Texas’ Treasure Troves: The 12 Least Crowded Beach in Texas
Texas beaches can make a great getaway for couples, families, or a solo road trip – and less crowded beaches are always better.
What are the least crowded beaches in Texas?
We’ve hunted down the fourteen best Texas beaches for those in the know, and we recommend you try one of these the next time you’re in the Lone Star State:
- Matagorda Bay
- San Jose Island
- Boca Chica Beach
- Surfside Beach
- Galveston Island State Park
Whether you want a relaxing day lounging on the white sand, or want a more exciting beach getaway that includes other attractions nearby, we hope you’ll take advantage of one or more of these beaches.
Least Crowded Beach in Texas
With 367 miles of coastline, and a mix of popular beaches and lesser known beaches, it shouldn’t be hard to find a quieter alternative to a crowded beach in Texas.
Matagorda Bay
Matagorda Beach covers a wide swath of beach land, including a state park around the bay. You can even drive your vehicle onto the beaches east of the Colorado River.
On the west side of Matagorda Beach, you can bring your canoe or stop by the kayak rentals to boat there. You can even set up camp on the state park grounds.
However, this beach is perfect for a lazy day in the sun – just be cautious if you do get in the water, since rip currents are known to be common in this area.
San Jose Island
San José Island used to be private property, but is now dedicated to wildlife conservation. Because of this, you won’t be able to drive on this beach, but a short ferry ride can take you there and back from Port Aransas.
San José Island is perfect for people who love the thought of spending a day fishing or shell collecting. It’s also a haven for natural wildlife, so have your camera ready for some great photography.
Also keep in mind that there won’t be any restaurants or shops on this natural preserve, so plan accordingly.
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica is right next to South Padre Island, and is one of the most secluded beaches in Texas.
What used to be a state park facility has been completely restored to its natural state, but tourists can still visit this sunny beach and find themselves next to no one but some birds and sea turtles.
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is a little closer to civilization, just an easy hour day trip outside of Houston. Take advantage of the free day parking and enjoy a relaxing day at this popular local Texas beach.
It’s a little further removed from the more crowded beaches in Galveston, which is perfect for those who want to drive right up to the water or set up camp for the night. Just be sure you pick up after yourself!
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park is a favorite among Galveston’s beaches. The massive Texas state park area does require a reservation for camping, so we recommend you avoid the more popular summer months or holidays to get a prime spot.
Once you do get to Galveston Island, though, you can get lost in thousands of years of history, or enjoy the calm by avoiding crowds elsewhere.
Padre Island National Seashore
North Padre Island and South Padre Island are hidden gems that are only accessible by driving through Corpus Christi. Together, they make up one of the longest stretches of the least crowded beach in the state.
You can spend quieter days collecting seashells or just lay out a picnic lunch on the soft sand. It’s also considered a protected nesting ground for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, and you might be able to see their nests during season.
You can also access the Padre Island seawall via other nearby beaches.
Little Elm Park
Little Elm Park might be a man made beach far away from the coastline, but this getaway just outside of Dallas is a great alternative for those who may vacation hours inland.
This portion of the beach is closed to boat traffic, which means you can swim and play in safety. You can also visit the nearby park or amphitheater when you’re done in the water.
Whitecap Beach
Whitecap Beach may be a short stretch of the coast at only 1.5 miles, but it’s the perfect escape when you just want a quiet day in a beach chair.
This sunny beach is also an access point for the nearby Padre Island seawall, if you wanted to explore that longer stretch of the Gulf Coast. Or, just enjoy the pristine beauty of this secluded hideaway.
Malaquite Beach
Malaquite Beach is great for those interested in extreme sports. Windsurfing and kayaking are both popular here, and there are no vehicles allowed on this beach so you won’t have to worry about anything but foot traffic.
It’s also great for families, too. Kids can get in plenty of sandcastle building, and community groups often hold events out here too.
Keep in mind that you will need to purchase a pass for the Padre Island National Seashore, but this beach is well worth the investment.
Eisenhower State Park Beach
This beach park is nowhere near the Gulf Coast. Instead, it’s hidden away on the Red River at the border of Texas and Oklahoma.
Even so, this blue water beach isn’t that different from what you’d expect. There’s plenty of trails and picnic areas, and you can also find a bit of natural history embedded in the nearby limestone cliffs.
Magnolia Beach
Magnolia Beach lies just off Matagorda. This is another short beach, but it’s a favorite for those who want to park their RV inches from the water.
You’ve got great views of the sunrise and sunset, and this beach has picnic tables available to share a meal with your family or friends.
Mustang Island State Park
You’ll need to drive or take a ferry from Corpus Christi to get to Mustang Island State Park, but it’s well worth the extra trip.
Mustang Island is perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and everything in between. It’s also a pet-friendly beach, which means you can bring your furry friends along for the ride.
You can also reserve campsites on this beach. It’s truly got something for everyone!
Key Takeaways
- Many of the least crowded beaches in Texas are nature preserves or state parks.
- You can set up tent camping or enjoy fishing at many Texas beaches too.
- Try visiting outside of peak seasons to really enjoy these hidden beaches.
- Some of these beaches are pretty far from civilization, so pack accordingly.