The “The Jumbo State” is the second-largest in America by land size, and like Alaska (number 1) and California (number 3), it boasts an impressive shoreline. There are many beaches to discover in the southeast corner of Texas, which stay reasonably warm all year round. If you get far enough south you’ll even find your way into subtropical weather that never dips below freezing.
9 Best Beach Towns in Texas
The Lone Star State may not be your first thought for a beach trip, but Texas has several great coastal spots to relax and enjoy the sea. Many top and lively beach towns can be found along the state’s 367-mile (3,359-mile) Gulf Coast. There are rural and energized beachfront locations spread throughout the southeast coast …
Top Beaches and Coastal Towns in TX
For Texans and others in neighboring states looking for some gorgeous coastline on the Gulf of Mexico to vacation on, there are plenty of nice spots to choose from. Among the farthest south and most tropical is South Padre Island, a true year-round beach town in the best sense. Heading north up that coast, towns and cities such as Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Rockport, and Galveston all make lovely places to call home.
Guide to Visiting the Beaches in Texas
When it comes to beaches, Texas goes all out, just like everything else in the “Lone Star State”. The 367 miles (3,359 miles by NOAA) of the state’s coastline are beautiful at any time of year, particularly in the summer.
Texas’ beaches are plentiful on both the mainland and the barrier islands, with the majority featuring long stretches of densely packed fine white sand. Popular party beaches in Texas include East Beach on Galveston Island. At the same time, South Padre Island is a superb place for people who want to find peace or return to nature.
Not all Texas beaches are remote; several may be reached in a day from major cities. There are also many top beach towns that put the water in your backyard. Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best spots to spend time in the sand, and it’s just 30 miles southeast of Corpus Christi.
Rockport Beach is also just approximately 30 miles from Corpus and 187 miles from Houston. It offers stunning views of Aransas Bay. This crescent-shaped beach is a popular fishing site with volleyball courts, picnic tables, and a pier.
Texas Gulf Coast Climate
The climate along the Gulf Coast is typical of that found next to the ocean. Despite many days being bright and sunny, wind, rain, and clouds are always possible. During the summer, the weather is subtropical, with highs around 90°F and rarely going above 95°F.
The winters are brief, chilly, and moderate. Temperatures throughout the winter months may reach over 46°F and seldom dip below 32°F. Golfing, bird viewing, surfing, and fishing are all best in the autumn and winter. The summer is the busiest and most popular time to visit, but the spring and fall are also beautiful times to go.
Sea Life
There are many different kinds of fish and invertebrates, including shellfish, corals, and worms. There are also whales, dolphins, manatees, and other marine mammals that live in the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike in many other places around the globe, you won’t find any seals, sea lions, fur seals, or sea-going otters here. A myriad of bird species makes use of the seashore too.
About half a dozen types of rays and fifty types of sharks may be found in the Gulf of Mexico. These seas are even home to great white sharks. Bull sharks are common along the coast of Texas, and they can live in salt and fresh water by swimming up rivers. Mustang Island is home to Texas’ most shark-infested beach, so be cautious when swimming or doing water sports in that area.
Activities
The beaches of Texas have a lot to offer its tourists, whether they’re looking for a calm place to rest, a thrilling water sport like kiteboarding or windsurfing, or a place to observe a wide variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers flock to Texas because many species may be found near the state’s numerous waterways.
During the summertime, visitors can enjoy a day of family fun in the sun by swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing, or cruising one of the many fantastic beach spots along the Gulf Coast. While strolling along the beach at dusk, you may collect beautiful pink shells, and on specific stretches of sand, you can even go horseback riding in true Texas fashion.
Accommodations
The Texas Gulf Coast has everything you need for a perfect vacation spot, from friendly hotels on the water on South Padre Island to affordable beach rentals for a week in Galveston. Budget motels and luxury hotels provide a wide variety of accommodations. There are places to stay for every kind of traveler, no matter their budget.
You’ll get the lowest rates if you’re willing to go during a less popular period, such as during the school year or the off-season. Many possibilities may be found in Corpus Christi without traveling far from the city to reach the shore.
While Texas might not come to mind when talking about beaches, it certainly should be considered by anyone wanting a coastal subtropical vacation. When you’re ready to see what the Texas Gulf Coast is all about, head to one of the state’s beaches.
