South Beach represents the southernmost accessible portion of San Jose Island, reached via a short jetty boat ride from Port Aransas. This uninhabited beach offers one of the most pristine natural experiences on the Texas coast with exceptional shelling opportunities and clear waters. The south end features the St. Jo Island Jetty, creating excellent fishing […]
Sunny Beach is located on the west end of Galveston Island, offering a less crowded alternative to the more popular tourist beaches. The beach allows free camping and vehicle access, creating an accessible option for overnight beach stays without permits or fees. The area is especially popular with locals who appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and […]
Andy Bowie Park is a 28-acre county park on South Padre Island featuring excellent Gulf beach access with comprehensive amenities. The park offers more than 500 feet of beachfront with clean facilities including restrooms, showers, and changing areas. Beach umbrella and chair rentals are available seasonally. The adjacent South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center […]
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 […]
San Jose Island (locally known as St. Jo’s) is a pristine, privately-owned barrier island accessible only by boat or ferry from Port Aransas. While the owners maintain the island as a wildlife sanctuary, the public beach is open to visitors along the shoreline below the vegetation line. The uninhabited nature of the island makes it […]
Vanderbilt Beach is a popular North Naples beach with excellent facilities and proximity to luxury resorts including the Ritz-Carlton Naples. The beach features fine white sand, clear Gulf waters, and typically calm conditions ideal for swimming. The Vanderbilt Beach Concession provides food, beverage, and beach equipment rentals. Vanderbilt Lagoon on the eastern side offers kayak […]
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 […]
Lovers Key State Park encompasses four barrier islands with two and a half miles of pristine white sand beaches accessible by boardwalk or tram. Once only accessible by boat (hence the name, as only lovers would make the effort to reach it), the park now offers easy access to secluded beach areas. The park features […]
Gasparilla Island State Park features pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico with the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse as its centerpiece. The island has a fascinating history tied to the phosphate industry and wealthy winter residents including the du Pont family. The waters around Boca Grande Pass are known as the ‘Tarpon Capital of […]
Blind Pass Beach sits at the narrow pass between Sanibel and Captiva Islands, creating unique currents that make it one of the best shelling locations in an area already famous for shells. The pass offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly during tidal changes. The beach has a more natural, less developed feel than other beaches in […]