Jolly TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Jolly, Texas.
1. Malaquite Beach
UNSPOILED TEXAS GULF COAST
Malaquite Beach offers a beautiful, remote shoreline experience with wonderful waves to play in and a covered picnic area near the visitor's center. Visitors can enjoy the long boardwalk that leads over the dunes down to the beach, though they should be prepared for jellyfish and occasional Portuguese man of war sightings. The beach feels remote and requires a lengthy drive from town, but most visitors find it absolutely worth the trip for its unspoilt beauty and family-friendly atmosphere.
2. Whitecap Beach
DRIVE-ON BEACH EXPERIENCE
Whitecap Beach is a drive-on beach where visitors can park their vehicles directly on the sand for convenience. The beach becomes particularly crowded during summer weekends, with everyone parking in a line down the shoreline. Despite the crowds during peak season, it remains a popular destination for beachgoers looking for easy access to the Gulf waters.
3. Jolly Mon Water Park
TROPICAL AQUATIC ADVENTURE
Jolly Mon Water Park features one of the best lazy rivers in Texas, spanning 3.5 acres with five inviting pools including two heated ones. Visitors can enjoy thrilling water slides, playful water jets at the splash pad, or relax on the exclusive private beach. The water park offers a complete family experience with amenities for all ages, from kiddie pools to an infinity pool and two hot tubs.
4. East Beach
GALVESTON'S LARGEST BEACH
East Beach, also known as R.A. Apffel Park or 'Party Beach', is the largest of Galveston's beaches offering an array of amenities and entertainment opportunities. Visitors can collect seashells on the shoreline, play volleyball, swim in crystal clear waters, or enjoy relaxing sunbathing sessions while picnicking with family. The beach's size and variety of activities make it impossible not to be entertained during a visit.
5. Stewart Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL ESCAPE
Stewart Beach is an ideal family destination featuring cabanas, a playground, and numerous beach activities that cater to all ages from March through October. The beach provides comfort features like accessible restrooms, outdoor showers, and wheelchairs, while lifeguards ensure a supervised environment for peace of mind. Visitors are treated to breathtaking sunsets that make Stewart Beach an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
6. Padre Island National Seashore
PRISTINE PROTECTED COASTLINE
Padre Island National Seashore preserves the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world along the Texas Gulf Coast. Visitors can explore 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and tidal flats that provide a sanctuary for diverse wildlife including endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles. The seashore offers recreational opportunities from swimming and fishing to bird watching and primitive camping along its remote shores.
7. Mustang Island State Park
COASTAL RECREATION PARADISE
Mustang Island State Park encompasses 5 miles of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico where visitors can swim, surf, kayak, and fish in the coastal waters. The park features the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, a 20-mile trail system through shallow waters perfect for observing coastal birds and marine life. Campers can choose between developed campsites with amenities or primitive beach camping for a more immersive natural experience.
8. McGee Beach
URBAN BAY BEACH
McGee Beach offers a unique urban beach experience located directly on Corpus Christi Bay near downtown, providing calmer waters than Gulf beaches. Families appreciate the gentle waves, shallow water, and absence of strong currents, making it ideal for young swimmers and those seeking a relaxed beach day. The convenient location offers easy access to downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it perfect for combining beach time with other activities.
9. Rockport Beach
TEXAS' FIRST BLUE WAVE
Rockport Beach holds the distinction of being Texas' first Blue Wave Beach, a certification recognizing its commitment to cleanliness and environmental management. The beach features calm, shallow waters ideal for families with young children, along with picnic areas, playgrounds, and volleyball courts. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities including restrooms and showers, as well as the beach's no-vehicle policy that creates a more peaceful atmosphere.
10. San Luis Pass Beach
FISHING AND SERENITY
San Luis Pass Beach sits at the southwestern tip of Galveston Island where the Gulf of Mexico meets the bay, creating a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The less-crowded beach offers a more natural, serene experience compared to Galveston's more developed beaches. Visitors should exercise caution due to strong currents in the pass, but can enjoy excellent fishing opportunities, shell collecting, and peaceful shoreline walks away from the crowds.
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