While Texas isn’t necessarily known for its beaches, maybe it should be. The Texas coastline is only 16 miles shorter than California. It stretches from deep piney woods East Texas to the southern US border. There is so much to see and do along the Texas coast, especially during bird migration season! Check out our list of the Top 10 Beach Resorts in Texas.
Top 10 Best Beach Resorts in Texas
1. Grand Galvez – Galveston Island, Texas
The Grand Galvez, affectionately referred to as the “Queen of the Gulf” is a historic hotel that is synonymous with luxury on Galveston Island.
Along with the stunning Gulf views, the Grand Galvez offers guests a resort-style pool with a swim-up bar, a spa, and a restaurant with freshly caught Gulf seafood and a weekend brunch buffet. This property is located across Seawall Blvd from the water and just a couple blocks from Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with picturesque midway games and rides that extend out over the water.
Grab a cocktail and take in the sunset with a sea breeze from this historic, beachfront property. While it’s not technically a resort, we’re willing to look the other way on this one because we love it that much. Yas Queen.
What we love most about it:
- Sipping a tropical cocktail at the swim-up bar with a Gulf view
- Staying at the historic “Queen of the Gulf”
- Exploring the Galveston Seawall and Stand
📍Grand Galvez – 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Read our full resort review here: Grand Galvez
2. Port Royal Ocean Resort – Port Aransas, Texas
Port Royal Ocean Resort and Conference Center is located in Port A (Port Aransas for those in the back) along the Texas Coast. This property offers beach access via a 100′ boardwalk, sandcastle lessons, and a beach concierge service for beach chairs and umbrellas.
In addition to the beachfront location, the resort also provides guests with access to the resort-style pool with water slides and swim-up bar, a splash pad, dive-in movie nights, water and beach volleyball, and sport courts.
Dining and drinking options at the resort include an onsite restaurant as well as more casual food truck, ice cream shop, and a poolside bar with a swim-up option. Um, yes, please!
What we love most about it:
- Sandcastle lessons – fun for the whole family!
- Dive-in movie nights
- Soaking up the Port A sun on the beach just steps away from your room
📍Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center – 6317 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373
3. San Luis Resort and Spa – Galveston Island, Texas
The San Luis Resort and Spa is a great “home base” resort for a family stay on Galveston Island with a view of the Gulf and close proximity to a TikTok-worthy checklist of Galveston activities. Spend your day exploring The Strand, Moody Gardens, or Paradise Pier then kick back at the pool to relax.
Oh, also, there’s a swim-up bar.
What we love most about it:
- Swimming in the resort pool with Gulf views
- Full-service Spa, so your vacation feels like… a vacation!
- Swim-up bar… duh!
📍San Luis Resort, Spa, & Conference Center – 5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551
Read our full resort review here: San Luis Resort & Spa
4. Isla Grand Beach Resort – South Padre Island, Texas
The Isla Grand Beach Resort located on beautiful South Padre Island is worth the drive with two pools, two hot tubs, and private beach access. Fill your family beach retreat days with surfing, scuba diving, or sandcastles… the choice is yours!
Whatever you do though, don’t miss the hermit crab races on Wednesday nights! (yes, you read that correctly).
What we love most about it:
- Private Beach Access on South Padre Island
- Multiple pools and hot tubs
- Weekly Hermit crab races
📍Isla Grand Beach Resort – 500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Read our full resort review here: Isla Grand
5. Moody Gardens Resort – Galveston Island, Texas
The Moody Gardens Resort is technically a “bayfront” hotel on Galveston Island. Basically all the relaxation of watching boats and waves on a large body of water, but with less wind (sign me up).
Moody Gardens Resort is a hotel located within the Moody Gardens complex, complete with 3 pyramids (aquarium, rain forest, and discovery-themed), a historic paddlewheel boat, and a (seasonal) water park, reserved separately.
There is a resort-style pool with a swim-up bar, multiple dining options onsite, a spa, and golf course access for resort guests. Sounds like our kind of resort!
What we love most about it:
- Family-friendly resort-style pool with a swim-up bar
- Proximity to the Moody Gardens pyramids
- Best Golf Course on Galveston Island
📍Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, & Convention Center – 7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
6. Hilton Galveston Island Resort – Galveston Island, Texas
The Hilton Galveston Island Resort is located right on the historic Seawall, across the street from the beach in Galveston, Texas.
There is a heated outdoor pool that gives lazy river vibes, only without the current. For example, the pool features cascading waterfalls, a bridge to float under, and even a seasonal swim-up bar. There is onsite dining and drinks to enjoy while taking in the beautiful Galveston sunsets.
What we love most about it:
- Lazy River-esque resort pool with cascading waterfalls – more Texas Lazy Rivers
- Views of the Gulf from this resort located right on the historic Seawall
- Swim-up bar (open seasonally)
📍Hilton Galveston Island Resort – 5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551
7. Margaritaville Beach Resort – South Padre Island, Texas
The Margaritaville Beach Resort is located on South Padre Island. There is a hot tub and heated outdoor pool to enjoy, complete with a swim-up bar… it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?!
This resort has direct beach access and stunning ocean views of the turquoise water from resort rooms. Enjoy the food and drinks at multiple bars, restaurants, and a coffee shop all conveniently located on the property. The only decision you need to make is where to relax – the spa, the pool, or the beach?
What we love most about it:
- The heated outdoor resort-style pool with a swim-up bar!
- Easy beach access just steps from the resort
- Ocean views from the rooms
📍Margaritaville Beach Resort – South Padre Island – 310 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
8. Omni Corpus Christi Hotel – Corpus Christi, Texas
The Omni Corpus Christi Hotel is located in – you guessed it- Corpus Christi. It is an upscale hotel with views of the Corpus Christi Bay from many of the rooms.
The resort features multiple restaurants and bars on the property, including poolside food and drink service available at the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. There is also a nice fitness center and indoor racquetball courts for guests to enjoy. It is located close to lots of fun things to explore in Corpus Christi, Texas!
What we love most about it:
- Indoor fitness center and raquetball courts complimentary for guests
- Heated outdoor pool and hot tub with poolside food and drink service
- Located in the heart of Corpus Christi
📍Omni Corpus Christi Hotel – 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
9. Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island – South Padre Island, Texas
The Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island is located in beautiful South Padre Island, Texas. This beachfront resort has three pools, a heated Palapa pool with a swim-up bar, a family-friendly gaming lounge, and kid-friendly resort activities including poolside movie nights! There’s also an bar and grill on the property with something for everyone to enjoy… without any of the dishes!
What we love most about it:
- Heated Palapa Pool with Swim-Up Bar
- Poolside movie nights for the whole family
- Bar and Grill on the property with a kid-friendly menu
📍Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island – 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
10. The Mayan Princess Condominium Resort– Port Aransas, Texas
The Mayan Princess Condominium Resort is located about 9 miles from the center of Port A. It is on a calmer part of Mustang Island and offers guests more spacious accommodations with an option of 1, 2, or 3-bedroom condos equipped with a full kitchen and washer/dryer.
Resort amenities include an elevated boardwalk over the dunes with direct beach access, three temperature-controlled pools including a kid’s pool, a hot tub, and lawn games.
What we love most about it:
- Three temperature-controlled pools and a hot tub
- Direct access to the beach from the resort
- More spacious condo accommodations
📍The Mayan Princess Condominium Resort – 7477 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373
If you love a good family-friendly beach vacay, be sure to check out FamilyResortGuide.com’s guide to the Best Family Beach Resorts in Florida!
Decided a Texas beach isn’t your thing but looking for a waterfront retreat? – try this list of the Best Lake Resorts in Texas!
From our Family to Yours, Happy Travels!