Texas Gulf Coast Beaches | Enjoy Gulf Coast

From the spring-break sands of South Padre Island to the quiet drive-on beaches of the upper coast, Texas offers more beach variety than most visitors expect. These are our verified beach guides.

By region

Lower Coast

• South Padre Island — The resort island. Wide beaches, calm surf, full amenities.
• Port Isabel — Gateway town with bay views and the historic lighthouse.

Coastal Bend

• Port Aransas — 18 miles of Mustang Island beach. The Fishing Capital's front yard.
• Rockport Beach — Blue Wave beach, calm bay water, family favorite.

Mid Coast

• Matagorda — Wild, drive-on beach at the Colorado River mouth.
• Sargent — Quiet fishing-camp beach community.

Upper Coast

• Galveston — The historic island. Seawall, Strand, 32 miles of beach.
• Surfside Beach — Small-town beach, jetty fishing.
• Bolivar Peninsula — Crystal Beach and beyond. Drive-on, laid back.

Good to know

Texas beaches are public up to the vegetation line. Drive-on beaches require a county beach parking permit in most counties. Always check current conditions before you go.

Each beach guide shows its research date. Rockport-Fulton has our deepest verified coverage.