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 for real adventure. This isn’t your average island getaway – we’re talking gems promising relaxation, exploration, and memories that will linger long after your tan fades!
Texas is home to over 50 notable islands, and in my opinion there are 7 must-see Texas islands to visit. These are real islands surrounded by bays and the Gulf of Mexico, not just island golf greens or a small island in a lake.
Texas is famous for many things, from our barbecue to our historic and vibrant music scene. One of our lesser-known (but equally impressive) attributes is the number of fantastic islands found off the Texas coastline.
These islands vary in size, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, try your hand at fishing, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Texas’ islands are a perfect destination for all. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top Texas islands worth visiting. That way you can plan your next island getaway with confidence.
Can you name half of the eight Texas islands without looking below? There are actually over 50 islands in Texas! Some are inland, and most are very small and uninhabited and most are small barrier islands.
The most popular islands in Texas are a must-visit for your bucket list. They are loaded with fun things to see and do. Many are home to vacation rentals, funky bars, several fun attractions, good restaurants, camping, and beaches.
Fun Texas Islands to Visit
Galveston Island Texas
Everyone’s probably heard of Galveston Island just south of Houston. It’s 27 miles long and no more than 3 miles wide and well known as a base for piracy. It’s also know for the greatest natural disaster to ever strike the United States (the Galveston hurricane of 1990). You should visit this island because of the beaches, restaurants, bars, and attractions like Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and the Pleasure Pier.
You should visit this island because of the beaches, restaurants, bars, and attractions like Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and the Pleasure Pier. Moody Gardens, a top attraction on the island, spans over 242 acres and features an aquarium, rainforest pyramid, and discovery museum. Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located on Galveston Island, 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 lots of fun things to see and do. There is plenty of lodging on the beach, camping, and best of all the 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! With many species of dolphins residing in its waters, South Padre Island offers unparalleled opportunities for dolphin-watching tours. 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. Read read our Top Ten Things To Do In South Padre Island.
Mustang Island Texas
Mustang Island is a 18 mile long barrier narrow 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 hosts numerous annual events, including the Deep Sea Roundup, one of the oldest fishing tournaments on the Texas coast, dating back to 1936. Mustang Island State Park’s surface area is approximately 3,954 acres, offering visitors opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and beachcombing.
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 the beaches, the beach camping and vacation rentals, an excellent golf course and variety of restaurants. The friendly locals, and its 25 fun and funky bars also make for a good time. Port A’s slogan says it all: “a quaint little drinking town with a fishing problem.” Port A is also known for its excellent fishing. Mustang Island is home to a wide variety of fish species, including redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder. The island boasts several prime fishing spots, such as the 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 the 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 many exhibits, including naval artifacts, weapons, and interactive displays, providing visitors with a comprehensive look into naval history.
Originally the Island was a location for fish and oyster businesses, a shipyard, and an immigration station. Pelican Island served 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 and it’s a small barrier island and Wildlife Management Area of 56,688 acres – 8 miles long and a half to four miles wide. It’s best known for is seclusion and untouched natural beauty. Matagorda Island is accessible only by boat, adding to its remote and secluded charm, providing visitors with a true wilderness experience away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Matagorda Island’s 1852 lighthouse, known as 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. The island’s Wildlife Management Area is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, dedicated to conservation efforts and preserving the island’s natural habitats. The island is great for spending time on the beach, birding, salt water fishing, and picnicking.
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 small (21 miles long and 5 mile wide) private barrier island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Aransas Bay just off the northern tip of Mustang Island.
While there are some private residences and limited infrastructure on the island, much of it remains undeveloped and preserved. San Jose Island is part of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, a vital habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. If you visit San Jose Island you must stay on the beach below the vegetation line which is perfect for birding, shelling, fishing, and beach combing for unique 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.
A ferry from Port Aransas will shuttle you to San Jose Island – bring your fishing gear because the island offers excellent fishing for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder and more. San Jose Island is also renowned for its beaches, characterized by soft white sand and clear blue waters, offering a tranquil retreat for beachgoers.
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 make 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 the island which later turned into the Naval Air Technical Training Center.
The island is home to the University of Corpus Christi and since 1993 has been the home of Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, which is what makes the island worth visiting today. This prominent institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The island is also good 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.
Author: Sam Weiger
Sam has lived in the Dallas area for over 20 years with his family, and he has savored every moment. From discovering new places to revisiting popular venues, Sam has traversed Dallas with his family and friends continuously since 1997. In his free time, Sam enjoys outdoor adventures and documenting his experiences with his Nikon.
