The 5 Best State Park Beaches in Texas to Visit to Close Out Summer

It's that time of year again — summer is coming to a close, kids are headed back to school, and spooky season starts to creep into our minds. But there's still time left to enjoy those last sun-kissed beach days before the weather cools and we trade time on the sand for time at a pumpkin patch.

Before summer comes to an end, here are the best state park beaches in Texas. Don't let the rest of the summer pass you by.

Mustang Island State Park

With miles of sand stretching along the Gulf Coast, Mustang Island State Park provides the means for sand castle-building, sunbathing, surfing, and swimming. As we head into late summer, spending a weekend afternoon at this park's barrier island beach may be a necessity, or at least a welcome distraction from knowing that the season is coming to a close. You may even want to book a campsite just 1/3 of a mile from the beach for one last getaway this summer.

Sea Rim State Park

Whether you love swimming or beachcombing in Texas, the Sea Rim State Park beach may be the perfect spot. Encompassing 4,000 acres of marshland and two miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, this Texas state park is rich in both scenery and adventure. In addition to beachcombing and swimming, feel free to cast a line for a relaxing afternoon of fishing or take a canoe or kayak out on the water.

Galveston Island State Park

The beauty of the Gulf Coast is prevalent when visiting Galveston Island State Park. With its barrier island location, this state park has both a bay side and a Gulf side, and plenty of beach for a day of swimming. This is another park where you can reserve a beachside campsite, and who wouldn't want to wake up and hit the beach first thing in the morning?

Cedar Hill State Park

Cedar Hill State Park is a family-friendly summertime destination with a gravel swimming beach and a beachside playground at the 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake. Take a dip, fish for largemouth black bass, catfish, or crappie, or paddle on the lake — whatever you do, spending time at this lake is a great way to create a few more summer memories.

Lake Tawakoni State Park

The 37,879-acre Lake Tawakoni, the epicenter of Lake Tawakoni State Park, provides cool water to escape the heat on a hot summer day in Texas. The dedicated swim beach is ideal for families, and you can take a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat out on the water as well. Located just 50 miles east of Dallas, escape the city and spend one of the last days of summer by the lake.

Are you ready to hit the sand at one of the best state park beaches in Texas before time runs out this summer? If you feel inspired to visit one of these incredible state park beaches, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.

If you're starting to prepare for the fall, look at our list of 12 beautiful fall destinations in Texas. Between the state parks and botanical gardens, you'll have plenty to add to your fall bucket list this year.