17 Top Best Beaches in Houston | Houston Beaches
Top Best Beaches in Houston. Despite the lack of beaches in the city, a quick trip to the coast will take you to some of the most stunning beaches outside of Houston, where you can unwind with loved ones. There are many different beaches in Texas to explore and enjoy, including well-known tourist destinations, hidden treasures, beaches for nudists, and more. These beaches are accessible year-round due to Houston’s consistent temperate temperatures.
Top Best Beaches in Houston
1. El Jardin Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
500 El Jardin Dr., Seabrook, TX 77586 is the address.
Hours: 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Parking is restricted, and guests must pay.
33 miles separate Houston from here.
Overview of El Jardin Beach, Houston
El Jardin Beach is a city-owned beach that is well-liked by the community for beach family get-togethers. The beach benefits from less visitor traffic because it is still comparatively empty. Despite its tiny size, the beach is abundant with vegetation and marine life.
In addition, it has power outlets, picnic tables, BBQ pits, and park seats. Dogs are permitted on the beach, but they have to be leashed. The restricted number of parking spaces is a bit of a hassle because guests would have to pay for a spot (if there is one) or park blocks in advance.
2. Sylvan Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
636 N Bayshore Dr., La Porte, TX 77571 is the address.
Open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The distance is 26.2 miles from Dallas.
Parking is complimentary.
Fishing Pier Fee: USD 4
Rules for fishing piers:
Absent alcohol
Not using any casting nets
No need to clean the fish
Absence of glassware
There’s no tanning on the pier.
There is no pet policy on the pier.
Not Give Back
Overview of Sylvan Beach, Houston
The closest beach to Houston’s downtown is Sylvan Beach. It’s the ideal spot to unwind or spend quality time with loved ones. Swimming is fun here because of the fine beach, fewer seaweed, and smaller waves. There is a 32-acre park complex by the beach with picnic tables, an air-conditioned pavilion, a tennis court, and a large playground. There is also a skate park.
It also provides a boat ramp for convenient access to the bay for fishing off the pier. The Annual Sylvan Beach Park Crawfish Jam, which takes place in the spring, is the venue’s standout event. It’s a terrific area to host events.
3. Jamaica Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Jamaica Beach, Galveston County, Texas 77554 is the address.
5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Parking and admission fees are waived.
Additional amenities include pets on leashes and cars with a 10-mph speed limit on the beach.
The distance is 61.4 miles from Houston
Overview of Jamaica Beach, Houston
Being a public beach, Jamaica Beach is the ideal place to spend a day with loved ones or have your next major gathering. The community came together to build the Park complex in 1989. It has a basketball court, a kitchen-equipped pavilion, swings, and a picnic area.
Situated on Jolly Roger Road, the Jamaica Beach Swimming Pool is adjacent to the City Park. If you grow weary of the waves, you can swim in this pool. Every year, the beach hosts several activities, such as fundraisers, Mardi Gras parades, and the annual Easter egg hunt.
4. Stewart Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
201 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Texas 77550 is the address.
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Friday through Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day
From Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From Friday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rate: USD 12 on Monday through Thursday; USD 15 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Parking: space-limited, payable
Wheelchair: Allowed
53-mile distance from Houston
Overview of Stewart Beach, Houston
One of Galveston’s best family beaches is Stewart Beach. Family Vacation Critic listed it as one of the “10 Best Beaches for Families” in 2013. Under the watchful eye of certified lifeguards, the beach offers a park with a pavilion, food stands, changing facilities, beach volleyball courts, beach volleyball courts, a children’s playground, and much more. In addition, the park provides wheelchair accessibility and free parking for individuals with disabilities.
5. East Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
1923 Boddeker Drive, Galveston, Texas, 77550 is the address.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Friday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rate: USD 12 on Monday through Thursday and USD 15 on Friday and Sunday.
54-mile distance from Houston
Overview of East Beach, Houston
The ultimate party spot is East Beach, which is situated on Galveston Island’s extreme eastern edge. It is well known for its summertime beach parties, live music events, and festivals.
Every year, the first weekend of June marks the annual American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sandcastle competition, a popular beach event that draws large crowds. A pavilion, boardwalk, entertainment stage, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, and much more are available at the beach. Moreover, it’s one of the few beaches in Galveston where drinking is allowed.
6. Galveston Island State Park
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Environment
The address is 6285 Seawall Blvd., 77551, Galveston, Texas.
Timings: Available around the clock
Adults pay USD 5 to enter.
For those under twelve, free.
The distance is 58 miles from Houston.
Overview of Galveston Island State Park in Houston
The 2,000 acres that makeup Galveston Island State Park are made up of marshes, beaches, and estuaries. Galveston Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, or both can be experienced here. Activities including kayaking, bird watching, fishing, swimming, hiking, surfing, biking, and nature field trips are popular. Not only does it provide picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, but you can also rent cabins, tents, and RVs there.
7. Surfside Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
1304 Monument Drive, Surfside Beach, Texas 7754 is the address.
Hours: 8 p.m. curfew
Parking is permitted.
The distance of 65.4 miles from Houston
Overview of Surfside Beach, Houston
Brazoria County’s Surfside Beach is hailed as the ideal gateway location and is well-liked by locals for its charming yet energetic atmosphere. It’s a terrific place to explore the outdoors, take in the scenery, and see wildlife.
The deep waters, calm waves, and immaculate shorelines make for perfect swimming, surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing conditions. One of the most popular pastimes here is fishing, and the beach is highly regarded for its excellent offshore and bay fishing. Here, you may also relax for the day by having a bonfire.
8. The Texas City Dike
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Dike Road, Texas City, Texas 77590 is the address.
Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Admission Fee: USD 10 per car on weekends; free on weekdays in the summer and winter.
44.9 miles separate Houston from here.
Overview of the Texas City Dike in Houston
Constructed in 1915, the Texas City Dike/Beach is a levee designed to prevent silting and provide protection from cross currents. It is the world’s longest artificial fishing pier, spanning 5.3 miles, and a well-liked location for boat launches and fishing excursions. It has amenities like portable restrooms, a concrete shelter, fish cleaning stations, and lighted parking boat ramps. This is also a great place to go swimming, cycling, Jet Skiing, and bird viewing.
9. Crystal Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Address: 77550 Port Bolivar, Texas
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parking is available on Hwy 87.
Entry Cost: USD 5
64.5 miles separate Houston from here.
Overview of Crystal Beach, Houston
Here, at the Bolivar Peninsula’s Crystal Beach or Bolivar Beach, you may enjoy the purest peace. It includes 27 miles of Upper Texas Gulf Coast beach shoreline. It is situated adjacent to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge on Highway 87.
There is a mound of seaweed on the beach where you may dig for shells and shark teeth, and the gritty sand is covered in shells. Watching fireworks on the beach on New Year’s Eve and July 4th is a spectacular sight. For most of the year, the area is quite deserted and secluded. Additionally, it lacks the standard amenities seen on other beaches. Its allure is found in its assurance of peace and solitude.
10. Quintana Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
330 Fifth St., Quintana, TX 77541-9747 is the address.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking: USD 5 is available.
It’s 69.6 miles from Houston.
Overview of Quintana Beach, Houston
On the Upper Texas Gulf Coast is a naturally occurring beach called Quintana Beach. The local meteorological conditions and tides determine its state. This place is good for bird watching, swimming, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, and shelling.
A 52-acre beachfront park called The Beach is also home to 56 asphalt full-service RV campsites, self-contained cottages, volleyball courts, covered shelters, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and a host of other amenities. The Discovery Event Center is available for rental for gatherings and functions; it has a fully functional kitchen and can hold up to 80 people. The ruins of the Freeport Harbor Defense and the old site of Fort Bates are two historic places worth visiting for history buffs.
11. Porretto Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Address: Galveston, Texas, 77550, 10th & Seawall Blvd.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Parking: $7 (for all-day access)
Pets: permitted with a leash
It’s 52.6 miles from Houston.
Overview of Porretto Beach, Houston
Porretto Beach is a family-friendly private beach located in Galveston that is well-liked for its amenities and atmosphere. Here, picnicking, sandcastle construction, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular pastimes. Since the waters are clear and shallow, swimming is safe and fun here. There are fewer people on the seawall, so you can enjoy a stroll there as well. Although they must be leashed, pets are permitted on the beach.
Rentable chairs, umbrellas, and public restrooms are examples of additional facilities. Fast-food restaurants and retail establishments are conveniently adjacent to the shore, making access to them simple. Music festivals and sand castle competitions are the location’s main events.
12. Bryan Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Address: 77541 Country Rd., Freeport, TX
Pets are permitted with a leash
The distance of 59 miles from Houston
Overview of Bryan Beach, Houston
Brazoria County’s Bryan coastline offers three miles of picturesque, undeveloped coastline. The region is ideal for relaxing, bird watching, fishing, sunbathing, and camping because it hasn’t been commercialized yet and is still in its natural nature. It is also recommended that visitors get anything they will need in advance. One of the last beaches in Texas where you may drive and camp on the sand without getting fined is Bryan Beach. Fireworks and glass containers are not allowed here, though.
13. The Blue Lagoon Beach
Conditions: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
639 Pinedale Road, Huntsville, Texas 77320 is the address.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Sat. to Sun.: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (admission is closed after 4:00 PM)
Entry Fee: USD 22 for non-divers, USD 20 for divers
21.2 miles separate Houston from here.
Houston’s Blue Lagoon Beach: An Overview
One of Texas’ most picturesque locations for swimming is the Blue Lagoon. It has the appearance of a tropical paradise thanks to its pristine blue seas. Scuba diving and swimming are the most popular activities available. Beginner through intermediate dive instruction is available at The Blue Lagoon. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to see in the lagoon because of the absence of flora.
14. Matagorda Bay Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Address: 6420 FM2031, USA, 77457 Matagorda, TX
Parking is allowed in Jetty Park, which is a few miles away from the site.
101 miles separate Houston from here.
Overview of Matagorda Bay Beach in Houston
Matagorda Bay Beach is a 26-mile stretch of undeveloped beach close to the mouth of the Colorado River. It’s a wonderful spot to take in the scenery and spend some alone or social time with loved ones. The location stays uncrowned all year long. Swimming and camping are also available here. While it is an excellent area to swim, one should be aware of the river’s fast currents. There are no camping fees here, so feel free to bring an RV or a tent and camp for up to 72 hours. It is not allowed to drive on the dunes, however, you can drive a 4×4 car on the beach with a permit for USD 10.
15. Magnolia Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
719 N Ocean Dr, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 is the address.
Schedule: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Parking is accessible.
Pets are permitted
The distance of 141. 7 miles from Houston
Overview of Magnolia Beach, Houston
Magnolia Beach is 1.5 miles long and located south of Lavaca on the Texas coast. It’s a tranquil and soothing location where you may enjoy camping in the forest. Finding a good site for your RV is made simple by the wide beach and well-packed sand. There are no fees associated with camping. There is a clean restroom with showers and flush toilets at the beach. The absence of stores in the vicinity would be the only drawback.
16. Sunny Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Address: 2704 8 Mile Road, 77554, USA, Galveston, Texas (TX)
There is no entry fee.
Prohibitions: Open flames, glass containers, and alcohol consumption
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Weekend hours are 8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
Pets: Permitted
The distance of 54.3 miles from Houston
Overview of Sunny Beach, Houston
On the western edge of Galveston, Sunny Beach is a remote location that is crowded on weekends and quiet during the week. It’s a large drive-on beach with picnic areas, cottages for rent, and food trucks close by. Simple pastimes like swimming, fishing, shell gathering, and picnicking are all available here. It is a safe place where you can unwind because the water is not deep and the police frequently patrol the area.
17. Hippie Hollow Beach
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
6841 Comanche Trail, Austin, Texas 78732 is the address.
Timings: 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
9:00 AM to 7:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday
Admission Charge: Usage each day: USD 8 per person
Senior citizens: $3 per individual
The distance of 173.5 miles from Houston.
Overview of Hippie Hollow Beach in Houston
Hippie Hollow Beach, formerly McGregor County Park, has a rocky, steep beachfront that leads into Lake Travis. It’s the only public park in Texas where clothing is not required. This is the ideal location for an enjoyable leisure trip because it’s permissible to swim and sunbathe in the nude. This area is off-limits to pets, fireworks, bonfires, overnight camping, and glass containers. To enter the beach, guests must be at least eighteen years old.
18. West End Pocket Parks
Weather: 19–29°C
Tags: Seashore
Galveston, Texas 77554, USA 11102 San Luis Pass Road is the address of Beach Pocket Park 1.
Weekday hours for Park 1 are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Weekend hours: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Park 1. Entry fee: USD 12, Monday through Friday.
Saturday through Sunday: $15 per car (holiday excluded), $50 pass
11745 San Luis Pass Road is the address of Beach Pocket Park 2.
Admission to Park 2 is free.
Parking in Park 2 is accessible and free.
The distance is 53.9 miles from Houston
Overview of West End Pocket Parks in Houston
West End The term Pocket Parks comes from their location at the westernmost point of Galveston Island. Beach Pocket Park 1 and Beach Pocket 2 are the two beaches. There are fewer amenities and people in Pocket 1. While Pocket 2 has more amenities including restrooms, showers, and changing rooms, it is still a decent option for individuals seeking some peace or for people who love light entertainment. From the sun deck, you can also take in views of the ocean.