Your Guide to Texas Beaches

The Texas coastline contains multitudes. We may not have Florida's glittering white sand, but our beachside towns come with their own special Texas twist, and our barrier islands (Galveston, Matagorda, Mustang and Padre islands, for example) are not only prime sand and sea destinations, but they also protect important habitats like marshes and tidal flats. Our Gulf waters sparkle invitingly in the hot summer sun, beckoning travelers to cool off in the waves. We love our Texas beaches, and this summer we're giving you a guide on how to plan your best summer beach vacation yet.

The Beaches

Mustang Island

This island is home to the quintessential beach town of Port Aransas and 18 miles of sand. With a $12 sticker, park anywhere between mile markers 0 (Horace Caldwell Pier) and 62 (Kleberg County line south of Bob Hall Pier). Rent a golf cart and explore I.B. Magee Beach in Port A; Tony Amos Beach at Access Road 1 (named for the late director of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute's Animal Rehabilitation Keep); and Access Road 2 beach, a little wilder and less crowded. Mustang Island State Park offers five miles of coastline. Other island attractions include dolphin tours, sea turtle releases, surfboard rentals and kayaking trails.

Sea Rim State Park

If your goal is just beach, this state park on the upper coast is the place. No golf carts, drinks with little umbrellas or souvenir shops - just sand, wind and waves on five miles of beach. Well, also campsites, a cabin, kayaking trails (boats for rent), fishing (loaner fishing gear available), and wildlife, including alligators and birds. This Southeast Texas park is bookended by Texas Point and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuges for even wilder seashores.

Surfside Beach

Smaller and quieter than its northern neighbor, Galveston Island, Surfside Beach still delivers the full experience. Its four miles of beach — including drive-on and pedestrian areas — offer watercraft rentals, lodging, restaurants, and shoreline and jetty fishing and are known for some of the most consistent surf on the upper Texas coast. Annual $30 beach vehicle permit or $15 day pass required. Try the crabbing pier on the marsh side of Bluewater Highway across from Stahlman Park (fishing license required). Nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 320 species of birds; look for them on the Big Slough auto tour or miles of trails.

Galveston Island

This island's 32 miles of shoreline include lots of beaches, each with its own personality. East Beach allows alcohol, hosts festivals and live music all summer, and has restrooms, showers and concessions. The Seawall borders 10 miles of beach and sidewalk for hanging out, biking and people watching, plus there's plenty of nearby restaurants and attractions like Pleasure Pier amusement park. On the island's west end are pocket parks and beach access roads, many with on-the-beach parking. Galveston Island State Park has beach and bayside camping, trails and a fish cleaning station, and rents chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, kayaks, paddleboards and bikes.

Matagorda

Where the Colorado River joins the Gulf of Mexico, miles of wide, uncrowded sand and surf beckon, along with more than 900 acres of wetland. The Lower Colorado River Authority's Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers riverfront campsites, a boat ramp, kayak rentals and paddling trails, miniature golf, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, a welcome center and gift shop.

North Padre Island

Get a taste of the coast before Texas was Texas on Padre Island National Seashore's 66 miles of pristine beach. The first five miles are generally open to regular vehicles, but four-wheel drive is a must for driving farther south (aka “down island”). Malaquite Visitor Center has a store, exhibits, restrooms, shaded picnic area and an accessible ramp to the sand (and loaner beach wheelchairs). Camp, fish, swim, beachcomb and, at night, stargaze. The visitor center's Night Sky Observatory offers shelter from wind and light. In summer, the park hosts sea turtle hatchling releases (call the Hatchling Hotline 361-949-7163 for more information). At Bird Basin on the back of the island, camp, fish, kayak and windsurf in the placid Laguna Madre.

South Padre Island

This barrier island at the southern tip of Texas has 34 miles of beach and the state's whitest sand thanks to distance from muddy river inflows. The entire town is walking distance to the beach, and dozens of designated spots offer public beach access with parking, as well as restaurants, bars, chair and umbrella rentals, parasailing and boogie board rentals. Head north on Padre Boulevard/State Park Road 100 to where the pavement ends; driving is allowed on the beach here but is not for the faint-hearted. On the bay side of the island, take a sunset cruise or ride horses.

Under the Sea

Wild things live beneath the waves and on the shore of the Texas coast. Here are a few interesting ones.

Ghost Crabs

Ghost crabs, also known as sand crabs, have evolved to blend seamlessly with their sandy surroundings, making them almost invisible to the untrained eye. With their pale, translucent bodies and elongated stalked eyes, ghost crabs possess a unique and otherworldly appearance.

Ghost crabs use their large, shovel-like claws to burrow into the sand during the day, creating intricate tunnel systems to escape the scorching sun and potential predators. At night, they emerge from their subterranean dwellings to scavenge for food, primarily feeding on decaying organic matter washed ashore.

These nimble crustaceans are known for their remarkable speed, capable of darting across the sand at impressive velocities.

Ghost crabs play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of beach ecosystems, aerating the sand and recycling nutrients.

Sea Turtles

Five species of sea turtles are found on the Texas coast, including Kemp's ridley, green, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback. All are endangered or threatened. Kemp's ridleys, greens and loggerheads nest on Texas beaches. Juvenile green sea turtles feed on algae and sea grasses around jetties and in shallow bay waters. Hawksbills, named for the beak-like mouth they use to eat sponges, also hang out around jetties and wedge themselves between the rocks to sleep. Kemp's ridleys, smallest and most endangered of sea turtles, are the only species to nest during the day. Leatherbacks, which prefer deeper waters, can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. They eat jellyfish and other squishy creatures.

Find sea turtles on display at the Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi; Texas Sea Life Center, North Padre Island; and Sea Turtle Inc., South Padre Island.

If you find a stranded sea turtle on the beach or hook one while fishing, call 866-TURTLE-5 (866-887-8535), 24 hours a day.

Jellyfish

These creatures are named for the gelatinous material making up most of their bodies, which is primarily water but includes muscles and nerve cells. Jellyfish have no centralized nerve center or brain. A network of small nerves allows a jelly to figure out where different parts of its body are and control behaviors like using a tentacle to move prey to its mouth. A large nerve net contains crystals that give a jelly a sense of up and down and finger-like structures called rhopalia that coordinate swimming.

Jellyfish in Texas waters include moon jellies, sea nettles, and cabbageheads or cannonballs. The Portuguese man-o-war is not a jellyfish but a siphonophore, or colony of organisms, including a purple-ish float above the water and long, thread-like tentacles below. These often wash up on beaches and can sting even after the organism dies.

Jellyfish sting by shooting out cells called nematocysts that discharge toxins to paralyze prey — and really aggravate humans. The sea nettle and man-o-war have severe stings. To treat, rinse with seawater (not fresh water) and soak in vinegar or hot water. Do not rub; use a credit card to scrape off tentacles.

Choose Your Adventure

Fishing

Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors, and the Texas coast abounds in fantastic fishing opportunities. No fishing license is needed to cast from the shore or piers in Texas state parks. Those 17 or older need a license to drop a line elsewhere. Buy online or at hundreds of retail outlets. Saltwater licenses start at $35.

Surf Fishing

Mustang Island, Goose Island and Galveston Island state parks offer surf fishing and regular fishing clinics. Sea Rim holds kid's fishing clinics. These parks offer loaner tackle. Shark, redfish and speckled trout are surf-caught all along the coast. In the Upper Laguna Madre, catch speckled trout, redfish, flounder and black drum year-round.

Pier Fishing

Many Texas beach towns have fishing piers to get you over the water where the fish are. At Galveston's 61st Street and Galveston Piers, anglers regularly catch croaker, speckled trout, sheepshead and sand trout. The Seawolf Park Pier on Pelican Island is popular for flounder fishing. Seawolf and 61st Street open 24 hours, seven days a week. Check ahead for hours and fees.

Fulton Harbor Pier over Aransas Bay in Rockport, open 24/7/365, has state-of-the-art LED lights; a small shop with drinks, snacks and bait; and nearby bathrooms and bait shops. Cost is $5 per rod, limit four per person (pier is free if not fishing). Common catches are redfish, speckled trout and sheepshead.

Red Dot and Cos-Way Piers on the causeway from Corpus Christi to North Padre are lighted, close to supply shops and open 24/7. Common catches at Red Dot are redfish, trout and tarpon ($3 per person, $2 per pole) and at Cos-Way ($2 per person, $2 per pole), speckled trout, flounder and black drum.

Boat Fishing

At Matagorda Bay Nature Park, fish from a motor boat or kayak for speckled trout, redfish and flounder. The park holds occasional fishing clinics, all supplies provided.

Fishing for Science

Contribute to research and help ensure future generations have fish to catch by reporting any tagged fish that you catch to the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at the Harte Research Institute. Tags resemble a tiny plastic straw. Casting for sharks? Anglers have helped the sportfish center tag more than 6,000 of them. March to December, the Texas Shark Rodeo provides tags for participants and collects data for shark conservation.

Birding

People aren't the only creatures who flock to the Texas coast — so do hundreds of species of birds, especially during spring and fall migrations along the Central Flyway. Here are good places to see them:

South Padre Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

Migratory birds stop on this island during spring and fall migrations, and permanent residents include herons, shorebirds, seabirds and waterfowl. More than 350 species have been recorded from the center's boardwalk, five blinds and five viewing towers. Admission $10 for adults, $8 for age 65+, students and military, and $5 for children 4 to 12. Guided bird walks $15 (register online).

Galveston Island State Park

The park's mosaic of coastal habitats attracts wading and shore birds, hawks, flycatchers, and spring and fall migrants — more than 300 species have been recorded here. Two observation towers offer views of marsh areas and West Bay, and park rangers lead periodic birding walks (find dates on the events page). Entrance fee $5 ages 13 and up.

Sea Rim State Park

Many migrating birds rest in the dunes and marshes here. See roseate spoonbills, egrets, and great blue, little blue, Louisiana, green, and black- and yellow-crowned night herons around lakes and ponds. The Gambusia Nature Trail Boardwalk and Willow Boardwalk offer good viewing, and the park website has spring, summer, fall and winter checklists. Entrance fee $4 ages 13 and up.

Port Aransas

This town has six Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail sites: Paradise Pond, Port Aransas Nature Preserve, the south jetty, Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Port Aransas Wetland Park and Mustang Island State Park, See birds like roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, bitterns, rails — and whooping cranes (do not approach or disturb these endangered birds).

High Island

In these four sanctuaries — Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks, Eubank Woods and S.E. Gast Red Bay — visitors have observed nearly 400 species, including waterbirds, hummingbirds, warblers and colorful neotropicals. Peak spring viewing occurs mid-March to mid-May, and fall viewing happens late September to mid-October. See thousands of nesting waterbirds including herons and spoonbills on an island in Smith Oaks during spring and summer. Day passes $10, or a $30 patch provides a year of unlimited access to the sanctuaries.

Mustang Island State Park

The 400-plus bird species identified here include Aplomado falcons. This once-common bird of prey had nearly disappeared in Texas by the 1930s, but captive-reared birds were released into the wild starting in 1985 — including 65 here in 2012 and 2013. Look for them at artificial nesting sites, including one visible from Texas Highway 361 a few miles north of the park entrance. Entrance fee $7 ages 13 and up.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

The 115,000-acre refuge is famous as the winter home of a flock of endangered whooping cranes that
migrates 2,500 miles from summer breeding grounds in Canada. From a low of 15 birds in 1941, the population increased to 536 in 2023. See some 400 other species of birds here, too, from several trails and observation platforms, including a 40-foot tower. Visitor center open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on federal holidays. Entrance fee $5 for two or more adults in a vehicle.

Sandcastle

People of all ages love playing in the sand. Take a lesson, enter a competition or just have your best sandcastle-building day on the Texas coast.

American Institute of Architects Sandcastle Competition. September 21, 2024, Galveston's East Beach. This annual event attracts some 60 teams building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Awards announced at 5 p.m., public lessons offered at 11, 1 and 3. Viewing also open on Sunday.

Lessons with Andy Hancock. One-, two- and three-hour options available for one to 20 people, tool kit included. Free parking and toilets. Suntide III Condominiums, 3000 Gulf Blvd. or Beach Access 9, South Padre Island. Book in advance. 956-433-9948, sandcastlelessons.com

South Padre Annual Sand Castle Days. Free family fun at this qualifying event for the World Championships of Sand Sculpting. Music, games, food, drink and daily sand camps. Fall, date TBD. Clayton's Beach Bar, 6900 Padre Blvd.

Build your own. The basic ingredients: sand, water, bucket and small shovel. Mound up a pile of sand and use the bucket to wet thoroughly so it sticks together. Pack and shape by hand, compacting tightly. Shape with an old kitchen knife, putty knife, paint scraper or trowel, working from the top down, and smooth with a small, soft-bristled paintbrush, always keeping it wet.

Beachcombing

Beachcombing is like treasure hunting, and seashells are the treasure. Most seashells are made by mollusks, and some 1,000 types inhabit the Texas coast, ranging in shape from turbinate (a sort of pointed swirl) to conic (the ones you hold to your ear to hear the sea) and bivalve (two identical halves hinged together). Oysters, scallops and clams are bivalves. Recognizable shells include limpets, cowries, shark eyes and whelks. Lightning whelks, the Texas state shell, can be 16 inches long and range in color from off-white to tan or gray, with brown streaks of “lightning.”

Anyone can collect empty shells on Texas beaches (emphasis on empty). Take only personal souvenirs. Avoid buying shells as many come from the Pacific or Indian oceans, often are overcollected and may be misidentified.

New to beachcombing? Galveston Island State Park holds occasional beach walks, and the nature center and office have shell identification charts and guidebooks. Mustang Island State Park's regular beach walks include hunting for shells, with common finds including whelks, coquinas and shark eyes.

Currents from all over the world bring lots of treasures to Padre Island National Seashore, and beachcombers may keep a one-gallon container. No commercial shell gathering allowed. Rangers hold scheduled beach walks from Malaquite Visitor Center and give deck talks that include shelling information.

For abundant beach treasure near Matagorda Bay Nature Park, try kayaking across the river and walking along the jetty to a stretch of remote and untrammeled sand. Single kayaks rent for $10 per hour (two-hour minimum), $49 for half-day and $79 full day.

Lighthouses

Bolivar Point

On private property but visible from Texas Highway 87 on Bolivar Peninsula across from Galveston Island. The brick and cast-iron tower was reconstructed in 1872 after the original was destroyed during the Civil War.

Matagorda Island

You can visit but not go inside, and it takes some work. Boat from Port O'Connor across Espiritu Santo Bay and dock at the Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area, then walk or pedal three miles on island roads. Built in 1852, dismantled and stored after the Civil War, rebuilt in 1873, closed in 1995, then restored in 2004. No entrance fee, no services.

Aransas Pass

Also called the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, first operated in 1857, now privately owned. Visible from Texas Highway 361 between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas and from the Port Aransas ferry, or by kayak from the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail.

Port Isabel

Drive right up and climb 75 steps to the top of this 72-foot brick lighthouse built in 1853. Closed in 1905, then acquired by the predecessor to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1950.

Bunking by the Beach

Padre Island National Seashore Camping

The Malaquite Campground, near the visitor center and a short walk to the beach, has restrooms, cold water showers and picnic tables. There is a dump station and potable water on the road to the campground. Camp anywhere on North or South Beach (permits available at the kiosk at the beach entrance, no services). Four-wheel drive required past mile marker 5. Entrance fee $25 per vehicle, camping at Malaquite $14 a night. 361-949-8068.

Goose Island State Park Camping

Campsites with water, electricity, restrooms and showers on the bay or among oak trees, and 25 walk-in tent sites with water. Fish from shore, boat or a 1,620-foot fishing pier; fish cleaning station and loaner tackle available, along with boat and kayak/canoe launches. Visit the centuries-old Big Tree, which has a trunk more than 35 feet around. Full hook-up sites $30, bayfront campsites $25, wooded sites $20, walk-in $10. 361-729-2858, tpwd.texas.gov/gooseisland.

LCRA Matagorda Bay Nature Park Bungalows

Each bungalow has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living area and restroom, with a smaller size that sleeps six and larger size that sleeps eight, so you can gather with friends and family. Covered parking, patio grills and large decks with sunset views. Starting at $275 a night. 979-863-2603.

Quintana Beach County Park Cabin

This beachfront park near Surfside has four cabins that sleep six, with kitchens and restrooms. BYO bed linens and towels. $170 a night. The park has RV campsites, picnic tables, grills, hiking trails, a playground, lighted fishing pier, jetty access, paved parking and a natural pedestrian beach. 330 Fifth St., Quintana. 979-233-1461.

Tarpon Inn, Port Aransas

An inviting porch stretches across the front of this circa-1880s building, and relaxing there feels a bit like traveling back to a simpler time. Tarpon fish have large scales, and more than 7,000 of them cover a lobby wall, signed by anglers who caught them, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dallas Cowboys player Bob Lilly. Relax by the pool, walk to the beach, eat and drink at the 1886 Bar and Roosevelt7apos;s. Rooms start at $165. 200 E. Cotter Ave., 361-749-5555.

Mustang Island State Park Camping

This park has 48 sites behind the sand dunes with electricity, shaded picnic tables, restrooms, showers and grills (no campfires allowed), $25 a night. Camp anywhere on a 1.5-mile stretch of drive-up beach (depending on conditions), where small campfires are allowed, $13 a night. 361-749-5246, tpwd.texas.gov/mustangisland.

The Palms Resort, South Padre

This funky little beachfront resort still has cool 1970s vibes but modern amenities, including direct beach access, chair and umbrella service, heated pool, and an on-site café and bar - plus the parking is free and dogs are welcome. Rooms start at $169 a night. 956-761-1316, www.palmsresortcafe.com.

Galveston Island State Park Lodges

The three-bedroom Stewart House and the two-bedroom Ranch House on the park's bayside offer full kitchens, bathrooms, and central air and heat, along with easy access to paddling and hiking trails. Stewart House starts at $225 a night and Ranch House at $175, weekly rates available. Check availability and make reservations online or call 512-389-8900.

Beach Reads

Encyclopedia of Texas Seashells

John W. Tunnell, Jr.
Use this weighty tome (512 pages!), complete with color photographs, to identify the treasures you find on Texas beaches and impress your friends and family.

Isaac's Storm

Erik Larson
An account of the deadliest hurricane in history, which struck Galveston on Sept 8, 1900, from the perspective of the chief weatherman of Texas. Thankfully, forecasting has come a very long way since then.

The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea

Jack E. Davis
Explore the land, sea and sky along with the wildlife and people of the Gulf of Mexico, one of the world's most diverse and productive ecosystems.

Last Dance on the Starlight Pier: A Novel

Sarah Bird
Set in 1932 Galveston amid the Great Depression, dance marathons, vice and family drama, this steamy story of chasing a dream makes a perfect beach read.

Aransas: A Novel

Steve Harrigan
His debut novel, published in 1980, recounts young Jeff Downing's struggle with the ethics of training dolphins to perform at a seaside tourist attraction.

Goodnight, Texas

William J. Cobb
This fictional beach town's shrimp are gone and its vacation homes threatened by rising seas. Laid-off shrimper Gabriel Perez loses his girlfriend, and surreal coastal chaos ensues.

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