The Best Beaches To Visit In Houston, Including Matagorda Beach

Busy schedules, frequent traffic, and loudness are all part of life in Houston. It’s a busy city, so finding a quiet spot to unwind on the weekend is essential–and what better place to do that than on one of the greatest beaches near Houston?

You may sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the pounding ocean waves on a day at the beach.

Here are 10 of the top beaches near Houston, all of which are less than two hours away.

Stewart Beach

Stewart Beach, in Galveston, Texas, is one of the greatest beaches for families near Houston. It has all you need for a relaxing and enjoyable day at the beach. There are certified lifeguards on duty, and you and your family can enjoy various volleyball courts and pavilions.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach, near Freeport, Texas, is a great place to spend the day at the beach. You can drive your automobile on Surfside Beach or take a stroll along the shoreline looking for treasures.

The fantastic surf that Surfside Beach offers to those who enjoy catching a wave gave it its name. Spend the day at the beach, and take the kids to the amazing splash pad to make it a day to remember for the whole family.

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach Park is the nearest beach to Houston and therefore is based in La Porte, Texas. You can walk on fine sand and breathe in the salty seaside air at Sylvan Beach Park.

While visiting Sylvan Beach Park, there are lots to do, including a playground where youngsters may run around.

Bring your fishing poles to use on the pier, or relax on the pavilion and have a picnic meal.

Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island State Park is one of the top Texas state parks near Houston, with both beach and bay views.

There is a daily cost to access Galveston Island State Park, but it is under $6, and children under the age of six are admitted for free. You can arrange a beach day that includes swimming and fishing, as well as adding educational elements by visiting a nature center to learn something new. Within the park, there are also hiking and paddling paths, giving you lots of opportunities to discover something fascinating for everyone to do.

If you’re seeking fantastic campgrounds near Houston, Galveston Island State Park can help!

Bolivar Peninsula

Take the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula for one-of-a-kind sights and the chance to see dolphins swimming by.

Bring your family to the Bolivar Peninsula and dig your toes deep in the sand while listening to the waves crash. While visiting the peninsula, you can schedule a deep-sea fishing trip or sample some of the local seafood at one of the many eateries.

You can also visit a historic lighthouse in Texas!

Matagorda Beach

Over 20 miles of beach access are available at Matagorda Beach, allowing you to take up the sounds of the surf all around you.

You can drive on part of the beach or spend the day exploring some of Matagorda Beach’s pathways. Take your kayak if you want to discover more of the beach area that is accessible by watercraft.

Lighthouse Beach

It takes around 2 hours to drive from Houston to Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca, Texas. This beach is a great place to take your family to get away from the noise and bustle of the city.

Lighthouse Beach has umbrella cabanas available for a relaxing day at the beach. You may also take a walk along the long boardwalk to witness wildlife and listen to the waves crashing on the shore.

Behind Lighthouse Beach, there is an RV park that is ideal for a weekend getaway.

East Beach

East Beach, in Galveston, is the only beach in the vicinity that serves alcoholic beverages. This beach also has a variety of activities throughout the year that you can attend.

You can either organize a volleyball tournament with your pals on the beach volleyball courts or go for a horseback ride down the beach. While visiting East Beach, you can also go fishing.

Porretto Beach

Porretto Beach, located in Galveston, is a lesser-known beach near Houston that provides fantastic ocean views and sets you up for a beautiful beach day.

Porretto Beach is a private beach that normally provides a clean beach close to a variety of dining options. They hire out chairs and umbrellas for the day to make setting up for your beach day a breeze.

Many people enjoy visiting Porretto Beach because it provides a cleaner and more expansive environment in which to set up for a day at the beach.

McFaddin Beach

Mcfaddin Beach, which is next to Sea Rim State Park, is steeped in history. For years, objects have washed ashore on the shore of this beach.

By visiting the Museum of the Gulf Coast, you can see many of the objects they’ve uncovered along the McFaddin Beach shore throughout the years.