San José Island (St. Joseph)
For a ten-minute ferry ride from Port Aransas, you can access this privately-owned paradise, where buildings and cars are prohibited. There's not even a bathroom on the barrier island, but that's the price you pay for seclusion. This beachcomber and birder destination abounds in both seashells and migratory birds, and if you're lucky, you might have the whole beach to yourself.
Loyola Beach
In an inlet of Baffin Bay near Kingsville, Loyola Beach is in a small little finger inlet with some truly impressive fishing. The rock formations of the area offer some great hideouts for trout, red drum, and flounder without the hassle of a charter fishing trip on nearby South Padre Island. Make it a day visit or stay in a
cabin on the water. Loyola Beach is also very close to
King's Inn of the famed tartar sauce and sea food, as well as the
King Ranch if you're getting antsy from angling.
Lighthouse Beach
With a beautiful boardwalk for amateur birdwatching, small palm tree umbrellas for shade, a fishing pier, playground and more, Lighthouse Beach is a great destination for families that want to do it all. Near Port Lavaca, this small sandy spit of beach is a great location for kids. Look for crabs along the rock wall or have a picnic under the palapa, and you're just a stone's throw from beautiful Victoria if you want to check out some historic buildings and explore its small town comforts.