How do you get to Sunday Beach and where do you park?

Sunday Beach is accessible only by boat, as Matagorda Island has no bridge connection. You can launch from boat ramps in Port O'Connor or Matagorda, approximately 30-45 minutes away by water depending on conditions. Private boats, kayaks, or chartered services are your options. There is no traditional parking at the beach itself since you arrive by boat. Park your vehicle at the mainland boat ramp facility you choose. Texas Parks and Wildlife manages access points, so check their website for current ramp locations and conditions.

Are there restaurants, bathrooms, or lodging near Sunday Beach?

Sunday Beach has no facilities—no restaurants, bathrooms, lodging, or freshwater. This is a completely undeveloped barrier island beach. Bring all supplies including water, food, sunscreen, and portable shade. Pack out all trash. The nearest amenities are back on the mainland in Port O'Connor or Matagorda, where you'll find restaurants, hotels, and stores. Plan accordingly for a primitive beach experience. If camping, you'll need a permit and completely self-sufficient gear including portable toilets for extended stays.

Do I need a permit to visit Sunday Beach on Matagorda Island?

Day use of Sunday Beach generally does not require a permit, but overnight camping on Matagorda Island does require advance permits from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Reserve camping permits through the TPWD website, as availability is limited. All visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles. Fishing requires appropriate Texas fishing licenses. The island is a wildlife management area, so certain sections may have seasonal restrictions to protect nesting birds. Always check current TPWD regulations before your trip to ensure compliance.

Matagorda · Texas · USA

Sunday Beach

Sunday Beach waits across open water on Matagorda Island, a windswept arc accessible only by private vessel or ferry. Pelicans skim the breakers. Salt spray mixes with the tang of spartina marsh. The sand stretches north and south, uninterrupted, under a sky so wide it bends at the edges.

🏆#65 in USA

1 / 8

Conditions right now

Reading live conditions…

Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Sunday Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.

Waves

—

01m2m3m+

Wind

—

kmh

Water

—

Air

—

OnlyBeaches IndexUpdated just now

OBI

—

Live-scored for Sunday Beach

Tuned for

Purity: 0%
Conditions: 0%
Crowd: 0%
Vibe: 0%

The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.

Verified beach

Matagorda·Texas·USA

No reviews yet

famoushiddenboat_accessscenicsunset

Trending This Week

Photos

8 captures from Sunday Beach

About this beach

You'll motor across the bay from Port O'Connor, watching the low silhouette of Matagorda Island harden on the horizon. The public boat landing at Sunday Beach is the single public point of entry on this slender barrier island—managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife but far enough from the mainland that most weekdays you'll share the shore with ghost crabs and sand…

Where it is

Sunday Beach

Matagorda, Texas, USA

28.3118°, -96.3985°

Open in Google Maps

Top things to do

At Sunday Beach

Paddle the Shallows

Explore backwater marshes quietly

Bird Photography

Spoonbills and herons at dawn

Wade Casting

Reds and trout surf zone

Uninterrupted Beachcombing

Miles of undeveloped shoreline

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Sunday Beach.

Loading nearby eat & drink…

Loading nightlife…

Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Sunday Beach.

Is it safe to swim at Sunday Beach on Matagorda Island?

Swimming conditions at Sunday Beach vary with weather and Gulf currents. The beach has no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check marine forecasts before visiting. Strong currents and riptides can occur, particularly during windy conditions or after storms. The water is generally calm during summer months. Always swim with others, stay aware of changing conditions, and avoid swimming during rough surf. Since the island is remote, emergency services have limited access, so exercise extra caution.

What is the best time to visit Sunday Beach in Matagorda?

Sunday Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different advantages. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Summer brings warm Gulf waters ideal for swimming but higher humidity and temperatures. Winter offers cooler, comfortable conditions for beachcombing and fishing, though water is cold. Sunset views are spectacular year-round. Weather can change quickly, so check forecasts before your boat trip and avoid visiting during tropical storm season peaks.