Texas Beaches

Tourists don't normally associate beaches with Texas but there is no shortage of welcoming sand along nearly 400 miles of Gulf coastline and seven barrier islands.
Sea Rim State Park, though severely damaged by recent hurricanes is for nature lovers, Mustang Island State Park with its 5-mile stretch of powder sand, 30 minutes ferry from Corpus Christi, is great for weekends.

The finest beach is the popular resort of South Padre Island, with 30 miles of silky sand, calm water, mild weather and excellent nightlife, an ideal destination for spring vacations and very, very close to Mexico if you run out of tequila.
For absolute solitude, try sleeping on a primitive beach campground at Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area.
Getting to South Padre Island: Take Interstate Hwy 37 south from San Antonio to U.S. Hwy. 77, then east on Texas 100. When your feet get wet, you're on the beach at South Padre Island