Texas Porch

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

More than 60 miles of undeveloped Gulf beach. It is remote country for beach driving, primitive camping, sea turtles, and long stretches without cell service.

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 country near Sabine Pass, with nearly 2 miles of Gulf beach and about 4,000 acres of marsh.

Official page ->

Before you go

Beach safety

Rip currents and more.

Stay safe ->

Driving & parking

Permits and the dunes.

Hit the sand ->

Beach rules

Fires, glass, dogs, camping.

Know the rules ->

Coast hub

Back to the main guide.

Open the hub ->

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 July 2026
Last reviewed:
July 10, 2026

Before you act: Fees, hours, and closures change by season and beach. The official page for the specific spot is the final word. How to use Texas Porch carefully.