Holliday TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Holliday, Texas.
1. Port Aransas Beach
MAIN ISLAND PARADISE
Port Aransas Beach offers a six-mile stretch of white sand along the Gulf of Mexico that serves as the main beach on Mustang Island. Visitors can enjoy parasailing, boogie boarding, jet skiing, and other water adventures, or simply relax with sunbathing and beach picnics. The beach allows driving on the sand with a special permit and hosts the annual Texas Sandfest in April, making it a versatile destination for all types of beach enthusiasts.
2. Padre Island National Seashore
PRISTINE NATURAL COASTLINE
Padre Island National Seashore provides visitors with a unique look at Texas coastal beaches in their natural setting. The seashore features undeveloped beaches that stretch along the Gulf of Mexico, offering opportunities for primitive camping, wildlife watching, and beachcombing. Visitors can experience the untamed beauty of one of the longest undeveloped barrier islands in the world while enjoying activities like fishing, bird watching, and swimming in the Gulf waters.
3. Rockport Beach
CLEAN FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORES
Rockport Beach Park is the perfect place to get away and escape with stunning views, warm clean waters, and a prestigious spot among America's best beaches. The beach offers various activities including swimming, sunbathing, boating, and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, along with several playgrounds for children and picnic areas with cooking grills. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird-watching tours to spot species such as the Reddish Egret, Great Egret, and Roseate Spoonbill, while taking advantage of amenities like fishing piers and boat ramps.
4. I.B. Magee Beach Park
ACCESSIBLE COASTAL RETREAT
I.B. Magee Beach Park spans 167 acres and is located just on the other side of the rolling sand dunes that stretch along the small town of Port Aransas. The park offers easy access, picnic areas, and calm surf ideal for families, with the added attraction of the 1,200-foot-long Horace Caldwell Pier for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors appreciate the park's accessibility features, pet-friendly policy, and RV camping options with 64 sites that include electricity, on-site sewer, water, and wifi.
5. Mustang Island State Park
UNDISTURBED COASTAL WILDERNESS
Mustang Island State Park boasts 18 miles of beautiful, largely undisturbed Texas coastline where visitors can drive right up to the water. The park offers activities such as barbecuing, swimming, horseshoes, camping, and surf fishing along the shore for those seeking more excitement than sunbathing. Access is available through Roads 1 or 1-A, though all-wheel drive may be necessary depending on sand conditions, and while there are no entrance fees, a beach parking permit is required.
6. Malaquite Beach
SERENE PROTECTED SHORELINE
Malaquite Beach is a pristine stretch of protected shoreline within the Padre Island National Seashore that offers visitors a more secluded beach experience. The beach features a visitor center, clean facilities, and is known for being vehicle-free, creating a peaceful environment for sunbathing, swimming, and wildlife observation. Nature lovers appreciate Malaquite for its sea turtle conservation efforts, opportunities to witness seasonal turtle releases, and the unspoiled natural beauty that showcases the Texas Gulf Coast at its finest.
7. Surfside Beach
SURF AND SUN DESTINATION
Surfside Beach offers visitors a less crowded alternative to other Gulf Coast beaches with its laid-back atmosphere and consistent waves perfect for surfing enthusiasts. The beach stretches along the coastline providing ample space for traditional beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, as well as excellent opportunities for fishing from the shore or nearby jetties. Visitors enjoy the small-town charm, local seafood restaurants, and the ability to drive on certain sections of beach, making it a versatile destination for day-trippers and weekend vacationers alike.
8. San Jose Island
PRIVATE BEACH PARADISE
San Jose Island offers a secluded beach experience accessible only by a short ferry ride from Port Aransas, creating an exclusive atmosphere for visitors. The uninhabited barrier island features pristine beaches ideal for shelling, fishing, and enjoying solitude away from more developed coastal areas. Visitors must bring all necessary supplies as there are no facilities on the island, adding to its appeal as a true escape into nature for those seeking an authentic Texas coastal wilderness experience.
9. Tony Amos City Beach
ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITY SHORELINE
Tony Amos City Beach is a well-maintained public beach located in Port Aransas that offers convenient access for both locals and tourists. The beach features amenities such as restrooms, showers, and designated picnic areas, making it ideal for family outings and day trips to the Gulf. Named after a respected local marine scientist and environmentalist, the beach represents the community's commitment to conservation while providing a comfortable setting for traditional beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
10. North Padre Island National Seashore
WILD COASTAL WILDERNESS
North Padre Island National Seashore encompasses a section of the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into the untamed Texas coast. The protected area features diverse ecosystems including dunes, prairies, and tidal flats that support a variety of wildlife including migratory birds and endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy primitive camping, world-class bird watching, fishing, and miles of isolated beaches where vehicles are permitted on designated sections, creating unique access to remote coastal experiences.
Holliday Things To Do
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