Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Sunday Beach East doesn't advertise itself. You reach it by boat—no parking lot, no boardwalk, no crowd—threading through the calm waters of San Antonio Bay until the eastern fringe of Sunday Beach appears as a low, tawny line against the horizon. The shore here is a study in subtle textures: packed sand ribbed by receding tide, driftwood bleached silver by sun and salt, tiny coquina shells that skitter underfoot when waves retreat. The emptiness is the point. While other Texas beaches collect coolers and umbrellas, this stretch collects egrets and the occasional heron stalking the shallows. You'll drop anchor in knee-deep water, step into the warm bay, and feel the satisfaction of a place that asked something of you to arrive. The horizon opens wide here—no high-rises, no jetties—just the long, flat meeting of water and sky that defines the mid-coast. Sunset transforms the beach into a theater of rose and copper light. The bay becomes a mirror, doubling the show, and you'll understand why boaters time their visits for late afternoon. Pack out everything you bring; the isolation that makes Sunday Beach East special also makes it fragile. When you push off and motor back toward Austwell, the beach returns to the gulls and the wind, waiting for the next navigator willing to earn it.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Sunday Beach East.
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Sunday Beach East sits on San Antonio Bay, where waters are typically calm and shallow, making it generally suitable for swimming. However, conditions vary with tides and weather. Always check local forecasts before visiting. The remote, boat-access nature means no lifeguards are present, so swim at your own risk. Watch for boat traffic in the area. Water clarity fluctuates depending on winds and recent rainfall. Bring water shoes as oyster shells and marine debris can be present along the shoreline.
Sunday Beach East can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering different advantages. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. Summer offers warm water but can be hot and humid with mosquitoes. Winter sees fewer visitors and pleasant mild days, though occasional cold fronts bring wind. The beach is particularly popular for sunset viewing, so late afternoon visits any time of year showcase the area's scenic beauty across San Antonio Bay.
Sunday Beach East is accessible only by boat, making it a true hidden gem. Boaters can launch from public ramps in nearby Austwell or Seadrift and navigate through San Antonio Bay. There are no roads, parking lots, or land-based access points to this beach. The journey requires local navigation knowledge or GPS coordinates, as the area lacks obvious markers. This boat-only access keeps crowds minimal but requires advance planning and appropriate watercraft for bay conditions.
Sunday Beach East itself has no amenities, facilities, or services—it's a completely undeveloped stretch of shoreline. Visitors must bring all supplies, food, and drinking water. The nearest town, Austwell, is small with very limited dining and lodging options. For more restaurants, groceries, and accommodations, plan to stay in nearby communities like Seadrift, Port Lavaca, or Rockport, which offer seafood restaurants, motels, and vacation rentals. Pack everything you need and pack out all trash.
Regulations regarding overnight camping at Sunday Beach East depend on land ownership and local ordinances, which can be complex along the Texas coast. Some beachfront may be public while other sections are private. Before planning an overnight stay, contact the Texas General Land Office or local authorities in Refugio County to verify current rules. If camping is permitted, be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities, and practice leave-no-trace principles in this ecologically sensitive coastal area.
