Houston is America’s fourth largest cosmopolitan city. Population of Houston is 2.2 million. The city attracts millions of tourists for its award-winning cuisine, gigantic buildings and world class art and culture, and amazing shopping and nightlife. Weather of Houston is also very soothing.
Though Houston doesn’t have any beaches of its own, the city provides a quick access to Texas amazing beaches. The coastline can be reached very easily, just one hour driving way from Houston. Texas is blessed with amazing beaches, thanks to the Gulf of Mexico. Within 30 to 90 minutes, are most of the beaches located very close to each other. There is a variety in the beaches, from secluded stretches to crowded ones. All the Houston Texas beaches are of different sizes and provides various and amazing beach activities along with good amenities to the visitors. The jaw-dropping Houston Texas beaches are on the edge of Houston, a perfect place for spending some relaxing time. And as the temperature is moderate throughout the year, anytime is perfect for the visitors to enjoy Houston Texas beaches with a beautiful sun, sand, waves and azure waters. Many of the beaches have beachfront hotels and restaurants to help the travelers in making their visit easier and more comfortable.
Here are top 10 Houston Texas Beaches for your visit. You definitely make the beaches your next vacation destination. All of these Houston Texas beaches are very pretty, clear and beautiful.
1. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is 64.8 miles from Houston. A very good beach for newbie surfers. It’s a less crowded, amazing beach. The fun beach activities are shell hunting, horseback riding, fishing and surfing. Surfside Beach is accessible from South as well as West side. And the beach is also accessible from the Surfside Jetty County Park that provides restrooms also.
Surfside Beach is one of the best Houston Texas beaches sitting on the Bluewater Highway. The quality of water is very good and refreshing and swimming in the ocean is a great option. It’s indeed a perfect spot to relax your mind and body.
Nearby vacation homes and RV parks are famous attractions explored by many of the visitors. If you have much time, you may check out those spots. Nearby small towns are also very much captivating. It’s unfortunate that despite of holding the opulent richness, the beach is not able to provide lots of amenities. Amenities are very limited in Surfside Beach.
As the waves are not very huge here, it’s a good spot for learning how to surf. Camping is permitted on the beach, so you may go for a night camping option. And nearby beach restaurants are very much preferred by many of the visitors. The Seahorse bar is a great option for you for having palatable seafoods.
Address: 1304 Monument Drive, Texas 77541.
2. East Beach
East Beach is only 48 miles from Houston. East Beach is the most popular of Galveston beaches and is one of the largest waterfront hangouts. The beach is sufficed with various amenities and facilities along with an entertainment area. This beach is very much likeable among all age groups. And alcohol is also permissible in this beach.
This ‘party beach’ is a perfect option among the young travelers. East Beach conducts various concerts, events and festivals like the Sandcastle Building Competition and Volleyball Tournament. You may also pop into Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant if you are craving for tasty foods. East Beach is the most busy and active beach among all the Houston Texas beaches. Summer is the best time to visit this beach as most of the events, including live music performances, keep happening during this time.
The beach amenities include cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas. You may easily rent them. Famous beach activities are- sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, parasailing, beach volleyball, beach combing, horse riding-all these adventurous outdoor activities are going to allure you! You just need to reach to the place! If you have enough time, you may also visit the nearby R.A. Apffel Park and East End Lagoon Natural Preserve.
Pets are allowed in this beach. It’s a perfect family vacation spot! This beach attracts thousands of travelers each and every year. East Beach really reflects high energy vibes. The amazing facilities provided by are- public restrooms, a pavilion, abundant picnic tables and electronic outlets. There are several concession stands available. Lifeguards are always on duty in this beach. You can access both free and paid parking lot nearby. So, what more are you expecting?
Address: 1923 Boddeker Road, Galveston, Texas 77550.
You May Also Like: 9 Best East Coast Florida Beaches.
3. Sylvan Beach
Sylvan Beach is only 25 miles from downtown Houston. The beach is just a short drive from the city. And Sylvan Beach is the nearest beach from Houston.
Lots of amenities are a skate park, an air-conditioned pavilion, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic tables, a fishing pier are available inside the 32-acre park complex. Make sure to pick up an all-day pass from Sylvan’s Bait to catch fish if you’re interested. The park also provides a boat ramp. Altogether, Sylvan Beach is one of the finest beaches in Houston. And the water is also very perfect for swimming because of calm water and lesser seaweeds. If you are short of time, spend at least two hours if you really want to have the actual beach experience.
The Sylvan Beach also attracts visitors to have the fantastic sunset views. It is a white-sand and crowded beach. A perfect family friendly beach and kids also love this beautiful beach because of the existing playground. Fun fact is that there is a dog park in the beach. So, no worries for your little pets. Make your pet a beach visitor too.
If you visit Sylvan Beach in springtime, you can enjoy the fantastic Annual Sylvan Beach Festival that is sufficed with amazing seafoods, mouth-watering drinks and lots of fun!
Address: 8121 Bay Shore Dr, La Porte, Texas 77571.
You May Also Like: 10 Best Florida Beaches for Families.
4. Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park is sitting on the western end of Galveston Island. And it takes less than an hour’s drive from the city. The park is compact with all the beautiful things like dunes, estuaries, Brackish ponds and so many things. The park also comprises more than a 2000 acre of wetlands. Wildlife watching is very much famous here. And educational programmes on a regular basis are also provided. You may also opt for night camping on the beach or bay side. But be forewarned that there are no lifeguards in this beach.
The popular beach activities are hiking, biking, jet skiing, bird watching, fishing and many other fun activities. It is the most famous beach because of its opulent fun activities. Travelers also prefer to take a lively broad walk, boating, fishing, surfing, kayaking, available in the Galveston County. You will get entirely 2000 acres of land all to yourself to have all kinds of fun, adventure and enjoyment. And that best part is you can experience the Gulf of Mexico.
The nearby Historical Pleasure Pier is another lovely attraction. The pier is open from Friday to Sunday. Visitors love to spend the entire day in this beach, with their near and dear ones. And of course, with a deep relaxation!
There are also previous hiking trails and tours available. Most likeable tours are- jet-boat tour and historic peddle boat tour. Rental cabins, tents, RVs are easily accessible.
People who are very close to nature must love this place.
Address: 14901 Farmto Market 3005, Galveston, Texas 77554.
Related: Free Things To Do In Houston.
5. Quintana Beach
Quintana Beach is six miles of natural sandy beach. The beach is located on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. Fishing, swimming, surfing, shell hunting, bird watching are very much enjoyable outdoor activities done by most of their beachgoers.
No need to worry for the parking lot. Nearby parking is available, and visitors need to pay $5 to park their vehicles. Other facilities such as restrooms, cabins, RV sites, a playground and an elevated boardwalk are present here to serve the visitors. Travelers also enjoy the hiking trails in Quintana Beach Park. You will never get bored in this beach, for sure!
You may also admire the nearby historical sites if you have interest to know about the history of the terrain. There are also nearby restaurants. You must go there and taste the delicious seafood. And the amazing white and clean sand makes this beach a perfect shell hunting spot, too.
Quintana Beach is 69 miles away. And though the beach is a little far from the downtown city, the driving path is worth it. And the distance doesn’t make the beach less popular among the millions of beach lovers. So, what are you waiting for? Make this affluent beach your next weekend getaway.
Address: 330 5th Street Quintana, Texas 77541.
6. Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is one of the best family beaches. And like other beaches, Stewart Beach also provides a variety of amenities such as restrooms, showers, chairs, umbrellas and much more. Wheelchairs are also available for disabled people. And this beach is also located at 51 miles from downtown Houston.
Beach volleyball court, children’s playground and a gift shop drape over Stewart Beach beautifully. And you don’t need to worry for your little ones as there are on duty lifeguards all the time. And be aware that the beach is open from March to October. Means you can access all the above-mentioned utilities throughout this period only.
Parking cost varies in Stewart Beach. From Monday to Thursday the parking cost is $12 and on weekends it’s $15.
Stewart Beach is a perfect day trip with your family. But be little aware of the beach bugs as they can really tug all your enjoyment.
Water quality is crystal clear as the ocean water is free from seaweeds. Nearby attractions are Moody gardens and Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Address: 201 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, Texas 77550.
7. El Jardin Beach
El Jardin Beach is 20 miles from hostel. It is a relatively smaller beach, but very beautifully decorated with marine life. The beach sand is very clean and soft. The 4.5 acres of Stewart Beach gives a peaceful and serene surrounding. Picnic tables are accessible in this beach.
El Jardin Beach is at less explored beach. And non-residents have to pay an access fee. Parking lot is very limited. Visitors get confused most of the times to find out the parking space. But this beach is very popular among the locals. If you want to seclude yourself from the crowd, this beach is a perfect option for you.
Address: 500 El Jardin Dr. Seabrook, Texas 77586.
Related: 8 Best White Sand Beaches in Texas.
8. Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is a very popular beach among both locals and travelers. And the beach is an hour’s drive from Houston and is sitting on the end of Galveston Island.
Pets and personal vehicles are allowed in this beach. The soft sand beach is an ideal place for sandcastle building and sunbathing. Jamaica Beach shore is filled with lots of shells. And colourful shells collecting is a fun game. There is an RV park nearby.
It’s a perfect family-friendly beach and great for swimming too. And your kids must love the shell hunting. Enough parking space is also available.
Address: 16607 Jamaica Beach Road, Jamaica Beach, Texas.
9. Byran Beach
Byran Beach is a small picturesque beach. Visitors love to spend their ‘me time’ in this beach. Because the beach never gets overcrowded. Byran Beach is just 59 miles from Houston.
Byran Beach is a 3-miles long natural beach, with the pleasing surroundings. Most preferred activities are- sunbathing, fishing, camping and bird watching. And Byran Beach is among the few beaches in Texas where you need not to pay for camping or driving inside the beach. Though camp lovers need to remember that glass containers and fireworks are not allowed.
Pets are allowed in this beach. And visitors love to go for beach hopping along with their pets in this beautiful beach.
Address: Country Road 241, Freeport, Texas.
10. Matagorda Beach
Matagorda Beach is 1 hour and 45 minutes’ drive from Houston. The beach is perfect for sandcastle building, lounging, seashell collecting. You access 20 miles of long beach. Swimming is not that much famous in this beach as strong rip currents are active in the water. But this beach is very popular among the bird lovers. Because the beach gives a perfect bird watching atmosphere. For bird lovers, the Matagorda Bay Natural Park is a great place to visit.
It’s a great beach for camping, too. There are lots of family friendly beach activities for all age groups. These activities include kayaking, picnicking, beach camping, beach hopping and river rafting. Else, you can also rent chairs, beach wagons and paddleboats.
And for private events, is an indoor oceanfront rental space. You can rent the air-conditioned space if you want to host some event.
The nearby park offers beach bungalows to sit and relax. Additionally, there is a gift shop. Some of the parts of the beach are allowed for driving.
Matagorda Beach is also a secluded beach, so no worries for the crowds. You can enjoy your entire day in this white sand beach by bird watching and exploring the marshes. Camping is allowed on the site, as mentioned earlier. And you can rent all kinds of beach equipment.
This picture-perfect beachfront is great for relaxation. You just need to go there and take advantage of all the beautifully organized activities.
Address: 6430 FM2031, Matagorda, Texas 77457.
FAQs
- Does Houston Texas have any beaches?
Quintana Beach, Surfside Beach, Galveston and Bolivar beaches are in the Houston area where you can have ultimate beach fun with your whole family. On weekends, these beaches get over crowded among beach enthusiasts.
2. Is Houston close to the beach?
Houston doesn’t have any beaches of its own. Galveston Island is the closest seaside to Houston. And to reach Galveston Island, visitors need to cover 50 miles, nearly one hour driving path from Houston.
3. What are the best beaches in Houston?
Texas is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches. And Houston is a coastal city and is very close to these beaches. Some of the most stunning Houston beaches are Sylvan Beach, Sea Rim State Park, the Blue Lagoon Beach, Surfside Beach, Seawall Urban Park, Stewart Beach, Matagorda Beach, Quintana Beach and East Beach.
4. Do people vacation at Texas beaches?
Texas beaches are a perfect vacation destination. Every year, thousands of visitors come to these mesmerising beaches to enjoy the opulent richness of the nature!
5. How far is Houston TX from the beach?
You can access Sylvan Beach from downtown Houston in just over 30 minutes. This is the closest beach and also one of the family-friendly beaches where your toddlers can enjoy safe swimming under smaller waves.
6. Is it safe to go to beaches in Texas?
Texas beaches are perfect for beach hopping, motorbiking, picnicking, beach camping. And various events, competitions keep happening which are very much enjoyable. But swimming in some of the Texas beaches is not that much safe because of the seaweed and bacteria. But still there are lots of beaches which are perfect for swimming and for grabbing all kinds of beach activities. Some of the best swimmable beaches are Rockport Beach, Surfside Beach, East Beach, Quintana Beach, Sylvan Beach and Stewart Beach.
7. Is Texas good for tourists?
Texas is blessed with stunning beaches, diverse museums, some amazing historical attractions, and famous theaters. And outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and hiking attract thousands of tourists to visit Texas each year.
8. Are Houston beaches clean?
Most of the Texas beaches pose safety risk. And according to study, there are four beaches in Greater Houston area that have ranked among the most potentially unsafe beaches.
9. How close is Houston to the ocean?
Houston, the city in Texas in Southern United States, is approximately 50 miles northwest of the Gulf of Mexico at Galveston.
10. Can you swim in the ocean in Houston?
The Sylvan Beach, the nearest beach to downtown Houston, is a lovely destination for swimming in the ocean water. The soft white sand, turquoise water, small blue waves and lesser seaweed make Sylvan Beach the perfect place to enjoy with family and friends on any weekend.
