8 Best Beaches In Texas for Couples (Sun, Sand & Romance)

With over 600 miles of coastline stretching along the Gulf of Mexico, Texas is home to some great beaches.

If you’re going on vacation as a couple, you’ll find plenty of beaches to suit your needs.

Whether you want a quiet and relaxing time or a fun-filled adventure, there is something for all tastes.

Here are some of the best beaches in Texas for couples.

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1. South Padre Island

South Padre Island is on the southern tip of Texas and is a great spot for couples. This island has white sandy beaches, accompanied by crystal-clear waters, stretching for miles.

South Padre island in Texas — South Padre Island

There’s also lots of romantic activities to take part in like stargazing, sunset cruises, and horseback riding.

It’s also a great destination for water sports like paddleboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Besides romantic strolls and sunset walks, you can dine in several romantic restaurants. There are intimate cafes and restaurants the overlook the water and many have outdoor seating too.

If you’re also a couple that enjoys nightlife, South Padre Island is lively with many clubs and bars that offer live entertainment and music.

Read later – Can You Swim on South Padre Island Beach

2. Galveston Island

Galveston Island is another great beach destination for couples in Texas.

Here, you’ll find lots of romantic accommodation as well as attractions, shops and restaurants.

Like South Padre Island, there are miles of soft sandy beaches that are great for sunset walks and beachcombing.

Galveston Island perfect for Couples — Galveston Island

Besides these activities, there’s lots of historic architecture to explore as well as museums and art galleries.

For those who are interested in getting out on the open water, you can take a romantic sunset cruise.

Here, you have 32 miles of beaches and so you won’t be crowded. If you’re staying in Houston, it’s also possible to do a day trip here as it’s only 50 miles away.

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3. Mustang Island

This barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is known for its wildlife, beaches, and outdoor activities like fishing, birdwatching and kayaking.

Mustang Island perfect for Couples — Mustang Island

There are many seafood restaurants here where couples can go for a romantic meal overlooking the ocean.

Here are some other romantic activities you can enjoy here:

Romantic walks on Mustang Island’s sandy beaches.
A sunset cruise – there are several companies offering this.
Picnics on the beach – whether lunch or dinner, picnics can be really romantic.
Watch the sunrise – get up early to catch the sun rising over the ocean.
Take a horseback ride along the beach to explore things from a new and romantic perspective.
Go birdwatching – this island is famous for its range of bird species.
Visit Mustang Island State Park – there are lots of trails that make it a really romantic place to take a stroll.

4. Rockport Beach

For couples seeking a laid-back and tranquil beach experience, Rockport Beach is the ideal destination.

Here, the waters are calm and there are beautiful sunsets and gentle breezes.

The town itself also has a lot to offer couples, including boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.

Rockport Beach in Texas — Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is a popular destination for couples looking for a quieter, more laid-back beach experience.

The beach is known for its calm waters, gentle breezes, and picturesque sunsets. Couples can also explore the town’s art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

Here are some other activities to try here:

Go on a dolphin cruise to see these amazing creatures in nature.

Take a trip to the Center for the Arts which has rotating exhibitions.

Rent bikes and explore Rockport’s beautiful surroundings.

Go on a sunset cruise.

Rent kayaks together and explore Rockport’s marshlands and estuaries.

5. Padre Island National Seashore

This is a protected area in Texas. There are over 70 miles of grasslands, dunes and undeveloped beaches to explore.

Padre Island National Seashore perfect for Couples — Padre Island National Seashore

Here, couples can relax on the beach or take part in things like birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and even camping.

This area is the largest expanse of undeveloped barrier island worldwide! What’s more, Spanish explorers and Native Americans alike have walked here.

At Padre Island National Seashore you can watch sea turtle hatchlings being released, attend ranger programs, and kayak on the Laguna Madre.

6. Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach, on Bolivar Peninsula. You can get there via free car ferry at Galveston Island, which is a great part of your adventure.

Crystal Beach Bolivar Peninsula for Couples — Crystal Beach Bolivar Peninsula

Crystal Beach is seven miles long and you’re allowed to camp and have fires here. Fishing is also popular.

The area is charming too. All of the houses are pastel colors and are on stilts. It’s also possible to rent beach houses and surf.

7. Port Aransas Beach

This is on the aforementioned Mustang Island.

It is a timeless spot where there’s no hustle and bustle, just a simple beach to enjoy.

You’ll see people arriving here by bike or golf cart. You can even rent them if you want to join in.

It’s pretty busy during spring break so avoid this destination around then if you want true peace and romance.

A great place to stay here is the Best Western Port Aransas, which is two blocks away from Aransas Beach.

It’s also opposite a place where you can rent golf carts too so you won’t need a car.

8. Surfside Beach

Located 37 miles to the south of Galveston and day-trip distance from Houston, Surfside beach is a great destination for couples.

Surfside Beach perfect for Couples — Surfside Beach

Here, you’ll experience a place with a small-town, easy-going feel, which makes it ideal for a stroll and a swim.

As its name suggests, Surfside is a surfer’s paradise and offers some of Texas’s best surfing. Besides this, you’ll find this place teeming with cyclists, hikers, and avid fishing fanatics.

There’s also an impressive history here – some of the first ever shots of the Battle of Alamo happened near this beach!

There’s a fort replica, which Mexicans and Texans fort over and the Surfside Historical Museum is full of exhibits and artefacts telling the history of this part of the world.