6 Summer Staycation Ideas in Dallas and Surroundings
Beaches, waterfalls, drive-thru safaris and more near Dallas. Discover 6 superb ways to spend a hot summer day in and around DFW!
Category: Summer
10 Top Things to do In South Padre Island, Texas
Discover all must-sees and must-dos in South Padre Island, one of the best beach vacation destinations in Texas.
Have the time of your life this summer in one of the most beautiful portions of the Texas Gulf Coast
Ask any Texan about the best beaches to visit in the state and they will not hesitate in pointing out South Padre Island.
South Padre Island is a popular beach travel destination year-round, and especially during the excruciating Texas summer months – ocean breeze, water, and few clothes on are hands down one of the best ways to beat the Texas heat!
And the place lives up to all the hype about it: there you can expect to find white sand beaches, dunes, wildlife, beach vibe and great weather.
But which are the best beaches to hit in South Padre Island? What to do there besides hanging out on the beach? Which are the main local attractions you can’t miss and that will make you experience the best of this amazing portion of the Texas Gulf Coast?
Find here 10 amazing things to do in South Padre Island and hit the road to uncover one of the best beaches to visit in Texas within a reasonable distance from Dallas – 8h30 driving from the city.
If you’re looking for a beach closer to Dallas, check this blog post as well, covering the best beaches to visit in the Port Aransas and Corpus Christi surroundings.
Check our ideas below, make your reservations and embark on an amazing trip through the Texas Coast!
Isla Blanca Park - Beach Access # 16
So, you’re here for the beach, right? And Isla Blanca Park happens to be one of the best places to bury your feet on the sand in the heart of South Padre Island, near hotels, condos, and eateries.
Beach Access # 16, at Isla Blanca Park, is a top-rated beach access in South Padre Island and a safe bet if you’re looking for your perfect spot under the sun without driving any further. Expect a clean beach with soft sand, easily accessible through a beautiful wooden walkaway.
Isla Blanca Park has a small public parking, as well as abounding public street park. Go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
Edwin K. Atwood Park
Looking for something more private and scenic? Drive about 7 miles/ 15 minutes east and spend the day at Edwin K. Atwood Park instead.
It’s a scenic beachfront park with several amenities – such as beachfront covered pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms – and 20 miles of undeveloped and drivable beaches.
For the utmost adventure, drive on the beach (4-wheel drive recommended) and find your own private slice of paradise.
Sea Turtle Inc. is on your way to Edwin K. Atwood Park and combining them both is an outstanding way to spend your day in South Padre Island (keep reading for more info on that).
South Padre Sand Dunes
Continue driving east on Ocean Boulevard for about 6 miles past Edwin K. Atwood Park and you’ll reach one of the most beautiful – and maybe least visited – areas in South Padre Island.
The South Padre Sand Dunes are a must-visit protected area, with gorgeous dunes and a peaceful beach.
Its entrance marks the end of the road. You’re not allowed to drive on the dunes, so plan to hike them (bring plenty water!) and then set up your tent by the beach to enjoy solitude and stunning views.
the South Padre Sand Dunes are near South Padre Island Adventure Park, where you can experience horseback riding on the beach (more info in the next topics).
Sea Turtle Inc
Sea Turtle Inc. is a conservation center and animal protection organization.
They perform an amazing job rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles and they work can be seen firsthand – including the beautiful turtles they care for – at their rehabilitation center.
Visiting the center is an educative and inspiring experience. Witnessing their hatchling releases – currently suspended due to COVID-19 – an unforgettable moment. A must-stop in a summer trip from Dallas to South Padre Island.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door and visiting them both together is highly recommended (see next topics).
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Looking for once in lifetime experiences? Try horseback riding on the beach at South Padre Island.
Horseback riding with dunes and the ocean as a backdrop is a hard to beat summer activity, and a sure way to build everlasting memories.
South Padre Island Adventure Park, near the South Padre Island Sand Dunes, is one of the providers offering this type of adventure on the Texas Coast.
Make sure to schedule your horseback riding tour to the end of the day and top off the already amazing experience with a stunning sunset over the dunes.
Dolphin Watching Tour
Dolphins in Texas? You bet! And you can spot them right at the South Padre Island.
There are several operators offering Dolphin Watching tours in the area, at different times of the day.
Fins to Feathers is a great option and operates with small groups. The Original Dolphin Watch offers one of the most popular dolphin tours in South Padre Island.
Dolphin Docks is another interesting alternative. It departs from Port Isabel and you can take advantage of your day trip there to visit the Lighthouse (next topic) to cross both activities off your bucket list in a single day.
Make sure to bring your camera and if possible, schedule the sunset tour, for amazing photo ops.
Lighthouse at Port Isabel
Port Isabel is right across the bridge from South Padre Island and a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll.
Head there to explore Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, the only lighthouse in the Texas Coast open to the public. If you’re into historic spots and amazing views, you’ll love it.
The idyllic lighthouse offers great photo ops, has an informative visitors’ center telling its history and is surrounded by cute shops and restaurants. Make sure to climb the stairs to the top for amazing views of the bridge connecting the continent to South Padre Island.
Dolphin Docks is only a few steps from there and offers Dolphin Watching tours. Combining both activities can be a great way to spend an afternoon in the South Padre Island surroundings.
**NOTE:
Port Isabel Lighthouse Historic Site is currently closed due to COVID-19 as per Jul 21, 2020.
Check their website before heading there for current status.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is an amazing spot for a leisure nature walk and spot birds, turtles, and alligators!
Learn about nature. Stroll through their amazing suspended wooden boardwalk to breath in the beautiful wetland surroundings. Climb up the tower for stunning views. Feed gators and tortoises.
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door from Sea Turtle Inc., so take advantage of your visit to the area to check on both places.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a local gem almost untouched by man.
Things to do in this nature preserve include hiking, cycling, and fishing. The area is known for coyotes, falcons, and ocelots. Alligators, deer, roadrunners, and other birds can also be spotted.
The pavilion offers amazing bay views from the top.
It’s the place to be if you love nature, wildlife, solitude, and photography.
Waterfront Restaurants
A visit to the beach is not complete without enjoying a delicious meal or some drinks overlooking the ocean.
South Padre Island offers a handful selection of waterfront restaurants, both overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Laguna Madre.
To watch the sunset over Laguna Madre, head to Lobo Del Mar Cafe, Laguna BOB or Long Board Bar and Grill. For amazing ocean views, Clayton’s Beach Bar and WannaWanna are your best bet.
Summing Up
South Padre Island, 8h30 driving from Dallas, is an amazing beach destination in Texas and a sure way to get your deserved beach fix without leaving the state.
One of the best beaches to visit driving from Dallas, South Padre Island is home to amazing white sand beaches, nature preserves, dolphins, turtles and more.
In this post you discovered the 10 top things to do on a trip to South Padre Island, including the best beaches to visit, top local attractions and a handful of waterfront restaurants to include in your itinerary.
Read it through, select your favorite attractions and make your reservations to enjoy the best the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer.
Have you been to South Padre Island? Do you know of any other local attractions that should be included in a travel itinerary to South Padre Island? Leave a comment below!
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If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more. But I’ll earn a small commission that will help the Dallas Wanderer to keep the lights on as a free travel and leisure resource for our community.
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10 Best Things to Do in the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Your essential mini guide with the best beaches, restaurants and attractions in the Alabama Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and surroundings.
Florida 30A Travel Guide
Discover the 5 best beaches to visit on Florida 30A and the top things to do in each one of them!
Your ultimate guide to highway 30A in Florida, the most jaw-dropping and exclusive portion of the Emerald Coast.
Let’s cut to the chase: Florida Emerald Coast is home to some the most incredible beaches in the whole United States. And it’s within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas.
So yes, you can spend your next vacations on Caribbean-style white sugar-sand emerald water beaches without even hoping on a plane – or leaving the US.
This is what I did last Spring Break. I headed to a portion of Florida’s Emerald Coast known as Florida 30A, in South Walton. And oh boy, this place beat all my expectations! I want to go back really bad, like NOW lol.
Here I share with you my top findings there, so you can plan your own adventure without missing out on the absolute best things that the Florida Gulf Coast has to offer.
Where is Florida's Emerald Coast? And what is Florida 30A?
Florida’s Emerald Coast comprises about 100 miles of Gulf Coast beaches from Pensacola to Panama City, along five counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay.
Florida 30A is a 24-mile portion of Florida’s Emerald Coast in south Walton county, between Sandestin and Panama Beach, roughly 11 hours driving from Dallas.
Its name derives from Country Road 30A, a winding and narrow highway connecting 12 beachfront communities: Dunne Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, Watersound, Allys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach.
What is there to do in Florida 30A?
Florida 30A is home to stunning white sand beaches, rare coastal dune lakes and two gorgeous state parks – Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park. Each one of its 12 charming and upscale beachfront communities has a unique style and offer its own entertainment options.
This is a place to unwind, to soak into nature and beach vibe at its best. Spending the day by the beach, paddling the gorgeous dune lakes, hiking, indulging in excellent eateries, pubs and breweries and riding your bike throughout the beach communities are some of the must-dos there.
Most of the 30A beach communities offer public beach accesses – some well-signaled, others trickier to find. And some beach accesses are private, requiring a gate code to enter.
Discover in this article the public beach access locations, the best things to do in each of the top Florida 30A beaches and other valuable insider tips.
Where to stay in Florida 30A?
Each Florida 30A beachfront community has its own vibe. Choosing one to stay really depends on what you’re looking for.
For party goers, consider Seaside. If you’re looking for exclusivity, Rosemary Beach and Watercolor are amazing options. If you prefer a more authentic and laid-back vibe, head to Grayton Beach.
Florida 30A is a very sought-after beach destination, especially during summer, so make reservations in advance to assure the best prices.
There are tons of hotel and rental options in the area, for all budgets and needs. Search for the best deals here:
No matter where you decide to stay, make sure to explore the other beach communities – it’s the combination of all of them that make Florida 30A such a unique place. Grab your bike or your car, use the recommendations below as a starter guide and go find your favorite spots!
5 Best Beaches to Visit on Florida 30A
(and the best things to do in each one of them!)
1. Grayton Beach
Florida 30A beaches are all stunning. But Grayton Beach somehow manages to be even more breathtaking than its gorgeous neighbors, with the magnificent white sand dunes and natural pool formed by Western Lake.
Grayton Beach is my favorite Florida 30A beach from far and one not to be missed. If you need to pick only a single beach to visit on your Florida 30A road trip, choose this one.
Unlikely some of its 30A peers, Grayton Beach has a large public beach access:
The landscape there is absolutely startling. Right when you arrive, you’re greeted with a stunning view of dunes and a small natural pool formed where Western Lake coastal dune lake meets the ocean.
It’s the perfect place for kids to play in the shallow waters or to launch your kayak or SUP and paddle along the coastal dune lake, surrounded by sugar-white sand dunes.
I used my own inflatable kayak for this adventure, which I love taking along with me as it fits perfectly in my trunk and is inexpensive compared to recurring rental costs. But you might be able to find places to rent one around doing some research.
Grayton Beach has a laid-back vibe and is home to Grayton Beer Brewpub, an awesome place to sample beers and have dinner after a perfect day by the beach.
Browse here the best deals in Grayton Beach and make reservations in this hidden slice of paradise:
2. Seaside
Seaside is the most famous and popular Florida 30A beachfront community, thanks to The Truman Show movie, starring Jim Carey. Seaside was used as a filming location to bring to life the fictitious town of ‘Seaheaven”, featured in the movie.
Yep, the place exists in real life. And it’s totally gorgeous, with its distinctive architecture and immaculate streets. You can visit Jim Carey’s character house (31 Natchez Street) and other places that appear in the movie there.
Some of Seaside highlights and best things to do, other than enjoying the gorgeous beach itself, include exploring the Town Square boutiques and eateries, grabbing a bite in one of the several food trucks daily parked there and having brunch or lunch at waterfront Bud & Alleys.
There is a large public beach access in Seaside right across the street from the food trucks, by Bud & Alley’s, the Coleman Beach Pavilion – check the map below. It is the place to be if you’re looking for buzz, especially during high season.
Otherwise, Van Ness Butler Jr beach access, between Seaside and Watercolor, is only a 5-minute walk from there, and usually less crowded (see “Watercolor” for map).
Seaside is your best bet at Florida 30A if you’re looking for fun and a lively atmosphere.
Find the best hotel and rental deals in Seaside/ Seagrove here:
3. Rosemary Beach & Inlet Beach
Rosemary Beach is a gorgeous Florida 30A beachfront community, with an exclusive and unique vibe. It is home to an extra charming Main Street and a cozy town square – The Village of South Walton.
Rosemary Beach’s Main Street is the perfect place for a leisure walk.
It has a distinctive architecture, resembling a European village, and is filled with lovely boutiques, good restaurants, and eateries – La Crema Tapas & Chocolate and Edwards Fine Food & Wine are some of the recommended places to try.
The Village of South Walton town square features food stands, a fire pit and bike rentals to explore the area.
Head there early in the morning to try mouthwatering Charlies Donuts, which lives up to the hype – I’m not a donuts person and I loved it. Or go at the end of the day and grab a bite in one of the trucks to be enjoyed on the lounge chairs surrounding the firepit (with live music in the background if you’re lucky).
Rosemary Beach does not have a public beach access – they are all gated and require an access code, provided to residents and hotel/ rental guests.
Closest public beach accesses are in neighboring and stunning Inlet Beach.
One of them only a short 10-minute walk from Rosemary’s Beach Main Street (see map below). If you’re driving though, head to Inlet Beach public beach access at the intersection of S Orange St with W Park Pl Ave, which has a lot of public free parking available and is absolutely gorgeous.
If you want to enjoy it all, including the exclusive beach, consider staying at Rosemary Beach.
Browse here for the best lodging options there:
4. Dune Allen Beach & Blue Mountain Beach
In the west end of Florida 30A scenic road lie two beautiful residential beach communities: Dune Allen and Blue Mountain, featuring dune lakes and gorgeous (usually uncrowded) beaches.
But here the highlights are two well-known Florida 30A eateries: Stinky’s Fish Camp and Blue Mountain Beach Creamery.
Stinky’s Fish Camp is one of the best seafood restaurants along Florida 30A Country Road. Fresh homemade food is served in a cozy setting overlooking beautiful Allen Lake, one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. Stinky’s Fish Camp is right across the street from one of Dune Allen’s public beach accesses, perfect for a leisure walk after indulging in delicious fresh oysters.
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery features homemade ice creams and it’s within a short driving distance from the restaurant. It’s one of the most traditional ice cream shops in the area. Head there late in the afternoon, grab your cone and walk a few minutes down the street to enjoy it by the beach watching the most beautiful sunset at Blue Mountain Beach.
5. Watercolor
Watercolor is a small and exclusive Florida 30A beachfront community featuring amazing outdoors, including beautiful and immaculate parks and gardens, and one of 30A largest and most scenic coastal dune lakes.
The beach access is private there, but Watercolor is right by Van Ness Butler Jr public beach access (a short 5-minute leisure walk from the parks and boutiques):
How to spend a perfect day in Watercolor?
Enjoy the beach. Take a leisure walk through beautiful and immaculate Cerulean Park. Rent a bike at Watercolor Bike Barn and explore Marina Park bike trails. Rent a kayak or SUP at the BoatHouse and paddle stunning Western Lake, one of the largest coastal dune lakes along 30A.
Top off with shopping at the local boutiques and dinner paired with a glass of wine at the Wine Bar.
Summing Up
Florida Emerald Coast beaches are absolutely stunning, and the 30A portion of it a must-visit summer destination in the United States.
If you are looking for the best beaches to visit from Dallas, look no further and use this post to guide you through the most amazing beach vacation driving from Texas.
The roughly 11-hour driven is well-worth the jaw-dropping white sand beaches waiting for you at the end of the rainbow 🌈.
In this post we covered all of the best neighborhoods and beaches to explore during your visit to this exclusive portion of Walton County, Florida – aka South Walton – as well as the best things to do and must-try activities in these amazing destinations.
Grayton Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Dune Allen Beach and Watercolor are all highlighted here, for different reasons, and together make the most superb beach escape from Dallas.
Now make your plans and hit the road to enjoy the finest beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast!
Browse here the best deals and make reservations in advance to assure the best prices:
Have you ever been to Florida 30A? Do you know of any gem there not mentioned here that is worth adding to the travel itinerary?
Share your wisdom in the comments below and help our travel community to travel more and better! 🧡
Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!
Heads up: my posts may contain affiliate links.
If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more. But I’ll earn a small commission that will help the Dallas Wanderer to keep the lights on as a free travel and leisure resource for our community.
Thanks 🧡💙🧡
