Surfside Beach, Texas.

Surfside Beach is a small, unincorporated community on the Gulf Coast just south of Freeport. It is the kind of place that has deliberately stayed simple. Unlike the resort towns further south, Surfside has no high-rise hotels, no boardwalk, and no amusement parks. What it does have is miles of wide, drivable beach where you can park your vehicle on the sand, set up your spot, and spend the day with the Gulf lapping at your feet. That simplicity is exactly what draws people here.

Surfside Beach is near Freeport on the upper Texas coast, about 60 miles south of Houston. It's adjacent to Quintana Beach County Park.

The beach at Surfside is one of the few on the upper Texas coast where driving on the sand is permitted. This makes it especially popular with families who want to bring everything they need for a full day at the beach without having to carry it from a parking lot. The beach is wide enough that even when it is busy, there is plenty of space between groups. Surf fishing is excellent, with redfish, speckled trout, and whiting commonly caught from the shore. The community also has a fishing pier and a jetty at the mouth of the Brazos River that offers additional angling opportunities.

For accommodations, Surfside has a mix of beach houses and condos available for rent, as well as a small RV park. The community has a few restaurants and convenience stores, but services are limited. Most visitors bring their own supplies. The area is also close to the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, which offers hiking trails and birding opportunities in the coastal prairie ecosystem. Surfside Beach is the definition of a no-frills beach destination. It is affordable, accessible, and unpretentious. For Hill Country families looking for a straightforward beach weekend, it is hard to beat.

Drive time from Boerne

Surfside Beach is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from Boerne via I-10 East to Columbus, then south on Highway 71 and TX-36 through Wharton to Freeport, followed by Highway 332 to the coast.

What to know before you go

• Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather. Summer weekends can be busy but the beach is wide enough to accommodate crowds.
• Drive-on beach: Vehicles are permitted on the beach. A beach driving permit may be required. Check local regulations before driving onto the sand.
• Surf fishing: The beach is excellent for surf fishing. Common catches include redfish, speckled trout, and whiting.
• Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge: Located nearby, this refuge offers birding, hiking, and wildlife viewing in coastal prairie habitat.
• Amenities: Services are limited. Bring all supplies and groceries with you. The nearest full-service stores are in Freeport.
• Lodging: Beach house rentals and condos are the primary options. Book ahead for summer and holiday weekends.