The best beaches in Texas

Whoever coined the phrase “Everything’s bigger in Texas” might have had its beaches in mind. They stretch along a full 350 miles of stunning Gulf Coast shoreline.

Whether you’re chasing big views, big adventures or big fun, the beaches in Texas deliver. Learn about some of the best the state has to offer. 

What you’ll learn:

• Texas beaches include popular locations like South Padre Island and hidden gems like Matagorda Beach. 

• Texas beaches offer a range of vibes, from lively to serene, and activities from surfing to bird-watching.

• With an eligible Capital One credit card, you’ll earn rewards on every eligible purchase you make. Plus, you could earn elevated rewards when you use your card to book trips through Capital One Travel.

The beaches in Texas offer world-class resorts and amenities as well as quiet solitude and relaxation. Planning a week of family fun? Or maybe a weekend getaway for two? You’ll likely find what you’re looking for in the beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Get ready to pack your bags and soak up the sun. In no particular order, here are 10 of the best beaches in Texas. 

It’s easy to understand why the resort town of South Padre Island is so popular. It’s got 34 miles of sandy beach to enjoy and moderate temperatures nearly all year long.

The island offers plenty of natural beauty and lots to do. Ride horseback along the water’s edge. Stroll a nature trail and do some bird-watching. Parasail over the island for an adrenaline rush. Or simply relax with your toes in the sand while you watch the sun set. 

Port Aransas, a city on Mustang Island, offers 18 miles of wide beaches along the Gulf Coast. It’s known as the fishing capital of Texas, so don’t forget your tackle box.

When you’re done fishing, surfing or sunning on a beach, head to the city of Port Aransas for the evening. You can experience the community arts scene at studios and galleries, shop for souvenirs at boutiques and enjoy seafood at a casual eatery or fine-dining restaurant.

If you leave Port Aransas and head south, you’ll quickly get to Mustang Island State Park on Mustang Island. The park offers hiking trails, bike paths and 20 miles of paddling trails along the shore of the Corpus Christi Bay. And with hundreds of bird species in the area, it’s also a bird-watching destination. 

There’s so much to do at Mustang State Park, you may want to extend your stay by camping out. The park offers sites with water and electricity as well as basic drive-up sites. 

The city of Galveston, romanticized by a song of the same name in the ‘60s, is part of Galveston Island. Along the island’s miles of coastline, you’ll find laid-back beaches like West End Pocket Parks, where you can avoid the crowds. You’ll also find family beaches like Stewart Beach, with mellow waves and child-friendly amenities. 

For a more lively atmosphere, you could head to East Beach, which puts on regular festivals and music events. Or you could spend a day walking The Strand, a historic district lined with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. 

If it’s beachy vibes you want, look no further than Surfside Beach. This four-mile beach retreat about 40 miles south of Galveston has plenty of ways to enjoy fun in the sun. 

Catch a perfect wave. Go bird-watching in the nearby marshlands. Spend the day fishing or kayaking. And when evening settles in, dine on fresh seafood at a local eatery or take in the sunset from a beachfront bar.

Pack up the family and head to mile-long Rockport Beach near Corpus Christi for a day of building sandcastles and riding the waves. The beach is known for its inviting shallow waters, where visitors—kids and novice swimmers included—can cool off from the Texas sunshine.  

After relaxing in a cabana or enjoying a game of beach volleyball, you can head into the city of Rockport to check out the Texas Maritime Museum. Or take a quick drive to Fulton to explore local history at the Fulton Mansion and Education History Center.

Padre Island National Seashore, a natural haven tucked away from the modern world, is found on North Padre Island. At 113 miles, it’s the world’s longest protected barrier island, and known for quiet beauty, prairie grasslands and important coastal ecosystems. 

While you’re there, take a walk on the beach along the shore. Learn more about the small turtles that make their home on the island. Or rent a campsite spot and spend your nights stargazing in a truly remote location. 

During your visit to North Padre Island, don’t forget to stop at Malaquite Beach. Part of the Padre Island National Seashore, it’s another great place for family fun and relaxation away from the crowds. 

Malaquite Beach, which meanders along nearly five miles of coastline, offers observation decks, picnic areas, camping sites and a night-sky viewing area. If you time your visit between mid-June and the end of August, you might even see the area’s beloved turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea. 

Another Texas beach along the gulf, North Beach in Corpus Christi has been a tourist attraction for over 100 years. Part of its ongoing appeal is an easygoing atmosphere, which makes it a good choice for enjoying time with family and friends. 

The paved Beach Walk promenade is perfect for baby strollers and bikes. And while you’re in the neighborhood, you could visit the Texas State Aquarium as well as the USS Lexington Museum, where you’ll experience history aboard a WWII aircraft carrier-turned-museum.

Looking for some serious peace and quiet? Parts of Matagorda Beach are so remote they can only be reached by watercraft. It’s hard to imagine that a place so secluded and serene can be a mere two hours from Houston, but it’s true.

If you’re hoping for a party atmosphere, Matagorda Beach probably isn’t the spot for you. But if you want solitude and natural beauty with activities like horseback riding, crabbing and camping, this Texas beach could be your dream getaway. 

After you’ve settled on your ideal Texas beach, you may want to make vacation planning your next step.

That might involve considering high-traffic seasons or the weather. For example, some Texas beaches, like South Padre Island, get especially busy during spring break. You may also want to plan around the state’s famous summer heat and consider visiting in spring, fall or even winter, when Texas beach towns can offer a different kind of beauty.

Eligible Capital One cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they book their trip through Capital One Travel. If you don’t have a Capital One credit card, access to Capital One Travel is just one of the exclusive cardholder benefits that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

With everything from kid-friendly seaside towns to remote stretches of natural coastline, there’s plenty to love about Texas beaches.

To make your beach trip more rewarding, you could start by comparing Capital One rewards credit cards and applying today. You can even see whether you’re pre-approved for a card. It’s quick, and it won’t hurt your credit. 

• Earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus and receive an additional 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day, and earn a one-time 75,000-mile bonus with the Venture card. 

• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day, with no annual fee with the VentureOne card. View important rates and disclosures.