Gulf of Mexico Beach Guide

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  • South Padre Island Beach // Texas

    South Padre Island Beach
    ©Todd Carr

    It's the beach of South Padre Island that takes centre stage in this resort town immediately off the southern coast of the Lone Star State. It's possible to visit without having to get your feet wet via the Queen Isabella Causeway, which connects it to Port Isabel on the mainland. However, the beach of South Padre Island are an encyclopaedia of water sports, meaning you're sure to be looking to splash about in the shallows at some point during your stay.

    Boat rentals are a popular way to explore all the… read more »

  • Bowman's Beach Park // Florida

    Bowman's Beach Park
    ©Mark Sherman

    Several miles in length, Bowman's Beach sits on the Gulf of Mexico on the southern shores of Florida's Sanibel Island. Situated on one of the quieter parts of island, with just one main road heading north, Bowman's Beach is close to both JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the lagoon-like waters of Clam Bayou.

    Roughly ten minutes on foot from the nearest car park, the path leads through the grassy scrub to white sands which incorporate a fitness trail, children's playground, portable toilets and picnic tables alongside public barbeque grills.

    Open… read more »

  • Padre Island National Seashore // Texas

    Padre Island National Seashore

    Located off the coast of south Texas, a little over 30 minutes away from Corpus Christi, there are plenty of things that make this area unique. It separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, which is one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world - a body of water that's even saltier than most seawater.

    66 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life lie within the protection of this park, so it's the spot to be for nature lovers. The Kemp's… read more »

  • Rockport Beach // Texas

    Rockport Beach
    ©Lindsey Parker

    This family-friendly, man-made spot's about 30 miles from Corpus Christi and overlooks the Aransas Bay on the south Texas coast. It's well-known for its pristine sands, plus a tonne of amenities, with things like volleyball courts, playgrounds and swings along the beachfront. 

    For something a little more laidback, you can take a stroll out onto the pier for a spot of fishing and do some bird watching. 

    There's plenty of parking on the doorstep too, and when it's time to refuel after all that fun in the sun, you've got 65… read more »

  • Surfside Beach // Texas

    Surfside Beach
    ©Lance L Lowry

    Locally known as "Surfside" this beach is situated on Follet's Island by the Gulf of Mexico near the city of Freeport. The sand tends to be more wet and compact, so not ideal for building extravagant sandcastles. The beach is divided into one area where there is car access and the other area being only for pedestrian use. 

    Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, but it can get a bit rowdy as it becomes more crowded and car enthusiasts show off their engines and sound systems. For those keen… read more »

  • Galveston Beach // Texas

    Galveston Beach
    ©CJ TravelTips

    Galveston has been wowing those heading to the Texas coast for almost 200 years, and there's no great surprise when you consider the island has 32 miles of beachfront to mull over.

    One of the best when it comes to facilities as well as atmosphere is Galveston's Each Beach, which has a pavilion and boardwalk as well as restrooms and children's playgrounds. The broad expanse of Stewart Beach's golden sands provides almost limitless space to spread out or play a game of ball, while more secluded spots can be found in… read more »

  • Dauphin Beach // Alabama

    Dauphin Beach
    ©Michael McCarthy

    Dauphin Island, a barrier island located off the coast of Mobile, Alabama, makes up nearly a half of the states diminutive coastline. However, size isn't everything and the island is home to Dauphin Beach, one of the Gulf coast's finest. 

    This affluent island has a rich history that dates back to 1699 when it was first inhabited by a French settler. Today, the town is a fantastic getaway for beach lovers and its many attractions make it a great vacation destination.

    One of the best things about Dauphin Beach is its expansive… read more »

  • Gulf Shores // Alabama

    Gulf Shores
    ©John Tuggle

    Gulf Shores Beach is located immediately south of the downtown area of the town of the same name. Lining the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this particular stretch of brilliant white sand runs for approximately four miles, although include neighbouring beaches and this length can be more than doubled.

    Largely unaffected by the 2010 oil spill, as well as beachgoers, Gulf Shores attracts amateur game fishermen and women keen to do battle with marlin and sailfish, and those who enjoy water-based adrenaline sports. Other activities that draw people… read more »

  • Johnson Beach National Seashore // Florida

    Johnson Beach National Seashore
    ©NPS

    Johnson Beach sits at the center of Perdido Key, a barrier island which spans the Florida / Alabama border. 

    The beach has a lifeguard service, plenty of facilities and a parking lot, all of which makes it ideal for families. Along with a host of water based activities there are also a number of hiking trails here best of which is the Discovery Nature Trail. This raised wooden boardwalk winds through dunes the dunes and pine woods for around half a mile.

    The naming of the beach is for Rosamond Johnson.… read more »

  • Grayton Beach // Florida

    Grayton Beach
    ©goldenticket76

    Located on the Florida Panhandle, Grayton Beach faces south into the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A Blue Wave beach (similar to the better-known Blue Flag scheme in Europe), it is a delightful strip of level white sand. The beach is part of a historic coastal village of the same name, and via its grid of streets, with Grayton Beach State Park.

    A popular spot year-round, Gulf of Mexico fishing charters launching directly from Grayton are common, in addition to the chance to try your hand at sailing or… read more »

  • Pensacola Beach // Florida

    Pensacola Beach
    ©Fede Casanova

    Stretching for several miles along the state's Gulf of Mexico coastline, Pensacola Beach forms the main proportion of Santa Rosa Island. A barrier island approximately 40 miles in length but just a couple of hundred yards wide, it can be subdivided into a number of different beaches and conservation areas. It is connected by road bridges to mainland Florida at various points.

    The most popular entry point is probably the bridge that brings visitors to the parking spaces and crisp white sands of Casino Beach, part of Pensacola Beach so named… read more »

  • Miramar Beach // Florida

    Miramar Beach

    Positioned on an attractive stretch of Gulf of Mexico coastline, it's no surprise that Miramar Beach in Destin has its fair share of beachside condos and apartments for rent. During the summer months, its permanent population of approximately 6,000 residents is dwarfed massively by visitors keen to enjoy the powdery white sands for themselves.

    Sunbathers looking to soak up the rays of the southern sun are equally at home at Miramar Beach as those wanting to get their heart pounding from on top of a jet ski or by hanging… read more »

  • Okaloosa Beach // Florida

    Okaloosa Beach

    Okaloosa Beach sits on a tiny island, just across the water from Fort Walton and a stone's throw along the coast from Destin.

    The beach here's a portrait of paradise - the pristine sand is as icy-white as you're likely to find in the sunshine state, and there's a handful of watersports on offer in the crystal clear waters. 

    Unlike many of Florida's east coast beaches, surfing isn't a huge draw on the Gulf Coast, so despite the beach getting pretty packed in peak season, you won't find yourself dodging too many… read more »

  • Henderson Beach State Park // Florida

    Henderson Beach State Park
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  • Naples Beach // Florida

    Naples Beach
    ©Marc Ryckaert
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