Say the phrase “best beaches in Texas” and you might think the very idea is an impossibility. Not many travelers imagine the Lone Star State as a beach bum’s paradise. Sure, the color of the water tends more toward café au lait than turquoise in places, and it’s legal to drive your vehicle along many of the public beaches. But if you know where to go, you can find inviting expanses of sand, soft ocean breezes, the occasional frolicking dolphin, and—when the weather’s right—waves big enough to surf.
From South Padre Island to the Louisiana border, Texas boasts more than 350 miles of coastline. You’ll find charming small towns, docks where you can fish, seafood joints specializing in local oysters and redfish, and roadside attractions to distract you. The Texas Coast is a hotspot for birding too, with birders flocking to the Lone Star State each spring to glimpse migrating flocks.
And the best news? The Texas climate is mild, so even a beach trip in winter offers rewards. Here are some of the best beaches in Texas, from state parks to islands and shores with bonus birding spots.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
South Padre Island
College students head to South Padre Island to party during spring break; over the rest of the year, however, a more mellow vibe prevails. Drive north of town for the quietest stretch of beachfront, and if the weather’s right, head to the jetties closer in to do a little surfing. From April to August, keep an eye out for nesting sea turtles. Crews from Sea Turtle Inc. scan the dunes, looking for eggs, which they relocate into protected corrals and release after they hatch. At the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary, visitors can stroll on a boardwalk elevated over 43 acres of marshland and ponds where stilt-legged birds, colorful butterflies, and about 50 rescued ’gators make their home. If you’re hoping for a redfish dinner, grab your rod and head to the shallows at the south end of the island to reel in your catch.
Bird Island Basin
You won’t spend much time on the beach along Bird Island Basin. You’ll be in the water, thanks to some of the best windsurfing conditions in the United States. A part of the Padre Island National Seashore, the basin has steady breeze, warm Gulf waters, and shallow depths, making it perfect for beginners and experienced windsurfers alike. Additionally, there’s plenty of room for other water activities, like kayaking and fishing. There’s a boat ramp for access to Laguna Madre if you want to explore other areas of the protected seashore.
