Hillcrest TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Hillcrest, Texas.
1. South Padre Island
CLEANEST BEACHES IN TEXAS
South Padre Island offers some of the cleanest beaches in Texas with beautiful clear waters and soft sand. Visitors can enjoy year-round swimming, surfing, and various water sports along with exciting activities like watching rocket launches from Starbase. The island stands out as one of the most exciting tourism destinations in the Lone Star State, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
2. Port Aransas Beach
EXCITING ISLAND GETAWAY
Port Aransas Beach is an exciting island destination north of Padre Island featuring beautiful Gulf Coast beaches with soft sand and clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, wildlife watching, shopping, dining, and golfing in this versatile coastal paradise. The beach offers a perfect balance of relaxation and recreation, making it ideal for family vacations and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
3. Galveston Island
HISTORIC COASTAL CHARM
Galveston Island boasts 32 miles of stunning Gulf Coast beaches with a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The island offers beautiful accommodations, entertainment, shopping, and numerous water activities for visitors of all ages. Travelers can escape and explore this complete resort destination that perfectly balances relaxation on sandy shores with cultural experiences in a historical setting.
4. Matagorda Beach
SERENE COASTAL ESCAPE
Matagorda Beach offers visitors a serene coastal escape with uncrowded shores and pristine natural beauty. The beach is perfect for those seeking tranquility while enjoying activities like swimming, fishing, bird watching, and beachcombing. Its peaceful atmosphere and unspoiled environment make it a hidden gem along the Texas Gulf Coast for travelers looking to disconnect from busy life.
5. Mustang Island State Park
ADVENTURE-FILLED COASTAL PARK
Mustang Island State Park features 5 miles of pristine coastline where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast. The park offers numerous adventures including swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking through diverse coastal habitats. Nature enthusiasts particularly enjoy the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, which provides unique opportunities to explore the area's rich ecosystem.
6. Rockport Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BLUE WAVE
Rockport Beach is Texas' first Blue Wave Beach, recognized for its clean waters and environmental management excellence. Visitors can enjoy swimming in safe, shallow waters along with picnicking, birding, and relaxing on the well-maintained shoreline. The beach's family-friendly atmosphere includes amenities such as playgrounds, pavilions, and fishing piers that make it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
7. Malaquite Beach
NATURAL COASTAL PRESERVE
Malaquite Beach, located in Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi, offers visitors a pristine natural coastal experience with minimal development. Visitors can access the beach via a long boardwalk that leads over the dunes, and enjoy amenities including great bathrooms, a covered picnic area, and an observation deck near the visitor's center. The protected status of this beach ensures a more natural experience than many other Gulf Coast destinations, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a more tranquil beach day.
8. Quintana Beach
HIDDEN COASTAL GEM
Quintana Beach is a hidden gem in Brazoria County that offers gorgeous sunsets and peaceful beach moments away from crowds. The beach features full-service amenities while maintaining its natural charm and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the unspoiled waterfront experience that provides a perfect escape for those seeking serenity along the Texas coast.
9. Bahama Beach Waterpark
URBAN WATERFRONT ESCAPE
Bahama Beach Waterpark offers an ideal spot to beat the heat just 10 minutes south of downtown Dallas without leaving the city. The family-friendly waterpark features towering 45-foot slides, an interactive water playground with a 1,000-gallon dumping bucket, and two zero-depth entry beaches connected to a lazy river. Visitors can enjoy plenty of shaded areas, reservable private cabanas, and delicious food and drinks to satisfy all summer cravings in this urban waterfront escape.
10. Bay Area Houston
COASTAL RECREATION HUB
Bay Area Houston offers a diverse coastal experience with memorable historical sites, relaxed waterfront restaurants, and unique events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a wealth of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and water sports in the clean Gulf waters. The area combines natural beauty with cultural attractions, making it a versatile destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and enrichment along the Texas coast.
Hillcrest Things To Do
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Hillcrest Restaurants
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