22.  South Padre Island, Texas

This is the world’s longest barrier island and one of the state’s best beach destinations to boot. The best time to visit this island is almost any time! After all, on average, it gets over 300 days of sunshine every single year. Here you can enjoy sand dune-backed beaches complete with emerald Gulf water and sugar-white sand.    

23.  Galveston, Texas

Originally a European settlement, the island of Galveston is an hour’s drive out of Houston just off the gleaming Gulf Coast. History buffs will love the architecture here, The island features one of the largest well-preserved examples of Victorian architecture in the USA. If you love sand, sun, and sea there are 32 miles of shoreline. Hit South Beach’s Pleasure Pier too!