Surfside Beach

The Best Beach Setup for Family Days
Water depth: generally shallow near shore
Crowd level: moderate
Shade: limited natural shade
Pet friendly: yes
Drive-on access: yes

Galveston Beaches

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Surfside Beach

A Laid Back Gulf Coast Beach Day With Room To Roam

Surfside Beach is the kind of place where a simple family beach day turns into a full coastal reset. It is a laid back Gulf Coast community roughly an hour from Galveston with four miles of shoreline, steady Gulf breezes, and a small town beach vibe that makes it easy to slow down. Between surf friendly water, fishing from shore or the jetty, and kid friendly extras like a splash pad, it is a strong pick for families who want beach time plus a little more to do.
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Visitor Guide

Plan Your Perfect Day At Surfside Beach

📍 Location

Surfside Beach is roughly an hour from Galveston, making it an easy day trip or weekend escape when you want the Gulf without a long drive.

Surfside Beach is built for an easygoing arrival. Once you choose your access point, you can settle into a stretch of sand that feels open and relaxed, with miles of shoreline to explore and space to spread out for families and groups.

Surfside Beach is ideal for classic shade and lounge time. It is known for a breezy, sun kissed shoreline that pairs well with a simple family setup and plenty of sand to claim your space.
  • Surf and water activities: The deeper water just off the coastline creates ideal conditions for surfing, kayaking, and wind surfing, with options in town to learn and get out on the water.
  • Fishing access and a free boat ramp: Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes here. You can cast from the shore or the jetty, head out by boat, or charter a deep sea trip for bigger catches. The village also offers a free boat ramp.
  • Bird and nature watching: Birdwatchers can spot nearly 400 species along the Bird and Butterfly Trail, and Surfside Beach has been recognized with Bird City status by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
  • Splash Pad Park for kids: For a break from saltwater, the village has a 2,000 square foot splash pad park with multiple water features and plenty of room to play, which is a great mid day reset for families.

Keep your setup respectful and easy for everyone. Clean up all trash and leave only your footprints behind. Keep music at a reasonable volume, and follow posted signs and local guidance so the beach stays enjoyable for everyone.

Specific beach rules to follow:

  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times when on the beach.

  • Glass containers are prohibited anywhere on the beach.

  • Fireworks are not allowed on the beach or within city limits.

  • Vehicles are only permitted east of Highway 332 and require a valid beach pass displayed on the windshield.

  • The pedestrian beach (west of Starfish) is closed to vehicles, and the speed limit on the beach is 15 mph.

Always follow posted warnings and any directions from city staff. Surfside Beach does not have formal lifeguards on duty, so visitors should swim cautiously, stay close to shore, and keep a close watch on children at all times. Vehicular traffic is permitted only east of Highway 332, and all vehicles, including golf carts, must display a valid annual beach pass on the front left windshield.

Surfside Beach is best enjoyed in the warmer months, with average temperatures ranging from about 75–90°F in summer and 65–78°F in spring. Fall stays pleasant at 60–80°F, while winter is cooler and quieter, averaging 50–65°F. For fewer crowds and a calmer beach experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays when the shoreline is more open and breezy. Check the current weather and conditions below.

Surfside Beach is more than just sand. Mix in fishing from the jetty or shore, check out the Bird and Butterfly Trail, cool off at the splash pad, then wrap the day with local restaurants, seafood, and nightlife with live music. If you are planning something bigger, Stahlman Park Event Center is a notable venue for events and celebrations.

Enjoy more time at Surfside Beach by choosing a stay just minutes away. BeachBox features a range of nearby vacation rentals so you can come back to a comfortable home base after a day spent soaking up the sun, waves, and coastal views.

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Is This Beach Right for You?

Beach experiences can vary widely. This overview highlights what to expect so you can decide if it’s a good match for you.

Tap the cards to read more.

Shoreline Length
Miles of room to roam.
Surfside Beach is known for four miles of shoreline, which makes it easier to find space for family setups, sand play, and long walks.
Drive-On Access
Easy coastal escape.
Its location about an hour from Houston makes Surfside Beach a simple trip when you want the Gulf without complicated planning.
Water Conditions
Ideal for energetic days on the water.
The coastline can support surfing, kayaking, and wind surfing, so it is a great match for families who like to mix lounging with action.
Amenities
More than just the beach.
Fishing access, a free boat ramp, birding trails, a splash pad, and nearby history spots add variety to your day.
Atmosphere
Small town and laid back.
Expect an easygoing beach community vibe with colorful coastal charm and plenty to do without feeling rushed.
Best For
Family beach days with options.
Surfside Beach is ideal when you want a classic beach setup plus activities like fishing, surf time, nature watching, and kid friendly breaks.

Location

Surfside Beach on the Map

Explore where Surfside Beach is located and see nearby access points, parking areas, attractions, and surrounding coastal landmarks along the Gulf of Mexico.

Reviews

What People Are Saying

“Went this beach on Saturday afternoon and had a really great time!! An hour away from Houston with a decent water quality and nice beach without too much of a crowd. You can buy parking permit either from beach entrance or circle K near the beach but be aware that circle K only has annual permit ($30) not the daily one ($15). Definitely a good beach to spend the weekend afternoon.”
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Yoon-Ze Shin

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“We bring our dog here every summer and we all love it! We usually stay on the beach but have driven on the beach once! It’s not too crowded on week days but does get busy Saturdays. Make sure to get a burger and drinks from seaside bar and grill. Don’t miss the sunrise. This is a special little Texas beach!”
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Brandi Francis

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“Lots of clean sand and excellent access to shoreline. Can drive on beach. Dog friendly with leash. Not many shells at all though. Family place. Police patrol every so often.”
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Sheryl Shannon

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“It’s a nice beach to relax. Being a first timer, it was a good experience for me. If you have beach permit then you can park on the beach otherwise outside for free. There is one public restroom near outside parking. Regular police patrolling happens. I think only one restaurant is there on the beach where you can eat and drink. Beach is not very deep so you can enjoy going far. I think there are no swim guards too. You can bring dogs.”
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SS

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“I love this beach, it brings back very fond memories for me. It’s a special place that I hold in my heart. I love the beach, it’s clean, it’s a family place, and it’s very safe.”
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Aidee G

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“Nice beach! You can drive your car on the beach which makes for easy transport and set up. We had an amazing time and everyone was friendly and mindful. I will definitely come again.”
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YJ

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

Where to Rent Beach Gear in Galveston?

Make your beach getaway effortless! Rent all the beach gear and accessories you need, and we’ll handle the rest with free delivery and pickup right at your vacation rental.

Your items will be ready before you arrive and collected when your stay ends. Choose from daily, multi-day, or weekly rentals, and enjoy more beach time with zero hassle.

Learn More

Wheater

Current Weather Conditions In Surfside Beach

You can also check real time weather for Surfside Beach before you head out. View current conditions like temperature, wind speed, and UV index, with live updates that refresh regularly so you can plan your beach day with confidence.
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Surfside Beach
7:45 pm, Feb 23, 2026
temperature icon 55°F
Humidity: 54 %
Pressure: 1030 mb
Wind: 5 mph
Wind Gust: 6 mph
Clouds: 17%
Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise: 6:52 am
Sunset: 6:16 pm
  • Temperature
  • Precipitation
  • Rain Chance
  • Wind
  • Humidity
  • Pressure
9:00 pm
temperature icon
52°/55°°F 0 mm 0% 3 mph 54% 1030 mb 0 mm/h
12:00 am
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48°/53°°F 0 mm 0% 3 mph 52% 1030 mb 0 mm/h
3:00 am
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46°/49°°F 0 mm 0% 2 mph 52% 1028 mb 0 mm/h
6:00 am
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43°/43°°F 0 mm 0% 4 mph 50% 1026 mb 0 mm/h
9:00 am
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58°/58°°F 0 mm 0% 11 mph 43% 1025 mb 0 mm/h
12:00 pm
temperature icon
68°/68°°F 0 mm 0% 13 mph 47% 1024 mb 0 mm/h
3:00 pm
temperature icon
65°/65°°F 0 mm 0% 16 mph 53% 1019 mb 0 mm/h
6:00 pm
temperature icon
63°/63°°F 0 mm 0% 14 mph 65% 1017 mb 0 mm/h

Take a Look

The Surfside Beach Photo Gallery

Explore the Surfside Beach Photo Gallery to get a feel for the shoreline, water activities, and the laid back atmosphere that makes this Gulf Coast spot a favorite. From sunny beach days to breezy afternoons on the water, these photos offer a quick preview of what your visit can look like.
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Where To Stay Near Surfside Beach

BeachBox vacation rentals near Surfside Beach make it easy to stay close to the sand without giving up comfort. Explore our curated collection of Surfside homes designed for effortless coastal stays, with spacious layouts, full kitchens, and inviting living areas for relaxing after the beach.
View Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest “no stress” setup for first timers?
Keep it simple: bring shade, chairs, a cooler, and a few sand toys. Surfside Beach has plenty of shoreline, so the goal is an easy base camp and a relaxed pace.
You can try surfing, kayaking, or wind surfing, fish from shore or the jetty, explore the Bird and Butterfly Trail, and take kids to the splash pad for a fresh water break.
Yes. It is a family friendly beach town with lots of outdoor activities and a dedicated splash pad park that is perfect for kids who need a break from the Gulf.
Visit the Surfside Museum above City Hall, explore Fort Velasco for Texas history, then end the day with local restaurants, seafood, and nightlife with live music.
BeachBox offers nearby vacation home rentals that make it easy to stay close to Surfside Beach. From relaxing weekend escapes to longer Gulf Coast stays, you can choose a comfortable home just minutes from the sand and waves.

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