Boca Chica Beach

As far as Texas beaches go, the 8-mile-long Boca Chica Beach is as close to Mexico as you can get without crossing the border. The Rio Grande, which flows eastward into the Gulf, is the only thing that separates the two. This quiet beach, which is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and is protected by the state, is as rustic and untouched as they come. As a result, there are no facilities nearby, so bring all of the food, water, and beach essentials you'll want or need.

While this is undoubtedly inconvenient, it is precisely this lack of development that distinguishes Boca Chica. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, ideal for slowing down and enjoying life's simple pleasures such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, birding, or simply soaking up the sun's rays while flipping through a favorite beach read.