Top 8 Best Beach Towns in Texas (2023)

If you’re looking for a perfect beachside getaway in Texas, you’re in luck! The Lone Star state is home to numerous beautiful coastal towns that offer stunning beaches and charming communities. Whether planning a romantic retreat or a family vacation, this list of Texas’s top eight beach towns will help you find the perfect destination for your waterfront escape. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf in these notable Texas beach towns.

8 Best Beach Towns in Texas

1. Galveston

Galveston, located on Galveston Island in the Gulf of Mexico, is undoubtedly Texas’s most impressive beach town. It is a favourite tourist destination for its fascinating history, antique architecture, and unspoiled beaches. As a former major port city in the 19th century, Galveston boasts an abundance of Victorian-era buildings that have been remarkably preserved and restored. Stewart Beach stands out as the most popular tourist spot among the various beaches in Galveston, offering multiple amenities such as food vendors and a boardwalk. East Beach and West Beach are worth visiting for their live music events and fishing holes, respectively. These features make Galveston the top beach town in Texas and a must-visit destination for any beach lover.

2. Padre Island

Padre Island, the most extended barrier island on the southern coast of Texas, is widely regarded as the state’s second-best beach townisland’sland’s South Beach is the most sought-after waterfront area, boasting miles of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant opportunities for various waterspIt’s. It’s not just about the beach scene, though. Padre Island has a thriving nightlife with cocktail bars, clubs, and late-night partying hotspots catering to residents and tourists. For those seeking a more serene experience, Padre Island National Seashore is a must-visit. This protected area is home to diverse local wildlife and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. With something for everyone, Padre Island is an excellent choice for beachside living in Texas.

3. Rockport

Rockport is a delightful coastal town that has something for everyone. Nestled in the Gulf Coast region of the state, Rockport boasts endless opportunities for recreation, a mild climate, and a plethora of stunning local beaches. The city’s star attraction is undoubtedly Rockport Beach, a highly sought-after destination for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and more. Downtown, visitors can immerse themselves in the charming variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Among the favourite spots in this area is the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, a beautifully restored Victorian-style home from the 1870s. Additionally, visitors can explore several art galleries, join local festivals, and revel in the laid-back atmosphere ideal for a relaxing beachfront getaway.

4. Port Aransas

Port Aransas is a charming beach town located on Mustang Island, considered one of Texas’s best beach towns. This city is widely known as the “Fishing Capi” al of Texas” due to its abundant fishing opportunities unmatched by any other place in the state. If you are an angler, Port Aransas is the perfect destination. The city offers numerous offshore excursions within its many bays and channels to cater to all your fishing needs. Additionally, the town hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the summer, making it an ideal location for those who love a little competition. Apart from fishing, Port Aransas offers plenty of other activities, such as birdwatching, hiking, and live music. With such a wide range of entertainment options, it’s no surprise that Port Aransas is a favourite among tourists and locals alike for beachside entertainment in Texas.

5. Bolivar Peninsula

Texas’ed on the’ southeastern coast, the Bolivar Peninsula is a beloved destination for those who appreciate classic beachfront living. This narrow strip of land boasts breathtaking views of both Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, allowing visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty. With an easy-going atmosphere, the peninsula is home to immaculate beaches, wetlands, and birding regions, as well as several popular attractions, including the Historic Bolivar Lighthouse, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, and the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry. Despite its many charms, the peninsula remains a hidden gem, with only 3,000 residents calliDon’t home. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this exclusive destination.

6. Freeport

Freeport is a beloved beach destination in Texas that boasts diverse sandy beaches. Freeport is located on the state’s Gulf Coast and is famous for its numerous tourist beaches, including Surfside Beach, Bryan Beach, Brazoria County Beach, and Quintana Beach County Park. These beaches offer many waterfront activities such as kayaking, surf fishing, swimming, and sunbathing, making them a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Additionally, the area has several restaurants, bars, piers, and marinas. Birdwatching is a popular pastime in Freeport, thanks to the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, a top birding destination. It is no surprise that Freeport is considered one of the must-visit beach towns in Texas.

7. Port Arthur

Port Arthur is one of the finest beach towns in Texas and one of the most affordable. This charming city, located along the Gulf of Mexico, is home to around 56,000 people. It boasts several parks and recreational spaces, historical sites, and the largest deepwater port in the Gulf. The Sea Rim State Park, Museum of the Gulf Coast, and Gulf Coast Music and Crab Festival are popular local attractions adding to the city’s coastal charm. With an average real estate cost of just $90k, Port Arthur is one of the most cost-effective beach towns to live in the US.

8. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a charming coastal town just a few miles from its Mexican border. It’s a perfect place that blends the best urban living and small beach-town vibes. Boasting a population of approximately 8,000 residents, it’s the eighth-largest city in Texas. The area is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and pristine beachfront, making it one of the most sought-after parts of the Texas shoreline. Corpus Christi is also a bustling hub for the arts, offering an impressive selection of museums, art galleries, performing arts centres, and local festivals. With its unique blend of uptown amenities and small-town charm, Corpus Christi is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Texas that shouldn’t be missed.