Uncover Texas’s Hidden Gems: The Best Beach Towns to Visit in 2024

A surprising number of seaside settlements can be found throughout Texas. Discover the most breathtaking local beaches for your waterfront retreat with our list of the top ten beach towns in Texas.

Galveston

Of all the Texas beach towns, Galveston is without a doubt the best. This city’s beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and abundant history make it a top tourist destination on Galveston Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Many structures from the Victorian era have been kept and renovated in Galveston, which is a result of the city’s history as a significant port in the nineteenth century.

With its boardwalk, several food sellers, and other beachside facilities, Stewart Beach is by far the most visited beach in the area. East Beach and West Beach are two other well-known beaches; the former is popular for its fishing spots and the latter hosts live music events. For these reasons and more, Galveston is without a doubt the greatest beach town in all of Texas.

Padre Island

The consensus among Texans is that Padre Island is the state’s second-best beach town. Padre Island, the longest of the barrier islands, is located off the coast of the southernmost part of the state and extends for about 130 miles. South Beach, with its miles of white sand, crystal clear waves, and plenty of chances for different watersports, attracts tourists from across the globe and is the most popular waterfront region on the island. Cocktail bars, clubs, and late-night partying destinations abound here, making it a great place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the nightlife. The island is home to a number of tranquil attractions, such as Padre Island National Seashore, a sanctuary for native species, perfect for anyone seeking a less hectic vacation spot. Padre Island is the second-best option for oceanfront living in Texas, offering something for everyone.

Rockport

One of the top beach communities in Texas is Rockport. Rockport is a city in Florida famous for its beautiful variety of beaches, pleasant year-round weather, and abundance of recreational possibilities. It is located on the Gulf Coast. As a popular spot for water sports, sunbathing, fishing, and more, Rockport Beach serves as the city’s primary draw. Shops, restaurants, and historic buildings abound throughout downtown, making it a delightful destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a popular destination due to its stunning restoration of the 1870s Victorian mansion, which is one of the area’s most beloved landmarks. There are a number of art galleries in the area, as well as festivals and a mellow vibe that is ideal for a beachside vacation.

Port Aransas

One of the greatest beach communities in Texas, Port Aransas, is located on Mustang Island. This city has earned the nickname “Fishing Capital of Texas” due to its proximity to abundant and world-class fishing spots in the Lone Star State. Visitors to Port Aransas, a world-renowned fishing destination, will never be short of offshore adventures, thanks to the abundance of bays and channels that surround the city.

In addition, there are a number of fishing events spread out during the summer for individuals who enjoy a touch of healthy competition. Port Aransas is a Texas favorite for beachside recreation, with plenty of other possibilities for birdwatching, hiking, and live music.

Bolivar Peninsula

Traditional coastal homes in Bolivar Peninsula are a popular choice among Texans. Located on the southeastern coast of the state, this area is flanked by the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, and it is somewhat narrow. With its laid-back vibe and picture-perfect beaches, wetlands, and birding spots, the peninsula is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Here, the Historic Bolivar Lighthouse, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, and the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry—which offers cheap transportation between the peninsula and Galveston Island—are the most beloved attractions. Be sure you don’t miss this special hidden gem, as only 3,000 people call it home.

Freeport

Freeport is a well-liked beach town in Texas that offers a diverse range of sandy beaches. Freeport is an attractive tourist destination due to its location on the Gulf Coast of Texas and the abundance of beaches in the area, such as Surfside Beach, Bryan Beach, Brazoria County Beach, and Quintana Beach County Park. Surf fishing, kayaking, swimming, and sunbathing are just a few of the many waterfront activities that locals and tourists alike can enjoy at these beaches.

On top of that, you may find a number of eateries, nightclubs, piers, and marinas there. Due to the proximity to the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, a notable site for birdwatching, Freeport is also a favorite destination for birdwatchers. Freeport is a must-visit beach town in Texas because of all the things to do and see there.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur is not only one of the most beautiful beach towns in Texas, but it is also one of the most affordable. Located peacefully on the Gulf of Mexico, this lovely city is home to over 56,000 people. Port Arthur is home to the largest deepwater port in the Gulf, numerous parks and recreational areas, historical landmarks, and more.

Adding to the seaside attractiveness of this area are popular local attractions such as Sea Rim State Park, the Museum of the Gulf Coast, and the Gulf Coast Music and Crab Festival. Port Arthur is one of the most reasonably priced beach towns in the US, with an average piece of real estate priced at about $90k.

Corpus Christi

Just a short distance from the Mexican border, Corpus Christi is a seaside town that manages to blend the best of big city life with the cozy atmosphere of a tiny beach town. The eighth-largest city in the state, this major metropolitan region is home to about 318,000 individuals.

This region of the Texas coast is very desirable due to its rich history, diversified culture, and an unending supply of beautiful beachfronts. The city also has a plethora of cultural venues, including museums, galleries, theaters, and festivals, which contribute to its reputation as a thriving arts hub. Corpus Christi is one of the top beach towns in Texas, thanks to its charming combination of urban facilities with a small-town vibe.

Jamaica Beach

Jamaica Beach is among the best beach communities in Texas, much like the others. About 1,078 people call this little city, which is located south of Galveston, home. Its breathtaking scenery and perfect climate more than compensate for its diminutive stature.

There are four distinct beaches along Jamaica Beach’s roughly twenty miles of shoreline. There are an average of 205 sunny days a year and a summer high of 85.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the county. With an average house value of $515,234, Jamaica Beach is relatively reasonably priced considering all it has to offer.

Palacios

Among the top Texas beach communities, Palacios is very well regarded. Just two hours’ drive from Houston and Corpus Christi, the coastal town of Palacios sits in Matagorda County. The population was 4,395 according to the 2020 census. Along its 2.37 kilometers of shoreline, you’ll find six beaches. On average, there are roughly 205 bright days each year and summer temperatures hover around 85.2°F. Palacios has beautiful sandy beaches and year-round pleasant weather, but the average home price is just $189,581.

Reference: Property Club

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