Welcome to this blog post on “Clear Water Beaches in Texas.” Ahoy, Beach lovers! Are you tired of murky waters and overcrowded beaches? Do you long for the days when you could see your toes in the water? Well, put your worries aside and grab your sunscreen, because we've got the solution to all your beach blues.
The Lone Star State of Texas boasts an impressive 600 miles of coastline, and you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of clear water beaches waiting to be discovered. From the party scene of South Padre Island to the serene shores of Rockport, Texas has a beach for every type of traveler.
In this blog post, we bring you 17 clear water beaches in Texas that will take your breath away. So grab your sunscreen, beach towel, and your sense of adventure, and let's hit the waves! 🌊☀️
Before we proceed, why not check out our previous post on 19 Clear Water Beaches in Hawaii. I believe you will find it interesting.
Read also: 30 Clear Water Beaches in the US
17 Clear Water Beaches in Texas
If you are dreaming of crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and a refreshing ocean breeze, this list of 17 clear water beaches in Texas has you covered for the best beach to dive into and soak up the sun.
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica State Park is home to a charming beach with a tropical ambiance that is highly appealing. The sandy shore and beautiful vegetation cater to nature lovers who prefer natural surroundings over excessive commercialization.
If you want to switch things up from sunbathing and swimming, take the opportunity to go snorkeling, fishing, or try your hand at kiteboarding.
Galveston Beach
Galveston Beach, located in Texas, is a renowned beach destination known for its 32 miles of pristine sand and shimmering sea. It is one of the best beaches near Houston and attracts tourists from all over for its wide range of activities.
Thrill-seekers can indulge in surfing lessons for all ages, including children, or try their hand at the exciting rides on the historic Pleasure Pier, which is located right on the beach and adds to the beauty of the area with its lights at dusk.
In addition to strolling along the sandy beach, visitors can also take a walk along the seawall which offers a panoramic view of the Gulf and the restaurants that are in close proximity. These restaurants cater to every taste and include options from small businesses to big chain establishments.
For those looking to do some shopping or pick up a souvenir, there are gift shops along the beach that offer a wide range of items, including seashell wind chimes, mermaid snow globes, and other beach-themed items.
For history buffs, Galveston Beach is a treasure trove of inspiration, shock, and even spookiness. There are ghost tours, manor tours, and historical landmarks scattered across the island and seawall that offer a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
With plenty of seating options available, visitors can sit back and relax to the soothing sounds of the ocean while taking in the stunning views.
Highly recommended beach shops in the area are Wings Beachwear, Beach Break, and Surf Styles.
Address: 6285 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77551.
Phone number: (888) 425-4753
Website is https://www.visitgalveston.com/things-to-do/beaches/
Best time to visit is from March to April and from October to November.
Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is a part of Galveston State Park and has its own style. The water is saltier than at other nearby beaches, and the sand is a pretty brown color that is great for building sandcastles.
The area around the beach is clean and friendly, but there aren't many people there because there are more touristy beaches on either side.
In the nearby channel, you can swim, fish, or boat, and there are many places to rent to make this a full-fledged vacation, including some beautiful RV parks.
Even though there are no lifeguards, many locals say the water is calm enough for even the youngest kids to enjoy. You will also be close to a great family park with a playground, picnic tables, and activities planned all year long.
Highly rated boat rental companies include Tidewater Boat Rentals, Finney Boat and Watersport Rentals, and Angler Charters.
Address: 16721 Jolly Roger Rd, Jamaica Beach, TX 77554
Website is http://www.ci.jamaicabeach.tx.us.
Best time to visit is between March to May and October to November.
Read also: 10 Private Beaches In Virginia You Probably Didn’t Know About
Magnolia Beach
Discover the ultimate camping experience at Magnolia Beach, where you can enjoy a free stay on a beautiful sandy beach with stunning waterfront views. Located near Matagorda Bay, it offers a perfect blend of inland and coastal experiences with access to several lakes, bayside camping, and the Gulf waters.
This RV park is unique in that it puts you right at the water's edge, offering 15 pavilions, accessible bathroom facilities, and even a basketball court.
You can also gather beach glass and shells that have been washed up on the bay, making it a great spot for collectors.
If you're looking for a party, visit on Memorial Day weekend when it's packed with friendly people, or if you prefer a quieter trip, plan your visit during the off-season. Either way, Magnolia Beach offers an unforgettable camping experience.
Highly rated boat rental options: Private Time Island Boat Charters and Indianola Fishing Marina
Location: 485 N Ocean Dr, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Website: https://magnoliabeachrvpark.com
Best time to visit: February to May
North Beach
North Beach in Corpus Christi is a popular destination known for its pristine sand, clear and warm waters, and numerous attractions and dining options. Arrive early to secure a spot, as it can get crowded.
There are many activities to choose from such as a ghost walking tour, city scavenger hunt, or a bi-plane ride. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington Museum, Whataburger Field and dine at popular restaurants like Blackbeard's on the Beach, Pier 99, Yo Philly Cheesesteaks, and Landry's Seafood House.
For accommodations, you have several options including camping, RV hook-ups, or rental options at reasonable prices. The campgrounds in the area are highly rated and offer a great option for those with camping gear and good weather.
Highly rated boat rental options: Nauticool Adventures and Good Time Ski Rentals.
Location: N Beach Access Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Website: https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/north_beach.htm
Best time to visit is June to August.
Port Aransas & Beach
Port Aransas is a top destination for a week-long beach vacation, offering plenty of activities and stunning beaches. Port Aransas Beach, in particular, is one of the best beaches in the area and allows camping and driving on the sand.
If you're seeking a lively beach experience surrounded by crowds, Port Aransas is a great choice. Despite the crowds, this beach is full of fun, especially when visiting with friends. The beach also has lifeguards on duty, miles of sand, and decent waves.
There are numerous dining options and excursions to choose from, and if camping isn't your style, there are many vacation rentals nearby.
For a delicious break from the sun, visit The Beach Lodge, Black Marlin Nad and Grill, Bernie's Beach House, or FINS Grill and Icehouse for great food.
Highly rated boat rental options: Coastal Charters, Salt Devil Cruises, Island Mooring Yacht Club, and Captain Kirk's Tiki Cruises.
Location: Port Aransas Beach Rd, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Contact Number: (361) 290-0414
Website: https://www.portaransas.org/beach/
Best time to visit: March to May and October to November.
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Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a magnificent protected National Park that covers a vast area of 130,000 acres, boasting stunning beaches, dunes, and grasslands, making it the largest undeveloped barrier in the world.
The park offers a diverse range of activities to engage in, including beach combing, scenic Grasslands Nature Trail hikes, off-roading on the beach, observing baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean, birdwatching tours, and ranger-led talks.
Visiting Padre Island National Seashore at sunrise, sunset, or any time in between, is a breathtaking experience that will leave you in awe of its beauty.
Malaquite Beach
Malaquite Beach, located near Corpus Christi, is a tranquil and stunning beach with clear water, white sands, and refreshing gulf waters. It's an ideal spot for camping, playing frisbee, building sandcastles, and barbecuing (just bring your own pit).
The beach is well-maintained, with clean facilities and easy access to showers and bathrooms. You can have plenty of space to relax and enjoy your time on the beach with your own umbrellas, chairs, and towels, as it's not usually crowded.
However, there are no shops or amenities nearby other than bathrooms. The entrance fee is $5, and camping is $10 extra. The beach is ideal for kite flying and offers a variety of fishing and offshore excursion options. If you're looking for great food, visit Corpus Christi and try Scuttlebutt’s, Padre Pizzeria, Padre Island Burger Company, or Doc’s Seafood and Shakes.
Highly-rated boat rental options include Nauticool Adventures, offering boat, jet ski, and kayak rentals, as well as Good Time Ski Rentals.
Located at 20420 Park Rd 22 in Corpus Christi, TX 78418.
Website is https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/malaquite_campground.htm.
Best time to visit is from May to October.
South Padre
South Padre Island offers a variety of enjoyable rentals and attractions for a fun experience onshore or offshore. It is considered one of the best beaches in Texas and should not be mistaken for Padre Island National Seashore, which is one of the top national parks in Texas.
Experience the thrill of a Dolphin Watch tour on a small cruise, and get ready to say “Ahoy!” while admiring the beauty of the water. South Padre Island is also known for its clear water, making it the perfect place to take snorkeling lessons along the coast.
After soaking up the sun on the beach, rent a bike and take a scenic ride along the shoreline. You can also visit Beach Park at Isla Blanca, just a short walk away, where you can have fun with your children at the water park's attractions such as water slides, ziplines, and wading pools.
Highly-rated beach shops in the vicinity: Jaws Beachworld, Beach Outlet, On The Beach, and Beach Wave.
Address: 4609 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597.
Website: https://www.sopadre.com.
Best time to visit: September to February.
Read also: 15 Best Family Beaches In Miami
Mustang Island Beach
Mustang Island Beach State Park is a hidden gem near Corpus Christi, a 18-mile long stretch of pristine sand along the Gulf that's only $5 for admission and not often crowded.
It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks, a beach umbrella and chairs, but be mindful that there are no bathroom facilities. With proper preparation, you're sure to have a great time.
At Mustang Island Beach State Park, barbecuing is permitted but be cautious of the friendly birds that may find your food appealing. They can be entertaining to observe but it's important to ensure that they don't steal your meal.
To maintain the park's cleanliness for future visitors, it's important to clean up any trash generated during your stay. If you're in need of beach supplies, you can check out the well-regarded beach stores near Mustang Island Beach State Park, such as BeachMart, Destination Beach & Surf, and Islander Souvenirs.
The park is located at Access Road No. 3, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418 and can be contacted by phone at (361) 749-5246.
Website https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island
Best time to visit Mustang Island Beach State Park is from September to November.
Surfside Beach
Surfside is a charming beach town, similar to Galveston, but on a smaller scale. As one of the clear water beaches in Texas, it offers an arrangement of activities such as fishing, swimming, and observing diverse wildlife.
Despite having limited options for lodging and dining, the quality of these offerings is exceptional and is what puts Surfside on the map. Whether you choose to drive down the beach, which may be possible after a rain, or to walk along the soft sand, you are guaranteed a great experience.
It is important to note that during high tide, the beach surface can be reduced, which can make for an enjoyable water adventure, but if you prefer to play on the sand, it's best to visit during low tide.
Additionally, there are exciting dune bridges to traverse, and if you are looking for a waterside dining experience, be sure to visit Seahorse Bar and Grill, or for a change of pace, Jetty Park, which offers a respite from the sand and waves.
The highly-rated beach store Surfside Loco is located nearby, at 1304 Monument Dr, Surfside Beach, TX 77541.
You can visit their website at https://www.surfsidetx.org.
Best time to visit is from March to April and November.
Matagorda Beach
Planning a beach trip doesn't have to be all about relaxation. Matagorda Beach offers a unique experience, with opportunities to park RVs along the sand and enjoy a meal with a stunning ocean view. The beach also provides excellent fishing opportunities for all levels.
Local establishments sponsor beach cleanups at Matagorda Beach, allowing visitors to contribute to keeping the beach and surrounding wildlife habitat clean. After a hard day's work, you can treat yourself to a delicious seafood meal at one of the local restaurants.
Matagorda Beach is also a great destination for kayaking and hiking. Enjoy a guided tour or venture out on your own for an exciting experience in the wetlands and along the coast.
Highly rated boat rental options include Red Tide Boat Rentals, Blackhook Offshore Fishing Charters, and Matagorda Charter Boats.
Location: 6420 FM 2031, Matagorda, TX 77457
Website: https://matagordabeach.org
Best Time to visit: March to May and September to November
Read also: 14 Best Beaches In Pennsylvania For A Perfect Summer Day
Rockport Beach
Rockport is one of Texas' most beautiful beaches for weddings! This stunning location boasts white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for unforgettable photos.
Located in Aransas Bay near Corpus Christi, Rockport Beach is a local favorite! With a mile-long stretch of sand, a beautiful fishing pier, shallow water for children to play in, hermit crabs, and ample parking, the bay's crystal-clear waters offer a ton of fun.
There are playgrounds for children located along the coast, so even if sandcastles are no longer in style, your children can run around and have fun while you bask in the sun. Picnic tables and palapa huts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They provide ample shade to protect you from the scorching heat of the sun in Texas.
Keep in mind that this is not the location to find large waves for surfing. The water is relatively calm and easily navigable on foot from far out.
Try the nighttime Glowing Kayak Tour for adult fun! Also available are party cruises and private dolphin tours for groups.
Don't miss out on the delicious food at Poor Man's Country Club, Arandas Mexican Grill, or Grandma B’s Sweet Treats. With events year-round, you won't have a dull moment at Rockport Beach.
Popular beach shops in the area include Beachco Beachwear Outlet, TG’s, and Treasure Island Shop.
Location: 210 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport, TX 78382
Website: http://www.rockportbeach-texas.com
The best time to visit is from March to May.
San Jose Island and Beach
San Jose Island is a privately owned property that is accessible by ferry from Port Aransas and open to the public for beach activities such as shell collecting, birdwatching, beach combing, and fishing.
Although it is not suitable for overnight stays, the nearby areas offer comfortable accommodations for a fun day trip to the island.
Visitors can hunt for popular shells such as shark eyes, starfish, lightning whelks, and angel wings, and witness over 300 bird species near the shore and over the water.
When you're done soaking up the sun, Port A offers plenty of opportunities for dining and shopping. Try Fins Grill & Icehouse, Kody's, or Virginia's on the Bay for delicious seafood.
Highly recommended boat rental options include Island Boy Charters, South Bay Marina Fishing Charters, and Port A H20. They are located at 900 Tarpon St, Port Aransas, TX 78373 and can be reached at (361) 749-5448. Website at https://www.portaransas.org/san-jose-island/.
The best times to visit are March to May and September to November.
Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Texas. It's crowded, but well-maintained, with plenty of options for eating, shopping, sleeping, and playing.
If you're looking for fishing charters, big waves, umbrella rentals, lifeguards, beach Jenga, and more, this is the place to go.
For a change of pace, visit Moody Gardens, a 242-acre amusement park featuring an aquarium, paddle boat, and zip line.
Mario's Seawall Italian Restaurant, Russo's New York Pizzeria, Sloppy Azz Philly, Miller's Seawall Grill, and the Mosquito Cafe are all nearby places to eat.
For accommodation, consider VRBO for rental options or a local resort.
Four highly rated beach shops located near 201 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 are Saltwater Gift Shop, Wings Beachwear, Surfstyles, and Murdochs.
Contact them at (409) 797-5189
Website at https://www.visitgalveston.com/things-to-do/beaches/stewart-beach/.
Best time to visit is from September to January.
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Crystal Beach
Indeed, it's all in the name! The pristine waters beckon all fishermen, boogie boarders, and sandcastle builders. This is one of the clear water beaches in Texas you should not miss.
Low tides are ideal for wade fishing, which makes for a relaxing getaway. Numerous catches include trout, jackfish, black drums, and additional species! This goes hand in hand with the capacity to set up camp anywhere on the beach.
There are no restrictions on campfires, so you could even cook the day's catch! There are no constraints on your right to enjoy this Texas beach. In Texas, everything is bigger, including the fireworks! On this beach with crystal-clear water, you can shoot off fireworks on New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July.
Can you imagine a more enjoyable way to spend the holidays? Soaking up the sun on a warm Texas day on one of the state's most beautiful beaches, catching your dinner, and camping with family or by yourself.
Highly-rated beach stores nearby: The Big Store Location: TX87, Bolivar Peninsula, TX 77550
Website: https://www.bolivarpeninsulatexas.com
Best time to visit: March to May and October to January
Volente Beach Resort and WaterPark
Volente Beach is a resort beach overlooking the stunning Lake Travis. As one of the few Texas lakes with private beaches, it's a top choice for families seeking a tranquil escape.
The lake's vast size, clear waters, and four acres of water park are sure to keep you and your family entertained all day long. From thrilling water slides, multiple pools, and a volleyball court to delectable dining options and general family-friendly fun, Volente Beach has it all.
Take a break from the sun and catch a movie under the stars with the resort's unique inner-tube screenings of Jaws. You can choose to stay in a cute bungalow or just get a day pass to the water park.
Volente Beach offers protected swimming areas with breathtaking views of the lake and passing boats. The resort's pools provide a great alternative to the lake, and the water park is a playground for kids of all ages.
Please note that fluctuating water levels may result in the sandy beach not always being as close to the water as desired, but with so much to do, it's a small detail that won't detract from your vacation. Be sure to check out Beachside Billy's while you're there; you won't regret it.
Highly rated boat rental options: Beach Front Boat Rentals LLC and VIP Marina Lake Travis.
Location: 16107 FM2796, Leander, TX 78641.
Phone: (512) 258-5110.
Website: https://www.beachsidebillys.com.
Best Visit Times: March to May & October.
Frequently Asked Questions on Clear Water Beaches in Texas
1. Which beach in Texas has the clearest water?
Boca Chica beach on South Padre Island is considered the clearest water in Texas.
2. Does Texas have any blue water beaches?
Yes, it sure does. South Padre Island is a well-known destination for beach-goers in Texas, renowned for its shimmering turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches.
3. What is the safest beach in Texas?
Rockport Beach is considered one of the safest and most toddler-friendly beaches in Texas, with its tranquil waters that are shallow, clear and without big waves or strong currents. The shoreline is well-kept and regularly cleaned, making it an ideal destination for families with young children.
4. What is the richest area in Texas?
Highland Park, located in central Dallas, is the richest city in Texas, offering a unique combination of a charming small-town vibe and the conveniences of a bustling metropolis.
5. Does Texas have warm water beaches?
Texas boasts some of the warmest ocean temperatures in the US during the summer, with the water at Galveston Pleasure Pier reaching an average of 86°F (30°C) in July and August.
6. Why is Corpus Christi so famous?
According to legend, Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda discovered a verdant semi-tropical bay on the southern coast of Texas during the Roman Catholic Feast Day of Corpus Christi in 1519. The bay, and the city that developed there, was named after the celebration of the “Body of Christ.”
7. What is the clearest river water in Texas?
San Marcos River in Texas. The San Marcos River is crystal clear, thanks to its source of freshwater spring. This water not only boasts exceptional clarity, but it is also exceptionally pure.
8. What is the whitest beach in Texas?
Mustang Island, a lesser-known beach in Texas, boasts the whitest and most pristine sand in the state.
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