Texas's beaches

Think of Texas and many of us conjure up images of the Wild West, complete with ranches, cacti and desert vistas, so it may come as a surprise to hear that it also offers a fabulous seaside holiday. Read on to find out which of Texas's many beaches would suit you the best.

With more than 1,000km (620 miles) of south-facing coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, Texas is home to beaches galore, from lively resorts to deserted nature reserves. Beaches can be found on the mainland, facing the shallow Laguna Madre, and plenty more are on the South and North Padre Islands, 170km (105 miles) of barrier islands which protect much of the coast.

Best for twitchers: Boca Chica
This gloriously wild peninsula is separated from Mexico only by the mouth of the Rio Grande. No shops or hotels, just pristine white sand at what is almost the southernmost point in Texas. Yet Boca is only a short drive from the semi-tropical city of Brownsville, and the seaside fun of South Padre Island is just across the Brazos Santiago Pass to the north. The area, the first landfall for birds arriving from South America, is a birdwatchers' paradise where you can see everything from pelicans to peregrine falcons.

Best for families: Corpus Christi

The Texan coast's major resort, this lively bay city is protected by the barrier islands of South Padre and Mustang, both with their own beaches. The city's own North Beach, across the harbour bridge from downtown, on a bay peninsula, has plenty of attractions to entertain all ages. Calm waters and fine sand are backed by seafront hotels and shops. There are also the USS Lexington, a World War II aircraft carrier, and the Texas State Aquarium, with dolphin encounters and rescued turtles.

Best for relaxed chic: Crystal Beach
Named after its exquisite sand, this lovely spot is on the relaxed Bolivar peninsula running part way across Galveston Bay, connected to Galveston island by free ferry. There are nearly 40km (25 miles) of beaches in this upmarket area, which regards itself as the Hamptons of Texas. Crystal Beach, 10km (6 miles) long, much of it backed by dunes, is the liveliest spot, with a youthful but small-town feel. There are regular open-air concerts and festivals, and local shrimps and oysters are restaurant favorites.

Best for sun lovers: Galveston

A delightful island to the south of Houston, Galveston is where Victorian architecture meets harbour chic. There are 50km (31 miles) of beaches here, running the length of the southern coast. Different stretches have their own names - family-friendly Stewart Beach and fun-filled East Beach, host to concerts and the like, for example - but for the casual visitor they all blend into one. Simply head for the sea and you'll find delightful sands, particularly along the 16km (10 miles) of seawall where the road follows the sea, with piers, motels, bars and restaurants.

Best for swimming: Malaquite Beach
Padre Island National Seashore's most popular beach, Malaquite Beach is also the world's longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island. Undeveloped, of course, means no ice creams, but here at least is a visitor centre with shop, museum and shaded picnic area. The gently sloping sands and lapping waves make this a place for enjoying the warm waters. Look beyond the shells, and in the dunes and grassland you might even find flint arrowheads from the Karankawa Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The beach is at the island's north end, reached by causeway from Corpus Christi; the road ends here but with 4-wheel drive you can travel 90km (56 miles) along the beach.

Best for exploring: Mustang Island State Park
This wilderness area, with 8 km (5 miles) of beach, is an easy drive across the causeway from Corpus Christi, and just south of Port Aransas. Dunes are home to racoons, armadillos, skunks and gophers, while little bays and wetlands are home to wading birds and many varieties of fish. This is a place for kayaking in shallow, protected waters (kayak hire available nearby), fishing, and mountain biking either on the beach or the hinterland. There are simple facilities, and a campsite.

Best for a wild retreat: Sea Rim State Park
On Texas's eastern tip, near the city of Port Arthur and across Sabine Pass from Louisiana, Sea Rim combines 8km (5 miles) of beach with wetlands and two lakes. People come here to soak up the sun but also to hike, cycle, birdwatch and fish. Swimming is safe in the Gulf but alligators lurk in the marshland... Look for them from the boardwalk Gambusia Nature Trail, during airboat tours or hire a canoe or boat. There is a visitor centre with observation decks, picnic area and exhibits.

Best for fun lovers: South Padre Island

South Padre is the name of both a lively, modern beach resort and the long barrier island on which it sits. There are lots of high-rise hotels, bustling bars and busy restaurants spreading from the Gulf side to the Laguna Madre. Beaches run along both sides but the one to head for is on the Gulf, stretching the length of the resort. At one end it's full-on tourist fare (this is a major college spring break destination), but as you head north, you escape the crowds.

Best for surfer dudes: Surfside Beach
A timeless village and beach 85km (53 miles) southwest of Houston, on the edge of the city of Freeport, this is one of the best surf beaches in Texas. The expanse of white sand is part of more than 40km (25 miles) of beach stretching in either direction. It's also a place for catching your own dinner at the Crabbing Pier, and is one of the coast's best shell-hunting spots - 600 species have been identified. There are charming beachfront houses, pretty restaurants and places to hire bikes and boards.