Discover why Texas’s Mustang Island and Padre Island should top your beach list with its peaceful sands, family-friendly vibes, and fewer crowds!
I love walking on the beach. This is where I do my best thinking while walking along the sand with the waves lapping against my heels. The roar of the surf, the wind in my hair, and the salty air make me come alive. After traveling to 49 states and more than 20 countries, I’ve dipped my toes into the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico, among others. I love the diversity of beaches from the rocky stones of Maine to the black sands of Hawaii.
But honestly? I hate beach towns.
Beach towns usually mean traffic jams, overcrowded restaurants, and massive tourist crowds. I don’t want to dodge fishing lines, get tripped by running dogs, or have locals glare at me just for trying to enjoy the shore. I’m not looking for mini golf or to eat out every night. I just want to walk the beach, have lunch at my camper, and go back out again. I want my daughter to have a safe place to play, and for locals to be happy we’re visiting, not resentful.
Every summer I test a new beach to see if it can still give me a magical moment. This year, I hit the jackpot at Mustang Island State Park in Texas, right over the 4th of July.
Why Mustang Island State Park Stands Out
I assumed Mustang Island would be wall-to-wall with people over a holiday weekend. But to my surprise, it wasn’t. There was space between beachgoers, and plenty of breathing room. The park does something brilliant. They turn people away when they hit capacity. That means no shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and visitors can actually enjoy their day. I wish more beaches would do that!
One thing I loved was the ability to drive on the beach. You don’t have to haul all your chairs and umbrellas from a parking lot. People set up right next to their cars. I even saw a few people camping right on the sand, which was a first for me. Since we were staying at the state park campground, it was a quick walk from our camper through the parking lot to the shore.
The campground restrooms were classic concrete beach bathrooms but stayed clean. I didn’t need to try the porta-potties on the beach since I had my camper setup.
Warm Gulf Waters and a Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The Gulf water on Mustang Island felt ten degrees warmer than Florida’s Gulf beaches — practically bathwater. The surf is shallow and calm for a long way out, which was perfect for kids. My daughter loved running in and out of the waves, splashing and giggling nonstop. She usually hates cold water, so this was the ultimate playground for her.
Dogs are allowed on Mustang Island beaches, but shockingly, everyone seemed to have well-behaved dogs even on a holiday weekend. Families played together, and people who brought music kept it to their own areas. It all felt relaxed, peaceful, and respectful.
Exploring Padre Island National Seashore
If Mustang Island State Park is full, Padre Island National Seashore is just down the road. It’s another Gulf Coast gem that limits capacity to protect the environment. At Padre, you’ll find a well-run visitor center, helpful park rangers, and miles of protected dunes and marshland. That means no overbuilt high-rises or tacky attractions. There is just natural, wild Texas beauty.
We did find fewer restaurants in this area because so much land is protected. We ate once at Captain’s Diner, which had fantastic omelets and friendly staff even on a holiday weekend. But we were disappointed by the ice cream from Desserted Island 2. Next time, I’d stick to breakfast places (they were always packed) and pack lunch or dinner in the camper, which works best for us anyway.
A Few Trade-Offs
Every beach has its quirks. Mustang Island has traffic, especially on one-lane roads, but timing your arrival early or late helps. And yes, there’s a bit of naturally occurring tar in the water that might stick to your feet. Baby oil takes it right off, or you can use vegetable oil. Honestly, these are small prices to pay for a peaceful, family-friendly beach in Texas.
If you want a place to walk the beach, play in warm water, and enjoy nature without fighting crowds, Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore should absolutely be on your list. These Gulf Coast beaches are perfect for families, campers, and anyone searching for a more relaxed beach day in Texas.
