The great thing about Texas weather is that there’s almost no wrong time to hit the beach. If you want to avoid summer tourists or just catch a few rays in the fall, finding the perfect beach is a great way to get out into nature and enjoy all the state has to offer (and with the Gulf of Mexico so close to home, there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches to visit).

Picking the best beach for the occasion will help you make the most of your day on the water. Many beaches are an excellent fit for the whole family, while others boast nearby attractions better suited for a night out with friends.

No matter your style, Patten Title’s guide will help you pick the right must-see coastal destination for your best day at the beach.

Galveston Island is home to more than 32 miles of beachfront, meaning there’s no shortage of locations to choose from. The key is picking the right beach for the right time.

East Beach is perhaps the most popular destination, with regular special events and a concert stage.

If you’re looking for a more extended stay or searching for more things to do, visit the Galveston Island State Park, where you can spend the day fishing or paddling on the water. Or rent kayaks and paddleboards to set out for adventure on the park’s designated paddling trails. You can even brush up on your water safety beforehand to prepare for a day’s adventure.

While Galveston Island is undoubtedly a great place to bring the kids, it’s no less effective as a romantic getaway. USA Today lists Galveston Island as its top pick for a beach honeymoon in Texas. The San Luis Resort makes for a luxurious, stress-free vacation spot to enjoy ocean views, relax the day away at the on-site spa, and more.

Goose Island State Park may not seem like much of a swimming beach but don’t count it out of your vacation plans just yet. This location has justly earned its designation as a top-rated state park on the Texas coast. Outdoorsy calls it a “natural oasis unlike any other in the state.”

Texas Parks & Wildlife doesn’t recommend entering the water here due to an assortment of marsh grasses, shells, and bulkheads, but it is an excellent place to camp with spectacular views of the water.

Beaches in Corpus Christi, “the Gulf Coast Capital,” are plentiful. North Beach is a famous “urban oasis” to spend a day on the water and an evening downtown.

Nearby restaurants and museums, like the Texas State Aquarium, make this beach perfect for outings with the whole family. Alternatively, you can enjoy all the coast offers and check out local brews at more adult-friendly establishments like Railroad Seafood & Brewery.

Your search for a truly pristine place to swim can end at Rockport Beach with its Blue Wave designation. To earn its title, a Blue Wave Beach “is clean, managed responsibly and has a focus on the protection of human health and the environment.” Visiting the beach is one of the best things to do in the Rockport area, and the litter-free shoreline will make you truly appreciate all of the sights and sounds the Texas coast offers.

Sea Rim State Park is a great place to visit for those who appreciate the diversity of Texas’s natural landscapes. Because the park boasts the shoreline and an additional 4,000 acres of marshland, its Texas Parks & Wildlife listing calls it “where gulf meets marsh.”

There are plenty of ways to play outdoors at Sea Rim State Park. Try renting a kayak or, if you’d prefer to fish, you can borrow equipment from the park. Exercise caution in the area and familiarize yourself with alligator safety before you head out so you know what to do if you encounter one of these native reptiles.

Padre Island National Seashore, located just outside Corpus Christi, is home to more than 66 miles of protected coastline. The proximity to Corpus Christi makes it a perfect day trip location for those in the area.

If you’re looking for a weekend or week-long stay, campsites are available in the National Park. However, amenities at the campgrounds are sparse, so it’s essential to come prepared with everything you need.

Birding, fishing, and kayaking are all great ways to explore the shoreline. You can also schedule your visit to witness a sea turtle hatchling release.

Residents of Houston are no strangers to Surfside Beach as a nearby paradise to enjoy the waves. It’s a smaller and less crowded beach than Galveston Island, with proximity to plenty of great activities in the area. For those new to surfing, businesses like Surfside Surf Station offer classes and equipment rentals. You can also drive on the beach and see the sights via Highway 332.

Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca is known for its shallow water, which makes it an excellent destination for families. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Calhoun County Museum or Indianola Fishing Marina, which boasts its location as a great spot to find trout, redfish, and flounder, and on-site fishing passes are only $5.

Even if fishing isn’t for you, the marina has a restaurant so you won’t miss out on fresh seafood.

Travel + Leisure calls Matagorda Bay an “under-the-radar” location that’s great to visit if you want a less-populated beach. Portions of the beach at this small-town shoreline are only accessible by watercraft, and many visitors enjoy driving all-terrain vehicles alongside the water in designated areas.

A county beach vehicle permit to access and park at the beach will cost only $10 and can be used all year.

Located near Port Aransas, Mustang Island ranks as a top spot to bring the family on a vacation getaway. You can choose to sleep on the beach at one of the park’s primitive campsites to immerse yourself in nature or secure a spot with electricity a short walk from the beach. Mustang Island is also home to a 20-mile paddling trail that follows the shoreline. Kayaking this trail is an excellent way to enjoy the gulf breeze and often provides opportunities to examine native birds closely.

For a vacation that includes less “roughing it,” you can select a luxury resort in nearby Port A to visit the beach and unwind at the end of the day. To ensure you’re still soaking in a little nature, enjoy a dolphin cruise to see the beauty of Port Aransas without having to get your feet wet.

With so many exciting destinations available in Texas, it can be easy to forget the details. But planning for your perfect beach day is integral to ensuring everyone has fun.

Take extra sun protection: Wearing sunscreen will help protect your skin; bring the bottle with you so you can reapply periodically. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends no lower than SPF 30 to block out 97% of the sun’s rays. Double up on the protection with a stylish big-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and stay in the shade under an umbrella.

Pack for the day: Consider what comfort items belong in your beach bag for a great day:

• Beach snacks
• Great book
• Extra towels
• Flip flops or beach shoes
• Waterproof camera
• Sand toys
• Lip balm

Hydrate frequently: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, and consider looking ahead at the parking options available at your beach of choice. Early preparation will make getting there seamless, so you don’t waste precious daylight looking for a place to leave your car.