Selma TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Selma, Texas.
1. Retama Springs Park
FAMILY FUN WATER ESCAPE
Retama Springs Park offers a refreshing retreat with water features perfect for beating the Texas heat. Visitors can enjoy splash pads, water slides, and shallow wading areas designed for family-friendly fun in a beautifully landscaped setting. The park provides shaded picnic areas and clean facilities, making it an ideal destination for summer outings with children of all ages.
2. Guadalupe River State Park
PRISTINE RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Guadalupe River State Park features four miles of river frontage where visitors can swim, tube, and fish in the crystal-clear waters of the Guadalupe River. The park's limestone cliffs and cypress trees create a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities including hiking, bird watching, and camping along the scenic waterway. Its peaceful setting and natural swimming holes make it a popular escape from nearby urban areas, especially during summer months when the cool river provides relief from the heat.
3. Blue Hole Regional Park
HISTORIC NATURAL SWIMMING
Blue Hole Regional Park centers around a beloved natural swimming hole fed by cypress-lined Little Cypress Creek, offering one of the most iconic swimming experiences in Texas Hill Country. The pristine blue waters maintain a refreshing temperature year-round, with rope swings and natural ledges adding to the swimming adventure. This carefully preserved natural area requires reservations during peak season due to its popularity and features additional amenities including hiking trails, picnic areas, and sports courts.
4. Palmetto State Park
TROPICAL WETLAND OASIS
Palmetto State Park offers a unique subtropical landscape with its namesake dwarf palmetto plants creating an almost otherworldly environment along the San Marcos River. Visitors can swim in the river, rent paddleboats on Oxbow Lake, or fish in multiple water features throughout the park. The park's extensive trail system winds through diverse ecosystems including wetlands and woodlands, offering opportunities to spot wildlife while connecting visitors to various water recreation areas.
5. Cypress Bend Park
LAKESIDE FAMILY RECREATION
Cypress Bend Park provides excellent waterfront access to Canyon Lake with a sandy beach area perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The park features boat ramps, picnic facilities, and grills, making it ideal for day trips and family gatherings with lakeside views. Visitors appreciate the clean, well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to enjoy water activities in a more relaxed setting than some of the busier recreation areas around Canyon Lake.
6. East Beach
LIVELY COASTAL ENTERTAINMENT
East Beach stands as Galveston's largest beach, featuring turquoise Gulf waters and soft sandy shores perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach comes alive with volleyball courts and seasonal live entertainment, creating an energetic atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Unlike other Galveston beaches, East Beach permits alcohol and often hosts special events and festivals throughout the summer season, making it a popular destination for those seeking a more vibrant beach experience.
7. South Padre Island
PREMIER GULF COAST PARADISE
South Padre Island boasts miles of pristine white sand beaches along the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, offering world-class swimming, snorkeling, and sunset views. Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching tours, parasailing adventures, and jet skiing among the many water activities available at this coastal paradise. The island's vibrant atmosphere combines natural beauty with beachfront restaurants, shops, and accommodations, creating the perfect tropical getaway within Texas.
8. Port Aransas Beach
FISHING AND RECREATION HAVEN
Port Aransas Beach extends for miles along Mustang Island, offering visitors soft sandy shores and warm Gulf waters perfect for swimming, surfing, and shell collecting. Known as the 'Fishing Capital of Texas,' the beach area provides exceptional opportunities for both shore and deep-sea fishing adventures throughout the year. The laid-back coastal community atmosphere combines with excellent amenities including beach-friendly driving areas, camping options, and nearby restaurants serving fresh seafood.
9. Landa Park
HISTORIC SPRING-FED POOL
Landa Park features a historic spring-fed pool that maintains a refreshing 72-degree temperature year-round, offering one of the most unique swimming experiences in Central Texas. The 51-acre park surrounds the headwaters of the Comal River, providing additional water recreation opportunities including paddleboat rentals, tubing access points, and fishing spots. Beautiful century-old oak trees shade the grounds while an aquatic complex with water slides, an Olympic-sized pool, and a children's wading pool complement the natural swimming area.
10. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
OCEANFRONT AMUSEMENT PARK
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier extends 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico, combining thrilling rides and classic midway games with spectacular ocean views. Visitors can experience the 70-meter-tall Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and family attractions while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and panoramic coastal vistas. The pier's vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by multiple dining options serving classic American fare, making it a complete entertainment destination right on the waterfront.
Selma Things To Do
Visit our list of attractions and things to do near Selma, Texas.
Selma Restaurants
Visit our list of restaurants and places to eat near Selma, Texas.