Best texas beach vacation
Searching for the best Texas Beach vacation? We have the ideal island escape in Galveston, Texas. Consider this Texas beach town your lighthouse of relaxation and home to our premiere Grand Hotel on the Strand. The Grand Hotel on the Strand is recognized as one of the top vacation destinations in Texas . Its 108 oceanfront and balcony suites are situated over 16 floors with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Each room has a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower which makes it feel larger than life. You never have to leave your room if you don’t want to!
Are you planning a trip to the Texas gulf coast? If so, you are more than likely going to visit either Galveston or Corpus Christi Beach. Fortunately for you, there is an abundance of beach vacation rental units available on the island, each providing its own unique experience. Here are some suggestions that will help make your beach vacation memorable for years to come:
Since the bigger, more established vacation state destinations are loaded with tourists from everywhere, more recently, the more people have started to consider alternate options for a great summer beach vacation. While the best beaches in Texas may not be as well-known as those in California or Florida, there exists an abundance of reasons why they can be excellent alternatives; especially when you’re looking for:
A Texas beach vacation is the perfect way to spend your summer. Whether you’re looking for an escape from the city or just want to relax by the water, there are plenty of places along the coast that will suit your needs. Here are our top picks for the best Texas beach vacations:
Galveston Island
The Galveston Island area has miles of pristine beaches that are perfect for swimming, fishing, and surfing. You can also rent boats or jet skis and explore the bayous and marshes that surround the island. The area also has plenty of shops and restaurants if you want to spend time shopping or eating out after your day at the beach.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island offers everything from luxury resorts with pools and spas to budget motels with simple rooms and kitchens. There are plenty of activities in this area as well: parasailing on the Gulf of Mexico, scuba diving in Blue Lagoon Park, or renting a boat or Jet Ski to explore nearby waters on your own terms!
Galveston County Historical Museum
If you’re looking for something more cultural than just beaches on your trip to Galveston County then be sure to visit this museum which features artifacts from all different eras throughout history
The best Texas beach vacation is not a matter of opinion. It’s a matter of statistics.
The state of Texas has more than 20,000 miles of coastline, and its beaches are among the best in the world. The southern part of the state is particularly well-known for its white sand and clear water.
Houston is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Texas, including Galveston Island, South Padre Island, and Galveston Seawall Boulevard. If you’re looking for something more intimate, try making your way up to Port Aransas on Mustang Island or Matagorda Bay on the Gulf Coast.
If you’re looking for something less crowded, head north to Crystal Beach or Surfside Beach. You can also find great beaches in Corpus Christi and Port Isabel on Padre Island National Seashore (just south of Brownsville).
Commune With Nature at Padre Island National Seashore
1/3 Photo: Travel Texas
For windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, it’s hard to beat Padre Island National Seashore. This national park is 70 miles of undeveloped barrier island—the largest in the world. It’s an ideal place for fishing from the shore or small boats like canoes. It’s also one of the most serene seashores in Texas, and ranger-guided events are hosted year round.
From mid-June through August, check the park’s website for public releases of sea turtle hatchlings. On evenings when there are enough hatchlings to release, these adorable baby sea turtles make their way down the beach and out to sea. (Quick note, public releases have been canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Visit their website to view photos and support the effort.)
Our Accommodation Tip:
There are no hotels within the park (although you can go camping!). One of the closest places you can stay is Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham. In this family-friendly hotel you can opt for standard rooms or suites with a kitchenette or full kitchen. The free breakfast buffet makes it a good budget option as well. The hotel is near several restaurants for those who don’t want to do their own cooking.
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Hotels & Vacation Rentals – South Padre Island
Look Up And Observe The Stars at Boca Chica Beaches
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Less than an hour from Brownsville, stargazers have been visiting Boca Chica to catch a glimpse of future space vehicles. That`s because when SpaceX began testing their new Starship space flight design, the company has set up a launch test site just south of Boca Chica State Park.
But beach goers know Boca Chica for its 1,000 acres of beaches and sandy dunes that are open to vehicle traffic. It can take up to an hour to reach Boca Chica beaches from the nearest hotels in Brownsville. But it’s time well spent, as you’ll be able to see the SpaceX site from Boca Chica Boulevard—the only road going to and from the park.
Our Accommodation Tip:
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Brownsville is one of the closest hotels to Boca Chica. The hotel overlooks a “resaca,” or small inlet from the Rio Grande River, so you’ll still be near the water if you decide to sight-see in Brownsville. The hotel is also located near the Gladys Porter Zoo and the Mitte Cultural District.
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Hotels & Vacation Rentals – Brownsville
Lounge Like a Local at Surfside Beach
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The village of Surfside Beach is another popular Texas beach destination. Located just south of Galveston Island, about an hour from Houston, Surfside offers lots of open beach and the Stahlman Park Event Center right on the waterfront. It’s also popular for fishing, with several marinas and charters available.
Surfside has a small-town community feel (probably because the population is only around 500 people!). Most accommodations will be guest homes and small motels, especially since the village has five RV parks which means many people bring their own accommodations. Restaurants and shops are locally owned, and it’s a great place for relaxing like a local.
Our Accommodation Tip:
The Blue Crab Family Vacation Home is in the center of the village and only a few steps from the beach. It accommodates up to 12 people, and has a shared pool and covered deck for lounging outdoors. Parking is convenient, and it’s possible to walk from there to restaurants, shops, and even a farmer’s market nearby. A full kitchen, washer and dryer, and five TVs are included in the home.
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Hotels & Vacation Rentals – Surfside Beach
Roll Up To The Blue Waters on Crystal Beach
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Ever wanted to tailgate at the beach? If you’re driving out to Bolivar Peninsula just north of Galveston Island, you’ll be able to drive right to the water and park for the day (if your vehicle can handle that!). Crystal Beach has some of the clearest blue waters and light, sandy beaches in all of Texas. Expect to find lots of seashells among the pop-up canopies and beach chairs. Wading out into the surf, you’ll find the water’s not much higher than waist-deep in most places.
When you’ve had your fill of lying on the beach (if that’s possible), visit the birding preserves at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Bolivar Peninsula is part of the Great Coastal Birding Trail, so you can walk the trails through the 34,000 acres of Ahahuac or visit one of several other sanctuaries nearby. The peninsula is a globally recognized shorebird area, and people travel from all over the world to spot hundreds of species of shorebirds here.
Our Accommodation Tip:
Whether you look for birds or just soak your feet in the gulf, the Boardwalk Hotel Bolivar Peninsula is located right on the beach and in convenient driving distance to any of the sanctuaries. Hang out in the hotel’s grotto with a waterfall while the kids play at an onsite water park. Grills, picnic tables, and even a 10-hole mini golf course are available to hotel guests.
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Hotels & Vacation Rentals – Crystal Beach
Enjoy The Romantic Vibe in Rockport Beach
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One of the most popular locations for beach weddings in Texas is Rockport Beach. The clear blue waters, wide beach, and grassy dunes make for a scenic backdrop for nuptials and other outdoor events. Rockport Beach is a public park, so reservations are first-come, first-serve if you want to secure beach space for an event.
Even if you’re not planning an event, Rockport is the state’s first Blue Wave Beach. This program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides regular water testing to make sure water bacteria levels are safe. It`s a great place to relax with your partner in a large sand beach in Texas!
Out Accommodation Tip:
For a vintage vibe within walking distance of the beach, the Harbour Inn Rockport has been a go-to motor lodge for generations. Don’t let the mid-century exterior be a deterrent. The interior has been renovated in recent years and the location is tough to beat. Not only is the Harbor Inn practically on the beach, it’s also close to the town’s shopping district.
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Hotels & Vacation Rentals – Rockport
Bring The Family For a Long Weekend in Port Aransas
1/3 Photo: Port Aransas Mustang Island and Chamber Commerce Tourism Bureau
Known for music festivals and incredible restaurants, Port Aransas is also a family-friendly spot. There are 18 miles of public shoreline in Port Aransas, plus the nearby beaches of Mustang Island and the privately owned San Jose Island (which you can visit via ferry).
Beaches are open to vehicles with a beach permit, and barbecues are welcome! Expect to see plenty of pop-up canopies and people lounging at the waterfront. Visit Padre Balli Park and Bob Hall Pier, where you will find covered picnic tables, a seafood restaurant serving cold drinks, and a fishing pier.