Top 6 Most Popular Texas Spring Break Destinations
When it comes to Texas spring break destinations, the Lone Star State offers something for everyone. From the sun-kissed shores of its Gulf Coast beaches to the lively cultural hubs in its cities, Texas stands out as a top pick for a memorable spring getaway.
Whether you’re a college student keen for adventure and fun, a family seeking kid-friendly experiences, or a couple looking for a peaceful retreat, spending spring break in Texas might be perfect for you.
The state’s diverse regions and activities ensure you’ll find an experience tailored to your interests and desires. Texas’s expansive coastline offers pristine sands and clear waters for beach lovers, which are ideal for relaxation and water sports.
If you’re more into the urban vibe, its cities combine history, art, and vibrant nightlife. And for those who prefer the great outdoors, the state parks and countryside offer serene landscapes and endless opportunities for adventure.
This guide provides some of the best places to go for spring break in Texas, recommended by fellow travel bloggers who’ve experienced and explored each place independently, giving you insights and tips to make the most of your holiday.
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Tips for planning your Texas spring break 2025
Prepare for Texas weather
Texas in the spring sees warmer temperatures and a burst of natural beauty. As you plan your Texas spring break trip, understanding the weather can help you pack smart and make the most of your holiday.
Texas temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to the high 70s Fahrenheit in early spring, depending on where you are. The coastal areas, such as South Padre Island, enjoy milder weather, often with a refreshing sea breeze.
Meanwhile, central and northern parts of Texas, such as Austin, might experience slightly cooler mornings and evenings, making it a good idea to layer your clothing.
By late spring, temperatures climb, often reaching the 80s and even low 90s in some regions. If you’re visiting the Big Bend area, be prepared for more arid conditions, with daytime highs and cooler nights. The varied climate means you can enjoy everything from beach days to hikes in pleasant weather.
Spring also brings a fair share of rain, particularly in April, and thunderstorms are common, especially in central Texas.
No matter which Texas spring break destinations you choose, the season’s pleasant weather allows various outdoor activities to make the most of your best spring break.
Book flights, hotels, and tours before
While Texas might not be an extremely popular destination like some parts of California or Mexico at this time of year, it’s always beneficial to plan ahead to get the best deals on accommodations, tours, and flights. After all, some parts of Texas, especially the coastline, get busy and crowded, where prices go up if you plan it at the last minute.
If you travel to the Lone Star State from anywhere in the U.S., use Skyscanner or WayAway to find the most affordable flights from your departure city. WayAway also has a membership plan that allows you to get cashback on various products booked via the app or its desktop version. If you’re interested in learning more about how WayAway works, check out my detailed review.
For stylish and boutique hotels, condos, apartments, or villas, I always look at Vrbo or Booking.com and reserve accommodation immediately once I know my destination. This way, when others start to plan their trips, I am not left with choices I don’t like or prices that are out of my budget.
I love having everything planned ahead and all the expanses spread out over months before my trip. Therefore, if you plan on engaging in the cultural and historical aspects of your chosen destination, look at Viator or GetYourGuide for a wide range of walking and food tours, boat rides, adventure activities, and skip-the-line museum tickets, to name a few.
If I need an airport pickup, I usually use WelcomePickups, as they have friendly and professional drivers. And in case I need to rent a car to explore some nearby towns, I prefer to look at DiscoverCars, as they provide the widest variety to choose from.
Be smart when packing for your Texas spring break
Packing for a spring break in Texas means preparing for a mix of warm days, cooler nights, and the occasional rain shower. With the state’s vast size and diverse landscapes, your packing list should be versatile enough to cover various activities, from beach outings to city explorations and nature hikes, if you plan on moving around rather than staying in one place.
Here are some tips on what to wear in Texas and a few other essentials to pack that might not come to mind.
Backpack or a suitcase: I always travel with my Osprey Farpoint backpack (check officiali website or Amazon) because it’s the most comfortable for me. However, if you prefer a suitcase, take a look at this Samsonite in various sizes and sets, or this one, which also offers different size options.
Layered outfits: Texas spring break weather can be unpredictable, so packing layers is key. Bring lightweight shirts and blouses for warm afternoons, and add a jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings.
Jeans and shorts: Comfortable jeans are great for city tours and cooler days, while shorts are perfect for warmer beach temperatures or daytime outings.
Swimwear: If you’re heading to the Gulf Coast or planning to visit a pool, don’t forget your swimsuit. A cover-up or beach-friendly dress will also come in handy. Don’t forget wet bags specifically made to carry wet cloths.
Beach Towel: I prefer my own beach towel anywhere I go; therefore, this Turkish pestemal is versatile, lightweight, and dries quickly.
Footwear: Pack comfortable walking shoes (I love my Teva walking shoes) for exploring cities or hiking trails. Sandals or flip-flops are essential for beach days and casual strolls.
Rain jacket or umbrella: Spring showers are common, so a compact rain jacket or an umbrella is a brilliant addition to your bag.
Sun Protection: The Texas sun can be strong, even in spring, so bring sunglasses, a fedora hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Bug Spray: If you’re heading to rural areas or parks, bug spray will help keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay.
Packing cubes: Packing cubes come in various sizes and shapes, with some even including a laundry bag. I use them to organize clothes, especially those that wrinkle easily. The smaller cubes are perfect for socks and underwear. Here is the brand I have at the moment
External charger: To capture the beautiful Texas landscapes and your vacation memories, having an external charger or a power bank to keep your devices charged all the time is key to any vacation. I use Anker MagGo.
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. My Stojo collapsible water bottle is eco-friendly and convenient. I also have its collapsible cup for my iced coffees or juices.
Daypack: A small backpack or tote is perfect for carrying your essentials during day trips or city explorations. I have had my Driibe City Backpack for over two years, and it’s still in excellent condition. Read my detailed review of the backpack if you need convincing.
Most popular Texas spring break destinations
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is one of the top places to go in Texas for spring break, offering something for every type of traveler. However, it is also one of the incredibly famous spots as spring break destinations for college students that you’ve seen in movies and on TV.
South Padre Island (SPI) in the Gulf of Mexico has it all for those looking for sun, sand, and a party atmosphere. It offers huge beach parties, live concerts by big-name acts, beach bars, and more.
But there are many things to do on South Padre Island beyond beach parties, too! You can also get out on the Laguna Madre on a paddle board or jet ski, go on a dolphin-watching cruise, enjoy horseback riding on the beach, or even try parasailing above it all if you’re more adventurous.
Check out Louie’s Backyard and Clayton’s Beach Bar & Grill for restaurants and nightlife. Both offer live concerts and a club-like atmosphere.
The closest airport to South Padre Island is Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. However, if you’re flying here from outside Texas, you must first connect through Dallas or Houston. You can also reach SPI by car or across the Queen Isabella Causeway.
Recommended by A Dangerous Business
Fort Worth
North Texas has many significant historical sites and special events year-round, but the Fort Worth area is charming to visit in the spring after the winter crowds thin out and before the summer temperatures start rising.
Weather can be a little unpredictable in the spring when it comes to storms or even tornadoes, but the temperatures in Fort Worth during the spring season are some of the nicest out of the year, with averages typically sticking in the 70Fs.
One of the best places to visit in Fort Worth is the famous Stockyards, where you can immerse yourself in western/cowboy culture with frequent rodeos and similar events, a John Wayne museum, western stores, restaurants, a twice-daily cattle drive, the famous Billy Bob’s (live entertainment and country dancing), and lots of other family-friendly activities.
The Stockyards are a big draw for tourists, and it can get very busy, but spring isn’t usually as crowded as the winter season.
Other popular attractions within the city of Fort Worth include the Fort Worth Zoo, the Dickies Arena, downtown Fort Worth, Trinity Park, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, or even the more unusual historical sites of Ben Hogan’s grave (a famous professional golfer) or the grave of JFK’s supposed assassinator, Lee Harvey Oswald.
If you plan to drive around the Fort Worth or Dallas areas, be prepared for some terrible driving and confusing road conditions (signs, exits, etc.).
Recommended by Adventure Evermore
Austin
If you’re looking for Texas spring break destinations that offer fun things to do, nature to explore, delicious local cuisine, and a super authentic vibe, look no further than Austin.
Getting here is easy, as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers 85 direct flights around the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It’s also easy to get to by car from many other Texas cities, as it is centrally located between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
Spring is the perfect time in Austin since the average high in March is 73F, and in April, it is an ideal 80F. Plus, the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats begin flying at dusk in April, one of the most popular things to do in Austin.
Some other things you must include on your spring break Austin itinerary are finding the different murals around town, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, watching the sunset from Mount Bonnell, and eating lots of delicious and super authentic Mexican food!
Some of the best places to eat are Kerbey Lane Café for breakfast, Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ for incredible brisket tacos, Torchy’s Tacos for Mexican food, especially incredible queso, and Amy’s Ice Cream for dessert.
Recommended by Adventures of A+K
San Antonio
A classic combination of beaches, events, heritage sites, museums, and good food makes Texas perfect for your next vacation. The hidden gem of San Antonio is a must for spring break destinations in Texas for families and college students as it’s well connected to many U.S. cities and international destinations, ensuring easy connectivity to the city.
From historic sites like the Alamo to bustling amusement parks such as Six Flags Fiesta, San Antonio offers a variety of experiences for all types of travelers.
The Alamo is a popular historic Spanish fortress and the site of the Battle of Alamo in 1836. To understand its historic importance, take a tour of the museum on the premises of this compound.
If you visit San Antonio with kids, consider adding the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld San Antonio, and the Botanical Garden to your itinerary.
Taking a riverboat cruise is a great way to understand the city’s landmarks and the history behind those places. Spend an evening exploring the historic market square, known for live entertainment, restaurants offering delicious food, and one of the largest Mexcian markets in the USA.
Even though places like Miami are popular spring break destinations in the USA, exploring places like San Antonio will allow you to be part of an interesting canvas.
Recommended by Continent Hop
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend, located along the Mexican border in West Texas, is one of the most underrated U.S. National Parks and an excellent place to spend Texas spring break.
Given its sprawling footprint, there are tons of incredible things to do in Big Bend National Park for the whole family. Plus, the weather is perfect for outdoor adventure come springtime, with clear sunny skies and average highs in the mid-70Fs.
There are tons of excellent hikes, regardless of your skill level. The Santa Elena Canyon trail is an easy hike and one of the most popular trails in the park. It takes you through a canyon with towering walls along the Rio Grande.
On the other end of the spectrum, the South Rim Trail takes you on a challenging 12+ mile adventure with incredible views of the surrounding Chisos Mountains.
Big Bend is also home to some of the most unique features in the U.S. National Park system. You can kick off one of your mornings with a soak in Langford Hot Springs, a natural hot spring pool in the ruins of a historic resort right along the banks of the Rio Grande.
Additionally, you can walk (or take a boat if the water level is too high) across the Rio Grande into Mexico, into the teeny town of Boquillas del Carmen.
The town is pretty quiet, with just a couple of restaurants and a handful of souvenir stands, but it’s the perfect excuse to grab some authentic tacos and a sotol- a unique liquor made from a plant from the Chihuahuan Desert.
Recommended by 90 Summers
Seminole Canyon State Park
Looking for some fun during spring break? Explore the secret treasure of Seminole Canyon State Park in southern Texas. This hidden gem features a system of hiking trails for everyone, providing remarkable views of the desert and the Rio Grande River.
The Fate Bell Shelter Ranger-Guided Hike is particularly recommended. This reservable tour is limited to only 15 people (purchase tickets online). A 1-mile trail leads into the canyon and ends at the Fate Bell Shelter. Your knowledgeable ranger guide will explain the ancient pictures on the rocks, telling you about their history and importance. These colorful paintings were made by early Native Americans 5,000 years ago.
Along with your exploration, pause to admire “The Maker of Peace” sculpture, a serene work of art that invites reflection on the beauty of this remarkable area.
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the park’s diverse species, from deer to the elusive panther.
After a day of exploring, unwind at one of the scenic campsites in the park, which is great for watching the stars in the wide West Texas sky. The park has 46 reservable campsites, some with electricity and water.
Recommended by Travel the Parks