Surfside Beach Makes Texas Perfect for Families

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.