best places to visit on texas gulf coast

21 Charming Texas Coastal Towns You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

White sand, seafood restaurants, wildlife spots, and salty breezes. It’s true what they say – everything is bigger and better in Texas. While the Lone Star State might not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think of beach vacation, this guide will prove to you why it should be.

Texas is full of fantastic coastal towns to sit back, relax, and have a sip of some sweet ice tea. Whether you’re planning a warm winter vacation, a road trip, or a water-centric summer holiday, these Texas coastal towns are incredible. These coastal towns should absolutely be on your must-see landmarks and vacation list.

This list has 21 of the best coastal towns in beautiful Texas and has everything you need for a perfect beach vacation.

21 Charming Texas Coastal Towns

1. galveston.

This island city is full of Southern charm. If you’re looking to get away from the noise of the city, Galveston is the best place to relax.

In the past, it was the largest city in Texas and one of the largest ports in the United States. But the Galveston Hurricane of the 1900s ended their reign. Now, it is filled with restaurants, decorated Victorian houses and a colourful boardwalk. Galveston is a vibrant slice of paradise.

Be sure to head over to the Galveston Island State Park, and enjoy the scenic hiking trails or have a dip in one of the many swimming spots.

In the evenings, you can head to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for carnival rides, fried food, and gorgeous sunset views.

2. South Padre Island

South Padre Island is known as the “Spring Break Island”. It’s a party in the USA for sure on this island. However, South Padre Island is a year-round destination with warm waters and sunny skies. So, if you’re not up for a college flashback on vacation, you can still enjoy the perks of the island in late August and early September and avoid the crowds.

SPI is located at the southern tip of Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico and you are sure to have a vacation full of adventure. Go horseback riding on the beach, join a dolphin watching tour or learn how to kitesurf here.

The crown jewel of South Padre Island is Isla Blanca Park, located along the southern edge of South Padre. This park is filled with white-sand beaches, boating facilities, picnicking pavilions, and fishing spots.

Kemah is located near Houston and this small Texan beach town is unlike any small town you know.

Kemah is a mecca of fun, family-friendly activities. Famous for its boardwalk, you and your family can enjoy a variety of attractions, including roller coasters, arcade games and shopping.

This beach town is also great for indulging in a variety of water sports and swimming. Visit the Kemah Clear Lake Park and you will find a children’s play area, local flora and fauna, picnic tables and an excellent fishing spot or two.

Kemah is also home to many museums including the Bay Area Museum, Old Railroad Station Museum, and the Lone Star Flight Museum.

4. Rockport

If you’re coming from Houston or Austin, take a road trip to the beach town of Rockport, Texas . This lovely beach town has a unique culture, excellent weather and great restaurants that might make you want to buy a house and settle down there.

Rockport Beach is Texas’ first 1.6 km (one-mile) long Blue Wave Beach. This means it is clean, managed responsibly, and focuses on protecting human health and the environment. And, the beach is accessible to people with decreased mobility. Unfortunately, Rockport does not allow pets on the beach.

If you love standing by the grill, Rockport also has a few BBQ grill spots for beachgoers who want to have a Texas-style beach vacation.

5. Port Aransas

Port Aransas is one of Texas’ most popular beach destinations. It has everything you want on vacation. With a wide range of incredible outdoor activities to cultural activities, this spot on the Gulf Coast is a must-visit.

The beaches are incredibly unique, and you can get the most of the Texas coast here. So, why not indulge in all the outdoor activities the town has to offer? Like parasailing, kayaking, or windsurfing. But don’t worry, if all you want to do on your vacation is take things slow, you can rent a bike and cruise down the town and soak up the Port Aransas sun.

Port Aransas also hosts the annual Sand Fest . This is where sculptors create impressive lifesize sandcastles. Thousands of people head over to Port Aransas to see them. The bonus to the event is that the profits earned from the festival go to local schools and the community.

6. San Jose Island

San Jose Island is the perfect place for nature lovers. Besides the amazing beaches here, there are tons of tropical birds that love to serenade their guests. Talk about southern hospitality.

On this island, you can enjoy some downtime because the beaches offer 33 km (12 miles) of pristine coastline and are not very crowded. So, take the opportunity to enjoy the salty breeze and the sunshine, uninterrupted.

The beaches offer plenty to do, though. Popular activities include birding, shelling and fishing. While swimming or fishing from the island’s jetties, keep an eye out for sea turtles; these marine animals are commonly spotted in the area.

7. Corpus Christi

You might have heard of Corpus Christi but if not, this is the largest coastal city in Texas.

It is home to 300,000 people and it’s a beach town that has something for everyone. In Corpus Christi, you’ll have easy accessibility to the big city and its long, beautiful coastline.

The beaches here are great for swimming and other water activities. Corpus Christi has a lot of history and culture to learn about, so visit some of their biggest attractions like the USS Lexington . This is a large aircraft carrier from the Second World War.

Corpus Christi also has a great art scene. One of the best museums in this beach town is the Art Museum of South Texas. You will mainly find great contemporary art from local artists. Not to mention, Corpus Christi is famous for its walking ghost tours , so if you love scary ghost stories, this is the place you need to see.

You might enjoy reading my article on top attractions in downtown San Antonio and San Antonio for couples.

8. Freeport

Freeport is another small coastal town. But dynamite comes in small packages so don’t rule this town out.

If you consider yourself an outdoorsy person, Freeport is an excellent destination for all things nature. You can go camping at Brazoria County Beach Park or enjoy the beaches at Quintana or Bryan Beach. You can also go jet skiing in the nearby Old Brazos River.

Love to go birdwatching? Freeport also offers multiple tours to see migrating birds and songbirds. You can also explore the historic downtown of Freeport and the history museum to see the shrimping history of the beach town. Don’t forget to stop by the Freeport Municipal Golf Course for a few rounds on the green.

In Freeport Beach, dining options include the Red Snapper Inn for fresh seafood and Kitty’s Purple Cow Cafe for family-friendly dining.

The Ocean Village Hotel is located right on the sand in Surfside Beach, so you won’t have to walk far to get your feet wet.

9. Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach, located on the Bolivar Peninsula, is a fan favourite along the Texas coastline. This great beach town is an easy ferry ride away from Galveston. This Texas beach getaway is home to wide sandy beaches, excellent fishing, and amazing bird watching. Crystal Beach also has a fun boho beach vibe, plus, there is plenty to do here.

The beach makes for the perfect base for exploring other attractions on the Bolivar Peninsula, including the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and the Point Bolivar Lighthouse.

Make sure you soak up the sun and add ‘rent a golf cart’ to cruise up and down the beach, onto your itinerary. Crystal Beach is also an excellent place to listen to live music, especially in the genres Country and Rock n Roll.

You might enjoy reading my article on the Cowboy Capital of the world, Bandera Texas .

10. Boca Chica

Boca Chica, located near South Padre Island, is a hidden gem around Texas. This extremely small, quaint coastal beachside community is home to the Boca Chica State Park on the Gulf Coast.

However, due to the nature of this laid-back Texas beach town, there aren’t a lot of amenities readily available to their guests. So, you will need to bring all your equipment for fishing, bodyboarding, and whatever other beach activity you may want to do here.

While remaining off the grid for years, recently, Boca Chica has become famous as the launch site of SpaceX, the private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk of Tesla.

Boca Chica is home to a 12km (8 miles) stretch of sandy beach located north of the mouth of the Rio Grande river. This Texan beach is only a 30-minute drive from the Mexican border.

Boca Chica needs to be at the top of your beach destinations in Texas

11. Matagorda

Matagorda is the third oldest town in Texas and has many historical buildings and markers in its downtown area. It is a small beach town located near the mouth of the Colorado River on the upper Gulf Coast of Texas. This town’s motto is “ the hidden treasure of the Texas Gulf Coast ,” and it’s known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

Here, you will find over 37km (23 miles) of beach area that is easily accessible for camping, swimming, and relaxing. The Matagorda Bay Nature Park is also an excellent place for birding and wildlife.

If you have a kayak or a personal watercraft, then you have access to another 56km (35 miles) of the beachfront area south of the Colorado River.

12. Port O’Connor

The city of Port Lavaca is located southeast of Houston and is also one of the most underrated Texan coastal towns in this guide. Why? Well, Port Lavaca and the nearby town of Port O’Connor are coastal towns that are rich in cultural activities. Port O’Connor is also excellent for swimming, kayaking, paddling, and other water activities.

The coastal city Port Lavaca includes the Main Street Theater and the Calhoun County Museum. It is also home to the coastal city’s top attraction, the Half Moon Reef Lighthouse, which was built in 1858.

But besides the abundant cultural scene, its outdoor activities are scenic and heaps of fun too. Golf lovers will enjoy playing a round at the beautiful Hatch Bend Country Club. Port Lavaca is also home to two fabulous beaches, Magnolia Beach and Lighthouse Beach.

While Magnolia Beach is excellent for fishing, launching boats, and playing volleyball, Lighthouse Beach is also wonderful for birding. It even has a birding tower and a family-friendly hiking trail.

13. Port Lavaca

Port Lavaca has managed to fly under the radar when travellers are looking for a Texas beach destination. Port Lavaca is known for its incredible fishing culture, and more and more people are starting to flock here for their summer holidays.

This city sits on the Gulf Coast and is home to 12,000 people and only a 2-hour drive from Houston, making it the perfect place to spend a weekend.

The park also has a locally owned bird sanctuary, where you can explore the Alcoa Birding Tower and the Formosa Wetlands Walkway. Also spend a day at LightHouse Beach Park, for its shallow warm water and sandy dunes. This park makes for a relaxing day in nature.

Made out of recycled material, the 670m (2,200-foot) Port Lavaca boardwalk will guide you directly from the beach to the birding tower. It’s the perfect place to reel in a big catch at Marina Bay.

14. Seabrook

Seabrook is a wonderful Texas coastal town vacation destination. You can find Seabrook in Harris County, which is close to the city of Houston. To reach Seabrook from Houston you have to drive about 30 minutes. The distance between the two places is about 56 kilometres (35 miles).

There are lots of great things to do in Seabrook. Making it one of the most fun beach towns in Texas to visit. For example, Seabrook is famous for the large and diverse number of birds that live here.

You could easily spend the whole day bird watching. This is due to the location of the coastal town. Seabrook lies on a very large path for bird migration in North America.

Not only is nature here phenomenal, but you can also find lots of activities at these parks. For example, there is a skate park and a swimming pool in a few of the parks in Seabrook. You can also find some scenic hiking trails connecting the 18 amazing parks in Seabrook, which you can also bike along.

15. Bolivar Peninsula

Bolivar Peninsula is a 43 km (27 miles) stretch between Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico with some small communities, such as Crystal Beach and Port Bolivar.

Because it’s a short drive there, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Houston.

In the Bolivar Peninsula, you are sure to find clean beaches, soft sand, and a lot of fun.

16. Port Arthur

This thriving port town has an alluring combination of Texas coastal charm and Cajun flair.

Port Arthur is an idyllic location that offers lots of delicious fresh seafood, breezy coastal walks, and natural beaches.

If you are looking for something more and want to venture out to partake in adrenaline-pumping activities, you’ll be well served here. Port Arthur is the perfect backdrop for dozens of outdoor adventures, including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.

17. North Padre Island

Take a stroll along North Padre Island’s soft sandy beaches and watch the crashing waves. Not only is North Padre a picturesque setting for some time alone or with a plus one, but it’s also home to the sea turtle. Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre and is one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world.

North Padre draws a huge crowd to Kemp’s Ridley to see the sea turtles every year. These turtles nest on the shores of North Padre Island and are very well protected by the state park system. People come from all over to watch the baby sea turtles being released into the ocean for the first time.

If you’re looking for one of the more rustic and off-the-beaten-path beaches in Texas, North Padre Island is for you. With over 112km (70 miles) of protected land, this national seashore is the longest undeveloped stretch of coastline on a barrier island in the entire world.

The Padre Island National Seashore is a great place to learn and uncover different wildlife and plants. It’s also a great nook to set up for a beach day with family and friends.

18. Jamaica Beach

Jamaica Beach is another place you should see when you’re looking for beach towns. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a small vacation spot in Texas.

Jamaica Beach City Park is one of the best places to see while you’re in the South. It’s a relaxing place to go to and there are several things to do – especially for large families.

Plan a day at the local basketball court and picnic area for the whole family to enjoy. This is also a great place to go for the kids, as there’s a playground with swings as well.

And of course, we can’t forget about the beautiful beaches here. The sand is wonderfully soft and white with crystal blue waters – it’s the perfect place to relax.

The closest large city in Texas near Jamaica Beach is Houston. You can reach this lovely town from there within 1.5 hours.

19. Mustang Island

This barrier island is located just east of Corpus Christi, Mustang Island is a favourite beach destination for families and active travellers.

Surfing and camping are popular things to do at this beach, however, the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail also offers opportunities to kayak, canoe and paddleboard. The Paddling Trail is a 32km (20 miles) series of shallow-water canals.

If you’re not keen on breaking a sweat during your visit, you can stretch out and watch for turtles, dolphins and birds on the island’s 28-plus kilometres (18 miles) of beautiful sands.

20. La Porte

La Porte is a great place on the coast of Texas, close to the city of Houston. To reach La Porte from Houston it’s a short 30-minute drive.

You’ll find lots of great sights in La Porte. One of those sights is the San Jacinto Museum of History. This is a museum where you can learn about the history of Texas.

Be sure to check out La Porte Pecan Park too. People gather here to watch baseball, take leisurely hikes along the designated trails, let their kids have fun at the playground, and so much more.

Also, when you are in La Porte, don’t miss an opportunity to go to Sylvan Beach Park. This is a lovely waterfront park with a pier that stretches into the sea.

La Porte is close to many other beach towns on this list, such as Kemah and Galveston. You could make a day of it and opt to visit all three beach destinations. You’ll be sure to have limitless amounts of fun in the sun at all three places.

21. San Leon

San Leon is a  lovely beach town in Texas. One of the best things to do in San Leon is to visit Bayshore Park. This is a lovely park next to the San Leon waterfront.

San Leon has an amazing variety of restaurants and bars to choose from along the beach. After spending a day in the sun, head over to San Leon’s most loved bar- the Sunset Lounge. Besides, the people of San Leon call it the Sunset Lounge for nothing. It is truly the perfect place to see the sunset.

Final Thoughts on Best Coastal Towns in Texas

As the second-largest state in the USA, Texas has over 563 km (350 miles) of sandy coastline calling your name. Hopefully, this guide made you curious to explore the many different landscapes Texas has to offer.

The Texas coastline, right on the Gulf of Mexico is a haven for every type of traveller. The coastal cities have consistently warm weather and a variety of charm and appeal. So, are you ready and rarin’ to go yet? The Texas coast is awaiting.

I covered all of the costs associated with writing this article. However, this Texas coastal towns post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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12 Best Things to Do on the Texas Gulf Coast

Tim Boyles / Getty Images News / Getty Images

Texas has over 300 miles of coastline bordering the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to many stretches of beautiful beach, the Texas Gulf Coast region is home to some of the state's most popular attractions. There are aquariums to visit, historic sites to tour and, of course, some great seafood to enjoy. If you're planning a trip to the Texas coast, consider adding these must-dos to your itinerary.

See the Marine Life

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

The "official" aquarium of Texas, the Texas State Aquarium houses hundreds of marine animals and provides educational programs for visitors of all ages. Located in Corpus Christi on the middle of the Texas coast, the  Texas State Aquarium  attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. You can encounter Dolphins, meet a sloth, and feed the fish with the aquarium's special encounters program. Visitors will enjoy exploring the large aquarium which houses over 460 species and taking in the educational and fun presentations held throughout the day.

Go Aboard the USS Lexington

Following many years of "active duty," the WWII-era USS Lexington "retired" to Corpus Christi. The Lexington now serves as a floating museum and even offers overnight stays. The most popular tour is the Flight Deck experience where you'll get up close to 20 vintage aircraft on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation. You’ll also get a look at the anti-aircraft guns and the deck apparatus that helped the landing jets quickly stop on the deck.

Experience Moody Gardens

Stephen Saks/ Getty Images

Visitors crossing the causeway to Galveston will surely see the pyramids rising on the western side of the island. Those pyramids are just part of magnificent Moody Gardens. With attractions that include several aquariums, an IMAX theater, and even a rainforest, Moody Gardens is a must-see for Galveston visitors.

Visit the Texas Seaport Museum

Home to the 1877 tall ship Elissa, a National Historic Landmark, the Texas Seaport Museum tells the seaborne history of Galveston, which was known as "The Ellis Island of the West" in the 1800s. The Texas Seaport Museum has the nation’s only computerized listing of immigrants to Galveston, Texas and the museum’s immigration exhibit tells the story of immigrants who arrived in the United States via ships docking in Galveston Harbor. Unlike some tall ships of today the Elissa is not a replica, but a historic ship which still is taken out periodically to sail.

See a Lighthouse—and its View

Christine_Kohler/ Getty Images

Located in Port Isabel, one of the oldest towns in Texas, the Point Isabel Lighthouse served mariners along the Lower Texas Coast throughout the Civil War and into the 1900s. You can take in the view of South Padre Island and the beaches from the light tower. A number of couples have climbed the 75 winding stairs (including three short ladders) to exchange wedding vows at the top of the tower.

The lighthouse sits on a grassy hill where there are picnic tables and areas to hang out to enjoy the view.

See a Sea Turtle Close-Up

Sea Turtle, Inc/ Facebook 

South Padre Island's Sea Turtle, Inc. is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, particularly the endangered Kemp's Ridley. Sea Turtle, Inc. also offers educational tours, giving visitors an up-close look at these magnificent creatures.

Learn About Marine Life at Sea Center Texas

 Amit Patel / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Located in Lake Jackson, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Sea Center Texas serves as a marine hatchery, museum, and aquarium all in one and admission is free. There is a boardwalk trail over the outdoor wetlands where you can look for more marine life and birds. In the lobby, there are fiberglass replicas of state record saltwater fishes overhead. The 25 fiberglass mounts include huge fish like blue marlin, tarpon, and large sharks.

Tour the Battleship Texas

A veteran of both World Wars, the Battleship Texas is now moored at the San Jacinto Historical Site, just a short drive from Houston, where it is open for tours to the public. The USS Texas is one of the longest-serving Naval vessels in United States history and is the only surviving vessel to have served in both World War I and World War II. You can tour the Battleship Texas and get a sense of military history during the era of both world wars.

Visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast

 Diann Bayes / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Located in Port Arthur, the Museum of the Gulf Coast traces the history of the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast region from prehistoric times to the present day. At the museum, you'll find a gallery of Robert Rauschenberg's artwork. Rauschenberg was an American painter and graphic artist whose early works contributed to the initiation of the pop art movement. There is also a Music Hall of Fame honoring performers from the region including Janis Joplin.

Check out the Museums of Port Isabel

Witold Skrypczak/ Getty Images

Located just across the bay from South Padre Island in historic Port Isabel, the museums of Port Isabel celebrate the history of Port Isabel, South Padre Island, and the Lower Laguna Madre area. At the Port Isabel Historical Museum, you'll see exhibits and artifacts from the Mexican-American War through to the current day, including the iconic 1906 fish mural. After the Champion building was constructed, local fisherman and artist, Jose Morales was commissioned to paint a fish mural on the front to promote sport fishing in the area. He painted over 200 images representing the species that can be found in the Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Savor the Seafood

There are seafood eateries all along the Gulf Coast and each town has its special ones. Find out what the fishing boats are bringing in and seek out a restaurant that is featuring that type of seafood.

Some visitor favorites include The Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores, an inland waterfront mainstay serving seafood platters and Cajun specialties like shrimp. Gaido's on Galveston Island is known for its fresh shrimp and pecan pie. For fresh, made-to-order ceviche, the informal Ceviche, Ceviche , on South Padre Island is a favorite with beach-goers.

Visit the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum/ Facebook 

In Houston, a museum dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers , a group of African-Americans who served in the United States military from 1866 to 1951. The museum honors the soldiers through exhibits, events, educational programs, and art.

The nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” was given to African-American soldiers by Cheyenne warriors out of respect for their bravery in combat. In 1866, legislation was adopted to create six African-American Army units. The Buffalo Soldiers were involved in wars including the American Indian Wars through the Korean War. The museum also features African-American military heroes that were not part of the Buffalo Soldiers units.

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Texas Travel 365

10 Best Texas Gulf Coast Beaches You Must Visit

March 12, 2022 //  by  Texas Travel 365 //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the best Texas Gulf Coast Beaches but not sure where to start? You have come to the right place. The gulf of Mexico beaches in Texas are a pleasant surprise of blue water and oftentimes white sand. The Texas Gulf Coast has over 350 miles of gorgeous coastline!

The great state of Texas really does have it all! Austin is a weird little corner known for its live music venues and historical sites such as the state capitol. Houston is more innovative as its known for space exploration and the energy industry. Dallas is a cultural epicenter of the south with opera, ballet, and musicals. Water parks, amusement parks, and so much more brings people to San Antonio .

People come from all over for the beaches along the Texas coast! At the beach, you are able to lounge in the sun, go in the water, play beach volleyball, build sand castles and so much more. In addition, there is an abundance of wild life, island beach options, and so much delicious food!

The coastline stretching from South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley to Beaumont and the Louisiana border. There is plenty of room to spread out and find the beach that perfectly fits the trip you want! From family beach trips to a romantic place to watch the sunrise, these are the best gulf beaches in Texas.

While you are at it, make sure to check out the Best Restaurants In South Padre Island!

Boca Chica is located just north of the Mexico border along the Rio Grande. If you are looking for a very lowkey classic beach setting, Boca Chica is one of the best beaches along the Texas coast!

The beach is named Boca Chica in reference to the modest flow of the Rio Grande. In droughts, the mouth of the river will disappear! Locals spend many hours relaxing on the beach and fishing for delicious fish.

Throughout the 1920’s and 30’s, this area housed the successful Del Mar Resort! The resort had day use cabins for rent and a bathhouse and ballroom. Sadly, many of these structures were destroyed in the hurricane of 1933. Although they did rebuild, the buildings ended up being a Coast Guard base during World War II.

Now Boca Chica is one of the best gulf beaches in Texas! With surfing, swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging in the sun, Boca Chica is just what you need! Remember to pack in any equipment or food you might want! This beach’s minimal offerings keep the crowds away!

Padre Balli Park

Padre Balli Park is located in the Coast Guard town of Corpus Christi ! Open all year, this RV park has paved spots with water and electric hookups and a dump station! There is also an area for tent camping! Padre Balli Park is one of the best Texas ocean beaches!

Padre Balli Park has some fun amenities that you don’t find at every public beach. A beach campfire with s’mores and the waves crashing behind you is a fun experience that is available! You can also drive onto the beach (with the proper permit)! That will definitely make hauling firewood, surfboards, and an ice chest much easier!

The lighted fishing pier is the perfect place to catch your dinner! But if nothing is biting, there is also a concession area available! Showers, first aid, and most importantly, bathrooms are all available as well!

When visiting, make sure to bring some bug spray! The mosquitos can disrupt a trip. Padre Balli Park is one of the best Texas ocean beaches and a must visit if you’re in Corpus!

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is one of the greatest Texas gulf beaches if you are looking to surf, wind surf, kayak, or fish. The deeper water contributes to a more powerful current for these activities. Visitors can swim in the gulf as well or spend the day lounging on the beach!

Surfside Beach allows horseback riding during the off season. For the summer months, driving on the beach is allowed with a permit! However, all terrain vehicles such as dune buggies or 4-wheelers are never allowed. There are boat ramps available for those wanting to do some deeper sea fishing!

This beach has its fair share of wildlife — some friendly and some not! Many come to Surfside Beach for the birdwatching and to walk the Butterfly trail. During certain times of the year, many monarch butterflies are around. Snakes can hide in the dunes, so take extra caution when walking through.

The town Surfside Beach has a plethora of dining and lodging options if you wanted to take advantage of one of the best vacation spots on the Texas coast! Many of the restaurants and hotels are beachside with gorgeous views of the water to make this an idyllic retreat!

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is located on the Bolivar Peninsula just outside of Houston and is one of the best Texas coast vacations for families! The whole peninsula stretches 27 miles and Crystal Beach is at the center of it! Whether you’re there for the day, or for a vacation, Crystal Beach has it all!

Along the whole 27 miles, vehicles can drive straight onto the beach with the beach parking permit! Vehicular beach access definitely makes it easier to bring chairs, firewood, coolers, and surfboards! For some extra fun, Crystal Beach hosts fireworks on both 4th of July and New Years Eve!

Families and friends spend the day looking for seashells, shark teeth, and sea glass! You can surf, body surf, boogie board, and swim in the gulf! If you’re there for lunch, bring a bbq and make your favorite summer foods!

Crystal Beach has plenty of restaurants from steak to seafood, burgers to pizza! If you’re there for the night, the hotels will take great care of you and your loved ones. This destination has everything you need in a small area. Meet up with friends or carpool down together! Crystal Beach is one of the best Texas Gulf Coast beaches for groups!

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is one of the cleanest gulf of Mexico beaches in Texas! Known as Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach, it is one of only four in the whole state! A Blue Wave Beach is a certified clean beach that focuses on the protection of human health and the environment. As such, Rockport Beach is tested twice a week by the Environmental Proctection Agency to measure bacteria levels in the water.

Scattered around Rockport Beach are 65 individual picnic areas for you and your group to enjoy! There is no open flames allowed one the beach, but each picnic area has a BBQ grill for your use. There is also a playground for children that is available to use when the beach is open. Beach and playground hours are 6am to 11pm.

If you are looking to go fishing, there is an 800 foot pier at the North end of the beach for your use! For those that are trying to get further out in the water, sail boats, sail boards, and other wind powered craft are allowed. There is a boat ramp for your convenience! In this area, motorized craft are not permitted which allows for more classic beach sounds!

Rockport Beach is one of the cleanest beaches along the Texas coast!

Magnolia Beach

Magnolia Beach is located about halfway between Corpus Christi and Houston in the Matagorda Bay. The nice thing about a bay versus the wide open gulf is that a lot of times the waves are calmer for snorkeling and the chance of unwanted marine life is smaller! Magnolia Beach is one of the best Texas Gulf coast beaches for campers!

The hard packed sand along the mile and half beach makes it safe to drive your RV as close as 15 feet from the water! If you don’t have an RV, you can camp in your car or there are basic campsites for tent camping! With flush toilets and showers, it is a wonderful place to camp and fall asleep to the sound of the waves crashing.

Because of it’s location on the bay, the sunrises and sunsets are picturesque. Both the Colorado and Lavaca Rivers flow directly into the bay making the water in this area less salty! There is only one small store in the area, so it’s best to bring everything with you. The town of Port Lavaca is 20 minutes away if you find you’re in need of anything more substantial!

Magnolia Beach is one of the best Texas gulf coast beaches!

Malaquite Beach

Located on Padre Island near Corpus Christi is the beautiful Malaquite Beach! Although it is part of a campground, Malaquite Beach is one of the most secluded Texas Gulf Coast beaches! Perfect for families, a solo trip, or a trip with your significant other, Malaquite Beach is the perfect choice.

Unlike some of the other beaches on this list, you cannot drive on Malaquite. Although that makes some things more difficult, such as hauling all your stuff across the sand, there are plenty of benefits. Beaches that don’t allow vehicular traffic tend to be less busy and much quieter. Often an afternoon at Malaquite Beach feels like your own private beach because not many people go there!

Malaquite Beach and it’s bathrooms are known for being clean and accessible! You can also camp in the area making this a great destination. During the Kite Fest, the steady wind with no gusts makes this a popular place with the locals to fly kites. Malaquite Beach is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to Texas gulf beaches!

Port Aransas

Port Aransas beach is located in the town of Port Aransas on Mustang Island near Corpus Christi! With its location on the gulf side of the island, Port Aransas is one of the most entertaining Texas coast vacations! The entirety of the beach area is 18 miles, but it gets pretty full with vacationers looking to have a good time!

The Port Aransas Beach is located directly in front of the resorts. If you are staying in one of the resorts, a beach day is incredibly convenient! The water is warm and the beach is wide open! There is also the option to get a permit to have a 3×3 fire on the beach.

With lots of lifeguards on duty, this is a pretty safe beach for your little ones as well! There is plenty of space for swimming, boogie boarding, and body surfing! The surrounding town provides plenty more activities for you and your family! Port Aransas is one of the best Texas Gulf Coast beaches!

Sunny Beach

Many of the beaches in and around Galveston have the reputation of being less than clean and full of partiers. However, Sunny Beach is the exception to that rule! Pretty clean in comparison, and far less crowded, Sunny Beach is one of the best gulf coast beaches in Texas!

The beach being less crowded is partly due to the fact that it is several miles from the Seawall. The closer you are to the Seawall, the less waves you will experience so Sunny Beach is a bit wavier than some of the beaches in Galveston. With no amenities directly on the beach, Galveston city center is only 10 minutes away so you are close to anything you may need!

Sunny Beach is best for simpler activities versus extreme water sports. Many visitors to Sunny Beach spend their time sunbathing, swimming, looking for seashells, building sand castles, or walking along the beach. Since it is a hard packed drive on beach, you could just grab some dinner and enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your vehicle parked on the beach.

If you want to turn the trip into one of your Texas coast vacations, Galveston hotels will offer the perfect stay. From family trips to romantic getaways, one of the hotels will have you covered!

Whitecap Beach

Whitecap Beach is another beautiful beach located near Corpus Christi! If you are looking for one of the best beaches along the Texas coast, look no further than Whitecap!

This beach has a little bit of everything that you are looking for. You can drive onto the beach, making it convenient if you’re hauling a lot of things. Whitecap Beach is can get crowded on the weekend during summer, but you will have plenty of room to spread out! Most notably, the water here is a lot more clear making for a beautiful place to hunt for seashells! Or spend a couple minutes watching the sand and water move below your feet.

Whitecap Beach is one of the most clear Texas gulf coast beaches and a must see if you’re in the Corpus area!

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

The Perfect Texas Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: See the Coast of Texas in 10 Days!

Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:24 am

I grew up spending family vacations on Texas’s Gulf Coast, and there really is nothing better than a Texas Gulf Coast road trip! Here’s my recommendations for the perfect Gulf Coast itinerary that goes from Corpus Christi to Galveston.

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When you think of Texas you probably conjure up images of Stetson-toting cowboys, dry desert landscapes, and epic BBQs. The popular image of the Lone Star State doesn’t often include much in the way of water.

But Texas has an absolutely awesome coastline, 367 miles stretching all the way from the bayous of Louisiana to Matamoros in Mexico. Without a shadow of a doubt, the best way to explore this beautiful corner of Texas is by hitting the road on a Texas beach road trip!

Where to Start Your Texas Beach Road Trip?

Exploring the Gulf Coast in Texas offers magnificent beaches, stunning landscapes, and adventure at every turn. You really can’t go wrong no matter which city you choose to start from.

Coming down from Oklahoma, you might want to start in the north. In that case, you can follow this itinerary backward. I started in the south because I usually drive down to Corpus to stay with family before heading to the beach.

  If you are planning a cruise  from New Orleans, or just looking for somewhere new to explore, a Texas Coast road trip is a brilliant way to start out. You can keep going around the gulf til you hit NOLA. Of course, going from Corpus Christi to New Orleans will tack on a few extra days?

Check out this itinerary for some inspiration, and  start planning your next adventure today and check out this great Texas road trip playlist.

Texas Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s my idea of a fabulous Texas beach road trip.

Day One and Two: Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a pretty city, well worth exploring before you set off. Sitting on the edge of a wide bay, its beaches are nicely sheltered, and the Texas State Aquarium is also worth a look.

While here, visit the USS Lexington, an Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy which is now a fabulous naval museum right on the water.

5 More Things to Do in Corpus Christi

Besides the aquarium and the Lexington, don’t miss:

• Selena Museum
• South Texas Botanical Gardens
• North Beach
• The Art Museum of South Texas
• Hurricane Alley Water Park

Where to Stay in Corpus Christi

Here are recommendations for each budget category and an Airbnb option. These options are near North Beach which is conveniently located near most of the best things to do in Corpus.

Budget: Motel 6 Corpus Christi

Mid-Range: Hotel DeVille

Luxury: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Airbnb: Surfer’s Dream Private Beachfront Condo

Day Three and Four: Port Aransas (Mustang Island)

From Corpus Christi, head south to Mustang and Padre Islands, where you can see huge flocks of migratory birds, and if you are lucky, endangered kemp’s ridley sea turtles!

I like to keep my time in Port Aransas loose, bouncing between the islands based on weather and what I want to do that day. My primary goal out here is to just relax, but if you’re more into fishing than sunbathing, check out my cousin Stanley Orchard’s YouTube channel about fishing in the area.

Where to Stay in Port Aransas

Budget: Alister Square Inn

Mid-Range: The Place at Port Aransas

Luxury: Plantation Suites

Airbnb: Beautiful Beachfront Condo

Day Five: Surfside Beach

After exploring Mustang State Park and the gorgeous beaches of South Padre, head north through Port Aransas, Fulton, and Rockport to Surfside, keeping an eye out for Aransas National Wildlife Reserve on your way.

In Surfside Beach, you can bask in nature at the nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge or soak up the beach atmosphere in town.

Where to Stay in Surfside

Budget: Anchor Motel

Mid-Range: Beach House with Sunset Views

Luxury: Ocean Village Hotel

Airbnb: 3BR with Ocean and Bay Views

Day Six through Eight: Galveston

After a night in Surfside, head back up the coast and meander your way along the gorgeous Matagorda Bay coast. Find your way down to Matagorda itself, and spend a while exploring the splendid isolation of Matagorda Island and Matagorda Bay Nature Park.

Moving on, you’ll have to head inland until you reach Angleton when you can dive back down to the Gulf and drive along Galveston Island until you reach Galveston itself.

Check out the Historic Pleasure Pier on the south shore, and the bizarre glass pyramids of Moody Gardens, home to all manner of exotic creatures including sharks, monkeys, and animatronic dinosaurs!

This itinerary sets aside time to really enjoy this coastal gem, so slather on that sunscreen and hit the beach!

5 More Things to Do in Galveston

Besides the pier and the beach, don’t miss:

• 1892 Bishop’s Palace
• Strand Historic District
• Moody Gardens
• Galveston Historic Seaport
• Moody Mansion

Where to Stay in Galveston

Budget: Beachtree Motel

Mid-Range: Knights Inn Galveston

Luxury: Four Seasons on the Gulf

Airbnb: Galveston Beach Front Condo

Day Nine and Ten: Houston

Galveston to Houston is a breezy fifty mile-drive, and won’t take you more than an hour. This is a great way to end your trip, as Houston is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the US.

It’s also a great way to spend the last few days of your trip if you’ll be flying out of Texas since Houston has a large airport.

While you can make the trip in under an hour, a more scenic route is to jump on a ferry from Galveston to Port Bolivar, and drive up the Bolivar Peninsula until you reach the Anahuac National Wildlife Reserve.

Grab a lunch of freshly-caught fish at Crystal Beach, then take a big loop around Trinity Bay before heading into Houston along the I-10. You’ll get a taste of the bayous spilling over from Louisiana, before enjoying the cultural delights of Texas’s biggest city, and your final destination! 

During your last few days in Texas, soak up Houston’s history at the Space Center Houston and learn all about Houston’s role in America’s space exploration.

A Texas coastal road trip is a brilliant adventure and offers an alternative perspective on the Lone Star State. An underrated gem, the Texas Gulf Coast has loads to offer, and this adventure is the best way to experience it!

5 More Things to Do in Houston

Besides Space Center Houston, don’t miss:

• The Museum of Fine Art
• Kemah Boardwalk
• Battleship Texas State Historic Site
• Market Square Park
• Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

Where to Stay in Houston

Budget: DoubleTree by Hilton

Mid-Range: Aloft Houston Downtown

Luxury: The St. Regis Houston

Airbnb: Pool House Pied-A-Terre Suite

Pin this 10 Day Texas Coastal Itinerary for Your Travels!

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7 Gorgeous Gulf Coast Beaches From Texas to Florida

Here are the best beaches on the Gulf of Mexico for your next relaxing getaway.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

There are five states lucky enough to have a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, often referred to as the Gulf Coast. These states — Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida — attract millions of travelers each summer with promises of emerald waters and white-sand beaches . The problem? With hundreds of miles of picture-perfect shoreline, how does one choose exactly where to go to soak up some sun?

The Gulf Coast has something for every beachgoer. Siesta Key has one of the best beaches in Florida and St. Pete Beach has some of the clearest water, while Bay St. Louis in Mississippi is known for its fresh seafood and charming downtown shops.

Below are seven of the best Gulf Coast beaches where you can park your blanket on soft sugar sand by blue-green waters for some much-needed R&R.

Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida

Welcome to Florida’s Panhandle — the long, narrow strip of land bordered by Alabama, Georgia, and the Gulf of Mexico. In Destin you’ll find prime golfing, a bustling spring break and summer culture, and Henderson Beach State Park . Here, nature trails wind through the 30-foot-tall white dunes and the coastal scrub habitat, where wildlife finds refuge under the pine and oak canopies. Because of its location near the edge of the Continental Shelf, Destin has been dubbed "the world's luckiest fishing village,” where you can cast a line for the blackfin tuna, grouper, amberjack, and king mackerel that gather in the area.

The emerald green waters are calm and shallow making them perfect for snorkeling, kiteboarding, and paddle boarding (keep an eye out for the dolphin pods that take advantage of the fish found just offshore). When you’re not relaxing on the snow-white, soft sands, you’ll find entertainment, rides, and treats like funnel cakes, shaved ice, and “pier-to-plate” seafood at HarborWalk Village . You can also stop by Florida’s largest candymaker for fresh salt water taffy and pralines for shoreline snacking.  

Bay St. Louis Beach, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

ArtistheJourney/Getty Images

Biloxi gets all the press, but if you have your heart set on a clean, pristine stretch of sand and clear waters, head to the quiet seaside city of Bay St. Louis . The clean, dog-friendly beach here has that white sand the Gulf Coast is famous for so you'll want to camp out for the entire afternoon. Paddle the Grassy Point Blueway in a kayak to really appreciate the gorgeous namesake bay.  

When you’ve caught too much sun, make your way through the shops and restaurants in Old Town Bay St. Louis , right off Beach Boulevard. Grab a cone of lavender-honey ice cream from Creole Creamery , a plate of fresh seafood at the Thorny Oyster , or a frozen concoction at the Daiquiri Shak before you head back to the beach. 

Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, Texas

This protected stretch of the world's longest barrier island has 66 miles of undeveloped coastline and one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States . Padre Island National Seashore also borders the Laguna Madre, one of the few hypersaline lagoons in the world. Windsurf the lagoon, lounge on pristine beaches , swim in the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or discover the area's unique environment, home to tidal mud flats, more than 380 different species of birds, and sea turtles whose hatchlings are released around June and August. 

Siesta Key Beaches, Siesta Key, Florida

Jack Elka Photo/Getty Images

The 99-percent pure quartz sand on Siesta Key is always cool to the touch — an important aspect when it comes to vacationing in the Sunshine State, where summer temps average around 90 degrees. You can cool off in the blue-green, shallow waters of this barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Sarasota, Florida or join the drum circle that forms on the beach every Sunday at sunset . Beyond its Edenic shoreline, Siesta Key is known for its fun atmosphere and activities. Go sailing, fishing, or sightseeing out on the water, or hit the oyster bar or Daiquiri Deck at Siesta Key Village. Other than that, all you have to worry about — as the name suggests — is relaxing the day away on your quintessential Florida vacation .    

Orange Beach, Orange Beach, Alabama

This subtropical getaway has that quintessential Gulf Coast look: A long strip of white quartz sand and aquamarine waters. Popular with spring breakers and families alike, Orange Beach has plenty to do and see from the shore and beyond. The water sports hub is perfect for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing. You can also swim and dive beneath its glassy waters. Spot playful dolphins during a sunset cruise , or paddle along the Back Bay Blueway to see the sugary sand and cypress swamps the Alabama Gulf Coast is known for. When you want to stretch your legs, hop on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail , a 15-mile route that passes through several ecosystems, including those that house otters and alligators.  

Shell Island, Panama City Beach, Florida

Many of Florida ’s beach towns are quaint little seaside respites. Not Panama City Beach , though. Located in the Panhandle, this is the closest you’ll get to Miami’s party beaches so far north. But, if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, it's hard to top a day on nearby Shell Island , which is only accessible by boat and feels like your own private island. The seven miles of wild coast is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay and is a mostly undeveloped oasis perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Keep an eye out for the island’s namesake shells as well as the ample wildlife — like deer, ghost crabs, and sea turtles — that call it home. 

To get here, take the Shell Island Shuttle or the Shell Island Ferry , or rent your own private boat to take over. Don't forget to pack plenty of water and snacks, since the island is void of shops and services.   

St. Pete Beach, St. Pete Beach, Florida

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

St. Pete Beach is famous for frequent sunshine, clear Gulf waters, and its 1928, Moorish-Mediterranean “ Pink Palace ” by the sea. It’s a chill resort city on a barrier island off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida, and is popular with families and couples looking for a friendly, quiet getaway. Walking along the sugar sand shore, swimming, spotting manatees, and celebrating the sunset in front of the Paradise Grille are all popular beach activities here. When you get parched, head to Jimmy B’s Beach Bar behind the Beachcomber Hotel or the wildly entertaining RumFish Grill , where you can dine on fresh seafood surrounded by three giant, colorful aquariums full of snook, tarpons, and stingrays (you can even snorkel in the tanks if you want a more hands-on experience!).  

• 8 Most Idyllic Small Towns on the Gulf Coast

From manatees and leisurely swimming in iridescent waters to colorful masks during Mardi Gras, the Gulf Coast is many things to many people. Stretching from western Florida to where Texas meets Mexico, the Gulf Coast is home to amazing fishing, golfing, and food. Beyond the beloved cities of New Orleans , Tampa , and Galveston lie smaller towns, just as vibrant but where every face seems to be familiar. Modern-day adventurers and vacationers alike can enjoy these small towns, with activities from exploring Cajun culture to fishing in the gulf.

Perdido Key, Florida

Perdido Key, Florida, is an island center point for fantastic trips for singles, families, and all sorts of people with a traveling or vacationing bug. Perdido Key's population was just under 30,000 people during the 2020 census, making it both big enough for a community feel as well as small enough to feel like one is a little more "off the beaten path." Perdido Key boasts access to larger locales, a little over an hour from Mobile and less than 30 minutes from Pensacola, as well as the relaxed, amazing simplicity of its gorgeous sandy beaches.

For outdoorsy travelers, Big Lagoon State Park is only a short drive from Perdido Key, with activities ranging from hiking and paddling its marshes and forests. The park even started partnering with other organizations in 2011 for stargazing and educational events on select weekends.

Crystal River, Florida

For travelers looking for a serene beach experience, just over an hour's drive from Tampa, Florida, will get you there. Crystal River is home to less than 3,500 people, but stands out as being a great location for golfing and fishing.

Being outdoors is what draws people to Crystal River. Places like Salty Siren have tours for scalloping, scenic cruises, and sightseeing manatees in the azure waters of the Florida coast. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic location to take pictures, paddle, or go on tours.

For armchair historians, the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, a 61-acre Native American ceremonial site with burial mounds, temple mounds, and a plaza, is a great location to explore 365 days out of the year.

After visiting the gorgeous natural and cultural locales in Crystal River, consider filling up on seafood, as the region is brimming with restaurants using freshly caught seafood. Despite the ironic naming choice, the nearby Freezer Tiki Bar is a fresh-caught-only location and a favorite among the locals. In this restaurant, though, a prepared traveler is a well-fed traveler, as the restaurant only accepts cash.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

About an hour from Mobile, Gulf Shores has a population of just about 16,000 people. It has a nice, relatively isolated beach with iconic white sand and warm temperatures.

Outdoor enthusiasts may appreciate the beauty of the Gulf State Park with biking, swimming, butterfly gardens, and more. There are even cabins and cottages in the park for those hoping to stay overnight with a view of Shelby Lakes in the park.

Historians should check out the local Gulf Shores Museum, with exhibits ranging from the art of the earliest fishing families to items in the locally uncovered time capsule. After visiting the museum, consider strolling through the butterfly garden and taking pictures of the stunning biodiversity.

After spending the morning visiting the beach or adventuring into the parks and museums, consider getting lunch at Amelia's Deli, the spot to find locals while eating food that has had 30 years to perfect. The menu consists of light meals from soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, a slightly different cuisine from the otherwise seafood focused town.

Marathon, Florida

Marathon is located on the Florida Keys, and it fits the stereotype of gorgeous waters and beautiful beaches. Marathon is about an hour from Key West and two and a half hours from Miami , making it both accessible while staying relatively quiet.

Marathon has gorgeous beaches, with a great place to relax being Sunset Park with pristine waters. Relaxing might continue with fish pedicures at Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Trails before birdwatching, kayaking, or snorkeling at the site. Visitors might also enjoy wandering the museum to see an old dugout canoe and pieces from pirate ships.

Continuing with the nature-focused theme is the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters with activities ranging from snorkeling to seeing a man-made nursery for the local species and interacting with baby fish, sharks, and more.

Lastly, visitors might enjoy the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Enjoy walking or riding bikes along the bridge, and visit for a picturesque sunset photo.

Port Isabel, Texas

Close to South Padre Island, Port Isabel is an intersection for the beautiful beach locations and history, as well as a place for the outdoorsman. Golf courses, fishing charters, boat tours, and sailing schools are along much of the coast, making the space accessible for lovers of the outdoors. Among the adventure-filled experiences is the Sea Turtle Hatchery on South Padre Island.

Port Isabel is a bit out of the way compared to other locations. Sitting near the border of Mexico, it is a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Corpus Christi and a four-hour drive to San Antonio. The Padre Island National Seashore is a fantastic beach escape for the whole family to enjoy among a social media worthy backdrop.

Port Isabel is also unique in that, the Port Isabel lighthouse is still lit nightly by the fresnel lens to create a soft glow in the evenings, making for potentially gorgeous pictures. The Port Isabel lighthouse is also accessible for tours during the day. Visitors can go onto the catwalk on nice days but are asked to not touch the lens, so that it is not damaged and can continue its nightly brilliance on the landscape.

Port Isabel has a local history museum with exhibits including a history of the Laguna Madre area and the oldest shipwreck found in the United States. The museum also provides fun for the whole family with the Port Isabel Lighthouse Keeper's Summer Camp to learn about shipwrecks, rescues, and a treasure hunt.

Houma-Bayou Cane, Louisiana

If the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast do not resonate with idyllic towns, the bayou of Louisiana can potentially help with that perspective. Houma and Bayou Cane are two small towns right next to each other in the Louisiana bayou.

Houma and Bayou Cane are about one hour from New Orleans , making it a fantastic location for a day trip to get out of the city and explore Cajun culture outside of NOLA. Houma and Bayou Cane have several older plantations, with Southdown Plantation and Museum giving tours of the grounds, plantation house, workers' cabin, and the former slave quarters. Not far from here, Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum focuses on the local wildlife and its impacts on local culture and industry.

A deeper look at Cajun history, or African American history in the area, calls for a visit to Finding Our Roots African American Museum, in a RV that drives between the two towns. Visitors can also call the number available on their website to learn when the RV will be at different locations.

Houma is also where the Regional Military Museum is located, preserving southern Louisiana's military history. The museum currently contains exhibits on WWI to the present but has been working to create exhibits for the American Revolution, War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Ocean Springs is one of the most beautiful small towns on the Gulf Coast for its artsy scene, with ever-changing exhibits in locations like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. This museum has great opportunities for adults or families with various painting workshops from still life to landscape and a summer camp in art for adults. Ocean Springs is also known for its sandy beach parks, variety of museums, and access to Biloxi . Gulfport is also about 16 miles away, so you can visit all three locations on the same trip.

Check out the Ocean Springs Museum locally or venture to Biloxi for more history museum options, like the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. Beyond history museums, Ocean Springs is almost fully surrounded by national wildlife refuges and nature preserves, allowing enthusiasts and outdoorsmen of all skill levels and interests to enjoy the region. For a day at the beach, visit Milo's Point, and a trip in nature can be found at the Davis Bayou Area Gulf Islands National Seashore. Overall, Ocean Springs is a great location for families, couples, and singles to enjoy the local art, take in the local nature, or relax on the beach.

Apalachicola, Florida

Last but certainly not least is Apalachicola, Florida, resting in the Florida panhandle. Apalachicola has gorgeous beaches as well as charter fishing in the region. Camera-worthy shots can be found in Historic Apalachicola or the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, the second largest Estuarine Research Reserve in the United States, with a local nature center also available to learn more.

Another location for beautiful lighthouses that illuminate at night is the Cape St. George Lighthouse Museum. The museum includes sunset and full moon climbs to the top of the lighthouse, so planning for the perfect opportunity can mean great night views of the local area.

Explore the Gulf's Idyllic Towns

Whether you put on your sandals to swim in the sapphire waves or find the best Cajun food in town, there is always something to do in these idyllic towns. Either flying in from New York or taking a weekend trip from Tallahassee means the opportunity to see beautiful sunsets, encounter amazing creatures, and visit the museums as an art connoisseur.

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The best beach town on the Gulf Coast is not in Florida, data shows. Find out the top 50.

Posted: March 24, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

Best beach towns on the Gulf Coast

Summer vacation is mostly over across the U.S., with kids already headed back to school. So now is the perfect time to start planning next year's beach vacation.

Travelers were busy this summer. On Memorial Day weekend, largely considered the unofficial start of summer, the Transportation Security Administration screened 9.8 million people , surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Trips abroad spiked in popularity as people made up for time lost during pandemic-era travel restrictions.

However, as inflation made travel more expensive, budget-conscious travelers cut costs by driving to their destinations and staying stateside. During the July 4th holiday, AAA projected 43.2 million people would travel by car, a new record.

Beach destinations are popular this year, according to a survey from vacation-rental platform Vacasa , and outdoor recreation remains a top priority. Not only are beaches a great place to unwind and create family bonding moments, but they also boost people's mental health .

So what makes a good beach town? Access to a beach, of course, but also plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained, warm weather, and a long beach season (the average number of days beaches are open for swimming).

Stacker determined rankings by several factors, giving the most weight to the number of beaches within a quarter mile of a city or town and the total shoreline of those beaches. Weather patterns and the duration of each beach's swim season affect town scores. The ranking also takes into account the prevalence of beach-related businesses, unemployment rates, and median home prices.

The EPA lists more than 200 beaches on the Gulf Coast, totaling more than 400 miles of beach shoreline.

A previous version of this article contained multiple errors in data analysis that skewed the overall ranking of beach towns, including incorrectly identifying the number of beaches in some towns and mischaracterizing some municipalities as beach towns. The article has been updated to correct the errors.

#50. Alvin, Texas

- Number of beaches: 1 - Beach length: 1.27 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $189,900

#49. Pascagoula, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 0.52 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.1 degrees - Median home price: $124,900

#48. Henderson Point, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 1 - Beach length: 1.09 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.3 degrees - Median home price: $168,700

#47. Seadrift, Texas

- Number of beaches: 1 - Beach length: 0.62 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.9 degrees - Median home price: $106,800

#46. Ocean Springs, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 2.31 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.1 degrees - Median home price: $189,800

#45. Port O'Connor, Texas

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 0.72 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.9 degrees - Median home price: $236,500

#44. Fairhope, Alabama

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 1.26 miles - Average swim season length: 152 days - Average county summer temperature: 81.7 degrees - Median home price: $370,100

#43. Magnolia Beach, Texas

- Number of beaches: 1 - Beach length: 1.37 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.9 degrees - Median home price: $266,200

#42. Rockport, Texas

- Number of beaches: 1 - Beach length: 0.85 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.7 degrees - Median home price: $289,300

#41. Point Comfort, Texas

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 0.41 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.9 degrees - Median home price: $96,300

#40. La Porte, Texas

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 1.04 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 86.0 degrees - Median home price: $173,900

#39. Dauphin Island, Alabama

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 5.75 miles - Average swim season length: 152 days - Average county summer temperature: 81.9 degrees - Median home price: $287,100

#38. Baytown, Texas

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 1.06 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 84.5 degrees - Median home price: $155,100

#37. Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 4.54 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.5 degrees - Median home price: $205,200

#36. Port Mansfield, Texas

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 1.27 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 86.0 degrees - Median home price: $86,900

#35. Gulf Shores, Alabama

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 8.2 miles - Average swim season length: 152 days - Average county summer temperature: 81.7 degrees - Median home price: $261,200

#34. Waveland, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 4.76 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.5 degrees - Median home price: $175,600

#33. Grand Isle, Louisiana

- Number of beaches: 9 - Beach length: 9.53 miles - Average swim season length: 81 days - Average county summer temperature: 83.6 degrees - Median home price: $241,400

#32. Pasadena, Texas

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 1.06 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 86.0 degrees - Median home price: $160,200

#31. Orange Beach, Alabama

- Number of beaches: 7 - Beach length: 8.58 miles - Average swim season length: 152 days - Average county summer temperature: 81.7 degrees - Median home price: $344,900

#30. Marco Island, Florida

- Number of beaches: 6 - Beach length: 11.11 miles - Average swim season length: 182 days - Average county summer temperature: 83.0 degrees - Median home price: $676,000

#29. Manasota Key, Florida

- Number of beaches: 5 - Beach length: 7.24 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.5 degrees - Median home price: $746,200

#28. Pass Christian, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 6.75 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.3 degrees - Median home price: $192,500

#27. Fort Walton Beach, Florida

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 6.65 miles - Average swim season length: 244 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.2 degrees - Median home price: $236,500

#26. Sargent, Texas

- Number of beaches: 1 - Beach length: 9.59 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.2 degrees - Median home price: $215,700

#25. Venice, Florida

- Number of beaches: 7 - Beach length: 6.48 miles - Average swim season length: 312 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.4 degrees - Median home price: $307,600

#24. Laurel, Florida

- Number of beaches: 5 - Beach length: 7.37 miles - Average swim season length: 218 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.4 degrees - Median home price: $389,600

#23. Tampa, Florida

- Number of beaches: 7 - Beach length: 8.14 miles - Average swim season length: 208 days - Average county summer temperature: 83.8 degrees - Median home price: $292,900

#22. Sarasota, Florida

- Number of beaches: 8 - Beach length: 10.8 miles - Average swim season length: 182 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.4 degrees - Median home price: $272,200

#21. Miramar Beach, Florida

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 10.15 miles - Average swim season length: 244 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.0 degrees - Median home price: $436,600

#20. Quintana, Texas

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 8.85 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $250,300

#19. Biloxi, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 4 - Beach length: 5.59 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.3 degrees - Median home price: $180,800

#18. Portland, Texas

- Number of beaches: 5 - Beach length: 4.35 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.5 degrees - Median home price: $190,600

#17. Long Beach, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 9.13 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.3 degrees - Median home price: $163,800

#16. Lower Grand Lagoon, Florida

- Number of beaches: 2 - Beach length: 11.62 miles - Average swim season length: 244 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.3 degrees - Median home price: $272,600

#15. Lamar, Texas

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 0.96 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.7 degrees - Median home price: $173,500

#14. St. George Island, Florida

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 19.16 miles - Average swim season length: 244 days - Average county summer temperature: 81.6 degrees - Median home price: $541,200

#13. Port Aransas, Texas

- Number of beaches: 6 - Beach length: 12.17 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 86.1 degrees - Median home price: $448,300

#12. Clearwater, Florida

- Number of beaches: 6 - Beach length: 6.83 miles - Average swim season length: 182 days - Average county summer temperature: 84.7 degrees - Median home price: $248,100

#11. South Padre Island, Texas

- Number of beaches: 8 - Beach length: 9.75 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 86.3 degrees - Median home price: $364,300

#10. Surfside Beach, Texas

- Number of beaches: 3 - Beach length: 15.33 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $198,300

#9. Palacios, Texas

- Number of beaches: 6 - Beach length: 2.37 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.2 degrees - Median home price: $161,800

#8. Gulfport, Mississippi

- Number of beaches: 6 - Beach length: 8.76 miles - Average swim season length: 213 days - Average county summer temperature: 82.3 degrees - Median home price: $140,700

#7. Freeport, Texas

- Number of beaches: 4 - Beach length: 15.75 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $143,600

#6. Texas City, Texas

- Number of beaches: 4 - Beach length: 8.85 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $159,900

#5. Aransas Pass, Texas

- Number of beaches: 5 - Beach length: 5.5 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 86.1 degrees - Median home price: $160,900

#4. Jamaica Beach, Texas

- Number of beaches: 4 - Beach length: 20.85 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $280,400

#3. Bolivar Peninsula, Texas

- Number of beaches: 17 - Beach length: 27.21 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $244,300

#2. Galveston, Texas

- Number of beaches: 17 - Beach length: 49.18 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 85.4 degrees - Median home price: $250,800

#1. Corpus Christi, Texas

- Number of beaches: 40 - Beach length: 53.83 miles - Average swim season length: 364 days - Average county summer temperature: 86.6 degrees - Median home price: $174,800

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