Texas Spring Break Destinations

Texas Vacation Ideas

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What are popular Spring Break destinations?
- People have different ideas about how they want to spend their Spring Break, but there are some destinations that became famous because they have something for everyone.
Why is Galveston Island a great Spring Break spot?
- It might be Galveston Island with its miles of beaches, offering the perfect setting for relaxation and fun in the sun.
What makes Corpus Christi a unique Spring Break destination?
- Corpus Christi is known for its beach sports and famous local brews, making it a hotspot for adventure and entertainment.
Why visit Port Aransas for Spring Break?
- Port Aransas boasts unique attractions and is party central at Roberts Point Park, drawing crowds looking for a lively atmosphere.

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1. Head to the beach on Galveston Island

Walk along sandy shores and enjoy Gulf breezes on an easy summer trip.

Head to the beach on Galveston Island

What is Galveston Island known for?
- Galveston Island is 27 miles of fun. With beaches that stretch on forever along the Gulf of Mexico, charming Strand with its bars and shops, and quirky mansions like Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace, there is no shortage of activities for your Spring Break.
What outdoor activities can you enjoy on Galveston Island?
- At Galveston Island State Park, East Beach, and Dellanera RV Park, you can stretch out on fine golden sand, play volleyball, go for a run, or collect shells.
What fun rides can visitors enjoy on Galveston Island?
- Pleasure Pier, on the other hand, has several fabulous adrenaline-pumping rides.
What are some dining and historical attractions on Galveston Island?
- Pier 21 on historic Galveston’s harbor is a great place to go for a meal or learn about the city’s history.
What attractions can you visit at Moody Gardens?
- Visit Moody Gardens® to explore the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids, try the five-tier Sky Trail® Ropes Course, or take a round trip on the Zip Line.

2. Plan a picnic on the beach in Corpus Christi

Savor seaside snacks and relax by the waves on a peaceful family outing.

Plan a picnic on the beach in Corpus Christi

What makes Corpus Christi a great place for a beach vacation?
- There are more than 100 miles of beaches in Corpus Christi making it a great place for you to spend most of your time.
What activities can you enjoy at Padre Balli Park?
- Padre Balli Park is the perfect beach for surfing, picnics, and just lying under the sun.
What activities can you enjoy at J.P. Luby Surf Park?
- J.P. Luby Surf Park is a great spot for sports – kite boarding, surfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and much more. Plus it’s convenient since you can drive right to it.
What are the rules for drinking on Corpus Christi beaches?
- Keep in mind that drinks are allowed on Corpus Christi beaches, but not glass containers.
What other attractions are there in Corpus Christi?
- For a bit of cool beauty, visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
- Don’t miss sampling some interesting brews at Lazy Beach Brewing Company.
- Hurricane Alley Waterpark is the place for adrenaline-pumping slides, rides, and other water attractions.

3. Listen to music and watch dolphins in Port Aransas

Enjoy live tunes and spot dolphins on a fun coastal weekend.

Listen to music and watch dolphins in Port Aransas

What is Port Aransas known for?
- Port Aransas on Mustang Island is known for spectacular beaches and waterways full of fish.
What can you do at Port Aransas beach?
- Port Aransas beach is a wide expanse of fine white sand for working on your tan, playing a round of volleyball, or strolling along the water.
What is there to do at Roberts Point Park?
- Roberts Point Park promises a lot of action during Spring Break with 50 acres of sand, a music venue, a pavilion, and an observation tower for watching dolphins.
What can you experience at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
- Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center has a boardwalk that crosses wetlands full of alligators and birds.
How can you get to San José Island?
- For some private time, you can take a boat from Fisherman's Wharf to lovely, secluded San José Island.
What outdoor activity can you try in Port Aransas?
- You can also go parasailing with Chute 'Em Up for fantastic views of the area.

4. Play volleyball or go fishing on South Padre Island

Catch a game or reel in dinner on an exciting beach trip.

Play volleyball or go fishing on South Padre Island

What makes South Padre Island special?
- South Padre Island offers 34 miles of golden sand along Texas Gulf coastline, perfect weather, clear blue waters, and endless fun.
What can nature lovers do on South Padre Island?
- For nature lovers, there is South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center with a five-story high watchtower.
What activities are available on the beaches of South Padre Island?
- Magnificent beaches all around the island are perfect for lounging on the sand, playing volleyball, or throwing Freezbie, running, and picnicking.
What fishing opportunities are there on South Padre Island?
- You can go deep-sea fishing with one of many local boats and cook your catch on the beach at Andy Bowie Park.
What is there to do at night on South Padre Island?
- And when the sun goes down, fun without sun starts. There is live music, great drinks, and fresh seafood in many places.
What are some popular places to visit on South Padre Island?
- Some of the best known are Clayton’s Beach Bar & Grill, Tequila Sunset, Louie’s Backyard, The Quarterdeck Lounge inside the Isla Grand, The Garden Grille & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn, and Coral Reef.

5. Go camping in Boca Chica State Park Beach

Pitch a tent and admire starlit skies on an unusual outdoor getaway.

Go camping in Boca Chica State Park Beach

What is Boca Chica State Park Beach known for?
- Boca Chica State Park Beach is one of those destinations ideal for those who want to spend their Spring Break enjoying the majesty of nature instead of partying. This large park is now known as Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge and is located in the Boca Chica Subdelta of the Rio Grande, close to Brownsville.
What is the geography of Boca Chica State Park Beach like?
- A spectacular sandy eight-mile beach lies on a narrow spit of land between the delta of the Rio Grande and the lower Laguna Madre salt flats, where the U.S. stops and Mexico begins.
What activities can you enjoy at Boca Chica State Park Beach?
- It is wild and untamed, with no facilities and only one village, but it is simply heavenly for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, wading, picnicking, camping, fishing, birding, and distressing.
What wildlife can be spotted at Boca Chica State Park Beach?
- You can spot the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles nesting, watch the aplomado and peregrine falcons migrating, take endless walks through mangrove marshes and tidal salt flats, and for a few days forget about civilization.
Are there any restrictions at Boca Chica State Park Beach?
- No alcohol is allowed in the park.

6. Go sailing on Lake Texoma

Catch the wind and enjoy open water on a romantic summer trip.

Go sailing on Lake Texoma

What is Lake Texoma known for?
- One of the largest artificial lakes in the States, shared between Texas and Oklahoma, Lake Texoma is famous for great sailing, fishing, and other fun activities on the water. It is your chance to catch a record smallmouth bass or just cruise the deep, clear waters with a cooler full of beer and a bunch of friends.
What boat-related activities can be enjoyed at Lake Texoma?
- You can bring your own boat as there are several marinas around the lake. Rent one on the lake or hop on the paddlewheel riverboat Texoma Bell Riverboat at Durant, OK and enjoy the sights or a dinner under the stars.
What historical attractions are near Lake Texoma?
- If you are interested in history, The Grayson County Frontier Village in Denison, TX has fascinating exhibits that include a one-room cabin, photos, and historic artifacts. The town of Sherman in Texas features lovely 1870 architecture on the Heritage Row.

7. Drift down Comal River in New Braunfels

Float gentle waters and savor sunshine on a relaxing weekend with kids.

Drift down Comal River in New Braunfels

What makes New Braunfels a popular destination for Spring Break?
- A charming small city near San Antonio, Texas, New Braunfels is a well-known and popular destination for Spring Break. While Downtown New Braunfels offers the typical kind of Spring Break entertainment such as live music and great restaurants, New Braunfels’ real claim to fame and biggest attractions are its two lovely rivers, the Comal River and the Guadalupe.
What is the experience like on the Comal River?
- There is something very soothing about slowly drifting down the river in one of the large tubes, with or without a drink in your hand, with your friends or family. Comal River is beautiful, pristine, and spring-fed, with its headwaters at the Edwards Aquifer.
Are there outfitters for tubing on the Comal River?
- There is a range of experienced outfitters who will provide you with the instructions and tube and let you go with the flow. You can also join a tubing group at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
What are the rules regarding alcohol on the Comal River?
- While alcoholic drinks are allowed on Comal River, keep in mind that no disposable drink containers are permitted.

8. Go tubing down San Marcos River

Cool off in spring-fed currents and enjoy fun with friends on a cheap trip.

Go tubing down San Marcos River

What is San Marcos known for?
- A home to Texas State University and only an hour from Austin, the small town of San Marcos on San Marcos River is lively year around.
What is the most popular activity in San Marcos during Spring Break?
- When Spring Break comes, everyone hits the river, where you can have the most fun. River tubing is by far the most popular activity on the river for a good reason. The stretch of the river used for tubing is short, only about a mile, but you can keep going back to the starting point and go again and again.
What is the water like in the San Marcos River?
- Incredibly clear water with a constant temperature of 72 degrees flows peacefully between the verdant banks. The river runs through protected parks and there is almost no development, making it perfect for slow, relaxed tubing down the river surrounded by giant, green elephant ears plants.
Are alcoholic drinks allowed on the San Marcos River?
- Alcoholic drinks are allowed, and most tubing outfitters will have a cooler with ice and booze ready for you. With a bunch of friends, it is hard to imagine a better way to spend an afternoon on a warm day in May.

9. Or go tubing down Guadalupe River

Ride the rapids and admire riverside views on an exciting tubing adventure.

Or go tubing down Guadalupe River

Why should you spend your Spring Break in Texas Hill Country?
- If you decided to spend your Spring Break in Texas Hill Country, your main reason is probably all the fun you can have tubing down Guadalupe River.
What is the best way to experience the beauty of Guadalupe River?
- To see just how beautiful this area is, start your visit by driving on the River Road along the Guadalupe River, especially the stretch between New Braunfels and Canyon Lake. This incredibly scenic road surrounded by lush greenery and small tumbling overflows is also the location of most tubing outfitters, so you might start right there.
What should you know about tubing outfitters on the Guadalupe River?
- All outfitters are very experienced and will tell you how fast you can go depending on how much water there is in the river at the time.
What is the difference between the Upper and Lower Guadalupe River?
- The Upper Guadalupe River is smaller and faster than the lower stream, shaded by bald cypress and pecan trees and is surrounded by limestone banks. The lower river between Canyon Dam and New Braunfels is very popular for tubing and tends to be crowded during the holidays and weekends.
What is the rule about alcohol on the Guadalupe River?
- You might like to know that drinking alcoholic beverages in moderation is allowed while tubing in this area as long as you do not use disposable containers.

10. Listen to music and go dancing in Austin

Catch live bands and two-step downtown on a vibrant couples weekend.

Listen to music and go dancing in Austin

Why is Austin a great Spring Break destination?
- Whether you are a student at one of Austin’s many universities or studying anywhere else in Texas, you know that Austin is the right place for Spring Break because it’s a city that knows how to party.
What can you do in Austin during Spring Break?
- There is something for everyone in Austin regardless of what kind of music you like, what your favorite kind of craft beer is, or what food you prefer.
Where should you start your nightlife experience in Austin?
- Start at Sixth Street, one of the most popular nightlife districts in town, with inexpensive drinks, live music, and dancing.
What other nightlife areas should you explore in Austin?
- Rainey Street is perfect for a laid-back evening with local micro-brews, diverse food trucks, and loud games of corn hole. Then there is the Warehouse District and the SoCo. Red River District, which gave Austin the name The Live Music Capital of the World®.
What outdoor activities can you enjoy in Austin?
- If outdoor activities are your thing, take a cruise on Lady Bird Lake, get on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail or, take a dip in Austin's favorite Barton Springs Pool.

More places to see in Texas

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Head to the beach on Galveston Island
2. Plan a picnic on the beach in Corpus Christi
3. Listen to music and watch dolphins in Port Aransas
4. Play volleyball or go fishing on South Padre Island
5. Go camping in Boca Chica State Park Beach
6. Go sailing on Lake Texoma
7. Drift down Comal River in New Braunfels
8. Go tubing down San Marcos River
9. Or go tubing down Guadalupe River
10. Listen to music and go dancing in Austin