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
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
- TPWD State Parks (coastal) - Coastal state parks
- NPS - Padre Island National Seashore
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.
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