Do islands come to mind when you think of Texas? They should. There are plenty of idyllic beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. South Padre Island is a narrow strip of land off the Texas coast that offers tropical waters for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and kite surfing. Families dominate the area year-round, especially when local sculptors take to the shoreline in fall to build structures during Sandcastle Days, an event that highlights coastal conservation every fall.

The largest barrier island of Texas' many, Padre Island is home to both family-friendly beaches and spring break party resorts. Take to the water for paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking and sea turtle and dolphin watching, or stay on land for spas, sandcastle festivals, a food scene worth sampling and beachfront horseback rides.