You might not expect such beautiful beaches near Houston when it’s the fourth most populated city in the US, but there are many. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, a secluded beach, or a lively beach, you’ll find it near Houston. And being along the Gulf of Mexico means locals and visitors alike can spend the day enjoying the expansive beaches, most of which are just an hour outside of the city. Here are seven of the best beaches near Houston.
1. East Beach
East Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Houston, perhaps even in all of Texas. It’s characterised by its famous sandcastles and they even hold competitions; watching the sandcastle artists at work is nothing short of fascinating. It’s a lively and vibrant place, with live music, volleyball, and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and a beer. And if you fancy stretching your legs, the boardwalk is ideal for taking an afternoon stroll and enjoying the expansive sea views. Despite its popularity, East Beach remains a clean beach with clear blue waters.
2. Sylvan Beach
Unlike some other beaches on the Texas Gulf Coast, Sylvan Beach has fine, white sand. The water is also clearer and calmer, making it better suited to little ones that could struggle in strong waves. You could spend all day lounging on this soft sand, or you can explore the surrounding area and Sylvan Beach Park. There are plenty of amenities around, including an air-conditioned pavilion, restaurants, a playground, and shops. You can also fish from the beach’s pier or rent a boat to head further out.
3. Stewart Beach
This beach has everything you need for a fun-filled family day out. There are shops, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas. There’s also a children’s playground near the beach, where the kids can play around and take part in sandcastle competitions. If you want somewhere family oriented while still being a beautiful beach, this one fits the bill. You’re also a short walk to local restaurants, so you can enjoy a nice seafood dinner and a cold beer after a nice long day in the sun.
4. El Jardin Del Mar Beach
This is one of the closest beaches to Houston, just a forty-minute drive away. It’s a small but beautiful beach, mainly popular with locals. If you’re looking for a beach that’s close to the city while still being quiet, this is it. Bear in mind there are no amenities, so be sure to take a picnic with you and enough water for the day. But for those that want a local beach that has a wildness to it, you can’t get much better than El Jardin. Although there isn’t much around, there are picnic tables and barbecue pits on the grass that backs up the beach.
5. Surfside Beach
Along the Bluewater Highway, Surfside Beach is ideal for the quintessential beach day. Think bonfires, horseback riding, shell scraping, and of course, surfing. Unlike some of the other beaches in the area, the waves aren’t as intimidating here and beginner to intermediate surfers can test out some new skills. This beach is a lovely hideaway for those that want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, who crave a stripped-back beach where it’s just you and nature. It’s located next to several marshes, rivers, and bays, so there’s a lot to explore. Plus, the variety of landscapes makes the wildlife quite diverse.
6. Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Beach is not quite as lively as some beaches in the area, such as East Beach, but a fun and pretty beach. Perfect for lounging, swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting. You’re sure to spot marsh rabbits and racoons, maybe even a flock of migrating birds depending on what time of year you go. Visitors also like to rent kayaks or bikes to explore the surrounding area by land or sea, go fishing, and surf. There are restrooms and picnic tables, so you can easily spend all day here, listening to the gentle waves.
7. Seahorse Beach
Seahorse Beach is along the coastal Bluewater Highway, which is home to several beaches. However, this beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful, with a quaint boardwalk, lovely soft sand, and mesmerising sand dunes. It’s just an hour’s drive outside of Houston, so the perfect place for a relaxing day trip. Not only is it beautiful, but visitors can also enjoy dolphin and bird spotting, amongst other wildlife.
