Spring is one of the best times to visit Texas.
The weather is mild and perfect for outdoor excursions while the famous Texas bluebonnets pop over the entire state.
No wonder that Texas is a favorite spring break destination for many families as well as college kids.
Also Read: Best Places to See Bluebonnets in Texas
Texas spring break means lots of fun.
There are lots of things to do for spring break in Texas from river tubing, ziplining, and bluebonnet drives to relaxing on the beach and partying.
Also Read: 16 Best family-friendly beach vacations in Texas
From cultural attractions to historic places, you can find a variety of spring break ideas in Texas for every budget and interest.
Whether you are looking for hip and trendy spring break destinations in Texas like South Padre Island or a relaxed family-friendly spring break in Houston, we have got you covered.
From the great outdoors of the West Texas desert to cultural destinations like San Antonio, Texas has a variety of spring break destinations for every type of traveler.
Because of the over 600 miles of the Gulf Coast, there are also many spring break beaches in Texas.
From South Padre Island spring break to Galveston tx spring break, the Lone Star State has plenty of beachy places to travel for spring break.
Here is our ultimate guide to the best Texas spring break locations.
Best Spring Break Destinations in Texas
From the ghost towns of West Texas to the charming Hill Country escapes, there are several amazing places to go in Texas for spring break.
Spring Break doesn’t always have to be about hitting the beach.
There are plenty of amazing options in Texas’s metropolitan centers like San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin.
This list of amazing places to go for spring break in Texas is popular with locals as well as visitors to our beautiful state.
Many people from the north travel to Texas every spring to escape the snow and catch some sunshine.
Here are our favorite spring break destinations for families in Texas.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is known as the Texas spring break island!
It is famous for its wild parties and we wouldn’t really recommend South Padre spring break for families.
SPI spring break is more for the boisterous college crowd and involves a lot of music, dancing, and drinking.
South Padre Island is known as “Spring Break Island” for a reason.
Each spring this resort town switches its focus to creating the perfect Spring Break getaway.
Imagine fat-wheel biking down the beach during the day and spending the night rotating through endless shows and parties hosted by artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Da Baby, and Waka Flocka Flame.
SPI truly has some of the best things to do for spring break in Texas.
One of the best parts of South Padre Spring Break is that it is one of the most affordable destinations in Texas for spring breakers and college students.
You can also get tickets for all-inclusive trips that often include a party condo for groups as well as tickets to multiple parties.
For those looking for even more discounts, the island is known for its beautiful tent camping sites that turn into a community of new friends and party-partners.
San Antonio
San Antonio is very popular among spring break Texas destinations.
On a San Antonio spring break, you can soak in Texas history, culture, and urban attractions.
The city is home to the famed San Antonio River walk.
Here you will find beautiful architecture and a collection of interesting hotels, shops, galleries, and restaurants along the river.
Imagine spending an afternoon in the warm Texas Spring dining alfresco while a boat slowly cruises by on the San Antonio River Walk.
The city also has many museums and historical places including the Alamo.
In many ways, San Antonio reminds us of Europe and is an amazing way to get a Spanish Spring Break on a budget.
The city is also host to many theme parks and attractions like Sea World, Six Flags, the Schlitterbahn Water Park, Natural Bridges Caverns.
These are a favorite with kids of all ages making San Antonio a top spot for spring break in Texas for families.
Galveston Island
For another popular destination for Texas Island spring break, consider Galveston Island.
Galveston Island is one of the most charming cities on the Texas coast.
As opposed to the modern luxury apartment towers and glittering hotels of many of America’s southern beaches, this island holds on to its quirky charm with bright Victorian architecture.
Just head to the Seawall Promenade to see the colorful and whimsical buildings that make the island one of the most Instagrammable destinations in Texas.
Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the best amusement parks in Texas and offers lots of fun rides.
Not only is the island beautiful, it also offers a bustling art scene with over 20 galleries and tons of shopping destinations.
Galveston Island is also home to some of the best Texas beaches.
Families can build a sandcastle, go sea kayaking or birding, or simply rent a chair and relax on the beach.
The city has several beaches with our favorites being East Beach or the Galveston Island State Park beaches.
Spend the day at Moody Gardens or take a cruise to the Bolivar Peninsula.
Galveston Island manages to merge the fun of a beach destination with the culture of a major city and is popular amongst spring break places in Texas.
Glen Rose
Visiting Glen Rose is one of the best things to do on spring break in Texas for families.
At Glen Rose, you will find a variety of dinosaur as well as wildlife attractions.
It is the perfect place to visit for young dinosaur lovers.
Texas’s famous Dinosaur Valley State Park is located right here in Glen Rose.
Within the bed of the river that flows within the park, you can find several fossilized dinosaur footprints.
You can hike to these footprints and even step inside them. It is a truly fascinating experience.
The park also offers hiking, camping, and birdwatching opportunities.
Keeping with the prehistoric theme, nearby Dinosaur World has over 150 life size models of dinosaurs as well as an archeological dig and playground.
While not dino-themed, the final stop for the perfect Glen Rose Spring Break is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
This conservation center conserves endangered animals.
The grounds are full of giraffe, rhinos, and ostriches.
Visitors are allowed to see and even feed them on a drive-through safari.
Glen Rose is definitely one of the most unique family spring breaks in Texas.
Brenham
Living in Houston, Brenham is our favorite place to spend family spring break in Texas.
Most people don’t think that a small town like Brenham will offer enough to keep the kids occupied for spring break…
….but Brenham is top amongst Texas spring break ideas for 2 reasons: Blue Bell and Bluebonnets!
Springtime in Brazos Valley is just spectacular.
The fields surrounding the town explode with color as the state flower and other wildflowers bloom in large masses.
These fields are ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and photos.
Brenham is also home to the famous Bluebell Creamery.
This ice cream company is Texas’s favorite local treasure.
Visitors can tour the facility and get free tastings of your favorite flavors of ice cream.
The city is definitely our favorite spring break trips in Texas.
New Braunfels
If you have teens, then definitely consider New Braunfels amongst your Texas family spring break ideas.
Apart from the usual attractions, the city is famous for river-tubing.
New Braunfels has two rivers flowing through it – the Comal River and the Guadalupe River.
Starting in spring, these rivers are an excellent way to cool off and escape the Texas heat by river-tubing.
Comal offers a calm float whereas the Guadalupe can be more rugged and has areas of small rapids – they are both equally exciting.
You can rent river tubes and other gear at any of the outfitters in the city.
For those looking for something more thrilling, visit the original Schlitterbahn Water Park.
It is located right in New Braunfels and has 51 different slides and chutes all powered by the Comal River.
You should probably know this – when it comes to spring break for families in Texas, nothing can beat Schlitterbahn!
Austin & Enchanted Rock
If you don’t want the rowdiness of South Padre Texas spring break, but still want some partying and dancing, then consider the excellent nightlife on Austin’s 6th Street or Rainey Street.
Austin Texas spring break is also great for families.
From the music and nightlife – they don’t call it the live music capital of the world for nothing – to the family-friendly attractions like the Texas state capitol and the duck tours, the city has something for every type of spring breaker.
Austin is also just a short drive away from the beautiful and must-see Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Enchanted Rock is a pink granite hill that offers 11 miles of hiking trails and some of the best stargazing in the area from the summit.
It is guaranteed to make any outdoor lover happy and is a top amongst Texas spring break spots!
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is the unsung hero of family spring break vacations in Texas.
This charming German town located in the Texas Hill Country is an amazing escape from the routine and stresses of daily life.
The city welcomes visitors with a huge list of spring break specific activities like art parties at the Yellow Door Gallery and hands-on science and engineering experiments at the National Museum of the Pacific War.
The nearby LBJ Ranch sets up a giant screen and projector for family movies under the stars on the spring weekends.
The spring break week reaches a crescendo with a giant outdoor market with over 200 vendors and a chili cook-off where visitors get to sample and vote for their favorites.
Houston & Kemah
H-Town is a great choice when it comes to spring break ideas for family in Texas.
There are several things to do in Houston for spring break.
Experience a true Texas-style spring break with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The Houston rodeo is one of the biggest in the country and runs for several weeks in March following the popular downtown Rodeo Parade that kicks off the event.
There are rodeo clowns, face painting, and petting zoos for the kids.
Adults can indulge in horse racing, bull riding, and sold-out concerts by artists ranging from Willie Nelson to Chance the Rapper to Lizzo to Marshmellow.
Houston also has many museums and attractions like Space Center to keep kids happy.
Another major family attraction for Spring Break is the Kemah Boardwalk which is home to old-school amusement park rides.
For Spring Break only, there is a specialty pass that gives unlimited access to the boardwalk, the pleasure pier, and the aquarium for under $70!
Big Bend National Park
A favorite Texas state spring break destination! This is one of the busiest but also the most beautiful times for the park.
February to April is the busiest season in Big Bend thanks to the wildflowers that bloom in this part of the year.
On top of the desert blooms, the heat is still at a comfortable level making it the perfect time to go desert camping.
The park has four developed campgrounds that offer amenities like showers, toilets, and RV hookups.
There are primitive spots available in the backcountry for those looking for a more rugged Texas camping experience.
Apart from camping, you can enjoy many other activities in Big Bend including hiking, scenic drives, hot springs, birding, wildlife watching, and more.
Attractions close to Big Bend include the Big Bend Ranch state park and the ghost town of Terlingua.
Port Aransas
Wondering where to go for spring break in Texas that is sunny, beachy, yet budget-friendly?
Welcome to Port A, #1 amongst underrated spring break spots in Texas!
Port Aransas is one of the biggest college Spring Break destinations in Texas, right behind Padre Island.
The beaches of Port Aransas often hold themed parties for college students during the day.
As the sun sets, plenty of beachgoers keep the party going on the sand, though the bars in town begin to fill up as well.
Even families love the coastal town of Port A for spring break.
However, be prepared for large crowds and waiting in lines wherever you go in one of the most popular beach towns in Texas!
Wimberley and San Marcos
The Charming Texas Hill Country towns of Wimberley and San Marcos make the perfect spring break destinations for families.
Enjoy a float trip down the San Marcos River or enjoy a swim in Wimberly’s famous Blue Hole.
Located approximately midway between San Antonio and Austin, these towns are budget-friendly as well.
San Marcos is home to the Texas State University and has a fun, youthful vibe.
San Marcos has many other attractions including museums, parks, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants and shops.
Downtown Wimberley has a charming and historic downtown boutiques and art galleries.
You can also enjoy kayaking, biking, and hiking at the nearby state parks located just a short drive away.
Corpus Christi
When it comes to the best Texas beaches for spring break, you can’t go wrong with Corpus Christi.
Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas are known for their miles and miles of sandy beaches.
The city also has many other amenities that make it such a popular spring break destination.
The town’s Beer Trail Passport takes visitors through town to visit the six breweries and one distillery for tours and tastings.
The final stop is the visitors’ information center once the passport has been filled out by each stop for a special prize.
The city also has lots of family-friendly activities including museums, nature walks, a range of restaurants, shopping, and more.
The South Texas botanical gardens are great to spend some time in nature while military enthusiasts will love seeing the USS Lexington ship Museum.
The Texas State Aquarium is also located here and is one of the most fun things to do in the city for the entire family.
Amarillo & Palo Duro Canyon
If you don’t mind the cold, then the Texas panhandle is top among spring break ideas for families in Texas.
Amarillo takes family-friendly spring break to a whole new level with their themed spring break at the Don Harrington Discovery Center.
There are many other things to do in Amarillo downtown from murals, Route 66 historic district, and the cars at Cadillac Ranch.
You can see shows in the city and try different cuisines or visit the museums.
For families looking for something more outdoorsy, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an ideal stop.
The state park is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and there are all kinds of walks and talks through the park, sunset hikes, and a photography competition.
You can also enjoy thrilling activities like horseback riding or ziplining near Palo Duro Canyon.
Mustang Island
Another top choice for texas spring break beaches for families.
At Mustang Island State Park, you can enjoy the beaches, warm gulf waters, and camping on the beach in Texas.
However, Mustang Island is pretty popular and crowded during spring, so we recommend advance reservations.
Mustang Island is an excellent place for birding.
It is a part of the Texas Coastal Birding Trail and you can spot ospreys, oystercatchers, pelicans, ducks, warblers, and many more birds.
Build sand castles or the Mustang Beach or enjoy a bonfire at night.
Mustang Island is also a popular destination for water sports.
You can either bring your own gear or rent in the town of Port A or Corpus Christi.
Dallas / Fort Worth
Dallas spring break is another great alternative for families and couples who love city breaks.
There are plenty of things to do in Dallas for spring break.
The temperatures start warming up and everyone is in a hurry to get outdoors and enjoy everything that this amazing city has to offer.
Sure you can see the museums or go to the aquarium, but we would recommend a visit to the Dallas Arboretum.
They have really spectacular spring blooms: you will find colorful azaleas, tulips, roses, crape myrtles, rhododendrons, and many other plants.
The nearby cities of Fort Worth, Grapevine, and Arlington are also great to visit during spring.
We especially love visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards and enjoying their Wild West feel.
Arlington is home to the Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park and is especially popular to visit during the Spring Break.
Padre Island National Seashore
For families looking for an island in Texas for spring break, consider the quiet and isolated Padre Island National Seashore.
Here, you can actually spend spring break on Texas beach camping near the water’s edge.
You can sleep under the stars and enjoy a quiet time in nature.
The entire island is a protected NPS managed site.
You can go hiking, spend time on the beach, spot wildlife, go birding, beachcombing for driftwood, and just relax on the beach.
Padre Island National Seashore is a world apart from the activity of South Padre Island.
It is also a hit with water lovers. Popular activities in the Gulf waters include sea kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, kiteboarding, and more.
Waco
Waco is one of the most underrated family spring break ideas in Texas.
It is a fun town that offers several attractions for a family-focused Spring Break.
It is also one of the top spots for family vacations in Texas in March.
The town is full of quaint restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore for an afternoon.
There are plenty of outdoor activities as well like disc golf, paddle boarding the Brazos, walking through the robust farmers market, and visiting the zoo.
Waco is home to the original Dr. Pepper bottling plant and visitors can now tour the building which has been turned into the Dr Pepper museum celebrating the local icon.
The nearby Waco Mammoth National Monument is a hit with kids.
Here you can see fossils and recreated skeletons of prehistoric Columbian mammoths and other animals that lived in the era.
Seeing the exhibits is a fascinating and memorable experience.
Canyon Lake
Looking for ideas for spending spring break near the water?
Consider this hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country.
On a spring break vacation in Canyon Lake, you can enjoy a variety of water sports such as kayaking, jet skis, and more on the lake.
The parks on the Lakeshore are excellent for outdoor activities such as boating, hiking, camping, and Wildlife watching.
Kids love visiting the nearby Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country where they can see excellently preserved dinosaur tracks made by the beasts that lived in Central Texas millions of years ago.
Lake Texoma
Lake Texoma is another great spring break destination for those who don’t mind a little cold.
The lake is located on the Texas Oklahoma border and is great for outdoor lovers.
A number of recreation areas and state parks are located on the Lakeshore including the popular Eisenhower State Park.
The lake is popular for water sports including kayaking, sailing, as well as for bass fishing.
Spending a day on the water at Lake Texoma is one of our favorite things to do in North Texas.
Besides these, Texas also has many other great spring break family vacations including Surfside Beach, Grapevine, Rockport Beach, Lubbock, and El Paso.
When is spring break in Texas?
Wondering when does spring break start in Texas?
Spring Break dates in Texas are usually in the second or third week of march.
The dates change a bit every year and we recommend looking up the dates for your school district or college before planning your trip.
Also understand, that spring break week is very crowded so if you can plan your trip to the destinations a little before or after the peak dates, then you will encounter fewer crowds and cheaper rates.
You can also look for off the beaten path spring break ideas Texas to plan the trip on a budget.
We hope you liked our post on things to do in Texas for spring break.
Did we forget to include any popular Texas spring break destinations? Let us know in the comments.