You Can Both Swim and Hike on This Texas Trail—It’s Summer Perfection

I am about to let you in on one of Texas’s best-kept secrets. Imagine a secluded destination featuring boardwalk trails through coastal dunes with lush greenery, leading to miles of pristine Gulf Coast beaches. Intrigued? Plan a day trip to Kelly Hamby Trail Park in Freeport. This tiny six-acre oasis is great for swimming, birdwatching, beachcombing, picnicking, and more. Plus, the Kelly Hamby Trail is one of the top beach hiking trails in Texas. So, if you enjoy the best of both worlds — hiking and swimming – this hidden gem is for you. In my eyes, this coastal trail is the true definition of summer’s perfection. Now that the secret is out, let’s check out this beachfront destination in Texas.

Galveston Island is one of the most popular beach spots in the Lone Star State, but let’s be honest, in the summer, it can get pretty crowded. And if you’re anything like me, you prefer to skip the crowds for a more secluded location. That’s where Kelly Hamby Trail Park comes in. It’s located halfway between Surfside Beach and Galveston, which means access to a pretty but quiet beach. It can be a pit stop on your way to Galveston Island State Park, or better yet, you can spend the entire day here.   

Since the park is a lesser-known beach access along the coastline, you won’t find too many people around. In fact, you should have no issues finding a parking spot at the park. From the parking lot, you’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through coastal grasslands along a flat gravel surface that eventually leads to an elevated wooden boardwalk. 

The short but sweet nature trail has a lot to see along the way, and you’ll enjoy the cool breeze from the ocean as you trek. The easy hike is great for nature lovers and families; it’s dog-friendly, and the wooden boardwalk can accommodate strollers, too. 

The area is a natural habitat for various species of birds and monarch butterflies during the fall season. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for scissor-tailed flycatchers, orchard orioles, and migrant birds, including tanagers, cuckoos, and warblers. Bring your binoculars and camera to capture several nature photographs as you trek. Moreover, the interpretative signs along the trail have lots of information about the habitat and are excellent educational tools for the little ones. A bonus? The pretty little wildflowers that dot the trail and the breathtaking views of the stunning waterway.   

After you’ve soaked up the beauty of this scenic coastal trail, your reward will be the quiet beach along the sandy shores of the Gulf. At the end of the boardwalk, take the steps down to the ocean. If you need more adventure, continue your hike along the beach with tons of seashells to collect. 

Ready to cool off after your hike? Take a dip in the dreamy waters of the sea. Or simply find a spot on the beach to soak up the sun's rays. Chances are, you will have this playground all to yourself. Pack a picnic basket or a cooler with extra drinks and snacks, as you could easily spend an entire day at the beach. If you like fishing or paddling, you can do that too. Stay for the sunset and watch nature paint the skies with delicate, pastel hues. Between the coastal hike and the secluded, pristine beaches, this sounds like a perfect summer day to me. Plus, the park is free… You can’t beat that! 

There are no shelters here, so bring a beach umbrella or canopy with you. And don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray, you will need them as well. Of course, do your part to keep this Texas beach clean, so leave no trace behind.  

Address: 12083-12135 Bluewater Hwy, Freeport, TX 77541

What is your favorite beach hiking trail in Texas? Or, where is your favorite destination to cool off in the summer months? Share it with us on our nomination page. And if you need more fun in the sun, check out our top picks for things to do in Texas in the summer.