Texas' First 'Blue Wave' Beach Thrives In An Underrated, Quirky But Quiet City On The Idyllic Gulf Coast

Rockport Beach in Texas is known for its gentle waves, walkable sand, and family-friendly atmosphere. It has been rated one of the top 10 Most Breathtaking Beaches In Texas and was named the first "Blue Wave" beach in the state. The designation, given by the national Clean Beach Coalition, means the beach is litter-free, handicap accessible, and eco-friendly. For visitors' safety, the beach tests water quality biweekly and posts the results online.

With soft, powdery sand and shallow water that only gets about 2.5 feet deep, the calm waves make for a relaxing swim. If the ocean isn't your thing, you can float in the manmade and city-maintained saltwater pool at the east end of the beach. And once you make it off the shore, you'll find that Rockport is an underrated beach town that has something for everyone — whether you're looking to cast a line, explore coastal history, soak up the sun, or take part in a quirky local tradition.

Outside the beach sits the surrounding community of Rockport and Fulton. The Rockport Cultural Arts District is full of local charm and activities and comes especially alive during Second Saturdays, a monthly event that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The town-wide celebration features a self-guided walking tour of the local arts scene, live music, and train rides. You can also find plenty of local produce and artisan crafts at the weekly farmers market downtown on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

If you're visiting in the fall, be sure to head to the Rockport-Fulton SeaFair. The four-day coastal celebration typically takes place in early October and has live entertainment, food, vendors, a carnival, and a parade. One of the fan-favorite events at the fair is the SeaFair Crab Races, where blue crabs race for the chance to win the title of "King." While the winners of the crab race stay off your dinner plate, you can still find local seafood eats straight from the Gulf at the Old Fulton Seafood Cafe & Deli.

To beat the heat in Rockport, explore the area's rich history. The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a restored 19th-century mansion that was home to George Fulton. A prominent member of the community. Fulton helped establish Rockport as a shipping hub. Over the last century, the house has mostly remained the same as it was when the Fultons lived there, allowing visitors to see what life was like on the Texas Gulf Coast hundreds of years ago.

A living piece of history can be found in "the big tree" at Goose Island State Park, just minutes from Rockport. Believed to be one of the biggest in the country, the 1,000-year-old tree is more than 44 feet tall and 90 feet wide. The massive trunk has withstood hurricanes, immense storms, and even the Civil War.

Rockport offers plenty of other outdoor adventures as well. It is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail that showcases an array of birds, especially during migrating seasons in the fall and spring. Back on the beach, you'll find an 800-foot fishing pier where you can cast a line for trout, flounder, and other types of fish. The beach also has sailboating, windsurfing, and jet skiing along the coast. Visitors can also take in the scenic views from the shore to the city along a 13.5-mile walk.

Located just 40 miles from Corpus Christi International Airport, Rockport Beach is only a 45-minute drive away. Even if the "Blue Wave" beach is your primary reason for visiting, when you look beyond the city, you'll discover other areas also worth your time. If you're looking for another affordable beach vacation on the Gulf Coast, Port Aransas is just 20 miles south, or you can take a coastal road trip to Jamaica Beach, a laid-back, uncrowded beach town about 3.5 hours north of Rockport.