17 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Texas 2024

There are many dog beaches in Texas that you can choose from. The places here offer miles of pristine sandy shores to take the dogs on a walk, watch the sunset, or lazying around. Most of the sites follow a strict leash policy. These dog-friendly seasides offer recreational activities – surfing, swimming, kayaking, etc.

These sunny zones are great for picnicking, strolling, and sunbathing. Many of these locations have RV campsites available. Beach driving is allowed in most sea areas in Texas. Some of these spots are appreciable for bird watching and as turtle sanctuary. 

1. Whitecap Beach – Corpus Christi, Texas

Whitecap Beach in Padre Island is a perfect vacation spot with furry friends. The miles of white sand are great for long walks, relaxing, and having fun. Visitors can drive up on the shore here. They can have picnics in front of the ocean. Vehicles on the coastline require a parking permit.

Dogs are allowed on a leash year-round. Owners must look after their dogs and clean up after their pets. They can roam the miles of beach, swim in the water, and play with their pets freely. 

• Fees: Free
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Shower, Restrooms, Campfire
• Address: Whitecap Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

2. Mustang Beach / Mustang Island State Park – Corpus Christi, TX

The state park has five miles of pristine beaches. The place is excellent for bringing out everyone and pets. Dogs are allowed here on a leash. The maximum leash length is six feet. Dogs are prohibited from being inside state park buildings. 

The beach is ideal for bird-watching. Here, beachgoers can kayak, swim, and paddleboard. Camping is allowed at the nearby campgrounds. There is a ban on dogs in designated swimming areas. 

• Fees: Adults and Children over 13 – $5. Children under 12 are free.
• Hours: Daily – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Amenities: Showers, restrooms
• Address: 9394 State Hwy 361 Corpus Christi, TX 78418

3. Port Aransas Beach – Texas

Port Aransas Beach allows dogs to be leash-on year-round. Owner can bring their dogs for swimming, kayaking, etc. The sandy shore is 6.3 miles long and is perfect for strolling with pups. The seashore is clean and wide. Beachgoers can rent chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas for a relaxing time.

Beach parking requires a permit. Visitors can also camp anywhere on the shore with their RV and vehicles. People can enjoy the coast by flying kites, surfing, parasailing, etc. The place hosts events like the Whooping Crane Festival, Texas Sandfest, etc. The area also has a fishing pier, picnic tables, etc.

• Fees: NIL
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Restroom, Parking, Equipment Rentals, showers.
• Address: Port Aransas Beach Rd, Port Aransas, TX,78373

4. I. B Magee Beach Park – Port Aransas, TX

I.B. Magee Beach Park is perfect for a camping adventure with pets. The park has RV campsites with electricity, water, and on-site sewer. The beach is a few minutes walk away from the camping grounds. 

Owners should always keep their pets on a leash and under observationall times. Tourists can come for day visits. They have nice shaded picnic tables right on the beach. 

• Fees: NIL
• Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Amenities: Fishing Pier, Restrooms, 
• Address: 321 North on the Beach, Port Aransas, TX 78373

5. Stewart Beach – Galveston, Texas

Stewart Beach is at the merging point of Broadway Avenue and Seawall, a perfect place to bring furry friends for vacation. It is crowned among the “10 Best Beaches for Families” by Family Vacation Critic. They can roam the seafront freely on a leash.

The beach is exemplary for a day’s use. Here, visitors can enjoy activities like volleyball, swimming, and a playground for kids. Dogs can enjoy the ocean water. Parking is available right on the strand with an admission fee.

• Fees: $15/vehicle
• Hours: Depends on the season
• Amenities: Beach Wheelchairs, Restrooms, Showers
• Address: 401 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77550

6. East Beach (R.A. Apffel) – Galveston, TX

East Beach is situated at the eastern tip of Galveston Island. The place has magnificent views of the Gulf. Dogs are allowed on leashes with their owners. This area has an entertainment stage where live concerts happen. It also has a pavilion and boardwalk.

Beachgoers can indulge in activities like beachcombing, swimming, volleyball, etc. The pavilion is available for rent for private events, and it is an alcohol-allowed place. A bird sanctuary is located inside the park. Many types of Concerts happen here throughout the summer.

• Fees: $15/vehicle
• Hours: Depends on the season
• Amenities: Restrooms, Beach Wheelchairs, Showers, Chair and umbrella rentals. 
• Address: 1923 Boddeker Drive, Galveston, TX 77550

Read Galveston Dog Beach, Texas

7. Malaquite Beach – Corpus Christi, Texas

Malaquite Beach has 4.5 miles of sandy goodness. Dogs are allowed on a leash. The sandy shore is less crowded and peaceful, ultimate for family vacations. They have a dedicated campground available near the seashore. 

The visitor center at the beach is an easy access point for canines. The center has a shaded picnic area, observational deck, etc. Driving on the sand is prohibited here. There is a parking lot available at the Visitor Center.

• Fees: $5
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Picnic tables, restrooms, parking, showers
• Address: 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

8. Michael J Ellis Beach and Seawall – Corpus Christi, TX

This beach in the Gulf of Mexico has ideal conditions for surfing, sunbathing, and relaxing. This one-mile stretch of sandy paradise allows dogs on leashes. 

The place has free parking and a ramp for easy beach access. Driving on the sand is granted. Parking on the sand is allowed with a permit. It is ideal for joggers, surfers, and walking. Fishing is allowed here. 

• Fees: NIL
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, Paved Parking
• Address: 14926 Windward Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

9. Follett’s Island Beach – Surfside, Texas

Follett’s Island Beach is an excellent area for relaxation purposes. This beach’s rules allow leashed dogs on the shore. Dogs can enjoy the smooth sand and shiny water on their visit. 

CR 257, or Bluewater Highway, provides access to the 13-mile-long beach. Camping and visiting the sea is free for all. Driving along the wave is allowed here. People can enjoy fishing, surfing, and swimming here. Horseback riding on the beach is allowed here. 

• Fees: Free
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Portable toilet from April till September, trash cans, camping
• Address: Access Road #5 257S and Bluewater Highway, Surfside, TX 77541

10. Isla Blanca Beach – South Padre Island, TX

Isla Blanca Park is located in the southern part of South Padre Island. The park has over a mile of unspoiled beautiful beaches. Owners can bring their dogs for recreational adventures. Carry a leash, cleaning supplies, and water for your pet. This place is known for its 600 full hook-up RV sites. 

The beach has recreational activities like surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, etc. Food stands and equipment rental shops are located in two large pavilions. The pavilions are great for taking a stroll with the furry friends. Visitors can bring their picnic chairs and umbrellas to soak up the sun.

• Fees: $12
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Picnic tables, restroom, showers, shaded picnic area
• Address: 33174 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597

11. Padre Island National Seashore – Corpus Christi, TX

Padre Island National Seashore has sixty-six miles of unparalleled beautiful seashore. The beach’s rules allow dogs on a leash. They are welcome with their owner everywhere in the park except the Malaquite Visitor Center, its deck, and the small sandy space in front. 

Pets are allowed on the beach trail north of the visitor center parking lot. The park has facilities like camping, fishing, four-wheel driving, etc. Service animals can accompany their owners to all public locations. 

• Fees: $5/ per person
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, fresh-water fill-up station
• Address: 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

12. North Beach – Corpus Christi, Texas

North Beach has been a favorite spot for locals and tourists for 100 years. It is located a short distance from Harbor Bridge. Furry friends can join your vacation at this beach. They must be on a leash at all times.

Visitors can fish from the two jetties located here. Its concrete beach walk is enjoyable for cycling, skating, or walking the pup. North Beach is an integrated part of the town. It has attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington. 

• Fees: Free 
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Restroom, showers
• Address: 201 Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402

13. J.P. Luby Beach – Corpus Christi, TX

J.P. Luby Beach is a wonderland for watersport enthusiasts. The excellent northwest wind conditions make it a perfect spot for surfing. Dogs here are allowed on leash or verbal control. 

Beachgoers can enjoy surfing, fishing, jet-skiing, kiteboarding, etc. Camping on the beach is allowed. Cozy up, watch the sunset, or sunbathe with your doggo. Umbrella and chair rentals are available on the sealine.

• Fees: Free
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Restroom, showers, shaded picnic tables
• Address: Corpus Christi, TX 78418

14. Rockport Beach – Rockport, TX

It is the first beach in Texas to be distinguished as Blue Wave Beach. The area is litter-free and holds to the standards of the Clean Beaches Coalition. Dogs are allowed in the small coastline area near the entrance. They need to be on a leash as well.

This location has 65 shaded picnic tables with grills. It has a playground for children. Fishing and sailing are allowed, and the beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

• Fees: $10/vehicle. Entry by foot and bicycle is free
• Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 6a.m – 12 a.m
• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, fishing pier
• Address: 210 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport, TX 78382

15. Matagorda Beach – Matagorda, Texas

Matagorda Beach is inside the Matagorda Bay Nature Park, which is at the mouth of the Colorado River and meets the Gulf of Mexico. Owners can bring their dogs on a leash or under verbal command. The seashore is approximately 58 miles long. 

Vehicles can drive on the 23 miles of sand on the eastern Colorado riverside. The 35 miles of beach west of the Colorado River is accessible by watercraft. Travelers can engage in activities like camping, swimming, fishing, kayaking, etc.

• Fees: Entrance fee for Matagorda Bay Nature Park – Adults and Children above 12 – $5, Senior Citizens (65 and older) and Disable – $2
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Restroom, outdoor showers, covered picnic tables
• Address:6420 FM Rd 2031, Matagorda, TX 77457

16. North Padre Seawall – Corpus Christi, TX

North Padre Seawall’s long miles of beach are a perfect vacationing spot with dogs. The owner should keep their dogs on leashes for their own safety. The seawall protects hotels and restaurants from damaging weather. 

This space also provides a path for walking, jogging, and cycling. Chairs and umbrella rentals are available on the beach. This water is best for swimming and surfing. Beachgoers can park their car right on the sand. 

• Fees: Zero
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Restroom, Outdoor showers, Paved parking lot
• Address:  616500451400, Corpus Christi, TX 78418

Read Dog-Friendly North Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

17. El Jardin Beach – Pasadena, Texas

El Jardin Beach allows visitors to bring their dogs on a leash. This beach is part of El Jardin Park. The shore is four and a half acres long and has magnificent views. The waves are great for swimming and fishing. This area has picnic tables all around. 

• Fees: Adults $10, Children (3 to 12 years) $5, Residents free
• Hours: Every day – 6 a.m. to Sundown
• Amenities: Picnic tables, restrooms, benches
• Address: 500 El Jardin Dr, Seabrook, TX 77586

Dog Friendly Beaches Near You

Conclusion

The dog beaches in Texas are great for bringing your babies. These places have magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and are perfect for bringing family and pets for vacation. Most of these establishments have campsites and campgrounds available for family trips.