Texas Beaches with Kids

Above: South Padre Island

Padre Island National Seashore

Kids and sand go hand in hand and, in Texas, families have many beach choices. The biggest beach is Padre Island National Seashore, a short drive from Corpus Christi. This 110-mile-long barrier island is home to several developed beaches. The most popular beaches are the Padre Balli Park, complete with a fishing pier, and Malaquite Beach, with a snack bar and showers. Although vehicles are allowed on most Padre beaches, on Malaquite is one where vehicles are not permitted, making it attractive to families.

Beyond Malaquite beach lies 66 miles of protected land in Padre Island National Seashore accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Port Aransas

North of Corpus Christi, the community of Port Aransas is another beach favorite. Mustang Island State Park is located southwest of the community of Port Aransas, known as just "Port A" to most Texans. Here you can spend an afternoon out in the Gulf aboard a deep sea fishing cruise. These large group excursions take as many as 100 passengers and provide bait and tackle. For a chance to see dolphins, stop by the Roberts Point Park on Highway 361. Dolphins often chase the ferries as they make their way across the ship channel. If you'd like to learn more about marine life, stop by the small aquarium at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

South Padre Island

At the southern end of Padre Island, divided by a waterway, lies South Padre Island. This 34-mile-long island is home to the community of South Padre Island. Here families enjoy horseback riding, windsurfing, and just plain beach combing. One of South Padre's most unique attractions is Sea Turtle, Inc., headquartered in the former home of the "Turtle Lady," Ila Loetscher. Twice weekly, educational shows features endangered sea turtles twice weekly. Children can also learn more about local marine life at the University of Texas-Pan American Coastal Studies Laboratory, located in Isla Blanca Park.

Although South Padre is home to a great beach, it also boasts Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, part of the Schlitterbahn family of waterparks based in New Braunfels.

Galveston

Continuing northeast, Galveston Island is also a beach favorite with many families. Along with miles of beach, the community is also known for its rich history. Today trolleys clang along the historic streets of The Strand, transporting visitors along the district filled with specialty shops and restaurants. Once thousands of immigrants made their way through this port, earning it the name "little Ellis Island." In fact, Galveston is and second only to Ellis Island as a U.S. immigration station. The island is also home to the indoor/outdoor Schlitterbahn Waterpark-Galveston.

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