7 Best Beaches in Texas, for Surf and Solitude in the Lone Star State

"The Texas coast stretches for 367 miles along the Gulf of Mexico between South Padre Island and the Louisiana border. And while the best beaches in Texas don't always come with swathes of sugar-white sand or groves of palm trees like those in Florida or Hawaii, they hold their own charm. An influx of sediment gives the water along the upper coast a caramel-colored hue, but farther south, the water runs clear."

"We've scouted the state and discovered beaches where you can look both ways and hardly see another soul, beaches brimming with seashells, beaches where you can cast a line and reel in dinner, and beaches with grass-thatched beer bars and a laid-back vibe. And don't forget to look up. Two migratory flyways converge over the state, making the Texas coast a prime birding spot."

"The sandy stretch next to where the Colorado River opens into the Gulf of Mexico tops our list as the best shelling beach in the entire state, but you'll have to work a little to get there. From Matagorda Bay Nature Park, rent a kayak (or bring your own) and paddle across the river. Besides the state shell, a spiral-shaped beauty called the lightening whelk, you'll find scallop shells in muted shades of orange and red."

Texas boasts 367 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico featuring beaches with distinct regional characteristics. The upper coast displays caramel-colored water from sediment, while southern areas offer clear waters. Many beaches permit vehicle driving, and surfing opportunities exist when conditions align. Winter temperatures often reach the 60s and 70s, enabling year-round visitation. The Texas coast attracts diverse visitors seeking solitude, abundant seashells, fishing opportunities, and laid-back beach bars. Two migratory flyways converge over the state, establishing it as a premier birding destination. Matagorda Bay Nature Park stands out as the state's premier shelling beach, accessible by kayak across the Colorado River.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler