Located just off the tip of the Texas mainland, South Padre Island is one of the highest rated beaches in the United States. The 30-mile-long barrier island island boasts 33 miles of coastline, with plenty of sailboarding, kite-boarding, para-sailing and surfing opportunities available. The island also has a marine research center, an 18-hole golf course, Beachcomber's Museum, beach volleyball tournaments and a beachfront water park. With plenty of nightlife and endless daytime activities, South Padre Island is a great choice for a family getaway.
South Padre Island Travel and Lodging Information
southpadreisland.com
Galveston Island is another well-known spot just off the Texas mainland. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Island offers a mild climate with an abundance of activities for vacationers. Galveston has 32 miles of beaches, hundreds of historical landmarks, ferry boat dinner tours, scores of eateries and dozens of quaint gift shops. A Coastal museum and dolphin-watching tours are also available. Art galleries are also all over the island for guests wishing to take home a portrait of the Texas island.
Galveston Island Information
galveston.com
Located just 60 miles south of Houston, along the Texas Upper Coast, Surfside has become one of the most popular beach communities in the state. Whether beach goers are visitors from out of state or weekend warriors from Houston or other Texas cities, Surfside has grown immensely over the past decade. Surfside offers beachfront houses and canal houses, but is free of high-rise hotels and condo complexes. This provides a quainter, more isolated atmosphere, much like coastal communities of decades past. Surfside offers community activities such as marathons, barbecue cook-outs, fishing tournaments and beach restoration parties. Surfside is not littered with chain stores like many other beach towns, nor is it victimized by heavy traffic, giving it a very relaxed atmosphere
Village of Surfside Beach
979-233-1531
surfsidebeachtx.org
