A Pristine, Unsung Island State Park In Texas Is A Perfectly Spacious Beach Getaway

From mountains to woodlands to charming small towns, the United States has no shortage of amazing vacation destinations. But as attractive as many of these regions can be, there's no beating a warm and sunny beachside spot for the perfect relaxing getaway. With abundant coastline across two major oceans, plus several Great Lakes, the U.S. has plenty of superb beaches where travelers can relax on the warm sand or take a dip in the water. Even better, many of America's best beaches are right next to major cities and resort destinations, so you'll never have to travel far from civilization to find your paradise among the surf and sand. 

Of course, many of America's best-known beaches are often quite crowded, especially during the peak summer tourism season. But the good news is that the U.S. has enough scenic coastline to go around. From the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Great Lakes, America has plenty of underrated alternatives to some of the busiest beaches in the world. One of the best lesser-known beaches in the U.S. is found in a state not often associated with beaches at all. Located on a small barrier island on the Gulf Coast, Texas' Mustang Island State Park is the perfect, unsung beach destination for a fun, relaxing getaway. 

Mustang Island State Park protects a portion of the larger Mustang Island, a gorgeous barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico in Southeast Texas. It's part of the Texas Gulf Coast's larger chain of barrier islands, including the equally stunning Padre Island and San José Island. Mustang Island itself lies along Corpus Christi Bay and the mainland city of Corpus Christi, which provides the island and its namesake park with equal access to both unspoiled coastal beauty and modern amenities. 

On the nature side of things, Mustang Island State Park is a wonderful preserve of the Texas Gulf Coast's most enchanting natural features. Much of the park's coastal landmass features scenic white sand dunes that look particularly photogenic against the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The park preserves around five miles of Mustang Island's 18 miles of coastline, ensuring visitors can enjoy the gorgeous coastal environment without too many crowds. Plus, Mustang Island is a great place for birdwatching, being home to more than 400 bird species (including the endangered aplomado falcon, which was reintroduced to the park in 2012 after nearly going extinct). 

In terms of activities, Mustang Island State Park is one of Texas' best spots for marine recreation. The waters just offshore have some of the best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. If you're a fan of paddling or kayaking, you'll love the park's Mustang Island Paddling Trail, which covers more than 20 miles of lovely, shallow coastal waters along the island. And if you start craving some more modern amenities, the nearby city of Port Aransas is one of the best alternatives to Texas tourist traps. 

Entry to Mustang Island State Park costs $7 for each adult (children 12 and younger get in for free). The park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for day use, with spring and summer being the park's busiest seasons. In addition to its superb water-based activities, Mustang Island State Park is a great place for hiking and camping right along the sea. The park currently features 48 modern campsites with electricity, water hookups, picnic tables, and access to restrooms with showers. At the same time, the park also includes 50 primitive campsites, along a pristine 1.5-mile section of the beach, if you're in the mood for truly rugged camping right by the water. Even if you're not keen on swimming, the main Mustang Island Beach Trail provides an easy but immersive 6.7-mile stroll across the park's most beautiful areas on both land and water. 

Mustang Island State Park also sits conveniently close to many of the best attractions in Texas' Gulf Coast region. The nearby cities of Port Aransas and Corpus Christi rival the most popular U.S. cities for beautiful beaches. Nature lovers can explore the unique Gulf Coast ecosystem even further at Padre Island National Seashore and the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, while travelers looking for more modern experiences can head over to Corpus Christi tourist attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum. No matter your preferences, Mustang Island State Park is a magical gateway to Texas' unsung Gulf of Mexico shoreline and one of the most charming beachside destinations you'll find between the East and West coasts.