Alice TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Alice, Texas.
1. Lake Corpus Christi State Park
SERENE LAKESIDE GETAWAY
Lake Corpus Christi State Park offers a peaceful retreat with a beautiful shoreline and calm waters perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can enjoy the sandy swimming area and rent kayaks or canoes to explore the expansive 21,000-acre lake. The park also features hiking trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas that make it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway from Alice.
2. Poenisch Beach
LOCAL COASTAL RETREAT
Poenisch Beach provides a convenient coastal escape with its clean shoreline and gentle waves ideal for families. The beach offers excellent swimming conditions and is less crowded than other Corpus Christi beaches, making it perfect for relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the nearby picnic facilities and playground equipment while taking in beautiful Gulf Coast sunsets.
3. Port Aransas Beach
POPULAR GULF COAST DESTINATION
Port Aransas Beach is a beloved Gulf Coast destination featuring miles of sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters just a short drive from Alice. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and beach volleyball, with beach permits allowing vehicle access directly onto the sand. The beach is surrounded by charming restaurants, shops, and rental facilities for beach gear and water sports equipment.
4. Mustang Island State Park
PRISTINE COASTAL WILDERNESS
Mustang Island State Park boasts 5 miles of pristine coastline with soft sandy beaches and clear Gulf waters ideal for swimming and paddling. The park offers excellent kayaking along its Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, where visitors can spot diverse coastal wildlife including dolphins and numerous bird species. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the undeveloped beachfront with camping options directly on the beach for an immersive coastal experience.
5. Padre Island National Seashore
UNDEVELOPED BEACH PARADISE
Padre Island National Seashore preserves the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, offering pristine beaches and natural coastal habitats. Visitors can swim in the gulf waters, witness sea turtle releases, and explore the unique dune ecosystems that support diverse wildlife. The seashore provides a tranquil escape from urban environments with primitive camping options for those seeking an authentic coastal wilderness experience.
6. Rockport Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BLUE WAVE BEACH
Rockport Beach holds the distinction of being Texas' first Blue Wave Beach, recognized for its exceptional cleanliness and environmental management. The beach features calm, shallow waters ideal for young children, with designated swimming areas and a fishing pier for anglers. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities including cabanas, picnic areas with grills, and walking paths along the scenic shoreline.
7. McGee Beach
URBAN BAYFRONT SWIMMING
McGee Beach offers an accessible urban beach experience located along Corpus Christi's bayfront seawall in the heart of downtown. The beach features calm, protected waters ideal for families with young children looking for gentle swimming conditions. Visitors enjoy the convenience of nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions including the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington, making it perfect for combining beach time with other activities.
8. Malaquite Beach
SERENE NATIONAL PARK BEACH
Malaquite Beach offers a more secluded swimming experience within Padre Island National Seashore, featuring pristine sands and vehicle-free shorelines. The beach includes a visitor center, bathhouse facilities, and regularly scheduled ranger programs about the coastal ecosystem and wildlife. Swimmers appreciate the cleaner waters and less crowded environment compared to more accessible beaches in the region.
9. J.P. Luby Surf Park
PREMIER SURFING DESTINATION
J.P. Luby Surf Park is renowned as one of the best surfing spots on the Texas Gulf Coast, featuring consistent waves and designated areas for various water sports. The beach offers swimming zones separate from surfing areas, making it suitable for both water sport enthusiasts and casual beachgoers. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere with frequent surfing competitions, beach volleyball games, and convenient amenities including restrooms and outdoor showers.
10. Port Alto Public Beach
HIDDEN COASTAL GEM
Port Alto Public Beach offers a quieter alternative to larger coastal destinations with its small-town charm and peaceful shoreline. The beach provides access to Carancahua Bay, where visitors can swim, fish, and enjoy water activities in a less commercialized setting. Local seafood restaurants and fishing opportunities enhance the authentic coastal experience at this hidden gem not far from Alice.
Alice Things To Do
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