These 10 Houston Beaches in Winter Will Make You Rethink Sweater Weather
There’s something odd–but special–about Houston beaches in winter. No blazing sun, no crowds, and no fighting for a spot to put your towel!
I always make it a point to visit some of the nearest beaches during wintertime. The beaches feel more calm, the air is crisp, and the only sound (besides the waves) was a lonely seagull probably judging my snack choices,
In this article, I’ll tell you all my favorite beaches to visit near Houston during the slightly colder months of the year. If you’ve only been to the beach in summer, you’re missing out!
1. Galveston Beach
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Website: https://www.visitgalveston.com/things-to-do/beaches/
Address: 6285 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Contact Details: +1 888-425-4753
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Galveston Beach is a long, sandy stretch by the ocean, just an hour from Houston. In the summer, it’s packed with people splashing in the waves and baking in the sun. But in winter? It’s like the beach took a deep breath and decided to relax—just like we do when we visit.
Some of the best moments here are just sitting by the Seawall, sipping warm coffee, and watching the sunrise. And if we’re feeling extra lazy, we can just enjoy the ocean view from the car and pretend we “spent the day at the beach.”
If we’re in the mood for some thrills, the Pleasure Pier is just a short walk from the beach. The Strand district is also nearby if we ever want to go shopping or get some warmth from a nearby cafe.
Pro Tip:
Dogs are welcome on a leash—just watch out for sharp shells, mysterious seaweed, and seagulls with zero chill.
2. Sunny Beach
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Address: 2704 8 Mile Rd, Galveston, TX
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Houston and “beach trip” don’t usually go together, but trust us—Sunny Beach in Galveston is a hidden gem, especially in winter! It’s just a short drive (about 47 miles) from Houston, and since summer crowds are gone, you get a peaceful, relaxing beach day without dodging sunburned tourists.
One of our favorite things about this beach is we can drive right onto it. No dragging heavy coolers and beach chairs across a mile of sand. Just park, step out, and you’re there!
The sand is packed down enough for most cars, but watch out for soft spots—unless you want to make new friends by getting stuck and needing a push.
Even in winter, there’s plenty to do in Sunny Beach. We enjoy taking walks along the shore. Sometimes we bring a frisbee, a kite, or our do (they love it). Best of all, the packed sand is perfect for jogging if we feel like squeezing in a bit of exercise.
Pro Tip:
Public restrooms here are seasonal, so make sure to plan ahead or else you might find yourself experiencing nature in an unexpected way.
3. East Beach (Apffel Park)
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Website: https://www.visitgalveston.com/things-to-do/beaches/east-beach/
Address: 193-199 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Contact Details: +1 409-797-5000
Just an hour from Houston, East Beach in Galveston offers a peaceful retreat with gorgeous coastal views, wide-open sands, and fewer crowds compared to the busy summer season.
In the summer, this beach is full of music and festivals, but in the winter, it’s just you, the waves, and maybe a few birds looking for food. The sand stretches far and wide, perfect for a long, peaceful walk. And the sunsets? They turn the whole beach golden—totally worth seeing!
There aren’t any chair rentals or snack stands in the winter, but the quiet and beauty make up for it. Plus, if you like birds, the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve nearby is a great place to spot some!
Pro Tip:
The sand is soft in some areas, so stay on the marked paths unless you enjoy getting your car unstuck. Parking is $15 for the whole day, so you can come and go as you please—just make sure you can actually go when it’s time to leave!
4. Stewart Beach
Website: https://www.visitgalveston.com/things-to-do/beaches/stewart-beach/
Address: 401 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Contact Details: +1 409-797-5112
Beach trip in winter? Honestly, not a bad idea. Houston might not scream “beach getaway” in December, but Galveston’s Stewart Beach has its own kind of charm when the temperatures drop.
With summer visitors long gone, the beach feels almost like your own private stretch of coastline. It’s perfect for long, peaceful walks or just sitting by the water and listening to the waves.
If you bring a dog, they’ll love the extra space to roam (on a leash, of course). Seashell hunting is also better in winter!
Just a heads-up—most of the usual amenities are closed for the season. No snack bars, no open restrooms, no showers. Definitely pack your own drinks and snacks unless you want to rely on gas station goodies.
Pro Tip:
No alcohol, no glass, no camping—Rangers are watching, so keep it classy and ticket-free!
5. Sylvan Beach Park
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/SylvanBeachParkOfficial/
Address: 636 N Bayshore Dr, La Porte, TX
Contact Details: +1 281-471-5705
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM
For a quiet beach getaway near Houston in winter, Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte might just be the perfect spot. This 32-acre park has a sandy shoreline, peaceful waters, and plenty of space to relax, making it a great alternative to the busier Galveston beaches.
Unlike many Gulf Coast beaches, this one has fine sand without the usual seaweed scattered about. The waves here are smaller, making it a good spot for wading or just dipping your toes in the water. In winter, the cooler air and fewer crowds make it an even more relaxing retreat!
There’s a playground for kids, a fishing pier (only $4 to use), and picnic tables with a nice view of Galveston Bay. Biking here is a great option, too, if you want to mix relaxation with a little exercise.
Pro Tip:
The park has restrooms, but they’re not the best part of the experience. Bringing hand sanitizer is a good idea, just in case.
6. El Jardin Beach
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Address: 500 El Jardin Dr, Seabrook, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-740-7062
Tucked away in Seabrook, El Jardin Beach is one of those places that feels like a well-kept secret. Unlike the busier Galveston beaches, this little spot on the bay is peaceful, making it a great escape—especially in the winter.
Winter is actually the perfect time to visit. The cooler air makes for a comfortable stroll along the shore. Some visitors bring their dogs for a morning walk, while others come just to sit and listen to the waves.
It’s not a beach for wild parties or surfing, but it’s perfect for anyone who just wants to take it easy.
Fishing is also a popular activity here. The water might not be crystal clear, but it’s home to plenty of fish if you’re patient. Wildlife spotting can be just as entertaining. Seagulls and sandpipers are common, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky), you might even spot a jellyfish near the shore.
Pro Tip:
Bring a trash bag! Some people treat the beach like their personal trash can. Don’t be one of them! (Bonus if you clean up after those who are.)
7. Surfside Beach
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Website: https://www.visitsurfsidebeachtx.org/
Address: 206 Starfish St, Freeport, TX
Contact Details: +1 979-233-3526
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Surfside Beach is the perfect coastal escape, especially in the cooler months. Just over an hour from Houston, it’s a quiet, no-frills stretch of sand where you can actually hear the waves instead of someone else’s Bluetooth speaker.
It’s one of those beaches that we can drive right onto the beach. No long treks lugging chais, snacks, and that cooler that somehow weighs 50 pounds. Just park and step out onto the sand.
The jetty is a great spot to enjoy the ocean breeze, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins doing their thing. History lovers can check out the markers near the entrance, which give a little glimpse into the area’s past.
For dining, The Red Snapper Inn is the place to go and a great choice for seafood lovers!
Pro Tip:
The tap water has a distinct personality. If you prefer your water not to have a strong smell, stick to bottled. Your taste buds will thank you.
8. Porretto Beach
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Website: https://www.porrettobeach.com/
Address: 10th Street & Seawall Boulevard “On the Sand”, Galveston, Texas
Contact Details: [email protected]
Most people don’t think of the beach when it’s cold outside, but Porretto Beach in Galveston is actually pretty great in the winter. It’s privately owned, which means it’s cleaner, less crowded, and just a little bit nicer than some of the public spots.
Since it’s the off-season, the beach is quiet and peaceful. No loud music, no kids flinging sand everywhere, and no fighting for a good spot. The water is still that classic Galveston brown, but the waves are calm, and the air feels fresh. If you go early enough, the sunrise is worth waking up for!
The best part? Parking is right on the beach, so there’s no exhausting trek while carrying a cooler, a chair, and your dignity. For $15, we were able to park all day and even come and go as much as we wanted.
Pro Tip:
That beach wind doesn’t play. Bring a jacket unless you enjoy shivering while pretending you’re “totally fine.”
9. Sea Isle Beach
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Website: https://staygalveston.com/what-to-do/beaches/sea-isle-beach/
Address: 21906 Kennedy Dr, Galveston, TX
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Winter beach trips usually bring to mind palm trees and tropical breezes. But just over an hour from Houston, Sea Isle Beach offers a different kind of coastal getaway—one that’s peaceful, quiet, and perfect for a little reset!
This little stretch of sand sits in a private residential area on Galveston’s West End. We love that there are no big crowds, no loud parties—just soft sand, rolling waves, sunrises, and sunsets.
It’s the kind of place where we can take a long walk, listen to the waves, or just lounge with a book without interruption.
Wildlife lovers will appreciate the nearby wetlands and bird sanctuary. Galveston locals love casting a line here, but if you ask us, catching something is a bonus, because the peace and calm makes the experience worth it either way!
Pro Tip:
The dunes are home to lovely native grass–and the occasional grumpy rattlesnakes, so make sure to watch out for those! Even better–stay on the boardwalk as much as possible.
10. Mooner Beach
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Address: 218 1st St, San Leon, TX
Mooner Beach in San Leon is perfect for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the simple beauty of nature. Just an hour from Houston, it’s not the kind of beach with soft white sand, but it has its own charm—calm waters, scattered oyster shells, and some of the best moonlit views around.
This little stretch of shoreline feels distant from the busy world, yet it’s just across the street from local bars and restaurants! The water is shallow and gentle, making it a good spot for fishing or simply watching the waves.
Fishing is a popular activity here, but nothing beats watching the sunset. On clear nights with a full moon, gathering around a small fire and unwinding makes for a perfect evening.
Pro Tip:
Wear footwear—oyster shells are abundant here and they can be sharp (even your flip flops may not save you).
