Texas surfers sometimes ignore the Gulf Coast. But the Texas coastline has some significant surf areas guaranteed to delight both novice and experienced surfers.
The Gulf Coast is sometimes known as the Third Shore. This may not create as large waves as its west shore, but surfers are still not bored whenever they check out the 10 top surf places in Texas.
You will be amazed to learn that Texas State has numerous great surf areas with waves ranging from tiny to huge. From South Padre to Boca Chica, there’s bound to be a spot on this listing where you can get some air. Also, you can maybe even meet a few more surfers.
Top 9 Best Surf in Texas
The state’s eastern and southern shores are perhaps the last places you would expect to discover good surfing. These beaches are surrounded by the shallow and pleasant waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
There is still enjoyment to surfing here if you know what to look for. These beaches are the best even if it rarely creates huge waves or even wave barrels of the highest type.
Surfside
| Website: | Surfside |
| Address: | 1304 Monument Drive, Surfside Beach, TX 77541 |
| Phone: | 979-709-1665 |
| Attraction: | Stahlman Park, Beach Restaurant. |
| Reviews: | 355 |
| Rating: | 4.0/5 |
This list begins with Surfside Beach. This is one of Texas’ most prominent surfing places. Surfside will undoubtedly appeal to Texas surfers. This place, like several others on this list, receives its largest waves during rainstorms. But there still are good waves to be seen here even when the weather isn’t that windy in the forecasts.
Bear in mind that the beaches are clear when the winds are blowing from the Northeast or East. So double-check the weather before setting out. Surfside is ideal for both short and long surfboards. Moreover, board renting is available nearby.
Surfside Beach is most renowned for its calm, homey beach lodgings. But it’s also a fishing destination as well. Surfers queue up across a short section of Beach Drive right south of the pier, where the waves crash on a sunny day.
This beach is ideal for swimming, fishing, picnics, and watching animals. Tourists can also use the bathrooms. All cars traveling on Surfside Bay should acquire and carry a $15 yearly permit on their windscreen. Walking on the beach is completely free.
It is illegal for anybody to have an alcoholic drink on coastal streets. Moreover, the local police department strongly monitors the prohibition of explosives inside the municipal borders of Surfside Beach.
The Island Shore of South Padre
| Website: | The Island Shore of South Padre |
| Address: | 8605 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States |
| Phone: | +1 800-447-4753 |
| Attraction: | Rain Dancer, Beach Restaurant. |
| Reviews: | 29 |
| Rating: | 4.8/5 |
South Padre has some of the top surf places in Texas. Surfers currently visit a number of locations in South Padre. Travel to the southern part of the island, where surfers wait with their surfboards for some of the greatest waves.
These shorelines provide waves that are uncommon in the coastal Gulf of Mexico waters. Because the waves are fairly regular, the shoreline on the southern end tends to please the surfers. If you’re on a tight budget, tent in Isla Blanca State Campground. It’s a campground on the island’s southern shore with camping spots and fantastic waves.
Padre Island is a set of islands that stretches for 115 miles (180 kilometers). And it extends up to 4 miles (6 kilometers) wide. It is located on the southeast Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico.
Padre Island Marine coastline is the most significant hatching site in the United States for the Kemp’s Ridley. It is the world’s most endangered marine turtle. Since 1975, the area has been a part of a multilateral, multi-agency campaign to rescue the Kemp’s Ridley marine turtles.
South Padre Beach is best visited between October and January. Swimmers can enjoy the recreation center at Bird Islands Pond or the Gulf of Mexico itself. Please bear in mind safety is very important as there are no lifeguards on site.
Bob Hall Pier
| Website: | Bob Hall Pier |
| Address: | 15820 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 |
| Phone: | (361) 561-2000 |
| Attraction: | Pedego Electric Bikes West, Corpus Christ, Mikel May’s restaurant, Padre Balli Park. |
| Reviews: | 320 |
| Rating: | 4.0/5 |
Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi is not just famous among fishermen but also among surfers. You will witness the greatest wave here when a storm is on the radar. However, you will still have a blast even if the climate is pleasant.
With a good wave, you can expect pretty decent-sized waves too. Because the waves have a shallow fall, you will be capable of riding the surfboard all the way to the beach. Ideal on small surfboards, surfers may expect rapid waves coming right from the jetty. Surf boarding at Bob Hall Pier may well not give the largest waves, but you’ll have a great time surfing within these waves.
The pier itself is currently being renovated and is not open to the general public now. Padre Balli Park, as a whole, provides a fantastic beach experience. There are endless miles of photos that look like beaches and surf here.
Hurricane Hanna damaged the formerly popular pier in June 2020, ripping the head end off the pier. The previous pier has been closed since then. But images of anticipated future Bob Hall Pier restorations have offered fishers on the Coast Border optimism to start something new.
Mansfield Jetty
| Website: | Mansfield Jetty |
| Address: | 8605 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States |
| Phone: | +1 800-447-4753 |
| Attraction: | Rain Dancer, Beach Restaurant. |
| Reviews: | 29 |
| Rating: | 4.8/5 |
Long-boarding surfers must go to the Mansfield Jetty, located on a remote beach 32 kilometers northwest of South Padre Islands. Boarding on the Mansfield Jetty is an excellent site for surfers looking for privacy.
It is accessible through a 75-mile beachside ride in a 4-wheel car or by watercraft. You may either kayak in from a little beach inlet or leap off the pier itself. Because this place is so remote, carry supplies such as drinks, snacks, a spade and toilet roll, fuel, and all the necessary equipment.
The Port Mansfield Jetty in Texas is an open jetty/beach break with consistent waves. Works well in north-westerly coastal breezes.
Waves are more likely to be created by regional winds than by remote groundswells. And the best wave pattern is from the east-northeast. Both right and left-hand waves are available at the seashore.
Sand hills to the west of the city boundaries are open for driving. Down to the Ports Mansfield jetties, there are 32 miles of drivable beach areas.
If you desire to visit the beaches but want to avoid interacting with the people, Rettilon Beach near Port Mansfield is a good option. This beach is ideal for shell gathering as well as just resting and basking in the sunshine. If you desire to enjoy the sea without fishing, the waters are there for a leisurely swim.
Pier Horace Caldwell (Port Aransas)
| Website: | Pier Horace Caldwell (Port Aransas) |
| Address: | Port Aransas Beach Rd Port Aransas Beach Rd & Beach St., Port Aransas, TX 78373. |
| Phone: | (361) 749-5333 |
| Attraction: | Glowing Kayak Tour Port Aransas, Private Dolphin Watch and Sunset Boat Tour, Party Cruise. |
| Reviews: | 78 |
| Rating: | 4.0/5 |
Port Aransas is a popular surf destination for natives. One of the best-known surf places in the Texas neighborhood is Horace Caldwell Pier, where you can find some fantastic breakers. The waves facing to the left side won’t be the largest, but they will be forceful and moving quickly. When the tides are going out, you will see surfers flock to this location.
Horace Caldwell Pier is suitable for surfers of all experience levels, so novices should have no trouble enjoying this Port Aransas surfing beauty.
Each individual pays $2, and each pole costs $5. Only cash is accepted here. Children under the age of five are free, and discounts are offered for military personnel, former soldiers, and elders 60 and older.
Nightlife enthusiasts can discover a variety of lively bars and happening nightclubs. Port Aransas offers it everything, whether you want live bands, a beachfront setting, or a minimal intimate spot to drink alcohol.
Matagorda
| Website: | Matagorda |
| Address: | 6420 FM2031, Matagorda, TX 77457, USA. |
| Phone: | (261) 899-4587 |
| Attraction: | Long, sandy beach offering scenic views, a mellow vibe & various shops, cafes & bars nearby, Las Palmas. |
| Reviews: | 99 |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
Because Matagorda is not as well-known as neighboring Texas coastal cities, you’ll most probably be surrounded by just Texan native surfers. Usually, surfers are welcomed with steady and strong waves. Matagorda has some really powerful waves because an ocean depths floor rises to join the sandbars.
Matagorda has a distinct personality of its own, together with Playa Los Pocillos. Great seashores, superb facilities, and a variety of restaurants and pubs are there beside the beach. In addition to providing a more calm option to the rush and activity of Puerto del Carmen, this spot will be best.
Diving close to the piers, jetties, and decks is risky owing to that region’s coastal flooding and tidal surge. Mitchell’s Cut and the Rio River’s entrance frequently experience very fast currents. The majority of beach drowning deaths occur in these places, and these accidents can be prevented.
The close location of Matagorda towards the airport runway does have the advantage of a relatively quick transit time. This also implies that many guests are likely to hear some level of airplane noise throughout their vacation here.
Boca Chica
| Website: | Boca Chica |
| Address: | Boca Chica Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521 |
| Phone: | (357) 159-7535 |
| Attraction: | Resaca de la Palma, Resaca de la Palma, Palo Alto Battlefield, National Historical Park, 77 Flea Market, Gladys Porter Zoo. |
| Reviews: | 310 |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
The waves at Boca Chica are extremely lengthy and clean. Northwest breezes provide the finest waves to this region, and running straight waves are regular. Coastline and pier waves are among the most common, and they are strong and lengthy (around 135 and 325 meters).
The atmosphere is relaxed, and the beachfront is never crowded. There are a few big gusts and tidal surges here, along with the rare sharks. So keep your eyes out while landing on a wave at Boca Chica.
The beach is available daily from dawn to dusk, and entry is free. Although, you are not permitted to tent or remain at night in the sanctuary.
For people who appreciate the local atmosphere, it’s worth a quick visit to ensure you would like to stay. It is well-known for snorkeling and diving underwater. There are several opportunities to participate in water activities and sports. The village is located close to the country’s capital of Santo Domingo, which is both a major visitor and native attraction.
Jamaica Beach
| Website: | Jamaica Beach |
| Address: | 16607 Jamaica Beach Rd, Jamaica Beach, TX 77554, USA |
| Phone: | (409)763-8678 |
| Attraction: | Galveston Island State Park Beach, West End Pocket Parks Beach, Sunny Beach, Dellanera RV Park Beach, Galveston Seawall Beaches. |
| Reviews: | 310 |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
Jamaica Beach is an excellent site for catching some smashing waves, which may even result in a tube ride every now and then. Jamaica Beach is located close to Galveston. It has a sand bottom with seaside breakers and waves that flow from the left and right. The waves here seem to be deep, quick, and enjoyable at all levels.
Jamaica Beach is peaceful, lovely, and transparent, with gorgeous brown sand ideal for kids’ sports and castle building.
The waterways are open and are monitored by the Marine Department of the Jamaica Bay Police Force. Many people like surfing, swimming, and yachting. Please be aware of others’ activities in and around the waterways.
Quintana beach
| Website: | Quintana beach |
| Address: | 330 5th Street Quintana, TX 77541 |
| Phone: | 979-233-1461 |
| Attraction: | Quintana Park, Texas Gulf coast, Town of Quintana, Bryan Beach, and Follett’s Island Beach. |
| Reviews: | 310 |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
Whenever the wave is too large on the southern side of Surfside, head to Quintana. Quintana will provide you with both right and left waves that are just as fast as they are enjoyable. The finest wind patterns for surfing waves here seem to be northeast, northwest, and southwestern. And all tides provide excellent breakers as well.
Quintana is located south of Surfside and would be another surfing hotspot. Whenever the sea at Surfside becomes too strong, some surfers travel to Quintana. This surfing area is also ideal for surfers of all abilities. Surfers may find regular beachfront waves that occur in rapid succession nearby.
A $3.50 parking ticket per car is charged at the park’s entrance gate during day access to the coastal area. From Memorial Weekend to Labor Day weekend is free for all pedestrians. Night hikers who have booked are allowed. Quintana is a natural seashore that is nurtured by its own tides and climate.
Explosives and guns are not permitted here in Quintana beach. There will be no tents on the beach if the weather is bad. There will be no fireworks or charcoal barbecues on the beachfront. Swimming will be entirely at your own risk because there might be no coastal police forces. Pets on leashes are permitted on the beach.
The Shipping Channel of Galveston
| Website: | The Shipping Channel of Galveston |
| Address: | 330 5th Street Quintana, TX 77541 |
| Phone: | 979-233-1461 |
| Attraction: | Quintana Park, Texas Gulf coast, Town of Quintana, Bryan Beach, and Follett’s Island Beach. |
| Reviews: | 310 |
| Rating: | 4.6/5 |
If you have watched Bruce Gordon’s Summer Fun films, you may remember a moment in the movie where a bunch of surfers in Texas surf in the Galveston Shipping Channel on extraordinarily huge waves.
Many agencies provide full-day charter excursions for people looking to surf waves that can range in length from a quarter to 5 miles. And it is due to the giant tankers that produce the waves.
The cost of supertankers windsurfing is high. Based on how many individuals wish to surf at the same time, the price ranges from $185 to $750. This spot is somewhat more expensive for surfing than other surfing destinations.
However, this is not your standard method of breaking waves, but the runs are very lengthy and appear to be a great time.
So by all means Galveston Shipping Channel has some of the finest waves in Texas. And undoubtedly, surfers from Texas and all over the country will have fun surfing here for sure.
FAQ
Is there any surfing in Texas?
The Texas coast could be divided into 2 zones with strong currents, beaches near major airports, and significantly populated areas. The main region would be from the High Islands to the Matagorda. This covers Galveston Island and is approximately two hours northwest of Houston.
Which is Texas’s cleanest beach?
Malaquite Beach offers pure water, beautiful sands, and cold gulf waves.
Which is Texas’ whitest beach?
Mustang Island is an underrated shore in Texas with the natural white, the finest pristine beach in the State of Texas.
Conclusion
Before pictures of surfing and waves enter your mind when you think about Texas, your mind is undoubtedly filled with images of horses, cowboys, farms, ranches, tumbleweed, firearms, and barbecue.
Despite this, the second biggest state in the US has around 385 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. And unexpectedly, more Californian dwellers relocate to Texas than to any other area in the USA.
Texas has a sizable surf community, which is more of a subculture than a popular meeting. Its influence is still felt. South Padre Island boasts a true surf store, and Austin’s popularity makes it easy for those who live a surfing mentality to blend in.