Looking for the best Texas beaches for families to visit this summer?
The Texas coast has plenty of amazing beaches that are perfect for a fun, family-friendly, beach vacation with the kids.
You can enjoy activities like beachcombing, swimming, sunbathing on the sandy shores, surfing, horseback riding, bird watching, and more on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Many Texas beaches are also popular for camping on the coast with kids.
Best Beaches in Texas for families
Most beaches in Texas are clean, safe, and good for visiting families.
Here are the most family-friendly beaches on the Texas coastline.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Texas beaches
Rockport Beach
Rockport is home to the first blue wave beach in Texas.
This serene beach overlooks the Aransas Bay and has a variety of amenities including a saltwater pool, boat ramp, and even a pavilion which can be reserved for private events.
Other popular attractions in Rockport include the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, the Rockport Center for the Arts, and the TX Maritime Museum.
Nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is home to an amazing bird sanctuary, observation towers, and a scenic drive.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach, located near Freeport, is one of our favorite beach towns in Texas.
The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing.
The fishing jetty is also great to walk and see the crashing waves.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you can go windsurfing, kitesurfing, or wakeboarding.
There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the area, so you can explore the local culture in Surfside Beach.
Tip – Be sure to stay safe in the pedestrian beach area limit with the kids.
Also Read: 10 Best beaches near Houston, Texas
East Beach, Galveston Island
East Beach is a nice, clean, sandy beach in Galveston.
The beach is situated on the eastern end of the island, and it offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Build a sandcastle, lounge on the beach chairs, surf the waves, or catch up on a book – the options are endless at East Beach!
There are also many restaurants and bars located nearby, making it easy to grab a bite or a drink after a day spent at this popular Galveston beach.
Also Read: 12 Best Islands in Texas for the ultimate beach vacation
North Beach, Corpus Christi
For families who enjoy spending time outdoors, North Beach is a great place to catch some rays or enjoy a picnic on the sand.
The Corpus Christi beach is also popular for fishing because of its two fishing jetties.
North Beach has also located close to the Texas State Aquarium as well as the USS Lexington Museum.
The Aquarium has many different exhibits, including a Sharktank and a Jellyfish Gallery.
Families will enjoy visiting the Aquarium’s hands-on Learning Center, where they can touch live animals and learn about their ecology.
South Padre Island Beach
South Padre Island is situated on the Gulf of Mexico in southeastern Texas.
It’s known for its white, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm weather.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and golfing.
There are also many restaurants, bars, and shops in the area.
On the southern edge of the island, you will find Isla Blanca Park.
The park has a variety of beach amenities as well as a boardwalk.
The beaches here are extremely crowded during Spring Break and host several parties, events, and festivals.
The South Padre Island Adventure Park is also located close to the beach.
At the northern end of the island, you will find a secluded beach area filled with towering sand dunes.
Whichever beach you chose, South Padre Island is sure to provide a fun family vacation.
Want to know more about the Island Fun Park, Sealife Nature Center, and other attractions on South Padre Island?
Read our post on Best Things to do in South Padre Island here.
Stewart Beach, Galveston
Looking for a fun natural beach within walking distance from major Galveston attractions?
Visit Stewart Beach!
This Texas beach has everything: a play area for kids, sandy volleyball courts, beach umbrellas and chairs for rent, showers, and restrooms!
And for those who just want to enjoy the view, the beach has a wide promenade that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Stewart Beach is a perfect day trip from Houston in the summer.
Padre Island National Seashore
This undeveloped barrier island is home to one of the best beaches in Texas for families.
The secluded day-use area has bare-bones amenities: just a few picnic tables, showers, and calm water.
For those looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.
Several hiking trails wind through the dunes and provide stunning views of the coastline.
If you can, attend the sea turtle hatchling release in summer at Padre Island National Seashore.
Watching the baby sea turtles make their way across the beach is an amazing experience.
Mustang Island State Park Beach
Mustang Island State Park is a beautiful place to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.
With miles of pristine beaches and plenty of opportunities for hiking, surfing, fishing, and birdwatching, there is something for everyone at this popular Texas destination.
The sand here is perfect for building sandcastles.
McGee Beach, Corpus Christi
McGee beach is one of the top attractions in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The beach is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and picnicking.
The beach has plenty of free street parking nearby and is easy to access.
There are also several restaurants and bars in the area, making it the perfect place to spend a day or night.
Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas is a small town located on Mustang Island in Texas.
The town is known for its gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm weather.
The beaches here are extremely crowded during Spring Break.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed beach experience, visit Port Aransas in the off-season.
You’ll still find plenty of things to do in this charming seaside town, from fishing and birdwatching to exploring the many shops and restaurants.
Lighthouse Beach, Port Lavaca
Lighthouse beach is a beautiful sandy beach located on the Gulf of Mexico in Port Lavaca, Texas.
The beach is known for its clear waters, picturesque views, and relaxed atmosphere.
This is a relatively unknown beach and hence, perfect for those seeking solitude.
Matagorda Beach
Matagorda Beach is a quiet beach that is perfect for families as well as nature lovers.
The beach is known for its miles of unspoiled beaches, dunes, and wildlife.
It is also a great place for fishing, birdwatching, and kayaking.
You can also take your boats across the Colorado River mouth to the Matagorda Island State Park.
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica is a tranquil beach located in South Texas near the Mexico border.
The beach is well known for its fishing, birdwatching, and beautiful sunsets.
It is also a great place to relax and enjoy the simple things in life.
Boca Chica is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
San Jose Island
Pristine San Jose Island is one of our favorite southern beaches on the Texas coast.
The island is only accessible by ferry from Port Aransas, making it a great place to escape the crowds.
There are no amenities on the island, so be sure to bring everything you need for a day of fun in the sun.
The island is perfect for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Be sure to pack your sunscreen and plenty of water!
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach on the Bolivar peninsula is a great family vacation in the Lone Star State.
The beach is known for its clear waters, clean beaches, and relaxed vibe.
There are plenty of things to do in Crystal Beach, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and birdwatching.
You can also take a ferry ride to Galveston Island or explore the many shops and restaurants in the area.
Sea Rim State Park
Sea Rim State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the great outdoors.
The park offers miles of unspoiled beaches, dunes, and wildlife.
You will often have the beach to yourself at this underrated state park.
The park is also popular for its paddling trails and fishing.
Did we miss any other Texas beaches that are good for families?
What are your favorite family beaches in Texas? Let us know in the comments.