A Local Guide to Surfside Beach, Texas

Adapt a slower pace of life on Surfside Beach, which is arguably calmer than neighboring Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. A trip to Surfside Beach is like going to the beach back in the ‘90s. “We don’t have huge, blow-out parties every weekend,” says Barron Leger, a tourism specialist with the Village of Surfside Beach. “The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly.” Here, you’ll find anglers reeling in trophy catches and families building sandcastles or birding rather than buzzy beach bars and clubs.

Annual events that draw in visitors include the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which features an Irish costume contest, and Surfing Santas. There’s also the monthly Market in the Park, an outdoor event showcasing local small businesses. Live entertainment is easy to find year-round, with local artists performing regularly and an overall laid-back vibe throughout town. Here’s our guide to Surfside Beach:

Of course, there’s surfing in Surfside Beach. Surfside Beach has a dedicated surfing community that has shaped the local culture and even led to the establishment of the Texas Surf Museum in nearby Galveston. Stop in to Surfside Surf Station to rent or buy surfboards and accessories like surf wax, wetsuits and sunscreen. The owner, Austin Campbell, also offers surf lessons for all age groups, making it accessible to everyone who wants to learn.

About 13 miles inland from Surfside Beach, in Lake Jackson, you’ll find Sea Center Texas—an aquarium, fish hatchery and education center set on 75 acres. It’s operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association, The Dow Chemical Company and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sportfish Restoration Funds.

Sea Center Texas is a great spot for families, too. Kids can get up close and personal with a 20-foot touch tank, where they’re encouraged to gently interact with blue crabs, hermit crabs, stone crabs, snails, anemones—and even see the lightning whelk, the state shell of Texas. There’s also a youth fishing pond, an outdoor wetland exhibit, story times, summer camps and hatchery tours to explore the life cycles of sportfish.

Four miles of shoreline along Surfside Beach allow you to sprawl out under a shade umbrella all day, or stroll the beach for seashells. Jet skis and kayaks are available for rent, or you can visit Surfside Jetty Park, a 15-acre day use beach park with a playground, access to the jetty and harbor channel and restrooms. The Bird & Butterfly Trail next to the jetty is a mile-long route where you can see up to 400 species of birds and butterflies during their March and September migrations. Or you can grab a reel and fish for redfish, speckled trout and other game fish, as the public boat ramp gives you convenient access to the Gulf.

Also in nearby Lake Jackson, the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide variety of coastal wildlife. More than 320 bird species, 95 reptilian and amphibian species, and 130 species of butterflies and dragonflies have been spotted here. The estuary attracts waterfowl and shorebirds, which can be seen from the driving tour at Big Slough. For more wildlife viewing, head to the Cannan Bend Recreation Area, located near a coastal forest and freshwater lake.

Keep an eye out for bubblegum-colored roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, egrets and pelicans. The refuge also offers hiking trails, along with opportunities for fishing, boating and nature photography.

Located on the second floor of City Hall, the Surfside Historical Museum includes displays and artifacts from around Surfside Beach and Fort Velasco. Outside, see monuments that commemorate the Battle of Velasco and the Acadia ship sinking during the Civil War.

For beachfront dining, check out the Seahorse Bar & Grill, which offers fresh Gulf seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches and more. Texas redfish and Gulf snapper are great local options, and the Captain’s Chest basket gives you a sampling of the fried goods: fried Gulf shrimp, oysters, catfish and a stuffed crab.

A local dive bar near the beach, the Jetty Shack is known for their burgers, which come with all the classic toppings plus add-ons like chili and grilled jalapenos. The Philly cheesesteak is a hit, as are the onion rings.

Under the bridge by the marina, Dorado’s serves fresh seafood plates and American fare paired with a great view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The seafood platter comes with it all (shrimp, fish, oysters and stuffed crabs). Burgers, salads and tacos are tasty non-seafood choices. They’ll even cook your fresh catch for you and pair it with sides and hushpuppies.

A small coffee trailer with a big heart, Culture Coffee is the spot for coffee in town. You’ll find all the traditional coffee faves, plus specialty coffees like the Gulf of Mexico—a mushroom latte with honey, cinnamon and vanilla. Seasonal pastries such as bagels and chocolate croissants are available too.

Close to the beach, Sharkies is another beach bar with deck seating and live music. They’re known for their cheeseburgers, but they also have a menu for kids plus pool tables and fun cocktails.

This small, family-run business attracts visitors hungry for a sweet treat after a day at the beach. Grab an ice cream cone or root beer float, or go for a sundae, milkshake, or a giant Oreo cookie ice cream sandwich.

Right on the Gulf, The Breeze Beachfront Resort offers direct beach access and beachfront suites. They also have the Beach House and RV sites for those who need something larger for a big family or are driving their own RV across the state. Rooms are modern and updated, with a maritime vibe and beach views.

Right on the beach, Ocean Village Hotel is home to the Seahorse Bar & Grill and offers standard rooms and suites with ocean views.

A beachside motel, The Mark at Surfside offers adorable rooms in the form of studios, one- and two-bedroom units and the beach house for larger parties.

Of course, you’ll find vacation rentals all throughout Surfside Beach as well.