Malaquite Beach is the centerpiece of Padre Island National Seashore, offering a vehicle-free stretch of pristine shoreline managed by the National Park Service. The beach features a visitor center with educational exhibits about the barrier island ecosystem. The gentle slope into the Gulf makes it ideal for swimming, while the absence of vehicles creates a […]
IB Magee Beach Park is a popular county-operated beach and campground at the northeast end of Mustang Island near Port Aransas. The beach offers 75 RV sites with electrical and water hookups right on the beachfront, creating one of Texas’ best beach camping experiences. The adjacent Horace Caldwell Pier provides excellent fishing opportunities and creates […]
Bryan Beach is a secluded 3-mile stretch of natural beach near Freeport, offering a more wild and undeveloped experience than many Gulf beaches. The beach permits free camping and vehicle access without permits, attracting those seeking an affordable seaside experience. Limited development means minimal facilities, creating a rustic atmosphere. The beach sits where the Brazos […]
Quintana Beach County Park combines beach access with historical significance, featuring a restored historic Coast Guard station and commanders’ quarters from 1917. The 51-acre park offers beach camping with 56 RV sites and cabin rentals directly adjacent to the Gulf. Unique among Texas beaches, the park features a paved half-mile beach promenade, making it more […]
Galveston Island State Park offers 2,000 acres of protected coastal environment with both beach and bay sides accessible to visitors. Following a major renovation completed in 2022, the park features new facilities including a beach information station, expanded hiking trails, and improved beach access points. The park preserves natural dune systems and coastal prairie, providing […]
Mustang Island State Park encompasses 3,954 acres with 5 miles of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The park offers primitive beach camping as well as developed campsites with water and electricity. A highlight is the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, featuring a 20-mile route through the shallow waters of Corpus Christi Bay […]
Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers 1,600 acres of coastal habitat and several miles of pristine beach where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico. The unique location provides both river and Gulf access, creating diverse fishing opportunities and ecosystems. The park features 2-story screened shelters for overnight stays, RV sites, and tent camping areas. […]
Crystal Beach stretches along the Bolivar Peninsula, offering 7 miles of open beach with few restrictions. The beach permits driving and camping directly on the sand, creating a popular destination for weekend getaways. The area is famous for its exceptional crabbing and fishing opportunities, with blue crabs abundant in the warm Gulf waters. The beach […]
Accessible only by boat or ferry, Cayo Costa State Park encompasses an unspoiled barrier island with nine miles of pristine beaches and 2,500 acres of wilderness. The park is renowned for exceptional shelling with numerous rare specimens found along its shores. Primitive cabins and tent camping sites offer an authentic island wilderness experience. The interior […]
St. George Island State Park encompasses nine miles of undeveloped shoreline on the eastern end of this barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. The park features pristine beaches with sugar-white sand, emerald waters, and majestic dunes. The area is excellent for birding with migrating species visible throughout the year. Due to minimal light pollution, […]