What Texas Beaches Have The Clearest Water?
Lone Star State is known for many things including its cowboy culture, delicious cuisine, and wonderful coastline. You can find clear water beaches in Texas that I think easily rank among the best in the whole US! To find the most amazing clear blue waters for your next getaway, here we give you tips on what locales to visit!
What Texas beaches have the clearest water?
If you’re looking for the clearest water on the Texas Coast, visit Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island near Corpus Christi, Boca Chica Beach on South Padre Island, or Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula.
Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore is a wonderful spot for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. This shore is famous for its pristine white sands and creates the ideal spot for those who are looking for a well-maintained, but still not overcrowded beach.
Padre Island National Seashore has not only ample parking but also a visitor center with clean facilities including dressing rooms and showers to make your day even more enjoyable. And the best is that you can even drive right onto the beach and park next to the ocean!
Spend the day birdwatching or strolling along the beach or plan an adventure of kayaking and camping. You also have the opportunity to observe endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtles here as they nest and hatch at the area’s beaches every year!
Mustang Island State Park – Corpus Christi
Located in Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park is named after the wild horses that once enjoyed the area. Today, this extremely clean beach and its adjacent state park are enjoyed by families who are looking for a relaxing getaway at an easily accessible, well-maintained seaside locale.
You never have to worry about a big crowd since once the park reaches capacity, they don’t allow more people in. There are also modern facilities including restrooms and showers. Moreover, there is a nice campground with a full RV hookup in case you want to come for a longer vacation!
Boca Chica Beach – South Padre Island
Boca Chica Beach is situated on the southernmost point of the state, close to the Mexican border. This shoreline, probably due to its tucked away location belongs to the least crowded beaches in Texas, however since the SpaceX Launchpad is not so far from here, its popularity is growing.
This hidden gem offers unobstructed ocean views with no buildings disturbing the scenery. In fact, there are no facilities on the beach so make sure to pack some snacks and all the necessities you will need throughout the day.
What you will find here though is a stunning natural environment with crystal clear water and endless seashells to expand your collection. Boca Chica Beach is the ideal retreat from crowds and noise, allowing you to enjoy an afternoon relaxing with your family or friends.
Crystal Beach – Bolivar Peninsula
Spending a day or even a well-deserved long beach vacation at Crystal Beach offers adventure and relaxation for the whole family. This under-the-radar destination is accessible with a 15-minute ferry ride from Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula. The great news is that the Bolivar ferry is free, and you might spot dolphins on the ride!
Arriving at Crystal Beach, you will be greeted by a beautiful sandy beach and clear waters. Start your day by soaking up the sun, collecting shells, or playing in the sand. The Gulf Breeze is perfect for flying kites at the beach too! Spend the afternoon swimming, boogie boarding, and fishing, and wind down in the evening by a cozy campfire.
Amenities at Crystal Beach include on-site parking for a small fee and nearby public restrooms, offering a bit of convenience as you escape the chaos of city life. The charming Texas beach town named also Crystal Beach offers further attractions such as Fort Travis Historic Site and the Rancho Caribe Golf Course.
Other recommended clear water beaches in Texas
Jamaica Beach – Galveston
If you are looking for the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway, look no further than the island city of Galveston, just from Houston. With over 32 miles of warm sand, amazing clear water, and a range of activities, you will find here some of the best beaches in Texas. My favorite is Jamaica Beach, a wonderful stretch of sand on the east end of Galveston Island, at beach access 17 (also known as Buccaneer Drive access).
Jamaica Beach is perfect for sunbathing, picnics, swimming, fishing, flying kites, and searching for shells and sand dollars. Furthermore, facilities and amenities include nearby restrooms, parks, and rentals.
There are also various spots to fill your tummy when you get hungry while busy enjoying the beach; Way West Grill & Pizzeria, Venados Cantina Mexican Restaurant, and Shrimp N Stuff Seafood Truck are just a few steps away.
Considering staying here? Why not check out Alsup House in Jamaica Beach Home, a modern holiday home featuring 3 bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, just a few steps away from the ocean?
Babe’s Beach – Galveston
Located in central Galveston, Babe’s Beach is a family-friendly, secluded Texas beach vacation spot. It was named after A.R. “Babe” Schwartz, who worked here as a lifeguard while in high school and later, when he was in the Texas House and Senate helped create the Texas Open Beaches Act, the law that ensures free public access to the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
Visiting this hidden gem allows you to avoid the constant crowds while swimming and surfing as lifeguards watch over the area. This beach is known for its breathtaking water and historic seawall, perfect for relaxing or taking photographs.
Catch a tan or collect seashells on the mile-long clear water beach or take a stroll to the nearby 61st Street Fishing Pier for dining and souvenirs. Babe’s Beach welcomes pets, so bring your furry friend along for a getaway to enjoy the fresh air and an exciting walk!
San Luis Beach – Galveston
When looking for Texas clear water beaches, be sure to add San Luis Beach on Bluewater Highway to your list. Also known as the West End because it is on Galveston’s West End. It is known for birdwatching, tall dunes, and is a popular spot among those who want to enjoy the scenery of the beach without dealing with the crowd that usually comes with it.
Swimming is not recommended because of the currents, but you can enjoy an afternoon of strolling, birding, resting, and combing. There are not any amenities or facilities on this secluded beach only nature, but many businesses and restaurants are within a 30-minute drive.
Malaquite Beach – Corpus Christi
When it comes to family-friendly beaches in Texas near Corpus Christi, Malaquite Beach is at the top of the list. This well-maintained beach can be found near the visitor center for Padre Island National Seashore and offers restrooms, showers, and picnic areas to create a convenient, pleasurable visit for the whole family.
There is enough space to relax on this beautiful white sandy shore with crystal clear waters; you can let your kids run along the water, build sandcastles, fly kites, and go fishing. The beach is pet-friendly so you can take your dogs as well! While there are not any restaurants or shops on the beach, you can head to Corpus Christi to explore the dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Neptune Circle Access – South Padre Island
With its white sand and turquoise waters, South Padre Island has some of the best blue water beaches in Texas. The section at #16 Neptune Circle access, on the southern tip of the island, is my favorite because it is well-kept and has portable restrooms. Although the parking is limited, additional street parking is available.
You can spend the day strolling along the beach with your family, walk your doggies or sit back and relax under the sun with a cold drink in your hand. If you are looking for more thrilling activities, the conditions are great for parasailing and kite-surfing. For family fun, check out Gravity Park, an adventure and amusement park, or Sea Turtle, Inc., the sea turtle rehabilitation center to educate your kids and yourself about marine conservation.
South Padre Island is famous for its excellent beachfront resorts like Margaritaville Beach Resort and Isla Grand Beach Resort.
Port Aransas Beach
If you are someone who enjoys beaches with a lively vibe, you want to visit Port Aransas Beach. Located in Port Aransas, this 6-mile stretch of sand is the perfect place for active vacationers out there.
Go swimming in the warm water, ride a jet ski, try parasailing, or participate in beach yoga as you enjoy the live music. Clean, compacted sand makes it easy to walk or run on it as well as building sandcastles or sculptures! In fact, this beach is the home to the 3-day long Texas Sandfest Festival, the largest sand sculpture competition in the US!
Rockport Beach
Rockport Beach, a well-maintained beach in Aransas Bay close to Corpus Christi, is known for being the first in Texas to earn the environmental certification known as the “Blue Wave Beach” status. To keep the area clean, dogs, cars, and camping are not allowed on the beach.
Its shallow waters make it safe for swimming and very family-friendly. You can even find private cabanas and palapa huts for relaxing in the shade. The beach offers some food outlets on site to grab some snacks, but if you want to sit in for lunch or dinner somewhere, the nearby Rockport dining and shopping district offers plenty of options!
Surfside Beach
Surfside is a well-maintained, family and dog-friendly beach section near the beach town of Freeport, just 1-hour drive from South Houston. It is best known for its quiet atmosphere and calm waters, which is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing, bird and dolphin watching. Of course, Surfside Beach is also a great spot for surfing, swimming, and fishing in case you prefer action-filled beach activities.
In general, Surfside is one of the best beaches on the Texas coastline if you want to enjoy clean, blue waters and privacy. And the best is that there is a Circle K convenience store just a block from the beach in case you want to grab some snacks or cold drinks.
Whether you are looking for the right beach for family and pets, parties, or solitude, you can enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and range of activities at these clear water beaches in Texas.
Inspired? Pin it!
