Need spring break plans? Three Texas beach towns are ranked on this best beach list
All Texans know about Corpus Christi and South Padre Island as beach getaways in the Lone Star state. But one new study points out three other Texas beaches that are considered “hidden gems” for a rcoastal vacation.
Crystal Beach, Surfside Beach and Jamaica Beach are ranked in the top 20 beach vacation spots in HomeToGo’s 2025 Beach Index. HomeToGo is a vacation rental company founded in 2014.
These seaside communities made the list based on “accommodation price, hidden gem status, dreamy weather, delicious dining, visitor satisfaction, and that extra splash of local charm,” according to HomeToGo.
The coast is about a five-hour road trip from Cowtown, which makes for the perfect last-minute spring break destination.
Here’s why these three Texas beach destinations made the list. Read more about the list’s methodology here.
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach was ranked at No. 7 on HomeToGo’s index. This beach town is on the Bolivar Peninsula, just off Galveston Bay. It is a little more than a five-hour drive from Fort Worth.
Hidden Gem Score: 7.1 (Hidden gem scores are based on internal HomeToGo search volume data for stays at locations with a check-in date between March 1-April 30.)
Affordability Score: 9.52. You can find beach rentals starting at $136 per night.
Heat Score: 9.11. In March, Crystal Beach averages a high of 71 degrees. Peak summer months are an average of 90.
Clear Skies Score: 9.52. Annual precipitation equates to 43 inches.
Visitor Satisfaction Score: 5 (out of 10, based on data from Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Facebook reviews).
Food and Drink Score: 7.33.
Total Score: 57.19 out of 70.
[MORE: Gov. Abbott recognizes the ‘Gulf of America.’ Many Texas websites still say ‘Gulf of Mexico’]
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is ranked No. 11 on the index. Just south of Houston, this town marks the beginning of the Blue Water Highway. It is a five-hour road trip from Fort Worth.
Hidden Gem Score: 5.86.
Affordability Score: Perfect 10. You can find beach rentals starting at $120 per night.
Heat Score: 9.04. In March, Surfside averages a high of 74 degrees. Peak summer months are an average of 93.
Clear Skies Score: 9.35. Annual precipitation equates to 54 inches.
Visitor Satisfaction Score: 6.67
Food and Drink Score: 8.
Total Score: 56.65 out of 70.
Jamaica Beach
Lastly, Jamaica Beach is ranked No. 17 on the list. Located on Galveston Island, this beach is right next to Galveston State Park. It is a five-hour drive from Fort Worth.
Hidden Gem Score: 7.81
Affordability Score: 8.92. You can find beach rentals starting at $118 per night.
Heat Score: 8.97. In March, Jamaica Beach averages a high of 71 degrees. Peak summer months are an average of 90.
Clear Skies Score: 9.35. Annual precipitation equates to 43 inches.
Visitor Satisfaction Score: 5.33.
Food and Drink Score: 6.67.
Total Score: 55.8 out of 70.