Best Summer Getaways in Texas

Summer is a favorite time to visit Texas. The Lone Star State is full of great and varied places to spend your summer vacation. If you’re looking for a vacation by the water, you’ll find it in Texas, which boasts options ranging from the Gulf Coast to inland lakes and rivers. Additionally, landlocked summer vacation spots feature theme parks, historical sites, and Texas-style dining, with an abundance of authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants, not to mention renowned barbecue and vibrant culinary scenes in Houston, Austin, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island, Texas’ southernmost beach destination, offers a semi-tropical climate, miles of white sand beaches, and clear-green waterfronts. The island features numerous condos, hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark and other attractions. Located just across Laguna Madre Bay is the historic town of Port Isabel, followed by a short drive to Brownsville and Matamoros, Mexico. Activities such as fishing, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, jet skiing, beachcombing, birding, shopping, and simply relaxing provide plenty to fill an entire week of summer vacation on South Padre Island.

Garner State Park

Occupying just over 1,400 acres and featuring 10 acres of riverfront along the Frio River, Garner State Park remains a popular summer destination for Texans and visitors alike. The river is the main attraction, making it a prime spot for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, or simply cooling off. Moreover, the park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, birding, and nature watching. An overwhelming majority of visitors choose to stay overnight in rental cabins or at tent camping sites.

Galveston Island

Located within an hour’s drive from Houston, Galveston Island is an ideal getaway for a weekend or a longer stay. Alongside miles of beautiful beaches, Galveston features a multitude of unique shops, many situated in the historic Strand District. Strolling along the famous Galveston Seawall offers a relaxing experience. Additionally, Galveston hosts numerous restaurants, hotels, and condos, along with engaging attractions such as Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Moody Gardens, alongside notable historic sites like the Bishops Palace.

Corpus Christi

Centrally located along the middle Texas coast in the Coastal Bend region, Corpus Christi has been a popular summer vacation spot. With part of the city positioned on the mainland and the other part on North Padre Island, Corpus Christi provides a wide variety of beach options. Furthermore, it hosts some of the state’s premier attractions, including the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington, along with a range of restaurants and clubs, and an abundance of hotels and condos.

San Antonio

San Antonio stands as Texas’ most popular vacation destination throughout the year. Summer is particularly lively, with several attractions to enjoy. In addition to the well-known Alamo and the beautiful River Walk, the highlight of summer in San Antonio is undoubtedly Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Port Aransas

Situated at the tip of North Padre Island, Port Aransas is a charming island community featuring a unique array of restaurants and shops, complemented by its miles of pristine beaches. One of the highlights of visiting Port Aransas is taking the ferry ride to the island, setting the tone for a truly relaxing vacation experience.