Best Places to Visit in Texas on Spring Break
With spring break right around the corner and warmer temperatures in the forecast, many are looking for the perfect destination to spend the week. Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation or a booze-filled party scene, there are plenty of great Texas cities to visit. These are the best places to visit in Texas on spring break because they have something for everyone.
GALVESTON
Galveston Island is a 27 mile long, popular beach town along the Gulf of Mexico. Many spring breakers flock here for sun and beach fun every spring break. You can enjoy the sandy beaches, Pleasure Pier with it’s adrenaline-pumping rides, strolls down the Seawall, Schlitterbahn Water Park, or 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. There is plenty for all to see and do on Galveston Island.
CORPUS CHRISTI
Corpus Christi boasts more than 100 miles of beaches, making it a great place for you to spend spring break soaking up the sun. There are also many attractions to enjoy – Bob Hall Pier is a great beach for surfing and picnics; J.P. Luby Surf Park on North Packery Beach is a great spot for kite boarding, surfing, wake-boarding, and jet skiing; South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, and Bowlero for bowling, outdoor patio games, laser tag, and a fun lounge. You can check out the local Lazy Beach Brewing Company and Hurricane Alley Water Park is also a great place for adrenaline-pumping slides, rides, and other water attractions. Don’t forget about the Texas State Aquarium, South Texas Botanical Gardens and the USS Lexington.
PORT ARANSAS
Port Aransas on Mustang Island, also known as “Port A” offers spectacular beaches and great fishing spots. Port Aransas beach is a wide expanse of fine white sand for building sand castles, sunbathing, fishing, bird watching and shell hunting. Roberts Point Park offers 50 acres of sand, a music venue, a pavilion, and an observation tower for dolphin watching. You can visit Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center to view wetlands full of alligators and birds. Enjoy the secluded San José Island by taking a boat from Fisherman’s Wharf or go parasailing with Chute ‘Em Up for fantastic views of the area. So many things to choose from!
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
Considered a coastal gem, South Padre Island offers 34 miles of beautiful sand along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. Attractions include South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center with a five-story high watchtower; South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center with boat tours to observe dolphins, magnificent beaches perfect for lounging on the sand, playing volleyball, running, and picnicking; and deep-sea fishing with one of many local boats. After the sun goes down, there is plenty of live music, drinks, and fresh seafood to go around, with some of the best found at Palm St. Pier, 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. South Padre Island is known for their wild parties, concerts, booze, and plenty of beach time.
AUSTIN
Being a college town and Texas’ eclectic capital city, Austin knows how to party. You can find music, beer, and food for all tastes. SXSW, the ever popular music festival, where free and cheap live music performances can be found all over Austin, usually coincides with spring break for most universities in the area. Sixth Street, one of the most popular nightlife districts in town offers inexpensive drinks, live music, and dancing. You can find local micro-brews, food trucks, and a laid back atmosphere on Rainey Street. If outdoor activities are your thing, cruise down Lady Bird Lake, get on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, take a tour of the Texas State Capital or, take a dip in Austin’s favorite Barton Springs Pool. Austin has so much to offer, it’s the perfect spring break destination!
NEW BRAUNFELS
New Braunfels is a charming small city near San Antonio and is popular destination for spring break. Downtown New Braunfels provides live entertainment and great restaurants. However, the New Braunfels’ real claim to fame and biggest attractions are the Comal and the Guadalupe Rivers. Slowly drift down the river in large tubes with your friends or family. Comal River is beautiful, pristine, and spring-fed, with its headwaters at the Edwards Aquifer. The Upper Guadalupe River is smaller and faster than the lower stream. The lower river between Canyon Dam and New Braunfels is the popular destination for tubing and tends to be crowded during the holidays and weekends.There is a range of experienced outfitters at both rivers who will provide you with the instructions and tubes.
