Minutes from Houston: Sand, Sunshine & Seashells

As we edge closer to summer, it’s natural for thoughts to shift to planning a trip to one of Houston’s gorgeous beaches. Did you know the Texas coastline spans 367 miles? This presents a wide array of beachfront for lazing, working on your tan, or combing for seashells — with numerous stunning options only minutes from Houston.

It’s hard to resist looking for pretty shells as you walk along the water or while building a sandcastle. With over 1,000 species living in shells and 600 known shell species, you can be assured to find some keepers. And yes, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, it is legal to collect empty shells on Texas beaches.

Before You Go Shelling

While winter is the best season to find shells because the northern storms pull more shells from deeper depths onto the shore and the waves and waterline are farther out revealing some great finds, there are still plenty of shells to be found during the warmer summer months — and year-round. Some easily recognizable shells you may come across include lightning whelks, mollusks, shark eye moon snail shells, murex, wentletraps, lion’s paw scallops, and coquinas. These beauties are both eye-catching and colorful.

Handy Supplies

You can pick up shells to place in your pocket or hat but a better way is to take along a bucket and some plastic bags and even a small shovel and sieve. Bagging the delicate shells will help in keeping everything safe until you return home with your seaside treasures. For micro-shells, consider placing these inside a small jar with a bit of sand for cushion.

Don’t forget to check that a shell is empty. If you find a live species inside, place the shell back in the sand. Be aware that collecting mollusks during certain times of the year has restrictions which allows the mollusk population to thrive.

Beautiful Texas Beaches to Visit

Surfside Beach

Located at 1304 Monument Drive, Surfside Beach, TX

Situated on Follet’s Island by the Gulf of Mexico near the city of Freeport, you will find four miles of golden sand teeming with seashells and marine life. With beach house rentals, motels, offshore fishing charters, restaurants and souvenir shops close at hand, Surfside Beach is a great spot for every type of beach goer. While you’re there be sure to visit the Bird & Butterfly Trail next to the jetty. Along this mile-long trail you can witness up to 400 species of birds and butterflies during March and September’s migration seasons.

Crystal Beach

Located at 1698 TX-87, Crystal Beach, TX

Whether you spend some time fishing off a jetty, playing a round of golf at the nine-hole Rancho Carribe Golf Course, sink your toes in the sand, or simply head over to the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll have numerous ways to relax and make your time memorable. With 27 miles of beautiful beaches, there are many places to experience the warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico.

El Jardin Beach

Located at 500 El Jardin Drive, Seabrook, TX

This spacious beach on the bay offers swimming, sunbathing, and beautiful settings for a picnic. The scenic views span approximately 4.5 acres. Bring your camera to capture some impressive sunrise or sunset photos.

Galveston’s Beaches

Seawall

Located at Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX

This area offers a long stretch of wave-lapped sandy beach backed by a promenade lined with restaurants and condos. The Seawall has drawn visitors to the Island since its construction in the early 1900s. It remains a popular spot for beachgoers, photographers, foodies, and shoppers. The Seawall stretches 10.3 miles long, making it the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States.

Stewart Beach

Stewart Beach is Galveston’s premier family-friendly beach park, named as one of the “10 Best Beaches for Families” by the Family Vacation Critic. Stewart Beach is located near where Broadway meets the Seawall. The beach is staffed with trained lifeguards, has concessions, volleyball, cornhole, giant Jenga, and more.

East Beach (R.A. Apffel)

Located at the far eastern tip of the island, East Beach is home to a pavilion, boardwalk and entertainment stage as well as restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, concessions and other amenities. This scenic beach is ideal for beachcombing, volleyball, and horseback riding.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.