South Padre Island Beach
South Padre Island, TX
Texas's biggest Gulf beach town, with wide sand for driving on designated stretches, warm surf, and a resort strip that gets lively in spring and summer.
Driving is allowed only on designated beach access points, so check current rules before bringing a vehicle onto the sand.
More Gulf Coast beaches
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key, FL · Gulf Coast
Fine quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even in summer, sloping gently into calm Gulf water, and consistently rated among the best family beaches in the country.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater, FL · Gulf Coast
A lively Gulf-front strip with a fishing pier, a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, and calm, shallow water that makes it an easy family favorite.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, FL · Gulf Coast
Sugar-white sand within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, with dunes protected from development and water clear enough for snorkeling near the jetties.
