Best Gulf Coast Beaches  

From brilliant blue and emerald waters to beachcombing prospects and top-notch birdwatching, head for the gulf-facing beaches of Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with a towel in hand for some well-deserved time in the sun.

1. Get Outdoorsy in Matagorda

If your dream Gulf Coast vacation offers a bit of adventure, head for Matagorda, Texas. Matagorda Bay Nature Park, where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico, gives travelers one of the most varied beach experiences anywhere on the coast. Rent a kayak to paddle to the park's estuary—with more than 300 bird species—or cast a line in the water from one of the park's three fishing piers. There's also the option of renting a trusty steed from Horseback Riding on the Beach-Matagorda explore the area with a four-legged friend.

2. Another Beachy-Keen Day on Padre Island

Water temperatures in the 70s and 80s all year round make the Padre Island National Seashore in Texas one of the best spots to spend a day at the beach. This unspoiled coastline lies less than 30 miles from Corpus Christi, but you'll feel worlds away from civilization. Stop at Malaquite Beach for showers and restrooms or keep driving to access four miles of seashore. Beyond pavement's end, a four-wheel drive vehicle can take you anywhere you want to go along 60 more miles of remote coastline where five species of sea turtles nest and call Padre Island’s warm waters home.

3. Comb the Cajun Coast

If you want to bring home beautiful shells to commemorate your vacation, your best bet lies along Louisiana's shoreline 30 miles south of Lake Charles. Holly Beach and points west are home to some of the best beachcombing in the country. Look for cat's eyes, periwinkles, angel wings, whelks, coquinas, wentletraps and more that wash up on the beach as the tide recedes. The best time to go is after a storm—you may even find a "sea bean"—a seed pod that found its way up from South America.

4. Let the Good Times Roll at Gulf Shores

Enjoy the feeling of white quartz sand between your toes as you play a rousing game of beach volleyball or walk along the water's edge at Gulf Shores Public Beach in Alabama. This beach has a reputation for being one of the cleanest in the country. Enjoy the amenities, like convenient parking, that make Gulf Shores one of the best Gulf Coast beaches. When it's time to get out of the sun, fill up on fresh fish or an oyster “po-boy” at the Pink Pony Pub.

5. See Sea Shells on the Sanibel Seashore

Another shell-picking hotspot is Sanibel Island. Its white-sand beaches lie just 20 miles west of Ft. Myers, Florida and offer four miles of prime spots to look for intact conch, scallops and cockles. The island's east-west orientation lets you situate yourself in the sun—or shade—all day. Rent a kayak to explore the shoreline and mangroves. You just might be lucky enough to see dolphins and manatees up close. Walk along the sea-scoured boardwalk below the island's lighthouse on the east end or take in an amazing sunset from the western side of the island.

Ready to travel? Find your hotel in Matagorda, Corpus Christi, Cameron, Gulf Shores, Fort Myers.