Rockport Beach

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 individual picnic sites to choose from along the beach, each coming with a covered picnic table and a barbecue grill. 

As for the water here, you can rest assured that it’s clean - it’s tested twice a week for bacteria and the results are posted on the Texas Beach Watch website, as well as the entry booth and office. In case there’s a high reading, signs are posted in the area warning beachgoers. 

Several festivals are held every year in the nearby Festival Grounds, and every month, you can attend the Rockport Market days where you’ll find vendors selling all types of handmade items, food and drink.

And if you’re itching to get that daily step count in, they have a walking path along the shores of Little Bay which is less than a mile long.