Texas-size family fun: Best beaches in Texas for families.
With its long coastline and warm climate, Texas is perfect for family beach vacations. From sandy beaches to rocky shores, there are many destinations. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of Texas’s best beaches for families. Whether looking for a quiet escape or an action-packed adventure, these beaches have something for everyone. So pack up the sunscreen, towels, and beach toys and prepare for some Texas-size family fun!
Summer is approaching fast, and it is that time of the year to enjoy water and beach sand. However, unlike other years, you don’t have to leave Texas and move to California or Florida because there are several beach areas where you can have fun. Some of the top 10 family beaches have been discussed below.
Introduction to Texas beaches
Texas is known for its vast landscape, ranging from sprawling deserts to lush forests and everything in between. But many people don’t know that Texas is home to some of the best beaches in the United States. With over 600 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Texas offers plenty of opportunities for beach lovers and families looking for fun in the sun. Texas beaches are diverse, ranging from tranquil and secluded to bustling and vibrant. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Texas beaches have something for everyone. From the sparkling waters of South Padre Island to the pristine beaches of Galveston, Texas, beaches are a must-see for anyone visiting the Lone Star State. So pack your swimsuits, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience Texas-size family fun at some of the best beaches in Texas.
South Padre Island Beach
South Padre Island Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Texas for families. Located on the southern tip of Texas, it attracts millions of visitors annually. The beach offers many family activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. The clear blue waters and soft sand make it a perfect spot for kids to build sandcastles and play beach games.
The beach also has several family-friendly amenities, such as public restrooms and showers, lifeguards on duty, and wheelchair accessibility. Additionally, South Padre Island Beach is home to the Sea Turtle Inc. conservation center, where families can learn about sea turtles and their habitat through interactive exhibits and tours.
South Padre Island Beach offers dolphin-watching tours, snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities for families looking for a little adventure. With so many activities, South Padre Island Beach is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun-filled beach vacation in Texas.
Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach, Galveston Island, has been named the best family beach in this region for extended periods. It has all the amenities families may need, such as restrooms, chairs, umbrella rentals, concessions, and showers. You can enjoy it with your family from $19 to $26 for a whole day.
Crystal Beach
After the hurricane, there is a lot of modern construction in Galveston County, Texas, which means you will get modern cabins for rental. Your kids will enjoy here as they feed the seagulls and enjoy the 2.7-mile ferry trips.
Mustang Island
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Mustang Island State Park is a true gem of the Texas coastline. This state park boasts over five miles of pristine beachfront, providing plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. With year-round warm temperatures, Mustang Island is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles with the little ones.
This a low-key beach where you can enjoy your weekend in a relaxed environment that does not have a considerable population. There are public restrooms, so you don’t have to face the scorching sun. If you are enthusiastic about fishing, you can also arrange or book pro-guided fishing and surfboard lessons.
In addition to the beach, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy, including hiking, bird-watching, and fishing. Kids will love exploring the park’s nature trails and spotting the local wildlife, which includes everything from dolphins to sea turtles.
For families who want to extend their stay, Mustang Island State Park also offers campsites and cabins for rent, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Texas coast.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island is known not only for swimming and water activities but for horseback riding as well. It is a long beach stretching from Corpus Christi to the resort community of South Padre Island, giving it a good place to enjoy. You can get close to sea turtles and allow your children to earn an official Junior Ranger Badge.
The seashore is home to sea turtles, dolphins, and over 380 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Families can take a guided tour of the seashore to learn more about the local flora and fauna and get up close and personal with some of the island’s most iconic creatures.
For those looking to spend a day at the beach, the seashore offers several picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and opportunities for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Families can also take a leisurely stroll along the seashore’s miles of unspoiled coastline or explore the island’s many hiking trails.
Rockport Beach
Rockport Beach is one of the few beaches in Texas and the country where you don’t have to worry about strong undertows and big waves. There are many areas where water is shallow and has small lapping waves. This is an excellent place for kids to swim.
Rockport Beach is often referred to as the “gem of the Texas coast,” and it’s easy to see why. This beach is located in a quiet and peaceful town and has been recognized as a Blue Wave Beach, which means it’s one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the country.
The beach is family-friendly and perfect for children of all ages. Kids can enjoy playing on the beach, building sandcastles, and collecting seashells, while parents can relax under the sun and watch the waves roll in.
Rockport Beach has many amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing piers, and boat ramps, are available. Families can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other water equipment to explore the beautiful bay area. In addition, Rockport Beach is home to the Texas Maritime Museum, which is a great educational attraction for families.
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach is an eight-mile beach across the Rio Grande from Mexico. This is one of the best beaches for surfing and sand. Come here ready to snorkel, fish, and swim. However, you must pack food, beverages, and anything you may need because this beach lacks amenities and services.
Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach, also known as “Port A” by locals, is a family-friendly beach destination located on the northern end of Mustang Island. Port Aransas Beach is a great place for families to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. With miles of pristine shoreline, this beach offers plenty of space for the whole family to spread out and enjoy the view.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, the beach offers a variety of activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. From building sandcastles to flying kites, there’s no shortage of fun things to do on this beach. You can also rent kayaks, jet skis, and paddleboards to explore the water or take a dolphin-watching tour.
For those looking for a more relaxing day at the beach, there are plenty of shaded areas to set up a picnic or enjoy a good book. And with public restrooms, showers, and picnic tables available, it’s easy to spend a whole day at Port Aransas Beach
Matagorda Beach
If you are in the mood for solitude, Matagorda Beach is where you want to enjoy the sun. It is a hidden treasure that attracts very few tourists compared to other beaches in the region. It’s a bit of an adventure to get here due to high levels of inaccessibility, but you can be sure you will enjoy it.
San Jose Island
This beach is only accessible by boat. It is a privately owned beach, so you should be ready to part with a few dollars. However, because it is a private beach, only a few people come here, so that you will have ample space with your family.
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach had been closed for some time after hurricane damage, but it is now back. It has modern features and is currently accessible. Children can take advantage of the splash pads while they enjoy swimming in Lavaca Bay.
These are some of the best family beaches in Texas. They have different features and activities, so you must check what works before choosing which beach to spend your summer evening.
Corpus Christi Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Texas for families is Corpus Christi Beach. It’s a long stretch of sandy beach with all the amenities families need for a great day out. The wide and clean beach makes it perfect for kids to run around and play in the sand. The water is also calm, which is ideal for swimming and paddling.
There are plenty of activities available for families to enjoy, including beach volleyball, kite flying, and sandcastle building. The beach also has a playground and a splash pad area, perfect for younger children. The beach also has a pier extending into the Gulf of Mexico, where you can fish, take a stroll, or just enjoy the view.
If you’re looking for a break from the sun and sand, the nearby Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington Museum are great options for a fun and educational family outing. And when you’re ready for a bite to eat, plenty of food trucks and restaurants in the area serve delicious seafood and other local specialties.
Corpus Christi Beach is a great place for families to enjoy a day out in the sun and make unforgettable memories together.
Tips for a successful family beach trip
Heading to the beach with the family can be a fun and memorable experience, but it can also be stressful if you’re not prepared. Use these tips to help make your family beach trip a success:
- Pack smart: Bring plenty of sunscreens, beach towels, hats, and snacks to keep everyone happy and hydrated.
- Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast and tide times before heading out. Also, consider arriving early to get a good spot on the beach.
- Be water-wise: Always watch children near the water, and ensure they have proper flotation devices if needed. Teaching them about beach safety before your trip is also a good idea.
- Bring activities: Keep the family entertained with games like frisbee, volleyball, or sandcastle building.
- Clean up after yourself: Leave the beach in better condition than you found it by properly disposing of all trash.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Texas is the perfect destination for families looking for a fun beach vacation. With its warm weather, long stretches of sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Texas offers kids and adults a wide range of activities.
From building sandcastles and playing beach volleyball to fishing, kayaking, and surfing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The beaches in Texas are also perfect for family picnics, camping, and hiking, so you’ll never run out of things to do.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Texas has everything you need to make your family vacation unforgettable. With so many beautiful beaches, you can easily find the perfect spot for your family to relax and have fun.
So, why wait? Start planning your next family beach vacation to Texas today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the best beaches in Texas for families. Texas is known for its big sky and wide-open spaces; the beaches are no exception. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a week-long vacation, there is something for everyone at these family-friendly beaches. The Gulf Coast has everything from building sandcastles to swimming and fishing. So, pack up your sunscreen, grab your beach towels, and make memories with your family! Don’t forget to share your pictures with us on social media!
