Texas has plenty of great destinations for families, from San Antonio with its theme parks and historical attractions to Big Bend National Park with its myriad outdoor adventures and wildlife. But if you are looking for a chance to simply unwind and recharge in a place where the kids can have the time of their lives this spring, head to Surfside Beach for a vacation the whole family can enjoy.
This charming beach community is south of Galveston, on Follet’s Island. Families flock to its beachfront houses found right on the shore, where parents can enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico and the calming sound of waves crashing along the sand, as well as rest easy knowing the beach is pedestrian only. Unlike other beaches in Texas, you won’t have to worry about vehicles on the sand as long as you are west of Starfish Street, making it a safe place for your kids to enjoy the water.
While there, experience plenty of the hospitality Texas is known for, along with great food and weather, not to mention the laid-back vibe that makes island beach towns in Texas such special places. During your stay, if the family gets tired of the beach (as unlikely as that is!), there is plenty more to do in the area to entertain everyone. Bluewater Highway, which runs from Surfside Beach all the way to Galveston, lets you take in local scenery, stop for a bite to eat, check out a different beach along the way, and spend some time at Pleasure Pier in Galveston enjoying carnival rides and games.
Back in Surfside Beach, picnic or do some horseback riding on the beach, take surfing lessons, go fishing from Surfside Jetty Pier and enjoy some time at Surfside Jetty Park. There is even some history to take in at Fort Velasco, a replica of an old fort built by a garrison of the Mexican army in the early 1800s. While the original fort was destroyed by a hurricane in 1900, the replica shows you what the fort once looked like and tells the story of the Indigenous Karankawa people who originally inhabited the area.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedParents
Apr 10, 2026Ladera Introduces Private Treehouse Cinema Experience on Saint Lucia
Couples can now enjoy a private night in the rainforest with Ladera Resort’s new Movie Night at the Treehouse experience, offering couples a private night in the rainforest beneath the stars. Tucked halfway along the Ladera Nature Trail, couples enjoy exclusive use of the treehouse for a three-hour viewing experience, complete with wine, popcorn and charcuterie.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Travel Tips
Apr 10, 2026What to Know About New Rules Before Booking Flights to Europe
Summer will be here before you know it, which means you might be in the midst of planning your summer family travel to Europe. Things used to be fairly simple — buy plane tickets, book rooms and pack some bags. But there is a new rule in effect for a few months now, and you’ll want to familiarize yourself with it before you book those already overpriced (and only getting more expensive) flights.
Europe
Apr 10, 20264 Active Eurobike, Eurohike Getaways to Consider This Year
Adventurous family travelers might want to consider summer travel plans with Eurohike and Eurobike. These companies offer a unique opportunity for travelers to explore stunning landscapes, picturesque lakes, rushing rivers and Alpine peaks in an active way.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Airlines
Apr 9, 2026This Airline Stopover Program is Great for Families
My children and I travel to Europe frequently. For many of our trips, we take Icelandair. Icelandair is comfortable and affordable. Additionally, they offer excellent connectivity between several cities in the United States and European hot spots. Even better, the airline offers perks for families, including discounted fares for children, activity boxes and special meals.
ShareThis