13 Top-Rated Beach Resorts in Texas

Author Anietra Hamper has traveled to the beaches all along the Texas coast finding the best spots and resorts for visitors.

The crown jewel of the Texas coastline is the tranquil blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico that provide panoramic scenery for some of the state’s top beach resorts. From historic to contemporary waterfront accommodations, Texas beach resorts are expanding the ways that visitors can indulge in the natural scenery that only the coast can offer.

Coastal cities like Galveston, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and South Padre Island offer full-service resorts that combine excellent amenities as well as instant access to the beach. Each resort offers something different, from multiple pools, spas, and dining options on the property to various room and suite layouts that can accommodate guests who are traveling solo, couples, families, or multigenerational vacationers.

While the resorts differ in their offerings and locations, they all have one thing in common: they are just steps away from the beach and offer unforgettable views of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you want a morning view of Mustang Island or the memory of stunning sunsets on Isla Blanca Beach from your oceanfront patio, review our list of the top beach resorts in Texas.

1. The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

Accommodation: The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

Highlight: One of the best resorts in Texas for its luxury oceanfront accommodations

Stunning and elegant, The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is one of the best resorts in Galveston facing the Gulf of Mexico. The 32-acre property has 250 rooms and features more activities and amenities than you probably have time for during your vacation.

The top Texas resort features luxury accommodations. Even the standard rooms have private balconies with views of the Gulf. The VIP Level and Club Ten rooms are on private floors with exclusive amenities like breakfast and afternoon snacks in the lobby of each floor.

The Cove pool at the resort makes it easy to enjoy a swim with views of the ocean. Private cabanas are available with comfortable lounge furniture, so you can take a snooze poolside while breathing in the ocean air. To add an extra beach vibe, you can relax by the outdoor fire pits in the evening.

There is a full-service spa and salon, with top-of-the-line treatments and custom experience packages available. With 10 restaurants, dining is easy at The San Luis Resort, from a casual bistro to upscale steak and seafood.

Address: 5222 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Texas

2. Grand Galvez

Accommodation: Grand Galvez

Highlights: Century-old architecture and one of the iconic images on the Galveston coastline

The Grand Galvez in Galveston is one of the most historic and iconic beach resorts in Texas. The resort has been serving up luxury vacations along the Gulf Coast for more than a century. A stay at the Grand Galvez is an experience beyond just the epic ocean views.

The resort is just steps away from Galveston beaches, making it easy to cross the street and walk along the seawall promenade or access the 32 miles of coastline from your front door. You can explore Galveston by bicycle with courtesy bikes offered at the hotel, or stay on the property and use the heated saline pool.

The hotel underwent a major renovation to update 224 luxury rooms and suites. Room options include views of the Gulf; spa rooms with rain showers; and robes and grand suites with separated living spaces, multiple flat-screen TVs, and luxury toiletries.

The Grand Galvez Spa located on-site features a full menu of services, from massages to facials and amenities like a fitness center, salon, steam rooms, and relaxation rooms. There is dining at the Grand Galvez and resort activities available for guests, from yoga to local tours.

Address: 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Texas

3. Hilton Galveston Island Resort

Accommodation: Hilton Galveston Island Resort

Highlights: Family suites, balconies, ocean views, pool cabanas, and a central location for dining and local attractions.

The Hilton Galveston Island Resort has guest rooms with balconies and views of the Gulf, as well as family suites with bunk beds and additional space. Executive suites looking out over the ocean are also available.

There is an outdoor pool with cabanas for guests, and a fitness center on the property. Beach access and the seawall promenade are just outside the front door. Since the resort is located on Seawall Boulevard, many local restaurants and things to do are within walking distance.

The resort offers casual dining at the Palm Court restaurant and snacks throughout the day at The Lounge, and 24-hour in-room dining is also available.

Address: 5400 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, Texas

4. Omni Corpus Christi

Accommodation: Omni Corpus Christi

Highlights: Family-friendly resort, walk-out balconies, convenient location, rooftop dining

The Omni Corpus Christi is a beachside resort that is also close to the city attractions. Located in the Marina District, the Omni is on Shoreline Boulevard, so it is convenient to step out the front door and walk along the beach or visit local recreation areas like Bayfront Park.

The family-friendly hotel has deluxe and premier rooms with views of the Texas coastline along Corpus Christi Bay and some with private walk-out balconies. Other accommodation options include club rooms, suites, and luxury rooms with additional upscale amenities and living space.

Take a dip in the indoor and outdoor heated pools or keep on pace with your exercise routine in the state-of-the-art fitness center with lockers and changing rooms. There is a salon on-site and four restaurants on the property, including south Texas’ only AAA Four Diamond restaurant, The Republic of Texas.

Address: 900 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas

5. Isla Grand Beach Resort

Accommodation: Isla Grand Beach Resort

Highlights: Pet-friendly, easily booked recreational activities, condo accommodations, on-site live entertainment

The full-service Isla Grand Beach Resort is right on the beach on South Padre Island, so you can start and end your vacation days in the sand by the Gulf. The expansive resort has over 10 acres of tropical landscape and a relaxing atmosphere with two swimming pools, sand volleyball courts, two hot tubs, a fitness center, and live entertainment.

This pet-friendly resort has accommodations for all types of guest needs, from beachfront cabana rooms to two-bedroom condominiums that have full kitchens, living rooms with sleeper sofas, dining rooms, and private balconies.

There are recreational activities available directly from the resort, including parasailing, sandcastle lessons, horseback riding, water sports, fishing, snorkeling, and dolphin-watching tours. Organized children’s activities are also available.

Enjoy oceanfront dining at Windjammer’s Beachfront Café and regular live music in the Quarterback Lounge.

Address: 500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas

6. Peninsula Island Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Peninsula Island Resort & Spa

Highlights: Condominium accommodations with private beach access for guests

The upscale Peninsula Island Resort & Spa sits right on the Gulf of Mexico with private beach access. The high ceilings and open-space design of the rooms takes advantage of the ocean views and breezes that come in from the private balconies.

All rooms are either studios or condominiums with amenities like a kitchen, dining area, and living room that make them comfortable for a vacation stay. For more relaxation, the Biocapeli Spa located on the property is an Aveda Spa that offers a full menu of services.

While guests enjoy staying directly on the beach, there are also many amenities to use on the property, including a pool and sundeck, fitness center, and a 24-hour concierge service that can arrange local activities and tours.

Address: 340 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, Texas

7. The Galvestonian

Accommodation: The Galvestonian

Highlight: Private beach access along the popular seawall section of oceanfront

Private beach access is one of the top reasons that The Galvestonian is a favored oceanfront resort in Galveston. It’s located directly on the coastline, and guests can access a pristine section of beach along the seawall.

Accommodations are condominiums with one-to-five bedrooms, ocean views, and private balconies. The luxury condos each have full kitchens, dining rooms, upscale furniture, and appliances. The layouts vary in the number of bedrooms and balconies.

Other resort amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a picnic area with outdoor grills, and an outdoor fire pit that is especially popular on summer evenings while listening to the sounds of the ocean. Guests have access to beach chair and umbrella rentals for day use.

Address: 1401 East Beach Drive, Galveston, Texas

8. Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center

Accommodation: Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center

Highlights: Luxury pools and waterslides, Olympic-size lap pool, boardwalk access to the beach

The 25-acre Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center is a Port Aransas beachfront property with a full offering of amenities and services to pamper guests on vacation, including pools and waterslides that are great for families to enjoy.

The condominium lodging at the resort offers open floor plans, full kitchens, living rooms and dining space, laundries, and private balconies or patios that either have views of the ocean or pool.

The boardwalk and quick beach access directly from the resort is a nice way to get an early start to experience some of the 17 miles of beach. There are sand volleyball courts on-site, and dining at the resort. Guests have access to a beach concierge service to customize their beach experience.

Address: 6317 State Highway 361, Port Aransas, Texas

9. Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island

Highlight: Three outdoor swimming pools with easy access to the beach.

A beachfront resort on some of the best stretch of sand on the Texas coastline is the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island. The guest rooms and suites take advantage of its location, with pool views or ocean views. Rooms also have full kitchens, living rooms, workspaces, and kids’ suites with bunkbeds.

The resort has three outdoor swimming pools and easy access to the beachfront. There is a fitness center and two restaurants available on the property. The resort also offers regular kids’ activities. While the resort’s beachfront location is its prime appeal, the resort is also located close to many of the local attractions and restaurants.

Address: 100 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas

10. Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On the Beach

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Galveston on the Beach

Highlights: Family-friendly, private room balconies, kids’ activities, resort spa

Located right on the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston On the Beach offers resort accommodations and amenities in one of the top beach destinations in Texas.

This is a family-friendly resort, where kids under the age of 12 stay and eat for free. Oceanfront guest rooms have private balconies, contemporary furniture, a mini refrigerator, and a microwave. Suites have extended space, with living rooms, dining areas, and two bathrooms.

The resort has a fitness center, outdoor pool and whirlpool, kids’ activities, and live entertainment. The resort spa is a nice perk, with services like therapy baths, facials, hydrotherapy, and pedicures available.

Address: 5002 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, Texas

11. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort

Highlight: Spacious villas located slightly away from the bustle of the city center

A nice beachfront resort in Galveston that is away from the central city center but still located on the beach is the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort by Holiday Inn Vacations. The resort takes comfort and luxury to another level on the south end of Galveston Island with a wide range of activities and amenities.

The resort offers villas that are spacious enough for families. The villas have full kitchens with upscale appliances and countertops, luxury linens and bath products, a home theater, laundry, and multiple flat-screen TVs.

In addition to easy beach access, guests can use the oceanfront outdoor infinity pool and hot tub; fitness center; and basketball and volleyball courts, with balls available to use from the front desk. Other amenities include outdoor grills, and an activity center and game room.

Address: 11743 Termini-San Luis Pass Road, Galveston, Texas

12. Four Seasons on the Gulf

Accommodation: Four Seasons on the Gulf

Highlight: Trolley stop at the resort for transportation to local attractions

The Four Seasons on the Gulf is a beachfront resort in Galveston with vacation villas that have ocean views. The townhome-style layout of the accommodations is comfortable, especially for families or groups traveling together.

All the multi-bedroom villas have full-size kitchens and cookware, multiple bathrooms, and plenty of living space. The best spot in the villas is on the large private decks with views of the ocean.

The resort has an outdoor pool and showers for guests, a children’s playground, and it is located close to all the local attractions. For added convenience, there is a local trolley stop located at the resort.

Address: 4000 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Texas

13. Emerald Beach Hotel

Accommodation: Emerald Beach Hotel

Highlight: Historic oceanfront hotel close to the heart of Corpus Christi attractions

The Emerald Beach Hotel is in Corpus Christi on the waterfront. All the rooms are decorated in a coastal theme, and guests can choose to enjoy private balconies or cabana rooms with direct access to the beach. All rooms have refrigerators and microwaves.

The pet-friendly hotel features an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a fitness center and a sun deck to lounge on during lazy afternoons. A popular feature for families is the indoor recreation space that has ping-pong and other games.

There are restaurants on-site, but if you prefer to head out, you can walk to the trolley stop for a convenient way to get to local restaurants and Corpus Christi attractions, like the Texas State Aquarium and the downtown Water Street Market.

Address: 1102 S. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas

Map of Beach Resorts in Texas

Best Time to Visit Beach Resorts in Texas

The best time to visit Texas beach resorts along the Gulf Coast is during the summer months if you are looking for the full experience with beach activities, swimming, water sports, and fun in the sun.

The months of June, July, and August are the hottest along the Texas Gulf Coast, with high humidity, but this is when beaching is at its prime in popular vacation spots like Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island.

August is the hottest month, with average daily temperatures consistently in the 90s Fahrenheit, and it is the month with the least rain. The next-hottest month is July, followed by June when air and water temperatures are consistently warm.

If your beach resort vacation is more about the ocean views versus swimming, and you plan to work in other activities and attractions, then the months of March and April are ideal. These spring months have warm, but not stifling, temperatures averaging in the 70s Fahrenheit. You will have comfortable weather for both the beach and for sightseeing, along with fewer crowds, which start to pick up in May.