Do you want to escape to Texas’ most beautiful islands? This is the perfect place for you. For your next holiday in Texas, these islands have been compiled for you by us.
Island escapes feature endless ocean views, windswept beaches, and tropical climates.
Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering a vacation to an island, but it is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world.
There is something for everyone on our list, and we are confident that you’ll enjoy these islands beyond just their beauty.
Here you’ll find everything you’re looking for, whether it’s water sports, horseback riding, or relaxing while soaking up the sun.
The island of Galveston
The coast of Texas is home to barrier islands. Did you know that? There are several of them, including Galveston. There are 32 miles of paradise located about 50 miles from Houston.
Take advantage of the beautiful views of Galveston Island State Park when you visit this Texas island. It’s well taken care of since it’s a state park.
This protected island in Texas guarantees a pristine and peaceful environment for your vacation, whether you choose to swim, fish, kayak, or camp there.
Would you like to see island action that is more lively? Explore the historical architecture and art scene, take a tour of the ghosts, or peruse the downtown shops.
There are many festivals held here throughout the year, such as those held in Galveston, such as the annual Greek Festival, the Shrimp Festival on Galveston Island, and the Lone Star Rally.
It’s important to keep in mind when talking about Galveston and Galveston Island that these are two different places.
The Mustang Islands
In addition to Mustang Island, Texas has many other beautiful barrier islands. The island lies in the Gulf of Mexico about 177 miles away from Houston.
There is plenty of beauty and fun to be found on Mustang Island, which is only 18 miles long.
This state park on Mustang Island is a great place to start your vacation. With twenty miles of trails, a picnic area, and approximately 100 campsites, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a true island vacation.
If you want to experience Mustang Island from a unique perspective, book a charter tour and take a fishing or skydiving course.
The island of Padre
Take a trip to Padre Island if you’re in the southeast coastal region of Texas. The island of Padre is the largest barrier island in the world, measuring about 113 miles long.
There are a lot of things to do here, so it’s no wonder you can see a lot.
A white sandy beach is one of the most famous features of this island in Texas. This 266-mile stretch of the seashore is home to even the most endangered species of sea turtle, the Kemps Ripley.
As a result, Padre Island National Seashore protects the area. The sight of the sea turtle releases is something that you shouldn’t miss during your trip.
A hypersaline lagoon, Laguna Madre, is located between the Gulf of Mexico and this national seashore. The beauty and uniqueness of Laguna Madre make it a must-stop on your trip.
If you are interested in exploring more than water on your Texas island vacation, Padre Island can help.
There are plenty of outdoor adventures and water activities to take part in on this pretty island, including waterfowl hunting, beach driving, and windsurfing.
Island of South Padre
There is a small island called South Padre Island located in warm gulf waters just south of Padre Island.
You will need about 6 hours to get to this resort town, which has less than 4 miles of surface area.
There might not be a better island for families than South Padre Island in Texas. Swimming, kayaking, and boogie boarding are perfect water activities in calm waters.
The island is home to several nature conservation and ocean rehabilitation centers, which offer tours, educational opportunities, and viewing tanks.
Sea Turtle Inc. is a great resource for people interested in sea turtles. There is a rehabilitation center located in this area that specializes in rescuing, nursing, and then releasing sea turtles.
The turtle hospital at Sea Turtle Inc. offers daily turtle feedings, presentations, and fun educational programs for adults and children.
The rehabilitation phase of sea turtles is ongoing at any given time, and there are a few long-term residents who cannot be released.
There is an alligator sanctuary, an observation tower, interactive exhibits, and a 3300-foot boardwalk right on the beach at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
At South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center, you can also learn about sea turtles, birds, and alligators.
There are no dolphins in captivity at this center, however, educational tours are offered where you can see wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
The sea life center on land features touch tanks and aquariums for an immersive hands-on experience.
That sounds like so much fun, doesn’t it? If you’re on South Padre Island, make sure to check out the Best Restaurants!
Matagorda Island
A long, thin island about seven miles south of Port O’Connor is known as Matagorda Island. There are no ferry services available on this island in Texas, which makes it so unique. An island charter or personal boat is required to get there.
There is just one thing missing once you get there. It’s cars! Matagorda Island does not allow motorized vehicles. I’ve never experienced anything like this before!
There are a variety of activities on Matagorda Island despite the unique transportation circumstances.
There are plenty of coastlines on this long and thin island for you to set up your beach towel and umbrella for the day and camp on the beach at night.
Experience Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife Management Area’s many land and water activities, or rent kayaks from Matagorda Adventure Company if you’re looking for adventure.
San Jose Island
San Jose Island is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and enjoy a little more peace and quiet than Matagorda.
There is no better way to spend 10 hours than on this island, which is 21 miles wide and 21 miles long.
There are mostly private owners on San Jose Island, which is protected by nature, and the island is essentially deserted. Those seeking a vacation without crowds should consider this island in Texas.
You’ll find plenty of seashells that won’t be picked over on San Jose’s golden beaches, and there are hundreds of fish and birds waiting for you.
San Jose Island is known as the fishing capital of Texas because it offers some of the best fishing experiences in the state.
Take out your reel and try to catch dinner. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder are some of the most popular fish in the area.
Take everything you’ll need during your stay with you before heading out. If there are any shops or amenities on San Jose Island, they are few and far between. Adding to its appeal is another factor!
Follet’s Island
Follet’s Island is a 113-mile-long barrier island located between Christmas Bay and Houston. It offers 13 miles of free public beaches, making this an ideal spot for a quick and easy getaway.
The park offers free beach camping, fishing, and horseback riding, and leashed pets are welcome.
There is a rich history on Follet Island, including Fort Velasco, which was built by Mexican soldiers in 1832 and still stands on Surfside Beach.
There are even four floors of Texan history on display in the house of Follet’s Island’s settlers and namesake, the original house of Follet’s Island’s settlers and namesake.
Brazos Island
The waters surrounding Brazos Island are among the bluest in Texas. There are almost six hours between Houston and Brazos Island, also known as Brazos Santiago Island.
There have been many battles fought on Brazos during its history. Unfortunately, the island’s historical buildings and military port were destroyed by a devastating hurricane.
There is no need to worry, the island is still one of the prettiest in Texas. Its island charm is enhanced by the fact that much of it remains undeveloped.
The 217 acres of preserved natural habitat make Brazos Island State Park the perfect place for swimming, camping, and exploring.
Island of the Pelicans
The city of Galveston developed Pelican Island from a marsh area into a 5.4-square-foot island.
If you’re interested in knowing more about the naval history of the state, visit Pelican Island. On Pelican Island, you will find the Galveston Naval Center, also known as the American Undersea Warfare Center, which was founded by soldiers and saw bloody battles.
There are both destroyers and submarines on display at this naval center, which makes it one of the most unique naval centers in the world!
The Galveston Naval Center not only offers tours and exhibits, but it also allows sleepovers on the USS Stewart!
Interested in knowing how being a soldier feels? Here’s your chance to experience it without joining.
The Ward Islands
Ward Island, a small island with a triangular shape, is located about four hours from Houston. There is a rich militia history on Ward Island, one of the most uninhabited islands in Texas.
A and M’s Corpus Christi is the major user of the island, but visitors are still allowed, often taking advantage of the island’s beauty and peace.
Bike riding, hiking, and fishing are three of the most popular activities on Ward Island.
Now you know where to go for your next escape to Texas: a list of the prettiest islands. There is no experience you could ever wish for on these islands, as you can see.
Experiences without amenities, parasailing, art exhibits, watersports, and even sleepovers on naval ships are all available.
The Lone Star State boasts a diverse array of islands that will make your trip truly memorable.
