Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in southeastern Texas, Surfside Beach is a quaint town perfect for families looking to get away from it all. Book a vacation rental in Surfside Beach or the surrounding area to experience the Gulf Coast from a whole new perspective. Swim, fish, and go boating in the mild waters that border the town, or head inland to experience beautiful parkland and plenty of opportunities for wildlife observation. On rainy days, shopping, galleries, and historical sites are ideal things to do. Check out the most popular activities in Surfside Beach.
1. Go Fishing
Catch a variety of fish including red snapper, bonita, and kingfish, in the waters near Surfside. Take out your own small craft to fish in the shallow waters near the shore, or book some time with a local charter company like Cowboy Charters to head out into deeper offshore waters.
2. Try Out Surfing
Aptly named, Surfside is a hot spot for surfers of all levels of expertise and experience. The deep waters and long jetties in the area contribute to a tide that produces small, sturdy wave swells. Grab a board and equipment from Bingo Boards, or Breaker Sports to make the most of this natural attraction.
3. Experience the Beach on Horseback
With the beach just steps away from your vacation rental, it’s easy to spend entire days walking along the sand. Why not see even more of the coast, by hitching a ride on a majestic horse? Stop by Beach Bum Horse Rides in Surfside to join a horseback riding workshop. Kids and adults can learn the basics of horse handling, and go for a fun, relaxed trot along the sandy shores.
4. Go Sailing
There are few things more relaxing than spending the day floating on a sailboat. Rent a small craft from the local marina, or book a trip with a charter company like Surfside Beach Charters to head out on the water in style. In the summer, the warm sun makes a sailboat deck the perfect spot for reading, napping, or working on your tan.
5. Spot Exotic Birds
The Intracoastal shoreline that runs through Surfside beach is a notable spot for bird watching, as a wide variety of beautiful species make their homes here year-round, or migrate in the winter. Be sure to take a drive from your vacation rental to the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, on the south end of Surfside’s shoreline, to spot an incredibly diverse bird population.
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6. Dive the Flower Garden Banks Reef
The warm waters of the Gulf Coast make a great habitat for plenty of colorful corals. Book a diving charter or take a class to get up close and personal to the reef known as Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. This reef extends toward nearby Freeport, Texas, and is home to numerous fascinating species.
7. See the History of Fort Velasco
Surfside Beach is home to the historic remains of Fort Velasco, an important site in the fight for American independence. Visit at any time of year to check out reconstructions of the original fort, as well as occasional events like cannon firing exercises and historical talks.
8. Learn About Fish at Sea Center Texas
Head a short distance inland from your vacation rental to visit Sea Center Texas. Located in Lake Jackson, this fish hatchery and educational attraction offers exhibits, workshops, and a firsthand look at the hatchery. Let your kids get up close and personal with the process of fish hatching, while they learn more about local marine wildlife.
9. Catch Crabs From the Pier
After a day spent wandering the beach, head down to the Surfside Beach Crabbing Pier to try your hand at trapping a few of these tasty crustaceans. Evenings are prime time for crabbing. Check the local catch and release guidelines to find out whether your catch is large enough to take home.
10. Visit the Brazosport Museum of Natural Science
Located in nearby Clute, Texas, the Brazosport Museum of Natural Science is just a few minutes away from a Surfside vacation rental by car. This museum offers a number of exciting exhibits — including dinosaurs — to keep the kids occupied on a rainy day.
11. Play a Round of Golf
Surfside and the surrounding areas boast a number of well-maintained 18-hole golf courses. Head up to Freeport and book a tee time for the whole family at Freeport Golf Course. Spend an afternoon strolling through the green and trying to beat your own high score.
12. View the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park
To really experience the history of Texas, be sure to check out Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park. This restored plantation home was once owned by the Governor of Texas, James S. Hogg. The surrounding green space is home to pecan orchards and neat, colorful gardens.
13. Relax at Jetty Park
Located on the beach of Surfside, Jetty Park is an easy walk away from a vacation rental in town, and is a great place to enjoy the beach or have a family picnic. This park also hosts events put on by the local historical society in honor of Fort Velasco.
14. Rent a Jet Ski
A jet ski is the perfect way to get around the waters of the gulf coast. Surfside Beach Resort Services offers affordable jet ski rentals that you can book in advance with a deposit.
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