7 Things to Do in Surfside Beach

Kick back on the beach, hang ten on perfect waves, catch a trophy fish that will make your friends jealous, and enjoy the easygoing island life. These are just a few of the things to do in Surfside Beach, a chilled-out village nestled on the Gulf of Mexico about an hour south of Houston. Read on to discover all that this Texas Gulf Coast destination has to offer.

Soak Up the Sun

Feel the soft sand embrace your bare feet as you listen to the soothing sounds of rolling waves. It doesn’t get better than this.

With its four miles of pristine coastline, there’s no better place for your next vacation to the Texas Gulf Coast than Surfside Beach. Find your perfect spot, set up your towel and umbrella, and kick back on one of the best beaches in Texas.

Yet the beach isn't the only place to enjoy Surfside Beach's coastal charm. Take your kids to the Splash Pad Park for an afternoon of freshwater fun. Boasting 10 water features across the 2,000-square-foot splash pad, it's a great spot to play and cool off.

Hit the Surf

While the beach is superb for lounging and swimming, that’s not all it has to offer. As its name hints, Surfside Beach is well known for its consistent waves that provide some of the best surfing in Texas. For some of the finest waves in town, head to the shoreline near Texas Street. Need some last-second gear? Surf on over to Surfside Beach’s local shops like Breaker Sports.

Go Fishing

Deep coastal waters, coastal reefs, and offshore oil platforms offer ideal conditions for all sorts of fish to thrive, making for some of the best fishing in Texas.

Whether you stay closer to shore or you charter a deep-sea excursion to catch a bull redfish, tuna, or shark, you’ll find the fishing here is first-rate.

One of the top angling spots in town is Surfside Jetty Park, where you can cast your line and relax as you watch cargo ships sail by.

If you’d rather catch some crustaceans, try your luck at the Crabbing Pier located across from Stahlman Park.

Bike, Hike, or Jog the Surfside Bird and Butterfly Trail

Need some exercise? Stroll, run, or bike along the Bluewater Highway Trail, a concrete footpath that runs along Highway 257 for three miles, starting in the center of town. The trail is easy to access as it passes many of Surfside Beach’s restaurants and vacation rentals, making it easy to see the village while you leave your car behind. To see birds, monarch butterflies, and other wildlife, follow the Bird & Butterfly Trail. Surfside was named Bird City by Texas Parks and Wildlife and a Monarch designation by Monarch Gateway. For bird watchers, Surfside's migration is April and October.

Enjoy Delicious Food at Surfside Beach’s Restaurants

No matter how you enjoy spending your time on the beach, you’re likely to work up a Texas-sized appetite. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far for some really good food. Just within Surfside Beach, there are eight local restaurants to choose from. These range from beachfront cafes to eateries serving up hamburgers and fresh seafood. Quite a few of these restaurants double as bars, providing relaxed places to hang out long after the sun has set.

Visit the Site of the First Battle of the Texas Revolution

The Texas Revolution may be best known for the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto, but the first shots were actually fired near Surfside Beach. Learn about the earliest days of the conflict at Fort Velasco, a replica of the fort that the Texian and Mexican forces clashed over from June 25 - 25, 1832. Stroll around the fort, then get further context when you visit the museum, which tells the area's story through its display of dioramas, vintage rifles, artifaces, and more. Discover a significant chapter in Texas' long and capitvating history, then head out for even more adventures in Surfside Beach.

Embark on a Birding Adventure

Roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, snow geese, and countless herons and egrets reside in and near Surfside Beach at various times of the year, making the village a delight for birding enthusiasts.

The village sits near the southern border of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, where more than 200 varieties of birds have been spotted.

Whether you visit in the winter to see all the migratory birds or in the summer, you’re likely to see something you haven’t encountered before. Make sure to bring your binoculars.