We could all use a bit of “vitamin sea.” So, whether you’re overdue for a splash or are looking for a new spot, these are some of our favorite beaches around Houston.
Despite Charles Barkley’s protestations, this is a no-brainer. There are 32 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and it’s just around an hour-drive away from Houston. Stewart Beach makes for a great family outing, with plenty of amenities nearby and a no-alcohol policy. Plus, you can bring your dog!
My personal favorite is Galveston Island State Park. Maybe it’s my ADHD, but my ideal beach day includes more than laying in the sand — there’s birding, biking, and paddle boarding.
- 💲 Admission: Stewart Beach $15, Galveston Island State Park $5.
- 📍 Make a day of it: A Summer Guide to Galveston [Hey Houston 📰]
Nestled near the historic Fort Velazco just over an hour away from Houston, this is beach bum paradise. The deep waters make Surfside Beach a great place for water sports and the village is full of restaurants and nightlife, so there’s plenty to do. Plus, the Stahlman Park Event Center is a beautiful spot for weddings and events.
- 💲 Admission: $15 daily, $30 annually.
- 🥤 Beach snack: Grab a coffee or natural energy drink from Culture Coffee.
- 🤙 Hang 10: A Surfing Destination [City Cast Houston 🎧]
A beautiful sunset at Rockport Beach. (Elaine Brackin / Getty)
If a clean swimming beach is more your speed, this is the only one in Texas with a Blue Wave Beach certification, which means it follows a set of guidelines for protecting beach goers and the environment.
- 💲 Admission: Free to pedestrians and cyclists. Parking passes available for $10 per day or $40 for a year.
The perfect beach weekend is just five hours and some extra planning away. There’s a beautiful coastline, water sports, an adventure park, a dolphin watch, and so much more. Did I mention you can take sandcastle lessons with a professional?
- 🗒️ Plan your visit: Check out the South Padre Island blog for inspiration.
- 🎶 Beach tunes: Start a dance party with Rigo Tovar’s “Mi Matamoros Querido,” named after the nearby Mexican town.
