Is this the best island in Texas you must visit?

Looking for the most beautiful island in Texas for your next getaway and don’t know where to search?

We have found 9 of the most beautiful islands in Texas for you.

You can relax, have fun, and get a tan on these islands without flying for hours.

It is very relaxing to wake up with an ocean view, listen to the waves, and walk on the sand barefoot.

The Lone State Star might not be the first option that comes into your mind when searching for the best strip of sand near you.

But don’t underestimate this beautiful state packed with incredible sceneries and a long list of attractions.

There are 9 islands to choose from.

Pick the one you like best and enjoy a memorable holiday near the ocean.

There are a lot of outdoor activities you can do on these islands, like horseback riding and water sports.

You can also find sandy beaches with beautiful views of the ocean.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of amazing hotels with great facilities.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Texas Padre Island or Texas Galveston Island.

But there are actually many small and charming islands along the Texan coast—most of which are hidden near the Gulf Coast.

Each place has its own character and appeal.

Some places are more private, with hotels that are good for people who want to relax and be in nature.

Other places have more tourists, which is perfect for people who want to make new friends and be social.

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Pick the best island in Texas for you

1. South Padre Island

South Padre Isle is the most visited island off of the Texas coast that can be reached by car.

You can get to it by following State Highway 100, the road that connects Port Isabel with the mainland.

This island has a lot of sand and is located in the warm waters of Gulf Mexico.

It also has many different types of resorts, which makes it perfect for family holidays or for party lovers.

The water is calm and warm, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing.

This strip of sand is quite small, but it is home to several natural conservation and ocean rehab centers.

So it is a good opportunity to learn new things about our world.

My favorite rehab center from the area is Sea Turtle Inc.

They save sea turtles, take care of them, and then release them into the ocean.

There is even a turtle hospital here that can be visited.

You can see how turtles feed and live. It is a good life lesson for people of all ages.

Other places on South Padre Island are worth visiting, like the alligator sanctuary and the bird observatories.

The centerpiece is the 3300-foot boardwalk where you can see many different animals in their natural habitat.

You’re also likely to see dolphins swimming in the waters around the island.

For those interested, there are professional guided tours you can take daily.

There are no dolphins in captivity that you can see.

But if you go on a tour, you can see dolphins in their natural habitat.

You might even learn new things about them.

South Padre Island is a great place for families with kids.

There are a lot of interesting places to explore, like Gravity Park and the Beach Park at Isla Blanca.

And there are also lots of water sports that you can try out here. You’re sure to have a great time!

If you like to party, we recommend going to the southern part of the island.

Louie’s Backyard is the best place for partying and having fun on the whole island.

Don’t forget that this place is home to one of the largest convention centers from Texas, South Padre Island Convention center, which hosts events with more than 2,500 people.

Sleeping on South Padre Island

Peninsula Island Resort & Spa has a private beach where you can perfect your tan, listen to the sound of waves and relax while reading a book.

The rooms and suites are spacious, and all have a seating area and are equipped with a kitchenette, free WIFI, flat-screen TV, and private balconies.

2. Texas Padre Island

Padre Island is a large island located on the southeastern coast of Texas.

It is 113 miles long and is the largest barrier island in the world.

There are plenty of things to do on the island, so don’t hesitate to book your next getaway here.

The isle is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches.

One of the sea turtles’ endangered species, the Kemps Ripley, lives there.

The places where these turtles hatch on this island by Texas are called protected areas.

They are part of the Padre Island National seashore.

A must-do activity on the isle is a tour of the protected areas.

In those areas the turtles are released back into the ocean.

Another place that is popular with tourists is the Schlitterbahn Water Park.

It has a sandy beach and many different water sports.

You should know that Padre Island is different from South Padre Island.

They are two separate places.

The northern part of the island is not as crowded as the south and there are still plenty of things to do.

You can go kayaking, canoeing in the ocean, or Laguna Madre (a lagoon with salty water).

You can also go hiking or biking on Grassland Nature Trail, which is the most popular trail on the island.

You can sleep in nature when you visit Padre Island.

There are five campsite areas where you can spend the night.

To sleep in one of these campsites, you need to get a special permit from the entrance of the designated area.

You cannot make a reservation for these campsites.

Sleeping on Padre Island Texas

Located about 250 m from Padre Island Seawall Beach, Seahorse Condos is the right choice for your next getaway.

These beautiful apartments are located close to the beach and offer a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area, a private bathroom with a shower, and a hairdryer.

3. Galveston Island

Located just 50 miles from Houston, the island in Galveston Texas is one of the barrier islands that can be found on the coast of Texas.

In less than one hour, you can drive from one part of the isle to another, and there are plenty of interesting things to do around.

Moody Gardens is a famous place that is popular with tourists.

It is a combination of an amusement park and a learning center.

There are three aquariums, a rainforest, and a pyramid.

You can spend a whole day here with your family and have a lot of fun.

After you explore the gardens, go to Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

It is a huge park that covers 25 acres.

There are so many fun things to do around here that one day might not be enough time to see everything.

Hurry up and try the “Massiv”, the highlight of the waterpark and the tallest water coaster in the world for many years in a row.

Perfect your tan on one of the many beaches spread along the 32 miles of coastline and cool off in the ocean’s warm waters.

End your day on this relaxing island in Texas with a relaxing walk on the isle’s famous Seawall, doing a shopping session in The Strand Historic District.

The isle is home to many festivals all year round, out of which the most popular ones are Galveston Greek Festival, Lone Star Rally, and Galveston Island Shrimp Festival.

Don’t forget to include Texas Seaport Museum, another must-see attraction in your itinerary.

Sleeping in Galveston Island

One of the most popular resorts in Galveston Texas is Holiday Inn Express, conveniently located 1 minute from the beach on the coast of Galveston Bay.

With such a great location, you can spend your day on your balcony looking at the ocean and listening to the sounds of waves, or you can try the hotel’s outdoor pool to have fun and cool off on a hot summer day.

4. North Padre Island

Located just south of Mustang Island, North Padre Island is one of the top destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Texas.

With its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, this barrier island offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure.

However, one attraction that stands out among the rest is Corpus Christi Beach, located on the northern end of the island.

This picturesque stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of activities and amenities for visitors of all ages.

Take a closer look at what makes Corpus Christi Beach such a special place to visit on North Padre Island.

5. Mustang Island in Texas

The smallest barrier island off Texas located on the northern side of Padre Island, Texas Mustang Island is home to a plethora of beautiful beaches with blue sand, perfect for bathing in the sun.

Located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 175 miles from Houston, right near Corpus Christi,  Mustang Island is where you should go on a hot summer weekend.

Mustang Island State Park is among the most popular attractions in the area, especially for nature lovers and those interested in walking and water sports activities.

Inside the park, you can swim, go fishing, or surf, or, why not, follow the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, a 20 miles trail along the coast.

There are almost 100 campsites spread across the isle, but they usually sell out quickly, so if you want to sleep in campsites, you’d better book in advance.

The only town from the isle, Port Aransas, is a cozy town that you cannot skip when visiting Mustang island in Texas.

The isle’s laid-back atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the United States, and beaches like Port Aransas and the one from Mustang Island State Park are the most popular and beautiful.

Sleeping on Mustang Island

The cozy and chic Port Aransas Condo, located within a short walk from the beach, awaits its guests in beautiful décor and with a fantastic view.

The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for your next getaway.

6. Ward Island

Located between Corpus Christi Bay and Oso Bay, Ward Island is one of the most uninhabited isles of Texas.

The place has a rich military history, dating back to World War II, when this isle was transformed into the Naval Air Technical Training Center, where soldiers were trained in using all kinds of electronic devices.

Today, the area is used for recreation, and people rush here to explore this wild part of Texas, where hiking, fishing, and biking are the most popular activities.

Starting in 1993, the isle has been home to  A&M University of Christi Corpus, a beautiful campus worth visiting.

Sleeping on Ward Island

There are no hotels on the isle and the closest place to spend your night is in the beautiful town of Corpus Christi.

Hyatt Place Corpus Christi is our choice for this place; a beautiful hotel located 2.5 miles away from La Palmera Mall.

The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant where you can serve your meals during the day.

A complimentary breakfast is available at the property each morning, so you don’t have to spend time searching for a place to eat before starting your day.

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7. Matagorda Island

Matagorda Island in Texas is a long strip of sand, the sister isle of the so famous Galveston, managed by the Wildlife Management area. 

It has 8 miles long and almost 4 miles wide, known for its untouched nature and seclusion.

The isle is not connected with the mainland by any ferry; the only way to get to this isle is by a private plane or a private boat.

No cars on the isle and no motorized vehicles are allowed, making this isle so fantastic.

This long and thin isle located 7 miles south of Port O’Connor is home to a famous lighthouse built in 1852.

There is no electricity or drinking water on the isle, so if you plan a visit here, come prepared with everything.

Bring your picnic basket packed with cold water, some snacks, and a blanket to put on the sand to enjoy the sun and tranquility.

There are some specially designated places where you can spend the night, but reservation is not possible.

On this strip of sand you go for its quiet atmosphere and to reconnect with nature; you won’t find any hotels, bars, or restaurants here.

You can spend the whole day surfing, fishing, paddling, cycling, swimming, and birdwatching.

If you are lucky enough, you might spot the endangered Ridley Sea Turtles, a protected species that come here each year to give birth to a new generation of turtles.

Sleeping close to Matagorda Island

If camping is not for you, then consider staying at Holiday Inn Express Port Lavaca, an IHG Hotel, a beautiful hotel located 2 miles from Port Lavaca.

A complimentary breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, gravy, and hot biscuits are served here every morning.

8. Pelican Island

A beautiful bridge connects Pelican Island with the city of Galveston (the city of Galveston is a city port on Galveston Island and Pelican Island).

The isle is a good place to go if you want to learn new things about the state’s naval history because here you can find the American Undersea Warfare Cent or the Galveston Naval Center.

Only here can you see from a short distance a submarine and a destroyer in one of the many tours that are available at the Naval Center.

Besides the navy vibe, the isle is perfect for seasonal festivals, history museums, fishing, bird watching, and lying on the beach.

Book some time to explore Seawolf Park, walk to the nearest restaurant to try some delicious food, and go for a golf play on the golf courses available on the isle.

Sleeping on Pelican Island

The guest rooms of Hotel Galvez, our top pick from the area, are not very spacious but nicely furnished with modern amenities like iPod docking stations and free wifi.

Some of the rooms face the Gulf of Mexico, while others face the city with its Victorian buildings.

9. Brazos Island

Brazos Island, also known as Brazos Santiago Island located on the southern part of South Padre Island, about 6 hours drive from Houston, is surrounded by the bluest waters in the area.

The area played a very important role in American history, and many battles were fought here during the Civil War.

A devastating hurricane destroyed the isle, its historical buildings, and the military port of the isle.

Brazos island is still very beautiful, ranked by many as the prettiest islands of Texas, so don’t miss it.

Brazos Island State Park, one of the most beautiful Texas state parks, is the perfect place from the isle for swimming, surfing, fishing, and camping, and the 218 acres of the protected area are perfect for exploration.

Sleeping on Brazos Island

Located within walking distance from the beach, Holiday Inn Express South Padre Island is perfect for your family holiday.

One of the most family-friendly resorts South Padre island Texas, Holiday Inn accommodates people of all ages and even can arrange babysitting if you need it.

10. San José Island

If you want to spend some time close to nature, far from city noise and pollution, then San Jose Island is the right place.

This small but beautiful isle located close to Mustang Island, 20 by 5 miles wide, is about 10 hours drive from the city of Houston.

This isle is mostly privately owned, a protected area with few buildings and a small number of tourists roaming around.

The isle is a real sanctuary for birds and wildlife and can be easily accessed by ferries.

The beautiful sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, while the waters around the isle are home to many fish species.

The isle is also known as the fishing capital of Texas and is definitely one of the best places to go fishing from Texas.

The waters around the isle are packed with redfish, speckled trout, and flounder so prepare your fishing tools for the big catch.

Pack everything you need for a day on the beach as the number of shops available on the isle is limited.

Sleeping on San Jose Island

The beautiful rooms at Ocean’s Edge Hotel, Port Aransas, TX await the guest with enough space and newly renovated appliances.

The property features an outdoor swimming pool, and a complimentary breakfast is available each morning in the lobby area.

What to pack for an island holiday

Before heading to the beach on any of these islands of Texas check the below list with the most important items to pack with you:

• Picnic basket with some snacks and cold drinks
• Blanket
• Umbrella
• Sun cream
• Sun hat
• Sand toys for your kids
• Sunglasses 
• A good book to read

Conclusion

Each of these isles has something unique and beautiful, and it is quite hard to name just one island in Texas to visit.

Whether you are looking for a secluded isle to stay away from city noise and pollution, for a place to spend a relaxing weekend with your family, or to party hard till morning, these Texas islands have them all.

Just pack your bags and book your hotel well in advance to secure the best price, as the rooms of the most wanted hotels sell out really quickly.

FAQ

What are the islands off of Texas?

Yes, there are a few islands off of Texas; to be more precise, there are 7 as follows: Follet’s Island, Galveston Island, Matagorda Island, Mustang Island, San Jose Island, Brazos Island, and Padre Island. 

Is South Padre Island in Mexico or Texas?

South Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world and belongs to Texas, the United States of America. It is located in the Gulf of Mexico, right at the Mexican border, and it has 30 miles long, and about ½ mile at the widest point.

Is Padre Island actually an island?

Padre Island is indeed an island, and it is not any isle but the longest barrier island in the world with a total length of 30 miles.

It is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for its sandy beaches where you can relax and perfect your tan.

Is there any island in Texas?

Yes, Texas has a few islands; to be more precise, there are 7 islands: Follet’s Island, Galveston Island, Matagorda Island, Mustang Island, San Jose Island, Brazos Island, and Padre Island.