Texas

Top 10 beaches in Texas, per national experts. Here’s how far to drive from Fort Worth

Malaquite Beach inside Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi is a favorite destination for families. Photo taken Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.
Malaquite Beach inside Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi is a favorite destination for families. Photo taken Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. dmontesino@star-telegram.com

Finding the perfect beach paradise in Texas can be hard with so many options from its over 300 mile picturesque coastline on the Gulf of Mexico.

Beaches in the Lone Star State give visitors an opportunity to swim, kayak and discover sandy treasures while basking in or cooling off from the summer heat.

USA Today experts put together a list of top 10 Texas beaches, including some that the Star-Telegram named the best for families. Here are the top 10 beaches in Texas for 2024 according to USA today.

Galveston Island State Park

A four-hour and fifty-minute drive from Fort Worth, Galveston Island State Park boasts opportunities for discovery and adventure. Visitors can bird watch along its pristine beaches or kayak across the calm bay waters as the park provides a peaceful haven along the coast.

South Beach, Padre Island National Seashore

Located along the Padre Island National Seashore, South Beach stretches for sixty miles and is a 7-hour drive from Fort Worth. Visitors can drive, camp, or nestle in an RV on the beach and bring pets, as long as they are leashed.

Mustang Island State Park

The beaches in Mustang Island State Park are known for camping, shelling, and tanning. They are dog friendly and offer a range of activities, including paddling routes along the shore.

Whitecap Beach

Whitecap Beach is a 5-hour and 45-minute drive from Fort Worth and is known for its picturesque scenery. Located in Corpus Christi, the beach offers a range of outdoor adventures including surfing, kayaking, dolphin viewing, and jetty fishing.

Surfside Beach

Secluded and peaceful, Surfside Beach is approximately 5 hours from Fort Worth. The 4-mile beachfront is ideal for swimming, surfing, horseback riding, fishing, and sunbathing in peace.

A couple on bicycles take a snapshot of themselves on the sand. Many Texans spent their Thanksgiving Day on the beach in Port Aransas Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.
A couple on bicycles take a snapshot of themselves on the sand. Many Texans spent their Thanksgiving Day on the beach in Port Aransas Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. DAVID MONTESINO dmontesino@star-telegram.com

I.B. Magee Beach Park

I.B. Magee Beach Park offers 167 acres of soft sand, beach side camping options, and fresh seafood from the Gulf. Located in Port Aransas, the beach is a 6-hour drive from Fort Worth.

The Malaquite Visitor Center has rocking chairs with a view of the Gulf of Mexico inside Padre Island National Seashore in Texas Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.
The Malaquite Visitor Center has rocking chairs with a view of the Gulf of Mexico inside Padre Island National Seashore in Texas Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. DAVID MONTESINO dmontesino@star-telegram.com

Malaquite Beach

Malaquite Beach is ideal for families searching for a car-free family-friendly swimming spot. The beach stretches 4.5 miles long and is located in Corpus Christi, approximately 6 hours from Fort Worth.

Boca Chica Beach

A broad stretch of stunning white sand ideal for surfing, tanning, and surf fishing can be found at Boca Chica Beach. Located in Cameron County, camping and driving is allowed on the beach. It is a 6-hour drive from Fort Worth.

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is the first officially recognized Blue Wave Beach in Texas and takes pride in its crescent-shaped length of sand. It is located in Rockport, five and a half hours from Fort Worth, and is well-liked by families because of its shallow water, convenient amenities, walking trails, and shaded picnic spaces.

Isla Blanca Park

The powder-soft white sand and lively beach culture attracts visitors to Isla Blanca Park in South Padre Island, It provides a plethora of enjoyable activities, such as beach volleyball, swimming, and snorkeling in the pleasant Gulf waters.

Tiffani Jackson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Tiffani is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions about life in North Texas. Tiffani mainly writes about Texas laws and health news.
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