When most people think of white sand beaches in the U.S., they think of Florida, Hawaii, and southern California, but Texas beaches also have gorgeous white sand. Here are 11 of the best Texas white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast, perfect for escaping the summer heat with friends and family along the little bay shores.
Our List of 11 Texas White Sand Beaches
11. Galveston Seawall/ Pleasure Pier
While many of Gavelston’s beaches have gained a reputation for being murky, the area around the Pier and the Gavelston Seawall often remain clean and clear.
If you’re looking for a sandy beach along Seawall Boulevard on Galveston Island, Pleasure Pier is one of the best places to visit with friends and family. Not only will you be able to enjoy the sand and sea, but you can walk up and down the seawall and enjoy all kinds of family fun at the white beaches.
There are tons of rides, a Ferris wheel, shops, and plenty of places to eat on Pleasure Pier and just across the street. Whether you want to take a spin on the high-flyer ride or stop for ice cream, Pleasure Pier is one of the best ways to enjoy Gavelston’s best beaches.
10. Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is a quiet, clean beach near Corpus Christi and one of the best Texas white sand beaches. You can camp, swim, or just lounge and work on your tan. The beach is popular for fishing, bird watching, and kayaking.
Mustang Island State Park has two accessible beach wheelchairs you can use for free, making it the perfect place to take elderly or disabled family members- just make sure to call and reserve a chair in advance.
Rangers occasionally host events to learn more about the beach or experience fun new activities. From kayaking lessons to stargazing events, Mustang Island State Parks offers unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re planning on going to the park, make sure to check their events page for one of these unique activities.
9. Sylvan Beach Park
Sylvan Beach Park is one of the perfect family-friendly Texas white sand beaches. This fine white sand beach has no seaweed, playgrounds, and bathrooms. There is no better place to relax and enjoy soft sand. You’ll find Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte on beautiful Galveston Bay.
8. Boca Chica State Park
On the very southern tip of the Lone Star State, you’ll find one of the cleanest beaches on the gulf coast. Boca Chica State Park is much quieter than other nearby beaches, so it’s one of the best places to observe wildlife like coastal birds, sea turtles, and jellyfish.
Before heading out to Boca Chica Beach, pack everything you’ll need for the day, as the state park hosts primitive sites without many amenities. While you may not find bathrooms and rentals like on other beaches, you’ll likely have tons of privacy to enjoy the sound of waves washing up on shore.
7. McGee Beach
McGee Beach is located right in downtown Corpus Christi. Calm waters and pristine sand make this the perfect beach for families. You can enjoy sand volleyball courts, building sand castles, and the warm waters just a short walk from Corpus Christi’s best hotels and restaurants. McGee Beach has all kinds of rentals for visitors as well, from umbrellas and chairs to jet skis.
6. Magnolia Beach
Magnolia Beach is a perfect choice for beach campers. Located near Lavaca Bay, the beach is home to picnic tables, public grills, and camping. You can camp on the beach with an RV or in a tent completely free year-round.
The campsites are primitive sites (no hookups or water fixtures), but there are well-maintained public restrooms nearby.
5. Rockport Beach
Rockport Beach is another choice perfect for families looking for Texas white sand beaches and clean water. There is plenty of parking and many amenities to make it easier for families with little ones.
Rockport Beach hosts playgrounds, picnic tables, changing rooms, and showers. The shallow waters make it easy for families to relax and for children to splash around in the warm water at Blue Wave Beach.
4. Malaquite Beach
Malaquite Beach is a national seashore near Padre Island. South of Corpus Christi Bay, this east Texas Beach is a pristine clean beach with white sand and crystal blue waters. The visitors center is open 9-5 year-round (barring Christmas Day).
Malaquite Beach has one unique trait you won’t find anywhere else on this list. If you check in with the visitor’s center, you can sign up to see one of their sea turtle hatchling releases. You’ll have to be up and at the beach early, so many people camp overnight to catch sight of this one-in-a-lifetime sight.
3. Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach in Galveston, Texas, earned a spot on the “10 Best Beaches for Families” list in 2013. With a beach volleyball court, covered picnic shelters, well-maintained restrooms, and tons of rentals available, Stewart Beach is one of the best beach day trips in the Gavelston area.
Note that this beach does not allow alcohol and charges $12 per day for parking. These restrictions may not be ideal, but they keep Stewart Beach one of the cleanest of the Texas white sand beaches.
2. Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula is known for white sand and family fun. The beach has the best shallow water fishing on this list. If you want to experience some truly unique fishing, you can book a chartered sea excursion at the nearby marina and enjoy the experience of deep water fishing with experts.
After you enjoy the sand, sun, and water of Crystal Beach, you can visit the area’s golf course or take your group to explore the Point Bolivar Lighthouse.
1. South Padre Island
When searching for Texas white sand beaches, it doesn’t get better than South Padre Island. There are tons of activities for families visiting the area. A legendary pirate ship, wildlife tours, sunset views, fireworks, and much more make it one of the best family-friendly beaches in Texas.
Tired of the busy town beach of South Padre Island? Head north to the Padre Island National Seashore, the largest undeveloped barrier island in the world. Padre Island National Seashore is home to tidal flats, dunes, sea turtles, and other wildlife.
Final Thoughts on Texas White Sand Beaches to Visit
People don’t often consider Texas beaches for a day trip or vacation destination, but Texan beaches offer surf fishing, many in a small beach town with a boat dock with public boat launch, and a saltwater pool, coastal marshes, horseback riding, treasure hunting, and more along the southeastern coast. Surfside Beach, San Jose Island, and Alamo Beach are all great for checking out as well. Any of these Texas white sand beaches are an excellent destination to take your friends and family with no shortage of fun on your beach day.
