10 Best Beaches Near Houston

Leave the buzz of the city behind and head to Galveston Island State Park for the ultimate escape. Explore the park’s 2000 acres by making use of some of the biking and hiking trails or canoeing across the waters. When you’re ready to relax, head to the beach to watch the sunset.

Just an hour’s drive from Houston, if you want to extend your time away from the bustle, you can always set up camp. If you’re visiting during spring or fall, make sure you keep an eye on the avian traffic as you can spot many unusual migratory birds.

Named one of the “10 Best Beaches for Families” by the Family Vacation Critic, Stewart Beach is designed for a family day out. For those who would rather be active instead of sunbathing, there’s a range of activities such as volleyball, frisbee, giant Jenga, and a kid’s playpark.

An hour’s drive from Houston, Stewart Beach takes care of the practicalities so you can focus on relaxing. With a large parking lot nearby and lifeguards manning the beach during the peak season, every detail is taken care of. Located near the main seawall promenade, it’s easy to grab a quick bite or hit the shops.

With 4 miles of golden sand, Surfside Beach is a great spot for every type of beach goer, whether you want to relax or go on an adventure. If you fancy taking to the waves, you can go surfing, jet skiing, or kayaking, or stick to land and go horseback riding instead.

A short drive from Houston – around 1 hour 10 minutes – Surfside Beach is also the ideal place to slow down and connect with nature. The Bird and Butterfly jetty trail will help you discover up to 400 species during the migration seasons in March and September. If you’ve got little ones, you can cool off in Splash Pad Park with 10 different water features.

One of the only Galveston Island beaches where alcohol is permitted, East Beach is the place to be for a good time. East Beach also hosts several events a year with live music and the annual sandcastle building competition where you can see some seriously impressive structures.

Around 45 minutes from Houston, East Beach proves to be particularly popular on holidays. One of the largest sandy beaches, it’s also one of the best equipped in terms of amenities. Make sure you arrive early during peak season to secure your spot.

Crystal Beach takes you off the beaten track to a wilder beach, free from commercialization. Only accessible via ferry or a 35-mile drive from Winnie, this is a truly peaceful beach where you can enjoy your own company.

Home to several different species of wildlife, the 7 miles of Crystal Beach is one of the best spots for crabbing and spotting migratory birds. After a chilled-out day, you can head to Stingaree restaurant or HardHeads for traditional Texan cuisine and perhaps some live rock or country music.

Sylvan Beach Park gives you all the fun of the beach without some of the less enjoyable parts. With fine sands, no seaweed, and smaller waves, you’ll be able to enjoy escaping from the bustle of the city and breathe in the ocean air. It also boasts one of the longest fishing piers so you can secure your catch.

Brilliant for little ones, Sylvan Beach Park features 2 shaded play parks, allowing kids to have fun and stay safe in the sun. Bring a picnic, barbecue on the beach, or grab a bite from the snack bar, as this beach will keep your family entertained all day.

Lighthouse Beach is one of the smaller beaches on the Texas Gulf Coast but is still well worth a visit, especially if you’re traveling with children. With grass-woven umbrellas, picnic tables, a splash pad, and a play park, there’s plenty to keep everyone safe and entertained.

A 2-hour drive from Houston, Lighthouse Beach also has a large boardwalk to explore the marshland and the wildlife it contains. If you want to extend your vacation, you can pitch your tents under the stars or travel in style and bring your RV.

A private beach owned by the same family for the last 70 years, Porretto Beach offers pristine sands and stunning views. Typically cleaner and quieter than many of the other beaches along the seawall, it’s a brilliant place to go for a relaxing beach stroll.

An hour’s drive from Houston, Porretto is seen as one of the best places to admire a stunning sunrise or sunset. Your practical needs will also be taken care of with umbrella, chair, float, and jet ski rentals available, as well as a range of food outlets to help you refuel. Keep your eyes peeled for the annual “Big Kahuna Kup” catamaran race held in honor of Henry Porretto Jr.

McFaddin Beach is steeped in history with several fossils and artifacts getting washed ashore over the years. However, it’s not just for history buffs as its clean sands and secluded nature provide privacy for your beach day.

Located outside of Port Arthur and a 2-hour drive from Houston, McFaddin Beach is also known for its crabbing and fishing so if you’re lucky, you could be enjoying the freshest seafood feast at the end of your day. The sand here is denser compared to others in the area, making it easier to picnic and build sandcastles.

El Jardin Beach, located in Seabrook, is a small and serene cove for those who want to get away from it all. One of the huge advantages of this beach is that it’s rarely crowded, allowing you to enjoy a moment of serenity. It’s also the reason why the locals love it so much.

A 40-minute drive from Houston, make sure you arrive early as parking is very limited at this secluded spot. Remember to pack everything you need for the day (including snacks) as there are no concession stands in this area.