Best Summer Beach Destinations in Houston, Texas, United States

1. Galveston Island

A historic island offering sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife and a rich history.

Beach Accessibility: Offers easy access to multiple beach areas along the island.
Historic Attractions: Boasts numerous historical sites, such as the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and Bishop's Palace.
Diverse Activities: Provides a variety of activities like fishing, golfing, and bird watching.

A family-friendly beach with calm waters, volleyball courts, and a concession stand.

Family-Friendly Amenities: Offers kid-friendly facilities like a playground, restrooms, and showers.
Calm Waters: Known for its calmer waters, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
Accessible Facilities: Provides wheelchair access and beach wheelchairs for people with mobility issues.

A popular spot for watersports enthusiasts with rougher waves and a lively atmosphere.

Watersports Opportunities: Ideal for surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing due to the rougher waves.
Lively Atmosphere: Features a beach bar and live music events during the summer months.
Pet-Friendly Area: Designates certain areas where well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed.

A quieter beach perfect for relaxation and seaside picnics.

Quiet Environment: Offers a more tranquil atmosphere due to its lesser-crowded nature.
Seaside Picnic Facilities: Features picnic tables and grills for a seaside meal.
Natural Habitat Protection: Protects nearby habitats like the Galveston Island Nature Park.

A peaceful coastal community with pristine beaches and a laid-back vibe.

Peaceful Atmosphere: Known for its tranquil environment, making it perfect for relaxation.
Pristine Beaches: Features clean, sandy beaches with clear waters.
Community Events: Hosts events like the annual Surfside Shrimp Festival.

A secluded beach offering a serene setting for swimming and sunbathing.

Seclusion: Provides a more secluded beach experience.
Swimming Safety: Features lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Surrounding Parks: Located near Clear Lake State Park and NASA's Johnson Space Center.

A waterfront entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and boat tours.

Entertainment Options: Offers live music, performances, and attractions like the Kemah Aquarium.
Dining Experiences: Features a variety of restaurants offering seafood, steak, and more.
Boat Tours: Provides boat tours for sightseeing or fishing experiences.

A small park offering a quiet beach, picnic areas, and boat ramps.

A scenic peninsula with miles of beaches, wildlife refuges, and fishing spots.

Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views and diverse landscapes.
Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife like birds, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Fishing Opportunities: Offers excellent fishing spots for various fish species.

A city park with a beach, playgrounds, and picnic areas along Buffalo Bayou.

Urban Setting: Offers an urban setting with easy access to Houston.
Recreational Activities: Features playgrounds, sports courts, and walking trails.
Boat Launch: Provides a boat launch for kayaks or canoes.

A popular beach with calm waters and a variety of amenities.

Calm Waters: Known for its calmer waters, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
Amenity-Rich: Offers amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
Accessible Location: Located within the city limits of Houston.

A marine park with a beach, fishing pier, and submarine tours.

Marine Attractions: Features an old submarine on display for exploration.
Fishing Opportunities: Offers a pier for fishing and a beach for wade fishing.
Historical Significance: Honors the USS Cavalla, a World War II submarine that served in the Pacific.

A family-friendly beach park with a playground, picnic areas, and volleyball courts.

Family-Friendly Amenities: Offers kid-friendly facilities like a playground and restrooms.
Beach Accessibility: Features wheelchair access and beach wheelchairs for people with mobility issues.
Active Recreation: Provides opportunities for activities like volleyball and swimming.

A dock area with a beach, shops, restaurants, and boat tours.

Entertainment Options: Offers live music, performances, and attractions like the Kemah Aquarium.
Dining Experiences: Features a variety of restaurants offering seafood, steak, and more.
Boat Tours: Provides boat tours for sightseeing or fishing experiences.

A private beach club with a pool, tennis courts, and dining facilities.

Exclusive Access: Requires membership or day pass for access.
Multiple Amenities: Offers amenities like a pool, tennis courts, and dining facilities.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Provides a more relaxed and upscale beach experience.