Best Texas Beaches to Visit This Summer
Explore the Coast
Words by Alison Bryce Photo Provided by Rockport Beach
With the heat increasing, a trip to the beach can be a great escape. Leaving Austin to enjoy the sights of the shoreline only takes a few hours. And after being inside for the last three months, feeling the sand between your toes and a cool ocean breeze on your face is a welcomed change of scenery.
Mustang Island
Whether a day in the sun or a weekend camping trip, Mustang Island State Park has more than enough coastline to keep every one entertained. With more than five miles of beach to explore, the park offers a variety of activities visitors can enjoy such as paddling, fishing, surfing, hiking, and more. Entrance is $5 per adult, and free for children 12 and under.
9394 State Hwy 361, Corpus Christi | tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island
Port Aransas Beach
Just far away from large cities for quiet but close enough for comfort, Port Aransas provides a simple relaxation destination along the coast. This beach tends to be less crowded than others and offers six miles of sand to enjoy the sounds of the tide rolling in. If you want to eat local, walk to Irie’s Island Food for a variety of tacos and rice plates to fill hungry bellies after a day in the sun.
cityofportaransas.org
Boca Chica Beach
When thinking of Brownsville, a beach may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, an eight-mile stretch between the Rio Grande delta and lower Laguna Madre holds a pristine piece of coastline to temporarily escape from civilization. Boca Chica State Park is known for its tranquil, picturesque coastline that welcomes any beach-goer.
Boca Chica Blvd., Brownsville | brownsville.org/members/boca-chica-beach/
Rockport Beach
Distinguished as a “Blue Wave Beach” by the National Clean Beaches Coalition, this crescent-shaped beach offers plenty of fun activities for families to enjoy. From sand volleyball courts to a pier that’s perfect for fishing, vacationers will have more than enough to fill a weekend away from home. Since it faces the Aransas Bay, the coastline here tends to not be hit with as many big waves or strong undertows, making it safer for swimming with little ones. Admission is $5 per vehicle or $20 for an annual tag.
210 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport | rockportbeach-texas.com
Padre Island National Seashore
As a protected area, Padre Island National Seashore offers more than just water fun like windsurfing and kayaking. With more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands and beaches, the area is a perfect place to learn about diverse wildlife, including the rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle migrations. The area holds the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, making it a great location to watch baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean each night.
20301 Park Rd. 22, Corpus Christi | nps.gov/pais/index.htm
Surfside Beach
Take a relaxing self-care day on the shore, or try your hand at surfing at Surfside Beach. The soft sand is perfect for all types of outside fun and shell picking. Plan to arrive early to claim a spot as visitors are allowed to park directly on the sand. There is also a fishing jetty and a splash pad for families to enjoy. This beach allows bonfires—what better way to end the day than making memories roasting hotdogs and marshmallows beachside.
1304 Monument Dr., Surfside Beach | surfsidetx.org
