Galveston Island offers 32 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, ranging from busy, amenity-rich areas to more secluded stretches. The Seawall beaches provide convenient access to restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Historic Pleasure Pier with its amusement rides. The island combines beach activities with historical charm, featuring a historic downtown district with […]
Texas Beaches
Mustang Island State Park
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
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
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 […]
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 […]
San Jose Island
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 […]
Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is Galveston’s premier family-friendly beach park, featuring amenities like a children’s playground, volleyball courts, and clean restroom facilities. The beach is supervised by lifeguards during peak seasons, offering safer swimming conditions. Unlike some Galveston beaches, Stewart Beach prohibits alcohol and driving on the beach, creating a more family-oriented atmosphere. Convenient concessions, souvenir shops, […]
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 […]
Holly Beach
Holly Beach is one of Galveston’s most western public beach access points, offering a more natural experience than the island’s eastern beaches. The remote location results in fewer visitors, creating a sense of discovery and solitude rare on popular coastal areas. The beach allows vehicle access and overnight camping without permits, attracting those seeking a […]