10 Pristine Hidden Beaches Throughout Texas You’ve Got To Visit This Summer
Texas beaches are notorious for being crowded during the summer, and visiting on weekdays or outside of peak hours doesn’t always help. A better solution is to skip the most popular destinations altogether and opt for lesser-known spots. From city parks to gulf-side oases, these 10 hidden beaches will take your summer to a whole new level. So next time you’re researching “beaches near me” in Texas, keep an eye out for these oases!
Just an hour north of Dallas, Eisenhower State Park is a secluded oasis on Lake Texoma. White sands lead into a pristine swimming cove, all overlooking rocky bluffs and a wide variety of gorgeous trees. Hike four miles of trails, fish, observe wildlife, and look out for breathtaking flora and fossils from an ancient ocean. More information on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.
The often overlooked Matagorda boasts almost 60 miles of beach, with the portion east of the Colorado River fair game for vehicles. The remaining 35 miles west of the river is only accessible by watercraft. It's a much quieter alternative to Galveston for swimming, and you can camp on the beach for free. A $10 permit is required to drive onto the beach, however parking areas with no usage fees are available within walking distance. The first eight miles of eastside beach beyond the dunes is private property, so make sure to keep up with the mile markers. More information on the Matagorda Beach website.
Serving as the dividing line between Mustang and Padre Island, South Packery Jetty Beach is often much less crowded than its northern counterpart. It's a fantastic destination for swimming, fishing, sandcastle building, and even snorkeling during the summer months! Access Road 3A is the only point of entry, and you'll need a permit to park on the beach. More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website.
A renowned scuba facility, Blue Lagoon offers training for beginners and instructors alike. Non-divers are also welcome, however, entrance is based on space availability and vehicles regularly get turned away. Only divers are permitted to make reservations, so have an alternate plan in place before arriving (Blue Lagoon recommends Huntsville State Park.) If you end up getting in, the experience is truly unparalleled. More information on the Blue Lagoon website.
On the northernmost point of Mustang Island, I.B. Magee Beach Park spans 167 acres and is open year-round. It features 75 campsites, a bathhouse, freshwater shower, picnic sites, and absolutely stunning water. Seagulls abound here, so bring a camera! More information on the Nueces Beach Parks website.
With just 1.5 miles of coastline, Whitecap Beach is unbeknownst to many. Its unspoiled sands are the perfect place to relax with a good book, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It serves as an access point for the Padre Island Seawall, and there are no entrance fees (but a permit is required for parking on the beach.) More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website.
Closed to vehicular traffic, Malaquite Beach allows kids to play without a care in the world. It's an incredibly scenic place, with deep blue waves lapping onto white sand. Admission to Padre Island National Seashore is required, at $10 per vehicle. More information on the Visit Corpus Christi website.
What's a city to do when the coast is hundreds of miles away? Build a beach, of course. Lake Granbury has its very own sandy beach, perfect for swimming and picnicking. The park includes various amenities, such as public restrooms, a spray park, kayak rentals, pavilions, and more, plus it's a great point of access for the boardwalk. Historic downtown Granbury is within walking distance, where you'll find a plethora of dining and shopping options. More information on the Visit Granbury website.
21 miles of virtually untouched golden sand lie on this forgotten, privately-owned island just a brief ferry ride away from Port Aransas. San José Island is home to some of the best birding and saltwater fishing in the South, plus a wealth of unique seashells. More information on the San José Island website.
Another inland city beach, Little Elm Park offers a safe, enclosed swimming area closed to boat traffic. There's a lakefront restaurant, and the park also features a playground, pavilion, amphitheater, tent camping, trails, and more. Just look at this sunset! More information on the Little Elm website.
Some or all of the beaches might be closed or operating under different circumstances, so keep checking their websites and Facebook pages for updates.
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
