Any links in this post to a merchant may contain an affiliate link, which means that if you click on that link and then buy something, I may earn a commission from it. However, all opinions in this link are 100% mine and 100% honest. If I didn't believe in a particular product, I wouldn't recommend it to you.
Texas is probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think of beach trips. But it is definitely worth considering. The Texas Gulf Coast is full of hidden gems that are perfect for family beach vacations. Here are 5 of the best beach destinations in Texas for families.
#1: Galveston
Galveston Island is a perfect spot for Texas beach trips with the family. It is small enough to be easy to navigate but large enough to have everything you could want on your trip, including tons of sandy beach to spread out on.
There are lots of shops, restaurants, and even a small boardwalk style entertainment area with carnival rides and games.
And because Galveston is a suburb of Houston, you can always take a day trip into the city if you get tired of the beach.
For delicious food in Galveston, check out The Spot or Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza.
#2: Port Aransas
Next on my list of the best beach destinations in Texas for families is Port Aransas. This small island, just outside of Corpus Christi, packs quite a punch for your vacation budget.
What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in offerings. In Port Aransas, you will find a large, wide beach, tons of hotels and vacation home rentals, and more restaurants, gift shops, and activities than you could possibly visit in one trip.
And while Port Aransas is popular with Texans, its small size guarantees that you will have a beach trip without huge crowds. You’ll also get a more small town feel than if you went to a larger, more crowded location.
For a special treat, check out Texas Sandfest, which is held in Port Aransas every spring.
#3: Rockport
For a true hidden gem Texas beach destination, head to Rockport. It is located just a little east of Port Aransas. It is small but much less touristy than Port Aransas.
Here, you can enjoy your time at the beach with your family without all the hype and hoopla. This is a great place to go if you are looking for a true relaxing beach vacation.
In Rockport, you can take a guided fishing tour, go kayaking, or just enjoy lying on the beach watching your kids build sand castles.
And because it isn’t as popular as Port Aransas or Galveston, you will find that your vacation dollars will go further here.
#4: Calhoun County
The most unknown location on this list of the best beach destinations in Texas for families is Calhoun County.
You will find this small county east of Rockport and west of Houston. Because of its location nestled between two bays, Calhoun County has multiple towns with great beaches.
Lighthouse Beach, located in Port Lavaca, is a beautiful beach with a playground, RV hookups, fishing piers, a nature preserve, and small thatched roofed cabanas.
This is a perfect beach for families. The playground gives your kids something to do when they tire of the beach. Plus, there aren’t nearly as many people as you will see in some other places.
Additionally, there is a beach in Port O’Connor that is also very family friendly. It is much larger than Lighthouse Beach. It also has a playground for kids and a large fishing pier.
Another thing I really like about the Port O’Connor beach is that it has a large pavilion with picnic tables. This is a great place to get in the shade and cool off while eating lunch.
For a delicious meal, check out Scully’s or 303 Pub & Grub in Port Lavaca.
#5: South Padre Island
The last but certainly not least of the best beach destinations in Texas for families is South Padre Island. It is the southern most beach on this list. And, like Galveston, it is one of the largest and most popular beach locations in Texas.
Here, you will find many high rise hotels and numerous vacation homes. South Padre Island caters to tourists most of the year. So, you will easily find plenty of restaurants and things to do with your family.
Have a blast with your family fishing, snorkeling, riding jet skis, or other water based activities. You can also participate in a sand castle experience or go parasailing. And if that’s not enough, you can lead your family on a scavenger hunt around South Padre Island! How fun is that!?!?
Conclusion
Texas may not be the first place you think of when you start planning your beach vacation, but it should! The above list of the best beach destinations in Texas for families will allow you to have an amazing vacation without all the crowds.
To book an awesome hotel in one of these locations, head over to Hotellook.
For more things to do in Texas, see my posts on Texas bucket list experiences, and the best things to do with kids in Fort Worth.
For tips on your trip to the beach, see my tips for eating at the beach, safety tips for beach trips, what to pack for a day at the beach, and the best tips for going to the beach with your kids.
Happy travels!
P.S. Need help finding the best places to go on your family vacations? My Ultimate USA Bucket List for Families will instantly give you 60 of the best vacation destinations for families in the United States! Get it for FREE in the box below and start planning your next trip today! Plus, as a bonus, you will receive my weekly email newsletter full of family trip tips and inspiration!
Leave a Reply