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City in Brazoria County, Texas, United States
Photo: Lance L Lowry, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Surfside or Surfside Beach is a small beach town in the Gulf Coast region of Texas between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. It has over 4 miles of beaches.
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The pedestrian beach is between Welk St. and Thunder St., with free parking at both edges. There are picnic tables and BBQ grills at Jetty and Stahlman parks. Alcohol is allowed on the beach, but glass containers are forbidden on all beaches, city and county. The beach, from Welk St. north to Stanek Dr., allows cars with beach permits. Beach permits are $12 annually to drive within the village of Surfside. The beach north of Stanek dr. is owned by the county and is free for everyone. Several entrances stretch along bluewater highway marked as permit required or otherwise. Driving on or over the dunes is strictly prohibited. Water quality signs are posted at beach entrances.
Where Mexico had once established a fort to stop further immigration into what would become the Republic of Texas, and also where the Battle of Velasco occurred.
See below for surfboard and boogeyboard rentals.
There's a crabbing pier over a small estuary at the north end of town, just across from Stalman Beach Park. The end of the pier is in disrepair and the last few yards have collapsed, but the rest is stable enough for crabbing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Jetskis and boats of all sizes are popular. Kayaks can also be rented.
Casual restaurant with crawfish and oysters as their specialty.
Regular place serving assorted bar foods and excellent seafood.
Greek and Italian influenced seafood. House specialties include Red Snapper a La Grec and crab stuffed jalapenos. Children's menu available. A small selection of beer and wine, including some Greek options.
Only liquor store on the island. Limited supply of the basics, including plastic bottles to comply with beach rules. Anything more substantial/specific will require a trip either to Freeport or even Angleton.
A great local find - just to the right of the jetty. Not very large but big on atmosphere and company. Sandwiches and burgers are tasty and the beer is always cold. Rebuilt after Hurricane Ike. It has a pool table, dart board and a few video gaming machines.
Closest place to a regular bar on the island, also serves food.
Trailer serving daiquiris, beer, and jello shots to go. Can order in advance online.
Beach camping is allowed on the county beach north of Stanek drive. Cars and tents have to be parked on the dune side at night. 3' x 3' campfires are permitted as long as they under control. Camping within the village of Surfside is prohibited.
Very basic food store, can buy toiletries, drinks, and some household supplies. Head to Freeport or Lake Jackson for grocery shopping.
Surfside is about 60 miles (100 km) south of Houston. Take SH-288 South all the way through Lake Jackson.
Read in the guideThe beach makes for excellent walking, but the few services in town are spread out enough to make a car or bike a necessity.
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Houston · International · HOU
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