Coast / Where to go
Where to go.
The Texas coast runs from the marshy upper coast to the subtropical lower coast. Here's a quick orientation - check each spot's official page for current rules, fees, and conditions.
A coast-wide orientation
Upper coast
Galveston Island
The most popular Texas beach getaway; the historic Seawall runs more than 10 miles, with Galveston Island State Park on the west end.
Official page ->Upper coast
Bolivar Peninsula
Quieter, drivable beaches reached by the free Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry (run by TxDOT).
Official page ->Upper coast
Surfside Beach & Quintana
Laid-back beaches just south of Freeport, in the Brazosport area.
Official page ->Mid coast
Matagorda
Wide, less-crowded sand near where the Colorado River reaches the coast at Matagorda Bay; popular for surf fishing and birding.
Official page ->Coastal Bend
Mustang Island & Port Aransas
Classic drive-on beaches near Corpus Christi, plus Mustang Island State Park.
Official page ->Coastal Bend
Padre Island National Seashore
About 66 miles of wild, undeveloped beach - one of the longest undeveloped barrier-island stretches in the world. Remote and spectacular: serious beach camping, sea turtles, and solitude.
Official page ->Lower coast
South Padre Island
The lower coast's resort beach (and spring-break hub), with warm water and big skies.
Official page ->Upper coast
Sea Rim State Park
Marsh-and-beach on the upper coast near the Louisiana line - nearly 2 miles of Gulf beach and about 4,000 acres of marsh.
Official page ->Before you go
Official sources
Coastal state parks come from TPWD; Padre Island from the NPS; the rest from each town's visitor bureau or county. Each card above links to the official page.
- Data vintage:
- Coastal orientation as reviewed June 2026
- Last reviewed:
- June 15, 2026
- TPWD State Parks (coastal) - Coastal state parks
- NPS - Padre Island National Seashore
Caution: Fees, hours, and closures change by season and beach. The official page for the specific spot is the final word.
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