Texas Beaches
Growing up in Houston when someone mentioned going to the beach you immediately thought of Galveston’s main beach. While this isn’t the worst beach, it certainly doesn’t do much on the ambiance scale and it can get a bit crowded. If you’re craving a different kind of seaside weekend getaway this summer that’s totally worth the extra drive, look no further than our list of the best beaches in Texas (in no particular order):
Matagorda Bay – a large Gulf of Mexico estuary bay on the Texas coast, lying in Calhoun and Matagorda counties and located approximately 108 miles south-southwest of Houston. The water here looks bluer than the water in Galveston, plus it’s not so overrun with tourists and sightseers.
Surfside Beach- This is one of the cleanest beaches you’ll find within driving distance of Houston. You can also make bonfires here, drive on the beach, and enjoy free parking.
Rockport Beach – This is one of the cleanest beaches in Texas and since it faces the Aransas Bay, it makes it safer for children to swim since there aren’t any large waves or strong undertows to worry about.
Mustang Island – an 18-mile long barrier island on the beautiful Texas coast. It’s easy to fill hours splashing, birding, fishing, shelling, or sunbathing.
North Padre/South Padre Island – The northern part of Padre Island is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the entire world, and it’s not teeming with tourists like South Padre Island. Both are equally as beautiful and close enough that you can get the best of both areas.
