Best Beaches Near Houston: Located in the southern region of the United States, Houston is a bustling city known for its culture, food, and history. While the city offers a variety of attractions and activities for locals and tourists alike, those seeking a beach escape don’t have to travel too far. Within a few hours’ drive from Houston, there are several beaches that offer pristine waters, white sand, and plenty of sunshine. From the picturesque shores of Galveston Island to the secluded beachfront of Matagorda Bay Nature Park, there’s a beach for every type of traveler. In this guide, we will explore some of the best beaches near Houston, highlighting their unique features and what makes them worth visiting. So pack your sunscreen and get ready for a beach adventure!
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Best Beaches Near Houston
Find some of the best beaches near Houston
Stewart Beach
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach near Houston, look no further than Stewart Beach. Located on the picturesque Galveston Island, Stewart Beach offers a wide range of activities and amenities that make it a perfect destination for families with kids of all ages.
The beach is known for its wide stretch of soft sand and calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and playing in the ocean. Lifeguards are also on duty throughout the day, giving parents peace of mind while their kids splash around.
But there’s more to Stewart Beach than just swimming. The beach features a large pavilion with picnic tables and grills, perfect for a family barbecue or picnic. And for those looking for something more active, the beach also has volleyball courts, a playground, and even a miniature golf course.
Another highlight of Stewart Beach is the wide range of food options available. From traditional beach fare like hot dogs and snow cones to more substantial meals like burgers and tacos, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
Overall, Stewart Beach offers a fun and relaxing day out for the whole family. So pack your sunscreen, beach toys, and a picnic lunch, and get ready for a day of sun, sand, and family fun!
Surfside Beach
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience near Houston, Surfside Beach is the perfect destination. Located about an hour south of Houston, Surfside Beach offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere than some of the more crowded beaches near the city.
Surfside Beach is known for its soft, white sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. And unlike some of the other beaches in the area, Surfside Beach is relatively undeveloped, giving visitors a more natural and unspoiled beach experience.
One of the highlights of Surfside Beach is the fishing. The beach is popular with anglers, who can cast their lines from the shore or book a fishing charter to venture further out into the Gulf of Mexico. And for those who prefer to admire the fish rather than catch them, the beach is also home to the Surfside Jetty Park, a popular spot for watching the boats and the local wildlife.
Surfside Beach also offers a range of amenities, including public restrooms and showers, picnic tables and grills, and a playground for kids. And with a variety of beachfront rentals available, visitors can even extend their stay and enjoy the beach for more than just a day trip.
Overall, Surfside Beach offers a peaceful and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of Houston. So pack your sunscreen and your fishing gear, and get ready for a day of relaxation and natural beauty on the Texas coast.
Sylvan Beach Park
Located just outside of Houston, Sylvan Beach Park is a hidden gem that offers a range of activities and amenities for families to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or a more active adventure, Sylvan Beach Park has something for everyone.
The park is situated on the shores of Galveston Bay and offers a picturesque setting for swimming, fishing, and boating. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, with soft sand and shallow waters that are perfect for kids to play in.
For those looking for more active pursuits, Sylvan Beach Park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including volleyball, basketball, and even a skate park. And for those who want to take in the views from the water, there are kayak rentals available on-site.
One of the highlights of Sylvan Beach Park is the historic Sylvan Beach Pavilion, a beautiful building that dates back to the early 1900s. The pavilion has been restored and is now used for events and concerts throughout the year, adding to the park’s charm and appeal.
Sylvan Beach Park also offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables and grills, public restrooms and showers, and even a playground for kids. And with plenty of parking available, it’s easy to make a day trip to the park and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Overall, Sylvan Beach Park is a perfect destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing day out. So pack your sunscreen, your beach toys, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some memories on the beautiful Texas coast.
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park is a must-visit destination for families looking for a beach adventure near Houston. With its miles of pristine shoreline, nature trails, and abundant wildlife, the park offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages.
The park’s beach is the main attraction, with soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space to spread out and relax. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and play in the water, or explore the beach’s many hidden coves and tidal pools. And with lifeguards on duty during peak season, parents can rest easy while their kids play in the water.
In addition to the beach, Galveston Island State Park also offers a range of nature trails, including the popular Bay Side Trail and the beachfront Dune Access Trail. These trails allow visitors to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, dunes, and coastal prairies, and get up close with the many birds and other wildlife that call the park home.
For those who want to extend their stay, the park also offers a range of camping options, from primitive campsites to fully equipped cabins. And with amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables available, camping at Galveston Island State Park is a comfortable and convenient option for families looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Overall, Galveston Island State Park is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for families to enjoy. So pack your sunscreen, your hiking shoes, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover all that this beautiful park has to offer.
East Beach
East Beach is a popular destination for families looking for a lively and festive beach experience near Houston. Located on Galveston Island, this beach offers a range of activities and amenities, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
One of the highlights of East Beach is its lively atmosphere. With live music, DJs, and beach parties happening throughout the summer, there’s always something going on at this vibrant beach. And for those looking for a more laid-back experience, there are plenty of quiet spots to relax and enjoy the sun and surf.
The beach itself is long and wide, with soft sand and warm waters that are perfect for swimming and playing in the waves. And with lifeguards on duty during peak season, parents can relax and enjoy the beach knowing their kids are safe.
East Beach also offers a range of amenities, including public restrooms and showers, picnic tables and grills, and a variety of beachfront concessions. And for those who want to extend their stay, there are plenty of nearby accommodations, from beachfront hotels to vacation rentals.
Overall, East Beach is a fun and lively destination that offers something for everyone. So pack your beach gear, your dancing shoes, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to make some memories on this beautiful Texas beach.
El Jardin Beach
El Jardin Beach is a hidden gem located just a short drive from Houston, offering a secluded and tranquil beach experience for families looking to escape the crowds. With its soft sand, clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere, El Jardin Beach is a perfect spot for a relaxing day in the sun.
The beach itself is small and intimate, with gentle waves that are perfect for swimming and playing in the water. And with plenty of shade provided by the surrounding palm trees, it’s easy to find a comfortable spot to relax and soak up the sun.
One of the highlights of El Jardin Beach is its clear water, which is ideal for snorkeling and exploring the local marine life. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear on-site and take a guided tour of the nearby reefs, where they can see colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin.
El Jardin Beach also offers a range of amenities, including public restrooms and showers, picnic tables and grills, and a variety of beachfront concessions. And with plenty of parking available, it’s easy to make a day trip to the beach and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Overall, El Jardin Beach is a beautiful and tranquil destination that offers a unique and peaceful beach experience. So pack your snorkeling gear, your sunscreen, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore this hidden gem on the Texas coast.