Texas Beaches to Escape the Oppressive Heat This Summer

Texas beaches get a bad rap. They’re either considered a little too crowded (like South Padre Island) or folks think they’re only good enough for spring break. But people somehow forget that Texas shares 600 miles of coastline with Florida and Mexico, two places with excellent sandy shores.

Now that beach season is officially here, load up your friends, family, and pets in the car and head down to the Texas coast. There are plenty of options for those looking to explore wildlife, wade in the shallow waters, and experience nightlife. Not every location has a party scene—some, such as San José Island, are surprisingly remote. Here are nine of the best beaches in Texas Texas with tips on what to do when you arrive.

Whitecap Beach, renowned for its pristine white sands, is ideal for small groups or travelers looking for a bit of peace and quiet. There’s a mile-long barrier safeguarding hotels and resorts, and a sand-free pathway for walking. Midway down the path is Michael J. Ellis Beach, which has free parking, bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards. Both beaches are no-frills and low maintenance.

Boca Chica Beach teeters the Texas-Mexico border, and it’s a gem when it comes to beaches. This lesser-traveled destination doesn’t rival Padre’s food and nightlife options, but there’s an unspoiled eight-mile beachfront, peaceful surroundings, outdoor activities, and vibrant wildlife. There aren’t any cafes, convenience stores, and restrooms, so pack a cooler full of food and drinks. Plan to bring an umbrella to create your own shade.

Tip: SpaceX set up its Starbase launch facility a half mile inland from the beach, which means you might be able to spot a rocket in the background. On launch days, you may have to deal with temporary road closures leading to and from the beach.

The privately owned island is a popular day-trip destination that’s only accessible via Jetty Boat. Catch a ride at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas (roundtrip tickets run $18 per person). With no on-island services (including water, bathrooms, shade, or any habitation in general), you’ll want to come prepared with full coolers, umbrellas, and a willingness to pee in the ocean.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the right swim zones—there are lots of fishermen on the island. The Jetty Boat departs every two hours, and the last boat back to civilization leaves at 6 pm.

The beach was torn apart by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, but it’s since welcomed visitors back with public palapas, restrooms, and showers. The waters remain shallow, so the beach is a great spot for people with young kids and dogs. There’s a nearby pier for fishing, and parking costs $10.

Tip: The town of Rockport will occasionally show movies in the park, a Summer Sand Dollar Market, and community activities.

Surfside can get crowded on weekends, but head a little further up the beach access roads and you’re sure to find enough space to stretch out comfortably. It’s a great place for fishing: folks can wade into the water to snag ling, bonita, and kingfish.

Tip: It’ll be worth knowing that Surfside is divided into two areas: One allows cars, and the other is pedestrian-only. Dogs are welcome on the beach, as long as they’re on a leash.

Port Aransas is a vacation hotspot where you can easily rent houses along the beachfront. This is your quintessential shore scene, so expect lots of kids, tents, chairs, and other people’s music. Here you’ll get access to the peaceful beach at Mustang Island State Park, which is just 11 miles farther south. (It’s also home to Belles Sea Inn, formerly Seahorse Inn, a longtime queer getaway.)

Tip: The party-averse should avoid big draws like spring break, Sandfest, and any three-day holiday weekend. If you’re opting into Mustang Island, consider grabbing some chopped wood and having yourself a little bonfire as it’s one of the few beaches that legally allow it.

Matagorda Beach intersects Matagorda Bay Nature Park, so there’s the option to sunbathe on the sand and explore the wildlife-heavy park. Hike or walk along numerous trails, cast a line from one of the three fishing piers, or glide across the water in a rented kayak. There's also a 70-site RV park for trailer enthusiasts and beach bungalows for those seeking more traditional accommodations.

Tip: Since there’s a nearby nature preserve, be sure to clean up after yourself. Don’t try to drive on the beach with anything less than a four-wheel drive vehicle, lest you get stuck, and definitely bring a pair of binoculars to scope out South Texas’ colorful birds.

South Padre Island is the beach for spring breakers in Texas, but the rest of the year is much more relaxing. Spend the day fishing with one of the many trained guides, charter a boat to visit some dolphins, or hang with turtles at Sea Turtle Rescue Center. Head to Isla Blanca Park for family-friendly fishing, concessions, and facilities, or drive up to the north part of the island for a more sparsely populated stretch of sand.

Tip: Drinking on the beach is allowed, just make sure it’s not in glass. Beach bars are scattered throughout the area, too. There’s only one grocery store on the island, so stock up at the HEB in Port Isabel if you’re in need of something that can’t be found at one of the island’s convenience stores. The bay side of the island is great for sunsets and bars.

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