or biking along scenic trails.
There’s also a paddling trail here with three loops that weave through shallow flats filled with fish, making it awesome for kayak fishing.
And if you love stargazing, spend the night under very dark skies and fall asleep to the sound of waves outside your tent.
6. Corpus Christi
Next is Corpus Christi, a beachside city with a ton of big-name attractions worth checking out.
Start at the Texas State Aquarium, where you can watch dolphins and see sharks up close, then walk next door to tour the USS Lexington aircraft carrier.
From there, it’s a quick trip to North Beach, a relaxed spot for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the bay views.
To round out your visit, stop by the Selena Museum, filled with the Tejano music legend’s original outfits, awards, and even her famous red Porsche.
7. Padre Island National Seashore
Just across the causeway from Corpus, Padre Island National Seashore feels like you’ve hit a totally wild stretch of the Texas coast.
It’s 66 miles of undeveloped coastline with dunes and tidal flats, and you can drive large portions of it if your vehicle has four-wheel drive.
In summer, the area becomes even more special because you can watch baby sea turtles make their first trip into the Gulf during hatchling events.
You’ll also spot plenty of birds here, with over 380 species flying through during the spring and fall migrations.
8. Port Isabel Lighthouse
After exploring the wild side of Padre Island, swing down to Port Isabel, home to one of the coast’s most iconic landmarks.
Standing 72 feet tall in the heart of town, the Port Isabel Lighthouse has guided ships in the past, and now remains the only lighthouse in Texas open for climbing.
It takes 75 steps to reach the top, but the sweeping views of the Laguna Madre and Queen Isabella Causeway is worth every step.
At the base, you’ll find a cute little museum, a replica keeper’s cottage, and a few local shops nearby.
9. South Padre Island
Cross the Queen Isabella Causeway from Port Isabel, and you’ll find yourself in South Padre Island, where the beach steals the spotlight every day.
This spot is famous for its wide sandy shores, warm Gulf waters, and fun extras like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides.
You can also stop by Sea Turtle, Inc. to meet rescued sea turtles and learn about the efforts to protect them on the Texas coast.
And as the sun sets, grab a spot on the bayside to take in the view, then wrap up the night with beach bars and live music all around.
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