The Ultimate Galveston Spring Break Guide

Galveston Island, dubbed the Playground of the Southwest, is one of the top spring break destinations for travelers looking for anything from expansive beaches to exciting attractions, and everything in between.

Every year, Galveston turns into a road trip destination in the month of March, as the island begins warming up and the kids start getting off school for their week-long Spring Break adventures. In order to assist you through the planning steps of your spring getaway, we have organized resources to guide your inspiration for a vacation of a lifetime!

Pictured: Book 'La Mansion MariMar' (blue home) here.

A man, woman, and young girl play with a beach ball in the sand in front of a beachfront property in Galveston, TX.
Spring Break 2024
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Stewart Beach, East Beach, Seawall Beach Urban Park, Beach Pocket Parks, and the Galveston Island State Park offer plenty of options for beachgoers. Plus, there are also numerous beach access points on the west end of the island.

You'll find beach chair and umbrella rentals scattered along the beaches at the beach parks or bring your gear. Remember, if you're planning to play in the surf, always choose a location near a lifeguard and take note of the flags on the lifeguard stands for tips on the surf.

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Take the Quiz and Find YOUR Perfect Galveston Beach

FREE Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons

When: March 9 & 16, 2024
Time(s):
11AM, 1PM, & 3PM
Where:
East Beach

Attention budding builders – sandcastle builders that is. Galveston is hosting a free, family-friendly event to help beachgoers create spectacular sandcastles with guidance from a pro.

Click here for full event details

Three beachgoers build a sandcastle on the beach in Galveston Island, TX.

Spring breaking with the family is one of the best ways to unite your family with a fun escape! Whether you're having staycation or you're visiting from out-of-town, Galveston Island has more than enough family-friendly spring break activities.

Popular Family Attractions

Spring Break is all about soaking in the rays and enjoying a nice break from reality, but the fun doesn’t end when the sun sinks below the horizon. Galveston is home to some of the coolest bars, beachfront dining and exciting experiences to take in during your break away from the books.

Where to Stay
Spring Break Lodging

Hotels are abundant here on Galveston Island with great lodging options for both budget travelers and those looking to splurge on something high-end! Browse around our hotel page to explore all your options!

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Spring Break Lodging

Vacation Rentals are another popular lodging option. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, these vacation rental homes give you the comfort of a home with some privacy and charm. If you’re lucky and are able to snag a home with a beach view, even better!

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Spring Break Lodging

Whether you are looking for a “back-to-nature” experience or a family-friendly, resort-like environment, Galveston has an RV park or campground to suit your unique needs.

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When is Spring Break?

Most schools and universities have their spring break during March and April. To find out specifically when your school's Spring Break is, click here.

Traveling to Galveston Island

Galveston is located about 40 miles from the 4th largest city in the United States: Houston, TX. Houston has two large international airports that you can fly into, which will give you some flight options:

  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is located north of Downtown Houston, so the commute to Galveston would be a little lengthier, but a lot of people use this option to combine their Galveston trip with some Houston sightseeing.
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is located in southeast Houston, which makes for an easy commute to Galveston Island. Hop on I-45 South and next thing you know you will be crossing the Galveston Causeway Bridge onto our beautiful island.

Traveling By Car?

Did you know that Galveston Island is a quick road trip for about 30M people? This proximity to such a large population has made Galveston one of the top road trip destinations to visit along the Gulf Coast for nearly a century. Those looking to responsibly explore Galveston’s coastline will find their drive completed with stunning views along Seawall Boulevard and an impressive array of hotels, restaurants, attractions and more to choose from.

Read: Galveston Island Road Trip Guide

Island Time

Can't decide on which attractions your family wants to tackle during spring break? The Galveston Island Pass gives you the opportunity to choose from several attractions and save up to 40%!

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Welcome to Galveston Island

Where the Texas Coast begins.

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Visit Galveston

Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.