As Charles Barkley and Shaq slam one of Texas' most popular beaches, these are the state's most stunning coastal spots - from a birders' paradise to a palm-lined promenade

Former NBA stars Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal recently sparked outcry after branding a Texas beach 'dirty' on live TV. 

Barkley made mocking comments about the city of Galveston as he commented on the New Orleans Pelicans' 106-85 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in last Saturday's playoff game.

Instead of 'going to Cancun,' a common phrase used when teams are on the brink of playoff elimination, Barkley said the Pelicans should be punished by 'going to Galveston.'

'We're not even going to send them to Cancun, we going to send them to Galveston with that dirty a** water washed up on the shore,' Barkley said while laughing. Meanwhile, Shaq could not contain his giggles in response to Barkley's remarks about the coastal city, a popular tourist destination located southeast of Houston.

While the duo slammed Galveston, DailyMail.com has looked at some of the Lone Star's most stunning coastal spots - and 'dirty' Galveston even makes the cut for its abundant wildlife. 

Take a dip down to see the Texas beaches which rate highest for their natural beauty. Meanwhile, California residents have been warned to avoid swimming in 12 areas after dangerously high levels of bacteria were detected in the water.

Port Aransas Beach 

Port Aransas has been praised for its 'soft sand, amazing views,' and efficient cleaning team

Port Aransas on Mustang Island is deemed 'one of the best beaches on the Texas coast,' by the beach review website Beachcatcher.com and it gets a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor.

The Beachcatcher.com reviewers rate the beach for its 'soft sand, amazing views,' and efficient cleaning team.

As it stretches for 18 miles, they also note that it never feels crowded, 'even during holidays.'  

One of the beach's unusual features is that is one of a handful in the U.S. where 'you can still drive your car... close to the waters and park right there' and camping is permitted for 'a few days at the time.'

There is also 'a guy who gives lessons on how to build sandcastles.'

Malaquite Beach

Malaquite on Padre Island is described as 'one of the best "wild" beaches in the area with soft sand and clear water'

For a more off the beaten path beach experience in Texas, the Beachcatcher.com team recommend hitting Malaquite on Padre Island. 

They praise it for being 'one of the best "wild" beaches in the area with soft sand and clear water.'

Other perks include a 'well-maintained visitor center with helpful staff and clean and neat restrooms, changing areas, showers, snack machines, and a gift shop.'

Nature lovers will be in their element, with sea turtle hatchling releases typically running from mid-June through August.

Swimming is also recommended with a 4 out of 5 water quality rating, and the beach gets top marks for cleanliness and its overall impression.  

McGee Beach

McGee beach has 'calm' and 'clear' waters but swimmers are warned to watch out for jellyfish

Take a break from the city with a pitstop at McGee beach, which is located in downtown Corpus Christi.

The seafront boasts golden sands with palm trees to boot and the Beachcatcher.com team give it a 4 out of 5 rating overall. 

While the water is rated for being 'calm [and] clear... without strong waves and excessive seaweed,' swimmers are warned to watch out for jellyfish. 

The biggest perk of the beach, the reviewers say, is its location, with restaurants, hotels, public restrooms, rental services and more, on the doorstep.

There is also 'plentiful parking and all of it is free of charge.'

Matagorda Bay Nature Park Beach 

Matagorda Bay Nature Park Beach is said to be especially quiet during the day on weekdays and sometimes 'you can have the whole beach to yourself'

Spanning 26 miles long close to the mouth of the Colorado River, Matagorda Bay Nature Park Beach is described as a peaceful place to escape the city.

The Beachcatcher.com reviewers reveal that it is especially quiet during the day on weekdays and sometimes 'you can have the whole beach to yourself.'

Beach-goers are advised to take their own supplies, as their aren't restaurants in the vicinity. 

There are grills at 'well-maintained' picnic areas to cook meals at, along with 'neat and clean restrooms.'

Along with swimming, another popular activity on the shoreline is shelling.

Galveston Island State Park 

Galveston Island State Park is described as a 'great tourist destination where you can enjoy the sun, the sea, and the nature'

You won't be short of things to do at Galveston Island State Park, as the preserve features two thousand acres of beach, dunes, coastal prairie, fresh-water ponds, wetlands, and more.

The Beachcatcher.com team describe it as a 'great tourist destination where you can enjoy the sun, the sea, and the nature.'

For bird lovers, the grassy marshlands are home to many species including ibis, herons, egrets, gulls, terns, northern harriers and barn owls.

Back at the beach, the sand is described as being 'soft, without sharp shells, and hard-packed,' which makes it 'convenient' for long strolls. 

When it comes to the water quality, the coastal spot scores 4 out of 5 but the reviewers say the sea is 'usually brown and murky, with seaweed and suspended sand, which is typical for Galveston.' 

Boca Chica Beach

Boca Chica Beach is located on the southernmost tip of the state and it is said to be 'remarkably empty and tranquil'

Sitting on the southernmost tip of the state, Boca Chica Beach proves to be one of the most pristine stretches of coastline in the mix.

With no businesses or facilities, the Beachcatcher.com reviewers describe the beach as 'remarkably empty and tranquil' and the 'perfect holiday destination to escape from civilization.'

They add: 'There are plenty of desolate areas at the beach where you're likely to see no other visitors - only wildlife, like red knots and brown pelicans.'

Parking is allowed on the sandy shoreline but overnight camping is prohibited.  

One downside to the beach, the reviewers say, is the lack of facilities, with no restrooms, changing rooms, rinse showers or food outlets. 

They conclude: 'Bring your own food supplies and any beach and sports equipment you may need. Moreover, you'd better also take a first-aid kit with a jellyfish sting relief, insect repellent, and sunscreen.'

Rockport Beach 

Rockport Beach is blessed with shallow water, which is 'always warm and has little to no waves'

Decked out with palm umbrellas, Rockport Beach has a tropical feel from the get go.

Adding to the exotic feel is the shallow water, which the Beachcatcher.com team say is 'always warm and has little to no waves.'

Along with a photogenic beach, the coastal spot includes a 'good fishing pier and all the necessary beach facilities.'

And as it is close to the city's restaurant and shopping district, there are plenty of dining options a stone's throw away.

For those wishing to secure an umbrella for the day, the reviewers reveal that they are on a first-come, first-serve basis and it is best to arrive early to get one.

It is recommended to arrive 'by around 8am to 9am on weekends, and by around 10am on weekdays.'

Surfside Beach 

Surfside Beach near Freeport receives lots of traffic during the summer months, which can be an issue

Surfside Beach near Freeport loses some points for being very busy during the summer months. 

The Beachcatcher.com team advise visiting during the week for a more relaxing experience. 

Due to the high volume of visitors, they also note that trash can be an issue on the seafront. 

They reveal: 'The cleanliness of the sand and water can be difficult to predict and will also vary depending on the time of your visit. 

'Sometimes the sand is nice and clean, and the water is clear. On other days, you may see too much trash on the beach. Unfortunately, some visitors don't feel obliged to use abundantly provided trash cans.' 

For those who are driving, it costs $12 to park on the beach and visitors are advised to arrive early to find a decent spot.  

Bolivar Peninsula

The Bolivar Peninsula encompasses Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, High Island, and Port Bolivar

A website dedicated to the Bolivar Peninsula describes it as a '27-mile stretch of coastal paradise rich in history.' 

It adds that it is 'a sand between your toes kind of place that you can drive on and fish off of,' while spending time with family and friends. 

It encompasses Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, High Island, and Port Bolivar.

There isn't much information on the Bolivar Peninsula via Beachcatcher.com, but Crystal Beach gets a very positive review.

The beach specialists write: 'Due to its remote location requiring a ferry ride and few amenities on-site, Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula isn't very popular with tourists and doesn't have as many visitors as other beaches in the area, so it's a great alternative to the overcrowded beaches of Galveston.'