From the best beaches to visit with kids to must-have summer books, here’s everything you need to know before your next Texas beach vacation.
Whether you’re traveling with friends, kids, dogs, or just yourself, beach vacations are heaps of fun. Is there anything better than frolicking in the waves, stretching out on a towel with a good book, or challenging yourself to snorkel or kayak in the ocean? The answer has always been a resounding “no” for me—especially living in Texas, where the weather only fluctuates from hot to scorching this time of year.
But before you go on your Texas beach vacay, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your desired activities will dictate where you head. If you simply want to be a beach bum, that’s completely valid, but you’ll likely need to go to a different beach than the ones full of surfers and ATVs.
You might also want to know where to find affordable lodging and what you should bring to make the most of your trip. No one wants to drive across the state, get all the way to South Padre Island, and then get bored (or worse, have your trip ruined) because you weren’t prepared. With these helpful tips from a local, you’ll have an unforgettable Texas beach getaway this summer!
Best beaches for kids
Surfside Beach
My family’s favorite vacation spot growing up was Surfside Beach, and it still holds up today. There are four miles of gorgeous shoreline, perfect for both sporty and laidback families alike.
Here, you can go kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and, of course, surfing! Nature lovers will enjoy finding up to 600 different shell species washed ashore at Surfside or walking the 2.5-mile Surfside Bird & Butterfly Trail to spot native winged creatures. It’s also just a wonderful place to play in the sand and splash around.
Not to mention, there are tons of surf shops, local restaurants, and colorful beach houses to see and explore. One Yelper had plenty of praise for Surfside, writing, “Let me start by saying, the water is clear!!!! You can see your feet, the shells, the sand, everything! It felt like we were at a beach in Florida!”
Padre Island National Seashore
You’ll think you’re on an exotic island when you visit Padre Island National Seashore, which stretches 66 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. My kids love spending hours swimming, building sandcastles, and beachcombing for seashells and sea beans—as visitors are allowed to collect up to a one-gallon container with found items to take home (as long as no creatures are living inside!).
There are five named beaches here: North Beach and South Beach, which both have more firmly packed sand for driving with two-wheel-drive vehicles (although 4WD is always recommended at PINS); Closed Beach, so named because it’s closed to vehicles; Little Shell Beach, full of softer sand and shells, such as arks, coquina, and cockles; and Big Shell Beach, where you can often find bigger versions of those shells.
One person on Yelp called Padre Island National Seashore a “pristine coastal haven,” adding that this was their “favorite spot on the Texas coast.” Another called this area “stunning and beautiful,” adding, “Spent an entire day frolicking in the water, playing in the sand, walking down the beach and just relaxing. The beach was clean, without one speck of garbage, the water was clean and the sand was perfect for making castles.”
Galveston Island
Looking for a fun beachside town? Galveston Island is a go-to spot for many of my friends and family because it offers a wide variety of activities. In addition to beaches—there are 32 miles of beautiful shoreline here, including Stewart Beach with gentle waves, East Beach with plenty of room, and Seawall Beach by all the action—you can also explore the Seawall.
Galveston’s Seawall is 17 feet above sea level and spans 10 miles, making it the longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S. You can go shopping, check out restaurants and bars, or rent bikes to take in the glorious views. The Historic Pleasure Pier is also here, featuring carnival rides and games, waterfront dining, and beautiful views.
“Walking along the Seawall, day or night, there’s always something happening,” one local praised on Yelp. “Different energy, different crowds, different moods depending on the season. It never feels the same twice.”
Affordable places to stay
Get the best bang for your buck by searching these places for inexpensive accommodations on your beach vacation.
Traditional hotels on Expedia
Staying at a traditional beachside hotel can be very affordable. Plus, with all the amenities offered, it’s a win-win! In Galveston Island, you can stay at the Hyatt Select Galveston-Beachfront, starting at $131 per night on Expedia. It comes with parking, free breakfast, and a heated pool—plus, it’s located just a two-minute walk from Seawall Beach.
The Red Roof Inn Plus+ Galveston-Beachfront is another fabulous choice. In addition to being pet-friendly, it’s just a one-minute walk from Seawall Beach and starts at $94 a night. As a luxury resort, the Hilton Galveston Island Resort is steps from the beach, with a poolside bar and an on-site hot tub perfect for unwinding at the end of your beach day. Not to mention, it’s a great price for all it comes with, starting at $237 per night.
VRBO
On VRBO, homes are available to rent for as low as $136 per night at Surfside, many of which are just a few minutes’ walk to the beach. Because there’s nothing worse than having to drag all your sandy, wet gear back to the car, then to your hotel, after a full day of fun. Filter your search by price, proximity to the beach, free cancellation, guest ratings, and other features.
Airbnb
Grab a spacious condo with a balcony view, access to a community pool, and walking distance to the beach for $651 for five nights on Airbnb. You can search for homes by amenities, number of guests, property type, and price range, among other factors.
Camping
Bring a tent and other supplies, and you can camp directly on the beach on a designated campsite. At Padre Island National Seashore, for example, you can camp for up to 14 consecutive nights for just the price of park admission ($15-$25) and the camping fee ($8-$14). Additional information and discounts are available online.
Pack your beach bag with these must-have products
Now that you’ve got your beach, activities, and lodging sorted, it’s time to start packing. Beyond the usuals—sunscreen, swimsuit, towels, and flip-flops—there are other must-have products that’ll help you make the most of your beach vacay.
Umbrellas are a must
Yes, they can be heavy and bulky as you carry them to the beach. But with the scorching Texas sun, which can be unrelenting even by the water, you’re going to need all the extra shade you can get.
This Gorich option costs $39.99 and features UPF 50+ sun protection on the enclosed walls and floor, so your babies can crawl around off the sand. The pop-up tent is easily collapsible and folds into a backpack, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of carrying a huge umbrella with you.
Baby powder gets the sand off better than water
I never go to the beach without a bottle of baby powder to sprinkle all over our legs, feet, and hands afterward. The soft powder helps collect the moisture and sand, making it easier to brush away.
Bring sand supplies with you
Most grocery stores and dollar stores sell sand supplies at a fraction of the cost you’ll find at beachside surf shops. It may require an extra bag for your road trip, but it’s well worth it when you see how much you’ll save by pre-buying your shovels, pails, and other sand and water gear.
Compelling beach reads help pass the time
There is no trip to the beach without a can’t-put-down thriller or summer romance to entertain you. After all, reading is just so much more fun with the wind in your hair and the sand in your toes!
Some of my favorites right now include “It Could Have Been Her” by Lisa Jewell, a suspenseful novel about a missing girl, a creepy house, and secrets from the past; “Our Perfect Storm” by Carley Fortune, a rom-com featuring a jilted bride and her best man in Tofino; and “My Killer Vacation” by Tessa Bailey, an enemies-to-lovers rom-com about an elementary teacher and bounty hunter teaming up to solve a murder in Cape Cod.
With a little planning—and these essentials—your next Texas beach vacation will be better than ever.
