Living in Houston comes with busy schedules and constant traffic and noise. It is a bustling city, and finding somewhere to take a break on the weekend and get some quiet is essential–and where better to do that than on one of the best beaches near Houston?
A day at the beach allows you to sit back, relax, and soak in the sites and sounds of the crashing ocean waves.
Here are 11 of the best beaches close to Houston, all located within 2 hours of the city center (traffic dependent, of course–this is Houston, after all!).
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Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is located near Freeport, Texas, and is a perfect spot to go for a day at the beach. You can drive your car on Surfside Beach, or you can take a stroll searching for treasures along the shoreline.
Surfside Beach got its name because of the great surf it offers to those that love to catch a wave. Spend the day at the beach and even take the kids to the incredible splash pad, making it a day the whole family will remember.
Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is located in Galveston, Texas, and is one of the best beaches near Houston for families.
Stewart Beach provides you all of the amenities you need to have a great ad safe day at the beach.
Certified lifeguards are on duty, and there are multiple volleyball courts and pavilions for you and your family to enjoy.
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park combines both the beach and the water’s bay views and is one of the best Texas state parks near Houston.
There is a daily fee to enter Galveston Island State Park, but it’s under 6 dollars, and children get in free.
You can plan to have a beach day full of swimming and fishing and even add different educational aspects by stopping by the nature center to learn something new.
There are even hiking and paddling trails located within the park, allowing you plenty of options to find something exciting for everyone to do.
If you’re looking for great camping near Houston, Galveston Island State Park has you covered there, too!
Sylvan Beach
Sylvan Beach Park is located in La Porte, Texas, and is the closest beach to Houston (measuring from downtown). When you visit Sylvan Beach Park, you can walk on fine sand and breath in the salty ocean air.
There is plenty to do while visiting Sylvan Beach Park, including a playground for kids to run around.
Bring your fishing poles to use on the fishing pier, or sit back and eat a picnic lunch on the pavilion.
Bolivar Peninsula
Hop aboard the ferry over to Bolivar Peninsula for one of a kind views and the likelihood of catching a glimpse at some dolphins swimming by.
Bolivar Peninsula is a great place to bring your family and dig your feet deep in the sand while you listen to the waves crash.
While you are visiting the peninsula, you can take some time to book a deep-sea fishing trip or taste some local seafood at the many restaurants.
You can also check out one of Texas’ historic lighthouses!
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca, Texas, is around two hours from Houston. This beach is a fantastic place to visit for your family to enjoy a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Lighthouse Beach provides you with umbrella cabanas to set up for a great day at the beach. You can also stroll on the long boardwalk to see wildlife and watch the waves crash on the shore.
There is an RV park located behind Lighthouse Beach and a perfect spot for a weekend away.
Matagorda Beach
Matagorda Beach offers you over 20 miles of beach access, allowing you to soak in the sounds of the waves all around.
You can drive on part of the beach or take a day to explore some of the trails all over Matagorda Beach. You can also bring your kayak to explore more of the beach area accessible by watercraft.
Sea Rim State Park
Sea Rim State Park is located outside of Port Arthur, Texas, and offers you and your family a unique adventure.
This state park combines the marsh and ocean views, allowing you to see a diverse amount of wildlife during your visit. There are plenty of birds that thrive in both atmospheres, so make sure to bring your binoculars or camera.
There is so much to do during your visit; you can choose to drive down one side of the beach or set up for a day at the beach. You also have the option to walk the trails within the park or visit the nearby wildlife sanctuary.
East Beach
East Beach is located in Galveston and is the only beach in the area that allows alcohol. This beach also has an abundance of events throughout the year for you to enjoy.
You can grab your friends and plan a volleyball tournament at the beach volleyball courts or decide to take a horseback ride down the beach. You also have the option of fishing while you are visiting East Beach.
McFaddin Beach
Mcfaddin beach is located near Sea Rim State Park and is incredibly rich in history. This beach has had artifacts wash up on its shore for years.
You can find many things that they have discovered all long on the McFaddin Beach shore by visiting the Museum of the Gulf Coast.
Porretto Beach
Located in Galveston, Porretto Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches near Houston that offers you great ocean views and sets you up for a perfect beach day.
Porretto Beach is a private beach that typically offers you a clean beach near plenty of restaurant options. They offer chair and umbrella rentals that you can rent for the day to make your beach day set up a breeze.
Many people love traveling to Porretto Beach because it allows you to have a cleaner and more spacious area to set up for your day at the beach.
