Does Houston Have a Beach?
While Houston doesn’t have a beach exactly in the city, there are several great options for sun and sand a short distance away. And because the weather is nice year-round – the beaches are accessible for a longer period.
Houston is well-known for its heat and humidity, but that doesn’t mean it has no beach days. The Gulf Coast of Texas offers a perfect mix of sand, sun, and clear waters that are great for swimming. There’s never a need to worry about crowded beaches or scary waves only sand, sun, and clear waters that are great for swimming! All you have to do is head down I-45 South from Houston to reach the coast in Galveston County.
ย
East Beach is the most well-known and visited local beach.
ย
You’ll find East Beach, Texas’ biggest beach, at the eastern end of Galveston Island. It’s popular among the party crowd and provides a very active and high-energy environment. The beach provides a variety of services and facilities for visitors, which are accessible from March through October. The beach park has a boardwalk, pavilion, an entertainment stage, which is for live music and other events throughout the summer. The American Institute of Architects Sandcastle Competition takes place in the summer. Be warned hordes of people come to see brilliant architects construct amazing sandcastles.
ย
Galveston Island State Park is another famous location.
ย
Located on the West end of Galveston Island, this area contrasts with the east beach by being more of a quiet peaceful experience. The park, which covers more than 2,000 acres, has a variety of terrains, including estuaries, marshes, and pebbly beaches. You may see the Gulf of Mexico or Galveston Bay.
ย
If you have children or are having visitors from out of town on a tight budget, Galveston Island State Park should be your destination. At Galveston Island State Park, you may go kayaking, bird watching, nature field trips, fishing, swimming, hiking, surfing, and cycling.
ย
Galveston Island State Park is famous for its abundance of wildlife, especially migrating birds in the spring and fall. The park’s more permanent residents include raccoons and marsh rabbits, among other animals. If you like the outdoors and all its creatures, make arrangements to visit this park and its beaches.
ย
Galveston Island State Park is another lovely place to visit. On the Gulf and bay sides of the park, public campsites and cabins are available, making Galveston Island State Park an inexpensive getaway an hour away from Houston.
ย
Stewart Beach
ย
A short distance from East Beach is another popular spot Stewart beach. Stewart Beach, which was named one of the “10 Best Beaches for Families” by Family Vacation Critic in 2013. It is Galveston’s most popular family beach park. Stewart Beach, located west of downtown Galveston, is a beach for all seasons with plenty of amenities for a day at the beach. This beach also has regular lifeguard supervision. A pavilion, concessions, restrooms, showers, beach volleyball courts, a children’s playground, and more are available at the park. Alcohol is not permitted on Stewart Beach.
ย
Sylvan Beach park
ย
The beautiful beach in this 32-acre area in Harris County is the ideal location to get away from city life and enjoy a lovely ocean breeze. Sylvan Beach, unlike other beaches in the region, has excellent finer sand, no seaweed on the beach, and smaller waves for more pleasant swimming.
ย
There is also a playground for youngsters in Sylvan Beach Park, as well as clean benches and picnic tables, a fishing pier, boat ramp, and an air-conditioned pavilion. Bring a picnic for lunch and spend the whole day at the beach. For just $4, head out to the pier and fish all afternoon.
ย
Don’t miss out on their yearly Slyvan Beach Festival Crawfish Jam, which takes place in the spring.
ย
Do you have an event planned? This location is ideal for parties, meetings, and outdoor activities. Bring the family and enjoy a day at the beach with beautiful views of Galveston Bay, complimentary parking, and terrific snacks.
ย
And off the Beaten Path Surfside Beach
ย
If you only need the essentials and don’t want to be bothered with amenities that are associated with other coast beaches, head to Surfside Beach on the Gulf Coast for a quiet getaway. Surfside Beach is wider and deeper than most other beaches in the region, making it ideal for newcomers to surfing since its waves are rarely as frightening as they might be at other places.
ย
Surfside Beach, located in Brazoria County, is near several marshes, rivers, and bays. The range of environments in the region makes it an excellent location to enjoy the outdoors while seeing wildlife in a variety of settings.
ย
One Notable resident in the city of surfside is Congressman Ron Paul who maintains a home here.
ย
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Surfside Beach may get a little congested.ย But the neighboring small town of over 500 people is pleasant and entertaining to explore.
ย
Don’t think of spending the day at Surfside Beach as a day trip. For a modest fee, you may drive your car on the beach. Enjoy a bonfire and camp for several days. This makes Surfside Beach an inexpensive getaway for Houstonians.
ย
To answer the question – Houston has beaches! If you are looking for a beach look no further. Houston has many great locations to enjoy the sun and the sand. We covered five really great options, with something for everyone.
