Many people forget there are plenty of oceanside destinations around Houston. Positioned close to the Gulf Coast, the Houston metropolitan area and its surrounding counties encompass several cities that sit along the ocean. Here are some destinations to consider if you’re looking for an oceanside home.

League City

Photo courtesy of Clear Lake Park

View homes in League City

Residents around League City have the luxury of living on the shores of both Clear Lake and Trinity Bay. Clear Lake is a brackish lake that can be reached from Houston within 30 minutes along Interstate 45. The lake is often used for fishing on the weekends. Visitors can also stop by Clear Lake Park if they want a day of picnicking before they stroll along the coast.

Homebuyers looking in the region can typically find homes for sale between $90,000 and $100,000, with homes on the more affordable end typically offering two-bedroom, two-bathroom plans in the traditional or ranch-style.

Baytown

Photo courtesy of Battleship Texas State Historic Site

View homes in Baytown

Baytown is full of seaside activities. Located on the west side of Trinity Bay, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site commemorates the battle that won Texas’ independence from Mexico. Visitors will find a monument at the center of the park that overlooks the nearby Crystal Bay. Guests can also drive down the road to the battleground’s sister site, the Battleship Texas State Historic Site, where they can walk the decks of a battleship from World War II. 

In Baytown buyers can find homes starting at $75,000—some with as many as three bedrooms. There are even four-bedroom homes selling for $200,000. Homes are mostly traditional-style, with some Mediterranean homes sprinkled in. 

La Porte

Photo courtesy of Sylvan Beach

View homes in La Porte

Sylvan Beach Park includes a skate park, boat ramp, and fishing pier. Visitors can enjoy the coast while sitting at the local pavillion or eating at one of the local picnic tables. Just across the street, residents can also find La Porte Bay Heritage Society, where visitors can find out more about the history of the city. 

La Porte offers townhomes and condos in addition to single-family homes, which start at $100,000 and are mostly traditional style (although some ranch homes are in the area). Four-bedroom, mostly traditional-style homes start at $230,000.

Kemah

Kemah Boardwalk

View homes in Kemah

Kemah is among Houston’s most popular destinations. One of its draws is Kemah Boardwalk, where there’s carnival games, rides, restaurants, and live music. Visitors can head out onto the waters on one of the rentable tour boats that sail the sea.

Given the enviable real estate that Kemah sits upon, three-bedroom, traditional-style homes typically start at about $200,000. Mediterranean-style homes with four-bedroom layouts start above $400,000.