Texas has 600 miles of hidden, uncrowded beaches.
Forget the crowded beaches you know - Texas has 600 miles of coastline hiding gems most tourists never discover. Today I'm revealing five incredible Texas beaches that locals try to keep secret.
Did you know Texas has more coastline than California? And while everyone flocks to South Padre Island, these hidden spots offer pristine sands without the crowds.
First up, Matagorda Beach. Just two hours from Houston, it boasts over 20 miles of untouched coastline. What makes this place special? You can actually drive your 4x4 right onto the sand with a permit. Imagine camping under the stars with the Gulf of Mexico as your backyard - completely free.
Families love Matagorda for its clean, soft sand and gentle waves perfect for swimming. And if you're into seashell hunting, you'll hit the jackpot here. The best part? Even during peak season, you'll feel like you have the place to yourself.
Next is Mustang Island State Park. Just a short drive from Corpus Christi, this five-mile stretch offers literally everything you could want in a beach day. Swimming? Check. Surfing? Absolutely. But it goes beyond the typical beach activities.
The park features a 20-mile paddling trail that local anglers consider some of Texas's best fishing waters. And if you're into bird watching, the park hosts specialized ranger programs. Mountain biking on a beach? Yes, that's a thing here too.
Third on our list, Galveston Island State Park. Travel Channel crowned this one of the Gulf's best beaches, and for good reason. Picture 2,000 acres of barrier island paradise featuring lagoons, dunes, salt marshes - literally every coastal ecosystem imaginable.
The coolest part of Galveston? It has both beach and bay sides, so you can catch both sunrise and sunset without moving your car. Pro tip: visit the nature center first to get a map of the four miles of trails and to learn about upcoming star parties.
Fourth is Rockport Beach, Texas's first Blue Wave Beach. This designation means it's certified clean, environmentally responsible, and fully accessible. The shallow waters make it perfect for families with small children.
What I love about Rockport are the palapas - those thatched shade structures scattered along the shore. Pack a cooler, grab a fishing pole for the 800-foot pier, and enjoy picnic tables with million-dollar views. All the amenities are without the resort prices.
Finally, the true hidden gem - San Jose Island. Accessible only by ferry from Port Aransas, this is genuine unspoiled Texas. Twenty-one miles of undeveloped coastline where you'll likely see more birds than people.
Don't expect restaurants or facilities here - it's just you and Mother Nature. Serious shell collectors consider this island sacred ground, and the fishing is legendary. This is Texas as it was centuries ago.
Summer's coming. Skip the tourist traps and discover the real Texas coast. Which of these beaches are you visiting first?