8 White Sand Beaches in Texas: Best-Kept Secrets

On a scorching summer day in Texas, Soniya, her cousin, her sister’s kids, and I gathered together, thinking, and contemplating some summer trips and activities. 

In Houston, Texas, where the sun feels akin to being placed inside a blazing oven, we huddled together, acknowledging the unbearable heat that discouraged us from an outdoor venture.

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Despite the oppressive conditions, we embarked on planning our summer evening trips and activities, seeking refuge in the beach and cool wind. For a long, after spring break, I haven’t explored the Texas white beaches.

I was considering taking Soniya’s cousin to one of the famous nude beaches in Texas, but I kept my mouth shut as I wasn’t sure how she would react because she belongs from a Texas beach town.

As we searched for nearby beaches on Google, my mother suddenly appeared from behind and exclaimed, “Why not visit Mustang Island in Port Aransas? It’s secluded and offbeat.”

Even I miss the beautiful vistas of the Gulf of Mexico. Listening to her, we decided to drive there. Once we arrived, we were utterly captivated by its beauty and the breathtaking vistas it offered. The idyllic setting completely blew our minds!

It was during this experience that I developed an insatiable desire to explore the white sand beaches in Texas. You would be amazed at how perfectly Texas’s beauty melds with the coastline, creating a truly mesmerizing sight.

Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in Texas

Here, you’ll discover the perfect and peaceful white sand beaches of Texas that serves as a peaceful counterpoint to the fast-paced rhythm of regular life. 

Let’s discover the best white sand beaches in Texas for relaxation with your kids and friends. 

1. South Padre Island 

Imagine yourself standing on the most beautiful white sand beach in Texas, South Padre Island, where Texas Gulf Coast unveils the hidden treasure.

This 34-mile stretch of pristine coastline will take away all your worries with its gentle sea breeze sweeping through your hair and face, slowly making your eyes close.

As you open your eyes, you’ll be greeted with towering dunes rising against the horizon. So, take a deep breath, and let the rhythm of waves fill your heart and mind.

It is indeed one of the most family-friendly white sand beaches in Texas, allowing you to soak up the warmth of golden sun, and spend remarkable time with family.

Note: South Padre Island is one of the best beaches in Texas to visit and experience horseback riding on the white sand by the beach. 

Things to do in South Padre Island 

• Immerse yourself in the paradise of sand and sun and shelling along the magnificent coastline. Isla Blanca Beach is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies – starting from surfing, biking, and paragliding to kite flying you can do anything
• You can go camping or stay in an RV for the night to enjoy stargazing. Remember to check my camping list for things to carry before camping night
• Enjoy a shaded picnic with your friends and families at Edwin King Atwood County Park. There are plenty of picnic tables
• Swim in the waves and eat mouth-watering food at Andy Bowie County Park Beach

If you’re planning camping, read these blogs…

• 12 Best Portable Camping Griddles
• 10 Best Water Filters to Carry while Traveling

2. McGee Beach Corpus Christi

McGee Beach is a haven for beach lovers. On the shores of Corpus Christi Bay, sits this captivating allure that beckons every visitor with its beauty.

This white sand beach in Texas with clear water stretches out as far as the eye can see, their pristine clarity invites you to dive in and embrace its coolness.

You’ll see that the water looks like a sparkling canvas, reflecting the radiant sunlight merrily dancing and making everyone present there delightful. 

The only reason it is considered the best beach in Texas for families is because the waves are calmer and you can discover the true joy of swimming with your kid.

Note: The shore of McGee Beach has plenty of rocks and fewer shades. You’ll find umbrellas, cabanas, and chairs on rent 

Tip: Buy good swimming shoes to protect your feet from getting cut

Things to do in McGee Beach

• McGee Beach is a place to find solace in the panoramic vista and grants you the chance to enjoy a clear view of the vibrant marine life that thrives beneath the surface
• The velvety white sand beach has a versatile playground for sport enthusiastic. Volleyball team, soccer group, and rugby team beckon you to partake in exhilarating activities. Also, your kid will love building her dream sandcastle
• Come over to the jetty, if you desire for fishing. Try your luck in catching a really big fish!
• You can bring your dog to the dog park and just sit and enjoy him playing

3. Mustang Island

In search of a remote and secluded white sand beach in Texas, east of Corpus Christi sits an 18-mile stretch of Mustang Island in Port Aransas.

If you have a travel bucket list, you should incorporate this place. It allows you to bask in the pristine shoreline in complete silence. It got its name after the wild horses.

The reason why I came here for the first time was that my professor told me that it is one of the few breeding grounds for Kemp’s Ridley, special turtle species.

The azure water seemed to merge seamlessly with the sky, creating a tapestry that stretches endlessly into the distance, I was mesmerized. It felt like I stepped into a painting. 

Things to do on Mustang Island

• Mustang Island is a place where reality and imagination become beautifully blurred. It is one of the best romantic white sand beaches in Texas for couples to enjoy the crystal clear water and soothing wind
• If you’re longing for some angling adventure like – camping facilities on white sand beaches in Texas then Mustang Island State Park is a great spot.
• Shallow water is ideal for paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing
• Port Aransas is a charming picturesque white sand beach in Texas for photography capturing a serene atmosphere without much crowd. Also, walk down to Port Aransas Lighthouse near Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Centre

4. Stewart Beach

Premier dog-friendly white sand beach in Texas particularly at Galveston, near the historic Broadway Avenue sits one of the hidden gems called Stewart Beach.

The prohibition on alcohol attracts a more subdued audience giving you a higher chance to enjoy the calmness.

I was here during sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a white sand beach glowed in golden color, making my heart go crazy. The waves looked like an artist drew his masterpiece.

Family Vacation Critic ranked Stewart Beach as the Top 10 U.S Beaches for Families. Now you can understand, why I asked you to come here.

Things to do in Stewart Beach

• Stewart Beach is the most family-friendly beach in Texas; hence you can spend time playing around and relaxing
• If you’re a novice surfer, and in search of a white sand beach in Texas for surfing and other water sports activities, don’t pass up the opportunity to experience the small, learner-friendly waves in this magnificent place
• I have heard that the beach also conducts some lively fun competitions like volleyball tourneys and outdoor movie nights. You can check out their Facebook page for better updates

5. Boca Chica Beach

At Boca Chica Beach you not only enjoy gorgeous water and sand but see nature in its undisturbed form. Due to the secluded nature of the beach, there is no distraction.

However, there is one distraction that can happen here – sights of rockets because the beach sits right next to SpaceX Spacesport. This is a hard temptation to not look.

Boca Chica Beach is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge near Mexico actually near the border. That makes it the most fascinating destination.

Boca Chica State Park and Brazos Island Park lays a pristine stretch of coastline that gracefully blends with clay dunes and coastal marshes all around making it so rustic and raw.

This eight-mile-long stretch stands as a tranquil heaven where the force of the ocean meets the gentle caress of the shoreline making it truly one of the gems of Texas.

Things to do in Boca Chica Beach:

• Enjoy the enchanting allure of white sand beaches in Texas for snorkeling and diving.
• Greeted with a vibrant underwater paradise
• Plan to stay at Casa Roble, a beautiful apartment in Downtown Brownsville
• Bring your favorite beach book to tan yourself and enjoy the read

Note: If possible come here in the month between April and July to spot Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle

6. Padre Island National Seashore

Love is definitely in the air on Padre Island, especially at Whitecap Beach. This fantastic 70 miles of beach is perfect for a romantic day trip from Corpus Christi. 

You can escape the bustling crowds and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Padre Island National Seashore, a hidden gem and a perfect romantic destination in Texas.

You can sense the rugged charm that mirrors its untamed essence, with more than 380 species of avian creatures, gentle turtles, and complete solitude. 

Indeed that’s why Padre Island National Seashore has been ranked as the best place in Texas to spot birds and spend endless hours watching birds. 

Things to do in Padre Island National Seashore:

• Enjoy the exhilarating windsurfing and kayaking endeavors
• Indulge in strolls along the tranquil waterline, embracing the solitude and adventure 
• Come to Laguna Madre to have a great snorkeling experience
• Do not miss out on Big Shell, Little Shell beaches, and Malaquite Swimming Beach
• Camping at night at Malaquite Campground at Big Island Basin

7. San Jose Island

Just a mere 10 minutes ferry ride away from Port Aransas, there sits one of my favorite hidden gem – San Jose Island, devoid of business, and great facilities.

Imagine being in one of the hidden 21 miles-long white sand beaches in Texas far away from civilization, immersed in the lap of nature, with only the sound of ocean waves as your companion – That’s San Jose Island. 

Once it was a ranch now it’s a privately owned island mostly paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. It is also one of the great places for shelling.

Note: 

• Take the ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf
• Carry your food, water, and things you need on the beach because here you won’t find anything to purchase 

Things to do in San Jose Island:

• Seashell collector, you can find angel wings, lightning whelks, shark eyes, and some other unique shells
• Swim with anglers. Redfish. Flounder, and trout
• San Jose Island is home to 300 species of native birds, so enjoy your time spotting birds and clicking pictures

8. Sylvan Beach Park

Sylvan Beach Park is a 31.4 acre, white sand beach near Houston that sits east of South Highway 146 in La Porte offering a tranquil oasis for you to indulge in.

Wow, the view of Galveston Bay from here is mesmerizing! I cannot help but be captivated by the beauty nature can hold.

Speaking of amazing attractions, you should not miss the chance to visit the fantastic park nearby. It’s the hub of excitement and adventure, offering a wide range of activities that cater to people of all ages. 

Things to do in Sylvan Beach Park:

• Reach out into the bay and go fishing on the pier. Time spend on the fishing pier is sure to be the most memorable one!
• Lay down on the beach chair and soak in the Texas sun
• Cool down in the water of Trinity Bay
• To satisfy your soul’s need for activities, there is a playground to run out your heart and enjoy

Learn more about Texas from the following blogs…

• 9 Most Liberal Cities In Texas to Live with Your Family
• 13 Best Places to Live in Texas with Your Family
• Avoid 11 Dangerous Cities in Texas to Live
• For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, come to the best spots for bungee jumping in Texas

FAQ: White Sand Beaches in Texas