BOLIVAR PENINSULA
Photo courtesy of Bolivar Peninsula Texas
In the upper Texas Gulf Coast, Bolivar Peninsula is 27 miles of beach just waiting for your oceanside adventure. Tour the historic Fort Travis Park military sites or the haunted Bolivar lighthouse for a good spook. Get your friends together for a barbecue on the beach while searching for shark teeth on the shore. For some nighttime entertainment hop on over Crystal Beach, known for its live music, and be sure to stop by Stingaree for dinner and a show!
BRAZOSPORT
Photo courtesy of Visit Brazosport
Just west of Galveston and next to the port town of Freeport, Brazosport is a coastal beach town known for its stellar surfing and fishing. Charter a boat for a full fishing day or catch the waves at Surfside Beach for the best surfing in all of Texas. Set out on a scuba diving expedition to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary to see the stunningly beautiful bright coral reefs along with some manta rays, sea turtles, and even hammerhead sharks! At the end of the day, head to Bryan Beach to catch a stunning sunset!
GALVESTON
Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
One of the most well-known beach towns in Texas, Galveston is always on island time. If you're looking for a nature-filled day, walk along the boardwalks of Galveston Island State Park for kayaking then venture over to Moody Gardens to see the Aquarium Pyramid. For family-friendly activities, head down to Stewart Beach or Pleasure Pier, for an amusement park adventure on the water. After working up an appetite from all your adventuring, dive into a fried shrimp basket at the iconic Bubba Gump's or Waterman's for a nicer seafood experience with marina views.
PORT ARANSAS
Commonly known as Port A, this family-friendly beach town on Mustang Island is spread over 18 miles of sandy beaches. Stay in the Cinnamon Shore family-friendly development with the most adorable pastel-colored houses that give major Seaside vibes. Before starting your beach day, grab a cup of coffee or gelato at Coffee Waves and be sure to stop at Irie's Island Food for some fresh fish tacos. It's the fishing capital of Texas, so spend a day out fishing on one of the public piers or book a boat tour for some deep-sea fishing!
ROCKPORT-FULTON
Photo courtesy of Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce
Down on the Southern coast of Texas, these two charming beach towns are located right next to each other, and make for the perfect place for a relaxing weekend with family and friends. Lined with umbrella huts for shade and a tropical aesthetic, bask in the sun at Rockport Beach or venture out to sea for a full day of boating. Head down to local hotpot, The Boiling Pot for their famous cajun crawfish or Latitude for an upscale seafood spot that doubles as an art gallery. For the history lover, check out the Texas Maritime Museum and Fulton Mansion to learn all about pirate legends and one of the most affluent Texas families of all time!
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
Photo courtesy of Visit South Padre Island
South Padre Island may be known for its party scene, but there is so much more to this tropical oasis. Grab a quick seafood snack at Ceviche Ceviche before starting your beach day under the sun. Go on outdoor adventures like parasailing, dolphin cruises, horseback riding on the beach, and even learn more about the turtles at the famous rehabilitation and conservation center, Sea Turtle Inc. End your beach day on a positive note at Lobo Del Mar Cafe to watch the sunset or summer firework show over the sea!
