Texas beaches are notorious for being crowded during the summer, and visiting on weekdays or outside of peak hours doesn’t always help. A better solution is to skip the most popular destinations altogether and opt for lesser-known spots. From city parks to gulf-side oases, these 10 hidden beaches will take your summer to a whole new level. So next time you’re researching “beaches near me” in Texas, keep an eye out for these oases!
- Eisenhower State Park Beach (Denison)
Flickr/Luis Tamayo Just an hour north of Dallas, Eisenhower State Park is a secluded oasis on Lake Texoma. White sands lead into a pristine swimming cove, all overlooking rocky bluffs and a wide variety of gorgeous trees. Hike four miles of trails, fish, observe wildlife, and look out for breathtaking flora and fossils from an ancient ocean. More information on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website. Eisenhower State Park, 50 Park Rd 20, Denison, TX 75020, USA
- Matagorda Beach (Matagorda)
Google/Terri Cone The often overlooked Matagorda boasts almost 60 miles of beach, with the portion east of the Colorado River fair game for vehicles. The remaining 35 miles west of the river is only accessible by watercraft. It’s a much quieter alternative to Galveston for swimming, and you can camp on the beach for free. A $10 permit is required to drive onto the beach, however parking areas with no usage fees are available within walking distance. The first eight miles of eastside beach beyond the dunes is private property, so make sure to keep up with the mile markers. More information on the Matagorda Beach website. Matagorda Beach, 6420 FM2031, Matagorda, TX 77457, USA
- South Packery Jetty Beach (Corpus Christi)
Google/Edwin Soto Serving as the dividing line between Mustang and Padre Island, South Packery Jetty Beach is often much less crowded than its northern counterpart. It’s a fantastic destination for swimming, fishing, sandcastle building, and even snorkeling during the summer months! Access Road 3A is the only point of entry, and you’ll need a permit to park on the beach. More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website. Corpus Christi, TX, USA
- Blue Lagoon (Huntsville)
Flickr/Janine Curry, Ph.D. A renowned scuba facility, Blue Lagoon offers training for beginners and instructors alike. Non-divers are also welcome, however, entrance is based on space availability and vehicles regularly get turned away. Only divers are permitted to make reservations, so have an alternate plan in place before arriving (Blue Lagoon recommends Huntsville State Park.) If you end up getting in, the experience is truly unparalleled. More information on the Blue Lagoon website. The Blue Lagoon, 649 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320, USA
- I.B. Magee Beach Park (Port Aransas)
TripAdvisor/M J On the northernmost point of Mustang Island, I.B. Magee Beach Park spans 167 acres and is open year-round. It features 75 campsites, a bathhouse, freshwater shower, picnic sites, and absolutely stunning water. Seagulls abound here, so bring a camera! More information on the Nueces Beach Parks website. I. B. Magee Beach Park, 321 N on the Beach, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
- Whitecap Beach (Corpus Christi)
Google/Tori Bailey With just 1.5 miles of coastline, Whitecap Beach is unbeknownst to many. Its unspoiled sands are the perfect place to relax with a good book, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It serves as an access point for the Padre Island Seawall, and there are no entrance fees (but a permit is required for parking on the beach.) More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website. Whitecap Beach, 14802 Whitecap Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA
- Malaquite Beach (Corpus Christi)
TripAdvisor/Jennifer R. Closed to vehicular traffic, Malaquite Beach allows kids to play without a care in the world. It’s an incredibly scenic place, with deep blue waves lapping onto white sand. Admission to Padre Island National Seashore is required, at $10 per vehicle. More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website. Malaquite Campground, 20420 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA
- Granbury City Beach Park (Granbury)
Google/Ariana Nethers What’s a city to do when the coast is hundreds of miles away? Build a beach, of course. Lake Granbury has its very own sandy beach, perfect for swimming and picnicking. The park includes various amenities, such as public restrooms, a spray park, kayak rentals, pavilions, and more, plus it’s a great point of access for the boardwalk. Historic downtown Granbury is within walking distance, where you’ll find a plethora of dining and shopping options. More information on the Visit Granbury website. Granbury City Beach Park, 505 E Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048, USA
- San Jose Island (Port Aransas)
TripAdvisor/Vicki C. 21 miles of virtually untouched golden sand lie on this forgotten, privately-owned island just a brief ferry ride away from Port Aransas. San José Island is home to some of the best birding and saltwater fishing in the South, plus a wealth of unique seashells. More information on the San José Island website. San José Island, Texas, USA
- Little Elm Park (Little Elm)
Google/F. Limones Another inland city beach, Little Elm Park offers a safe, enclosed swimming area closed to boat traffic. There’s a lakefront restaurant, and the park also features a playground, pavilion, amphitheater, tent camping, trails, and more. Just look at this sunset! More information on the Little Elm website. Little Elm Park, 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068, USA
Some or all of the beaches might be closed or operating under different circumstances, so keep checking their websites and Facebook pages for updates.
Flickr/Luis Tamayo
Just an hour north of Dallas, Eisenhower State Park is a secluded oasis on Lake Texoma. White sands lead into a pristine swimming cove, all overlooking rocky bluffs and a wide variety of gorgeous trees. Hike four miles of trails, fish, observe wildlife, and look out for breathtaking flora and fossils from an ancient ocean. More information on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.
Eisenhower State Park, 50 Park Rd 20, Denison, TX 75020, USA
Google/Terri Cone
The often overlooked Matagorda boasts almost 60 miles of beach, with the portion east of the Colorado River fair game for vehicles. The remaining 35 miles west of the river is only accessible by watercraft. It’s a much quieter alternative to Galveston for swimming, and you can camp on the beach for free. A $10 permit is required to drive onto the beach, however parking areas with no usage fees are available within walking distance. The first eight miles of eastside beach beyond the dunes is private property, so make sure to keep up with the mile markers. More information on the Matagorda Beach website.
Matagorda Beach, 6420 FM2031, Matagorda, TX 77457, USA
Google/Edwin Soto
Serving as the dividing line between Mustang and Padre Island, South Packery Jetty Beach is often much less crowded than its northern counterpart. It’s a fantastic destination for swimming, fishing, sandcastle building, and even snorkeling during the summer months! Access Road 3A is the only point of entry, and you’ll need a permit to park on the beach. More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website.
Corpus Christi, TX, USA
Flickr/Janine Curry, Ph.D.
A renowned scuba facility, Blue Lagoon offers training for beginners and instructors alike. Non-divers are also welcome, however, entrance is based on space availability and vehicles regularly get turned away. Only divers are permitted to make reservations, so have an alternate plan in place before arriving (Blue Lagoon recommends Huntsville State Park.) If you end up getting in, the experience is truly unparalleled. More information on the Blue Lagoon website.
The Blue Lagoon, 649 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320, USA
TripAdvisor/M J
On the northernmost point of Mustang Island, I.B. Magee Beach Park spans 167 acres and is open year-round. It features 75 campsites, a bathhouse, freshwater shower, picnic sites, and absolutely stunning water. Seagulls abound here, so bring a camera! More information on the Nueces Beach Parks website.
I. B. Magee Beach Park, 321 N on the Beach, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
Google/Tori Bailey
With just 1.5 miles of coastline, Whitecap Beach is unbeknownst to many. Its unspoiled sands are the perfect place to relax with a good book, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It serves as an access point for the Padre Island Seawall, and there are no entrance fees (but a permit is required for parking on the beach.) More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website.
Whitecap Beach, 14802 Whitecap Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA
TripAdvisor/Jennifer R.
Closed to vehicular traffic, Malaquite Beach allows kids to play without a care in the world. It’s an incredibly scenic place, with deep blue waves lapping onto white sand. Admission to Padre Island National Seashore is required, at $10 per vehicle. More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website.
Malaquite Campground, 20420 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA
Google/Ariana Nethers
What’s a city to do when the coast is hundreds of miles away? Build a beach, of course. Lake Granbury has its very own sandy beach, perfect for swimming and picnicking. The park includes various amenities, such as public restrooms, a spray park, kayak rentals, pavilions, and more, plus it’s a great point of access for the boardwalk. Historic downtown Granbury is within walking distance, where you’ll find a plethora of dining and shopping options. More information on the Visit Granbury website.
Granbury City Beach Park, 505 E Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048, USA
TripAdvisor/Vicki C.
21 miles of virtually untouched golden sand lie on this forgotten, privately-owned island just a brief ferry ride away from Port Aransas. San José Island is home to some of the best birding and saltwater fishing in the South, plus a wealth of unique seashells. More information on the San José Island website.
San José Island, Texas, USA
Google/F. Limones
Another inland city beach, Little Elm Park offers a safe, enclosed swimming area closed to boat traffic. There’s a lakefront restaurant, and the park also features a playground, pavilion, amphitheater, tent camping, trails, and more. Just look at this sunset! More information on the Little Elm website.
Little Elm Park, 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068, USA
Have you ever been to any of these hidden beaches? Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know, and check out our previous article for a road trip to some of the most secluded waterfront oases in the state: The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Texas Like Never Before.
Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Texas you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Texas April 07, 2022 Katie Lawrence Are there any private beaches in Texas? While Texas’ most popular beaches are open to the public, we also have an abundance of private beaches that offer a quieter and more peaceful experience. One of our favorites is Stewart Beach in Galveston, which offers an abundance of amenities you won’t find at a public beach. These include pavilion, concessions, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, a children’s playground, and trained lifeguards, making it ideal for families looking to splash the day away. What are the best Texas beaches to visit? Boasting nearly 400 miles of coastline, Texas has more beaches than you can count. From Sea Rim all the way to South Padre, our state is absolutely brimming with opportunities to enjoy the warm Gulf waters. In terms of the “best” Texas beaches to visit, that all depends on what you’re looking for. South Padre and Corpus Christi have some of the bluest water in the state, but Galveston tends to be a more convenient drive for most people since you can get there from Houston. Where can I find secret beaches in Texas? If you’re looking to have the beach all (or mostly, at least) to yourself, rest assured there are plenty of secret beaches in Texas that hardly anyone knows exist. One of them is Mustang Island State Park - it’s actually in Corpus Christi, but has far fewer crowds than the main beaches. You can enjoy over five miles of coastline, a paddling trail, and campsites. It’s pet- friendly, too!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches In Texas
April 07, 2022
Katie Lawrence
Are there any private beaches in Texas? While Texas’ most popular beaches are open to the public, we also have an abundance of private beaches that offer a quieter and more peaceful experience. One of our favorites is Stewart Beach in Galveston, which offers an abundance of amenities you won’t find at a public beach. These include pavilion, concessions, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, a children’s playground, and trained lifeguards, making it ideal for families looking to splash the day away. What are the best Texas beaches to visit? Boasting nearly 400 miles of coastline, Texas has more beaches than you can count. From Sea Rim all the way to South Padre, our state is absolutely brimming with opportunities to enjoy the warm Gulf waters. In terms of the “best” Texas beaches to visit, that all depends on what you’re looking for. South Padre and Corpus Christi have some of the bluest water in the state, but Galveston tends to be a more convenient drive for most people since you can get there from Houston. Where can I find secret beaches in Texas? If you’re looking to have the beach all (or mostly, at least) to yourself, rest assured there are plenty of secret beaches in Texas that hardly anyone knows exist. One of them is Mustang Island State Park - it’s actually in Corpus Christi, but has far fewer crowds than the main beaches. You can enjoy over five miles of coastline, a paddling trail, and campsites. It’s pet- friendly, too!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While Texas’ most popular beaches are open to the public, we also have an abundance of private beaches that offer a quieter and more peaceful experience. One of our favorites is Stewart Beach in Galveston, which offers an abundance of amenities you won’t find at a public beach. These include pavilion, concessions, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, a children’s playground, and trained lifeguards, making it ideal for families looking to splash the day away.
What are the best Texas beaches to visit?
Boasting nearly 400 miles of coastline, Texas has more beaches than you can count. From Sea Rim all the way to South Padre, our state is absolutely brimming with opportunities to enjoy the warm Gulf waters. In terms of the “best” Texas beaches to visit, that all depends on what you’re looking for. South Padre and Corpus Christi have some of the bluest water in the state, but Galveston tends to be a more convenient drive for most people since you can get there from Houston.
Where can I find secret beaches in Texas?
If you’re looking to have the beach all (or mostly, at least) to yourself, rest assured there are plenty of secret beaches in Texas that hardly anyone knows exist. One of them is Mustang Island State Park - it’s actually in Corpus Christi, but has far fewer crowds than the main beaches. You can enjoy over five miles of coastline, a paddling trail, and campsites. It’s pet- friendly, too!
