Birch Bay is a shallow, crescent-shaped bay that warms up significantly during summer months, making it one of the most swimmable beaches in Washington. The bay’s extreme tidal exchanges can expose up to a half-mile of tidelands during low tide, creating exceptional opportunities for collecting shellfish and exploring tide pools. The 194-acre Birch Bay State […]
Beaches for Crabbing
Cama Beach
Cama Beach State Park preserves a historic 1930s fishing resort on Camano Island. The beach fronts Saratoga Passage with views of the Olympic Mountains across the water. Historic cedar cabins built between 1934 and 1955 can be rented year-round. The Center for Wooden Boats operates on-site, offering boat rentals and educational programs about maritime heritage. […]
Indian Point Beach
Indian Point Beach is part of Indian Point Park on Corpus Christi Bay, offering a combination of sandy shoreline and recreational facilities. The beach features a 1,275-foot lighted fishing pier extending into the bay, popular with anglers targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The park includes a butterfly garden, playground equipment, and covered picnic areas […]
Sargent Beach
Sargent Beach is a small fishing community and beach area between Matagorda and Freeport, offering a quiet alternative to busier coastal destinations. The beach features unusual dark sand due to the presence of natural clay deposits, creating a distinctive appearance. Vehicle access is permitted directly on the beach without fees, allowing convenient access for fishing […]
Quintana Beach
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 […]
Crystal Beach
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 […]
Magnolia Beach
Magnolia Beach is a unique “shell beach” composed primarily of crushed shells rather than sand, creating a striking white shoreline along Matagorda Bay. This free beach allows camping directly on the shore with no permits required, making it popular with budget travelers and RV enthusiasts. The calm, shallow waters of the protected bay are ideal […]
Pawleys Island
“Arrogantly shabby” historic beach town known for its handwoven hammocks and laid-back atmosphere. Features historic homes, traditional beach houses, and minimal commercial development. Perfect for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is a small, laid-back coastal village with 4 miles of clean shoreline less than an hour from Houston. Known for its excellent surfing conditions, it’s a favorite among Gulf Coast surfers. The beach allows vehicles in designated areas and permits overnight camping, creating an accessible and versatile beach experience. The Surfside Jetty Park […]
Cherry Grove Beach
Northernmost of the Grand Strand beaches, featuring the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier and unique “channelized peninsula” with waterfront properties. Known for excellent crabbing in the salt marsh channels and family-oriented atmosphere.