Moonstone Beach in Cambria is named for the smooth, polished stones (moonstones, jade, and jasper) that wash up on its shores. A scenic one-mile wooden boardwalk parallels this narrow stretch of beach, offering easy access for visitors to admire breathtaking ocean views and observe local wildlife including seals, sea otters, and dolphins. The beach features […]
Beaches for Wildlife Viewing
Aransas Pass Beach
Aransas Pass offers beach access through several small pocket beaches along the Redfish Bay shoreline. The area is primarily known for exceptional fishing opportunities, both from shore and via charters. The historic Aransas Pass Lighthouse, built in 1855, provides a scenic focal point and photography opportunity. The nearby Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail offers excellent kayaking […]
Rollover Pass Beach
Rollover Pass Beach surrounds the historic Rollover Pass, a man-made channel connecting the Gulf of Mexico with Galveston Bay on Bolivar Peninsula. The pass itself was filled in 2020 after decades as a famous fishing spot, but the beach areas remain popular. The beach features brilliant white sand and good shelling opportunities, particularly after storms. […]
McFaddin Beach
McFaddin Beach is part of the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, offering 15 miles of remote, undeveloped shoreline between High Island and Sea Rim State Park. The beach is known for unique prehistoric archaeological finds including Paleo-Indian artifacts and Ice Age fossils occasionally exposed by erosion and storms. The refuge protects one of the largest remaining […]
Bolivar Flats Beach
Bolivar Flats Beach is part of the Globally Important Bird Area managed by Houston Audubon Society. The unique habitat includes salt marsh, mud flats, and beach, creating one of the most important shorebird sanctuaries on the Gulf Coast. During migration seasons, tens of thousands of birds can be observed in a single day, including rare […]
Sea Rim State Park
Sea Rim State Park protects 4,141 acres where the Gulf of Mexico meets marshland, creating diverse ecosystems within one park. The park features 5 miles of beach and 10 miles of paddling trails through wetlands. Unique amenities include primitive camping directly on the beach and floating platforms for overnight kayak trips in the marsh. The […]
Malaquite Beach
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 […]
Matagorda Bay Nature Park
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. […]
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach is one of Texas’ most untouched and natural beaches, located at the southern tip of the state where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico. The 8-mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline offers no facilities or amenities, providing a truly remote experience. The area is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley […]
Gasparilla Island State Park
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 […]