Craving turquoise water lapping at your toes and the sweet whisper of sea breezes through palm trees? The Lone Star State has you covered with these coastal Texas islands! Ditch the boots for flip-flops, and get ready. One of Texas’ most impressive attributes is the number of fantastic islands found off its coastline.
From the lively shores of South Padre Island to the serene stretches of Matagorda Island, these islands offer a paradise where land and sea meet in perfect harmony. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, these islands provide an escape like no other, with miles of untouched beaches, diverse wildlife, and a deep sense of coastal charm. Each island is a unique jewel, waiting to be discovered, offering a glimpse into Texas’ stunning natural beauty.
Although varied in size, each Texas island has its own personality and allure, ready to cater to a wide range of interests. Galveston Island, with its historic charm, is the epitome of coastal fun, blending beautiful beaches with rich culture and history. Stroll along the famous Seawall, explore the Victorian architecture, or visit the fascinating Moody Gardens for a taste of art, science, and nature.
Texas Serenity
For those seeking a quieter retreat, Padre Island is an oasis of serenity, with the Padre Island National Seashore offering miles of pristine, unspoiled beaches and serves as a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Islands like Mustang Island boast state parks and are perfect for outdoor adventurers who want to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the salty air under a star-filled sky.
South Padre Island has earned its reputation as a party hotspot, with its lively atmosphere, beach clubs, and water activities like parasailing, kiteboarding, and dolphin watching. This area is loaded with fun things to see and do. Many are home to vacation rentals, funky bars, several fun attractions, good restaurants, camping, and beaches.
From vibrant towns and lively beach bars to peaceful nature reserves and secluded campsites to tons of ocean-related recreational activities to fresh seafood right off of the boat, these islands provide an ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories.
In January 2025, President Trump wants to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. That proposal has not gone through its legislative process at the time of this writing. Texas islands vary in size, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Each Texas island offers something different but equally unforgettable, making the coastal islands of Texas a must-visit on your bucket list.
Fun Texas Islands to Visit
Galveston Island Texas
The world hasheard of Galveston Island south of Houston. It is 27 miles long and no more than 3 miles wide and well known as a base for piracy. It is also known for the greatest natural disaster to strike the United States, the Galveston hurricane of 1900. You do not want to miss this island’s beaches, beach bars, restaurants, and attractions like Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and the Pleasure Pier.
Moody Gardens, a top attraction on Galveston, spans over 242 acres, and features an aquarium, discovery museum, pyramid, rainforest, and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark boasts over 33 thrilling water attractions spread across 26 acres. The Pleasure Pier, an iconic landmark on Galveston Island, stretches 1,130 feet over the Gulf of Mexico and offers a variety of amusement rides, games, and dining options. Check out our Top Ten Things To Do in Galveston
South Padre Island
We love South Padre Island because of the beaches, great restaurants, and loads of fun things to see and do. There is plenty of lodging on the beach, camping, and the best of super fun beach bars. In fact, we’ve named South Padre Island the “Beach Bar Capital of Texas”!
Every spring, South Padre Island hosts the largest spring break event in Texas, attracting thousands of college students for a week of festivities and beach parties. South Padre Island boasts an average of 253 sunny days per year, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Some of the fun activities include riding horses on the beach, parasailing, dolphin and eco tours, diner sailboat cruises, jet ski rentals, pirate ship cruises, fishing trips, and more! South Padre Island is home to the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, a scenic pathway spanning 1.1 miles and offering views of diverse wildlife and coastal habitats.
With many species of dolphins residing in its waters, South Padre Island offers unparalleled opportunities for dolphin-watching tours. Read our Top Ten Things To Do In South Padre Island.
Mustang Island Texas
Mustang Island is an 18-mile long and narrow barrier island sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi Bay. Mustang Island is most famous for the “laid back vibe” of Port Aransas and Mustang Island State Park.
Port Aransas, aka Port A, hosts numerous annual events, including the Deep Sea Roundup, one of the oldest fishing tournaments on the Texas coast, which dates back to 1936. Mustang Island State Park’s surface area covers approximately 3,954 acres and offers visitors opportunities for beachcombing, birdwatching, and hiking.
Mustang Island’s pristine beaches serve as nesting grounds for endangered species such as Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, making it a vital habitat for conservation efforts. We love its beaches, beach camping availability, and vacation rental homes/etc, its excellent golf course, and its variety of restaurants.
Port A’s slogan says it all: “A quaint little drinking town with a fishing problem.” Port A’s friendly locals, with its 25 fun and funky beach bars also make for a good ol’ Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville time, Texas style! Port A is renowned for its excellent fishing. Mustang Island is home to a wide variety of fish species, including flounder, redfish, and spotted sea trout. The island boasts several prime fishing spots, with its Packery Channel and Bob Hall Pier.
Here’s our list of the Top Ten Things To Do In Port Aransas.
Pelican Island
A bridge from the City of Galveston is the link to Texas’ small Pelican Island, which is home to Texas A&M University at Galveston, the Naval Museum, and Seawolf Park. Pelican Island is a popular spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to observe a variety of coastal bird species.
Seawolf Park features the USS Cavalla, a World War II submarine, and the USS Stewart, a destroyer escort. The USS Cavalla is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the USS Stewart is a National Historic Landmark. The Naval Museum on Pelican Island showcases coveted military buff exhibits with interactive displays, naval artifacts, weapons and allows visitors a comprehensive look into naval history.
Originally, Pelican Island’s prosperity came in as a prime location for fish and oyster harvests and shipyards. It eventually served as an immigration station and as the site of the first quarantine station in Texas, established in 1853, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among immigrants arriving in Galveston. The Galveston Naval Museum offers tours of the destroyer escort USS Cavalla and submarine USS Stewart. Check out things to do in Pelican Island.
Matagorda Island
Matagorda Island is Galveston’s sister island, a small barrier island, and a Wildlife Management Area of 56,688 acres — 8-miles long and one-half to four-miles wide. This Texas island is best known for is seclusion and untouched natural beauty. Matagorda Island is accessible only by boat, adding to its remote and secluded charm, while providing visitors with a true wilderness experience away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Matagorda Island’s 1852 lighthouse, the Matagorda Island Light Station, served as a navigational aid for ships entering Matagorda Bay and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The island boasts a wide variety of migratory birds, including 19 of which are state or federally listed as threatened or endangered species.
A large herd of white-tailed deer, alligators, and other wildlife roam its land and waters. This island’s Wildlife Management Area is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and dedicated to conservation efforts to preserve the island’s natural habitats.
Matagorda Island is ideal for spending time on the beach, birding, picnicking, and salt water fishing. The island’s beach trail offers opportunities for exploration, with scenic viewpoints overlooking coastal marshes, dunes, and tidal flats.
San Jose Island
San Jose Island is a private barrier island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and small at 21-miles long and 5-miles wide. Aransas Bay lies just off the northern tip of Mustang Island. While there are some private residences and limited infrastructure on the island, much of San Jose remains undeveloped and preserved.
San Jose Island is part of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, a vital habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. If this is your thing, stay on the beach below the vegetation line, which is perfect for birding, fishing, shelling, and beach combing for beautiful and collectible seashells, including lightning whelks, shark eyes, sand dollars, starfish, angel wings, and more.
Like many islands along the Gulf Coast, San Jose Island has its share of pirate lore, with legends suggesting that it may have been a hideout for pirates such as Jean Lafitte. San Jose Island is also renowned for its beaches, characterized by soft white sand and clear blue waters, offering a tranquil retreat for beachgoers.
A ferry from Port Aransas will shuttle you to San Jose Island. Bring your fishing gear because this island offers excellent fishing for flounder, redfish, speckled trout, and more!
Ward Island
Ward Island is a small body of land situated between Corpus Christi Bay and Oso Bay. The island’s coastal setting and natural beauty makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and educational experiences, attracting visitors interested in history, nature, and adventure.
Ward Island’s historical significance is commemorated through various landmarks and sites. Following the start of World War II, the Navy initiated a major training program on Ward Island which later became the Naval Air Technical Training Center.
Ward Island is home to the University of Corpus Christi, and since 1993, it has been the home of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Texas A&M University is what makes this island worth visiting today. This prominent institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Ward Island is ideal for nature watching and hiking or biking the 7.3-mile trail around the island. Ward Island’s coastal location provides habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds, marsh rabbits, and various marine species.
Ward Island’s location near Corpus Christi Bay makes it an ideal spot for water-based activities such as kayaking, fishing, and bird watching along the bay’s shoreline.
How Many Islands Are in Texas?
There are around 30 Texas barrier islands on its Gulf Coast. There are numerous islands in Texas lakes, although the exact number depends on the lake and the criteria used to define an “island.” Texas’s larger lakes, such as Lake Buchanan, Lake Livingston, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Lake Texoma, have islands.
Islands in Texas lakes tend to be smaller compared to its coastal islands. Overall, Texas lakes can have anywhere from a few islands to several dozen, depending on their size and the lake’s water levels, which fluctuate seasonally.
Are There Islands Off the Coast of Texas?
Yes, Texas has 30 islands off the Gulf Coast, although the exact number can vary depending on how one defines an “island”, whether the measuring entity is considering size, accessibility, or whether it is a barrier island or a small, uninhabited piece of land with no waterway to land nexus.
Texas Barrier Islands
Texas is home to a series of stunning barrier islands that stretch along its Gulf Coast, each offering unique landscapes and natural beauty. These islands act as a buffer between the mainland and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico and help protect the coastline from storms and erosion.
The barrier islands of Texas are known for their serene beaches, recreational opportunities, and diverse wildlife. Anglers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts cherish these natural island gems. Among these Texas islands, Padre Island stands out as the longest barrier island in the United States.
Padre Island’s pristine seashores and rich ecosystems include the protected Padre Island National Seashore. Mustang Island, located just south of Corpus Christi, features a state park and miles of untouched coastline. Galveston Island, one of the more developed and visited islands, combines history, culture, and scenic beaches, attracts year-round visitors.
From the isolated beauty of Matagorda Island to the lively shores of South Padre Island, Texas’ barrier islands provide a range of experiences for those looking to explore the state’s coastal wilderness.
Some of the most popular Texas barrier islands are:
- Galveston Island: One of the most famous, known for its beaches, history, and tourism.
- Padre Island: Home to the Padre Island National Seashore and one of the longest undeveloped barrier islands in the world. The South Padre Island area is affectionately known as the Spring Break capitol of Texas.
- Matagorda Island is remote and an undeveloped barrier island located off the Texas coast, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and as a popular spot for birdwatching and fishing.
- Mustang Island: Known for its state park and as a vacation destination.
Is Padre Island Actually an Island?
Yes, Padre Island is definitely an island. It’s the longest barrier island in the United States and stretches for about 113 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, off the Texas coast. Padre Island separates the Gulf from the Laguna Madre, a shallow lagoon.
The island is well-known for its Padre Island National Seashore, a protected area that offers pristine beaches, wildlife, and natural beauty. It’s also home to a variety of ecosystems, including dunes, prairies, and wetlands. Despite its large size and wide range of activities, South Padre Island is very much an island surrounded by gulf waters.
Is Padre Island and South Pardre Island the Same Island in Texas?
Yes, South Padre Island is part of Padre Island, their names are obfuscatory, and refer to different areas of Texas’ longest barrier island. South Padre Island is a smaller, more specific section of Padre Island, located at its southernmost tip. It is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant atmosphere, beaches, resorts, and activities like fishing, watersports, and spring break events.
What Is a Pretty Island to Visit Off the Coast of Texas?
A beautiful island to visit off the coast of Texas is South Padre Island. It’s well-known for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering activities like kiteboarding, dolphin watching, and fishing.
Additionally, South Padre Island is home to the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, making it a trendy spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Another great option for a more secluded and nature-focused experience, is Padre Island National Seashore on Padre Island, which is perfect for visitors who want to enjoy pristine beaches, camping, and wildlife watching in a quieter environment.
Author: Kendall Davis
Author: Kendall Davis Company: Lumini Services Kendall currently lives on the shores of Lake Texoma in Texas. She traveled across two-thirds of the U.S. for many years camping at lakes, rivers, and three oceans before motels and hotels if at all possible, and she continuously saw God's presence in nature. Writing for Lakehub allows Kendall to share her experience with God's creations. https://kdavis1836.wixsite.com/luminiwrites