Mustang Island State Park protects a broad stretch of Gulf beach between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. It is a practical choice for swimming, beach walking, camping, kayaking, and simply getting out of the city without committing to the longer drive down Padre Island.
The beach is open, windy, and very Texas: vehicles, anglers, families, and shorebirds all sharing the same long line of sand. Bring shade and water; there is little natural cover.