Easygoing Surfside Beach is the kind of place where crowds are discussed in the hundreds, not the thousands, and loyal vacationers return annually. The village itself is an unfussy cluster of pastel-colored stilt houses with wide decks, seafood shacks and biker bars with ocean views, and nautical-themed shops for souvenirs and bait.

There’s plenty to do in Surfside, whether it’s fishing along the jetty, birdwatching, or visiting the waterpark. But with four miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is the main attraction here. The section east of Highway 332 is a drive-on beach, so you can cruise along to find your perfect stretch of sand (provided you’ve purchased the annual pass at a local supermarket). Then spread out and sip a frozen blended drink while watching the sailboats and oil tankers float by.

Surfside Beach is just an hour’s drive from Houston and about 4 hours southeast from both Austin and San Antonio, making it a great weekend getaway from any of those cities. If you plan on flying, the easiest way to get here is via Houston: Several major airlines fly into that city’s two airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Taxis and rideshares are available at both airports, but with the spendy fare to get to Surfside Beach, it might be more cost-effective to rent a car.

You’ll have no problem navigating the village’s two square miles on foot, but a car comes in handy if you want to visit Galveston, which is an hour east.

Expect sunny days no matter what time of year you visit Surfside Beach. July and August tend to be the hottest months, with temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are nice and mild, with temperatures in the mid- to high 60s, and lows around 50 degrees. You may experience an isolated thunderstorm or a day of scattered showers anytime throughout the year, but beach weather usually returns quickly after the rain. Late summer through fall does bring a risk of hurricanes, so be sure to check the forecast.

Surfside Jetty County Park

Surfside Jetty County Park sits at the southern tip of the village and features beach access, a playground, and the 0.6-mile-long jetty for which it’s named. It’s a great place for a stroll, or you can bring your fishing tackle and join the local anglers on the rocks. If you prefer crustaceans, consider heading to the Crabbing Pier near Stahlman Park, north of town.

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

Just 30 minutes north of Surfside, the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 44,000 acres of salt and freshwater marshes, ponds, mudflats, and coastal prairies. Sitting under the Central Flyway, it is home to some 300 species of birds for all or part of the year. Wander the boardwalks in search of herons, roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, snow geese, and possibly even an alligator or two! In town, the Surfside Beach Bird and Butterfly Trail attracts all sorts of native and migratory animals. Just don’t forget to pack your binoculars.

Surfing

As its name suggests, Surfside Beach is known as one of the most consistent surf spots on the Texas coast. The waves are best in the winter, but storms in the Gulf of Mexico can produce big swells during hurricane season. Paddle out from the shoreline near Texas Street, or head to one of the rental shops around town and ask about lessons. Surfside is also a great spot for windsurfing and kayaking, too, depending on the conditions.