How many of these towns will you visit this summer?
Texas has a coastline full of beach towns that hit different. You’ve got wide-open beaches, plenty of nature, and maybe even a little history if that’s your thing.
Unspoiled beaches means no sweaty crowds, just space to breathe and explore. Throw in fresh seafood, and you’ve got yourself a solid beach getaway.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island does its own thing, and it does it well. Start your morning with a stroll along the bayside flats—calm, quiet, just waves and birds for company.
The island’s earned some bragging rights: Sand Castle Capital of the World, anyone? The outdoor sandcastle exhibition is unreal. Add steady winds for kiteboarding, fireworks every Friday night in the summer, and, yeah, you’ll wonder why you don’t come here more often.
Galveston
Galveston’s got layers. The Strand is all about history, with those old buildings and brick streets giving off serious 19th-century vibes. Then there’s the seawall. It stretches forever, perfect for walking, biking, or just zoning out to the Gulf. Moody Gardens keeps it quirky with pyramids full of rainforest and aquarium action.
Want quieter? Hit Galveston Island State Park or East End Lagoon for trails, marshes, and wide-open skies.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas feels chill in the best way. It’s the only town on Mustang Island, and it wears that title well. The beaches stretch out wide, the fishing tournaments are nonstop, and Robert’s Point Park? That’s where you’ll spot dolphins playing like they own the place.
Fun fact: this spot used to be called Wild Horse Island before it settled on Port Aransas in 1910. The birding trail here? Top-notch.
North Padre Island
North Padre Island is for folks who don’t need a crowd to have a good time. The Padre Island National Seashore runs wild here—longest undeveloped barrier island in the world.
Big Shell Beach is, well, exactly what it sounds like. And if you’ve never seen a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchling scuttle to the water, it’s worth timing a trip. This place feels like it’s been left just for you.
Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is the underdog of Galveston Island, and that’s its charm. You’ve got bay and Gulf access for fishing or boating, a marina with a boat ramp, and even a swimming pool if the ocean’s not your thing.
Birders love it here—it’s on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. And every year, locals gather for “Dunes Day” to protect those sand dunes. It’s small, simple, and just works.
Rockport
Rockport doesn’t try too hard, and it doesn’t have to. It is Texas’s first Blue Wave Beach—clean, calm, and perfect for easy afternoons. The town’s been around since 1870, starting as a fishing and boat-building hub.
These days, it’s got a reputation as one of the best retirement spots in the country. Relaxed vibe? Check. A little history? Check. Add some whooping cranes and you’re set.
Port Isabel
Port Isabel brings you back to basics. The lighthouse is the star here. Climb to the top for the kind of views that remind you why the Gulf is special. The water’s clear enough to spot stingrays or fish right from the shore.
And in December, the harbor lights up for the Lighted Boat Parade. Think boats covered in holiday lights cruising by. It’s pure small-town Texas magic.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach keeps things low-key. The jetty stretches into the Gulf, perfect for fishing or just hanging out. There’s a playground and picnic spots nearby, too.
Events like the Treasures by the Sea Craft Show add some fun. Stahlman Park has killer Gulf views if you want something a little quieter.
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach feels like the edge of nowhere, in the best way. No pavement, just miles of sand and dunes. It’s part of the world’s longest undeveloped barrier island. You’ll see migratory birds year-round and maybe sea turtles in spring.
People fish, snorkel, or kiteboard here. And if SpaceX sends up a rocket, you’ll get front-row seats.
The post Here are 9 Texas Beach Towns You Should Visit This Summer appeared first on When In Your State.
