Sure, there are plenty of reasons to love Galveston, South Padre Island, and other tourist-heavy coastal towns in Texas - but the hidden gems deserve just as much recognition. One such place is Freeport, a charming waterfront town with beautiful beaches, a rich history, great food, a world-class RV resort, and so much more.

One of the most criminally overlooked coastal towns in Texas, Freeport is home to around 10,000 people and offers a laid-back, slow-paced beach lifestyle that makes it ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Conveniently located just an hour from downtown Houston, Freeport is home to beautiful beaches, including the quiet and peaceful Bryan Beach. This three-mile oasis is a beachgoer's paradise because it's free, clean, and you can camp right by the water.

The town itself is brimming with historic charm, as evidenced by the Freeport Historical Museum and Visitor Center.

Established in 2009, the museum houses over 300 years of local history. It's also a great place to stop by if you have any questions about Freeport - the staff members are always eager to provide as much information as possible.

Nature lovers simply must visit the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. Freeport is located near the mouth of the Brazos River, and as a result, the area is teeming with flora and fauna, from birds to alligators and everything in between.

You can walk or drive through the refuge, and no matter which option you take, the views and overarching sense of tranquility are unforgettable. Please note that the refuge is headquartered in Lake Jackson, which is about 20 miles from Freeport proper.

After a full day of exploring (and working up an appetite while doing so), refueling with a fresh and hearty seafood meal at On The River is a must.

This longstanding eatery dishes out home-cooked comfort food classics like Texas Gulf shrimp, po'boys, chicken-fried steak, burgers, and so much more.

While Freeport makes an excellent day trip destination, if you're looking to spend the night, I highly recommend staying at Blue Water RV Resort.

This is no ordinary RV park. It's a luxury escape that offers full-hookup RV sites just steps from the water, plus other amenities like a restaurant, kayak and paddleboard rentals, a private boat ramp, fishing docks, and more.

If you don't have an RV, don't fret - the resort also offers charming cottages in an array of pastel colors that are the epitome of a beach house getaway.

Have you ever visited Freeport? If so, do you agree that it's one of the best coastal towns in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Are you an outer space buff? If so, don't forget to check out our previous article to learn about the nearby George Observatory, which is home to one of the nation's largest telescopes.