There are 350 miles of Texas shoreline just waiting to be explored.

Throw in endless outdoor activities, and you’re in for a well-balanced vacation.

So, yes, Texas really does have beaches.

Beautiful Galveston Island beach

Credit: Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau

And great ones at that.

Choose from among these favorite coastal destinations and their impressive stretches of sand.

Here’s where to find the best beaches in Texas.

Port Aransas beach in Texas

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Port Aransas and its main beach have made a remarkable recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

(Time your visit to the annual three-day SandFest to witness competitive castle-building.)

Head to Malaquite Beach for a visitor center, pavilion, and wheelchair access to the shore.

Padre Island National Seashore in Texas

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If you’re an early riser, you may be able to witness a sea turtle hatchling release there.

Keep an eye out for armadillos, marsh rabbits, and even raccoons.

The line of thatch-roof palapas lends a Caribbean vibe you don’t often see on the Texas coast.

Galveston Island State Park

Credit: Getty Images/Daniel Thibodeaux

Book a rental in Rockport to stay just steps from the sand.

(There are campsites with water and electricity about a third of a mile from the beach.)

Strong and steady winds draw kite surfers, whilepet-friendly beachesattract those with four-legged family members.

Rockport Beach, Texas

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There’s excellent beach combing and surf fishing, too.

A bit more remote, this beach is a popular day trip from nearby South Padre Island.

fws.gov, Access at end of Boca Chica Boulevard (Highway 4), Cameron County, TX 78521

Mustang Island, Texas

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Isla Blanca, South Padre, Texas

Credit:Courtesy South Padre Island CVB

Sunrise at Surfside Beach, Texas

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Bolivar peninsula is part of the Great Texas Birding Trail

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Boca Chica Beach

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