From Galveston’s historic hotels to the beaches of South Padre Island and the laid-back charm of Port Aransas, these top-searched Texas destinations offer the perfect Spring Break escape.

With Spring Break upon us, you may be wondering where in Texas to travel. Look no further! Upgraded Points analyzed google trends to identify some of the top-searched destinations in every U.S. State. They found out that we love Galveston, South Padre Island and Port Aransas!

Galveston Wins Gold in Texas

So, what is the top-searched destination in Texas? The exciting, coastal city of Galveston! For 2026, Galveston is the top-searched domestic destination in Texas, as found in a study by UpgradedPoints. For a vacation filled with luxury and history, Galveston has something for everyone.

Where to Stay in Galveston

If you’re looking for a refined but retro stay, Hotel Lucine built in the ‘60s combines luxury and a classic look with their courtyard and vibrant color palettes. For whatever dining experience you prefer, Hotel Lucine offers elegant to casual dining. They have a 3,500-square-foot rooftop bar, their restaurant the Fancy that offers American cuisine, and the Den which provides a casual dining option. If you would like to learn more about Hotel Lucine, visit Martin Ramirez’s article here. You may also make reservations here.

For a more historical stay, the Grand Galvez brings visitors a glamorous, ocean-front experience. The Grand Galvez is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast. The hotel was built after the 1900 hurricane which was the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Since their opening, the Grand Galvez has been renowned for hosting the rich and famous, such as celebrities Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Stewart and Dean Martin and also Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson. However, the historical Grand Galvez is also known as one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. The hotel even offers ghost tours by the “Ghostess of Galveston.” To learn more about the Grand Galvez, visit Heidi Gollub’s article here.

Where to Eat in Galveston

Galveston offers a variety of delicious restaurant options. Heidi Gollub recommends Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, Maceo Spice & Import Co. and The Gumbo Diner. Gaido’s offers classic seafood like crab cakes, crab stuffed shrimp, American Red Snapper Michael and house-made cheesecake. For a cajun shrimp po’boy, visit Maceo Spice & Import Co. For dessert, you can grab some beignets at the Gumbo Diner.

For a historic dining experience, visit Galveston’s Strand. The Strand is a National Historic Landmark with their collection of 19th century architecture. The Strand is known as the heart of Galveston’s waterfront downtown with shopping, dining, museums and other experiences. Heidi Gollub recommends Riondo’s Ristorante for Italian favorite dishes. In addition, La Kings, established in Houston in 1927, is known for their old-fashioned confectionery since they moved to The Strand in 1976. At La Kings, you can watch an old-fashioned salt water taffy demonstration while enjoying a classic soda fountain drink made with Purity ice cream, which is the first ice cream manufacturer in Texas.

What to do In Galveston 

Galveston offers a variety of attractions for everyone whether you prefer the outdoors, historical locations or exciting amusement rides.

In addition to going to the Strand, Alex Perryman recommends going to Moody Gardens and the Pleasure Pier. You can read more of his beach recommendations here. Stroll through Moody Gardens viewing vibrant birds, monkeys and sloths in their rainforest pyramid or pelicans, sharks and stingrays in their aquarium pyramid. Explore the Galveston Island State Park where you can fish, camp, bird watch or geocache. Go on a thrilling ride at Schlitterbahn Galveston waterpark or the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with their 17 rides and rollercoasters. 

Port of Galveston Cruises

The Port of Galveston is  the fourth most popular cruise home port in the U.S. Recently, Princess Cruises’ Star Princess embarked on her inaugural sail, setting the stage for modern luxury cruising. To learn more about the Star Princess, visit Analise Flatt’s article here. Additionally, the Disney Magic is sailing from Fall 2026 to Spring 2027 giving a perfect vacation for adults and kids alike! For more information, visit Marika and Finn Flatt’s article here. Europe’s MSC Cruises continues to expand their footprint in the U.S. and has made Galveston the homeport for their ship MSC Seascape. Read about MSC’s luxurious Yacht Club experience in Wendi Baird’s article here.

South Padre Island Wins Bronze in the Entire US

For a warm, sunfilled spring break, South Padre Island offers a tropical escape. As per Alex Perryman, South Padre Island, celebrated as the crown jewel of Texas beaches,  is one of the best beach destinations along the Texas Gulf Coast. You can learn about her take of South Padre Island and other Texas Gulf Coast beaches here. 

South Padre Island, Texas, is the third most-googled destination overall in the 50 states, according to the study by UpgradedPoints. If you’re ready for a week at the beach, South Padre offers a piece of paradise with its light sand and clear water. 

Where to Stay in South Padre Island

Ready for a retro vibe? The Palms is a small, beachfront motor lodge from the early ‘70s. They offer commodities like free wifi, flat screen TVs, umbrella and chair service on the beach with a  modest fee, a heated pool and a lobby store. In addition to the retro feel and helpful commodities, Jodee Blanco wrote of her experience at The Palms, “These people really care about their guests.” Read more about Jodee Blanco’s experience here. Reserve a room at The Palms here.

It’s always 5 o’clock at the Margaritaville Beach Resort. Margaritaville owns beachfront property with a pool in the center of the resort. They also have on-site restaurants like LandShark Bar and Grill,  Joe Merchants Coffee and Provisions and the Salty Rim Bar. You can make reservations at the Margaritaville Beach Resort here. Learn more about Marika Flatt’s experience at Margaritaville and other aqua-wellness locations here.

Where to Eat in South Padre Island

If you prefer coffee and something small to eat, Karma Coffee and Books creates a friendly, vibrant atmosphere. Cafe Karma, managed by the same owners, is a few miles north of Karma Coffee and Books on South Pare Island with specialty coffee drinks, breakfast/lunch sandwiches, 16 flavors of ice cream and pastries. 

For lunch or dinner recommended by Marika Flatt, The Meatball Café offers a variety of Italian options like pastas, pizzas, and more. 

What to Do in South Padre Island

South Padre Island is known for its clean beaches and clear water, so you’ll want to take advantage of that.  Breakaway Cruises  offers boat rides for snorkeling, fishing and dolphin watching. For a more active time on the water, Air Padre offers kiteboarding lessons and surfboard or stand up paddleboard rentals.

However, a day out on the water can be tiring. For a more relaxing beach day you can take a sandcastle building lesson with Andy Handcock or  Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services. 

You can see sea turtles at the largest enclosed sea turtle hospital, Sea Turtle Inc. The hospital has rehabilitated and released over 900 sea turtles, and has resident turtles unsuitable for life in the wild on permanent public display.  

Port Aransas Makes Podium

If you are wanting a spring break filled with time on the water, bird watching and delicious eats, Port Aransas offers some great options. Port Aransas, although not ranked as high as Galveston, was listed as one of the most-searched domestic destinations in Texas. Although not the highest ranked destination, many Texans consider Port Aransas a great spring break spot and Texas Lifestyle Magazine agrees! 

Where to Stay in Port Aransas

If you’re wanting to stay on the beach, Aransas Princess has comfortable, convenient,  condo-style accommodations. They also provide amenities like two pools, a hot tub and a tennis and pickleball court. You can learn more about Wendi Baird’s experience at the Aransas Princess here.

Cinnamon Shore is a master-planned beach community in Port Aransas. Experience the community’s spacious streets for strolling, multiple pools for swimming and a relaxing environment for sunbathing. The lively community hosts a variety of events and is home to shops and restaurants in the town center. Marika Flatt recommends staying at the rentals Southern Anchor or Sunkissed Palms. Learn about Marika’s recommendations for staying at Cinnamon Shore here.

With easy access to the beach and three hotel pools, Beachgate Condo Suites and Hotel offer classy and spotless stay options. Beachgate offers friendly service for a fun or relaxing stay for both parents and kids. You can learn more about Amanda Ward’s stay here.

You can tee off while you stay near the beach at the Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Club. During your stay, you can try  the Resort’s Black Marlin restaurant for an upscale date night. When you try some fresh seafood or steaks, make sure to dress for the nice atmosphere, so no swimsuits. Reservations can be made here. Learn more about Wendi Baird’s experience at The Black Marlin here.

Where to Eat in Port Aransas

For some fresh seafood, try local favorite Tortuga’s Saltwater Grille. With a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, Wendi Baird recommends the shrimp and grits. 

If you want to watch the boats come into the marina while you eat, then Virginia’s on the Bay is a popular restaurant. Virginia’s brings a colorful, fun and casual atmosphere with both indoor and open-air seating. Learn Wendi Baird’s thoughts on Virginia’s on the Bay here.

What to Do in Port Aransas

Port Aransas has many locations for bird watching and finding marine life. The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center offers free admission to view the wetlands with its local bird species. Additionally, the Patton Center for Marine Science Education is a free museum with hands-on exhibits focusing on local marine life and ecosystems. 

For a unique day on the beach, Amanda Ward recommends a sand castle building lesson with Mark Sandrum. With Sandrum you can learn tips for making sand art. You can book a lesson here. 

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Cover photo courtesy Cinnamon Shore.

Emily Jenkins is the Editorial Intern at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a senior at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, studying Public Relations. On top of writing, Jenkins enjoys spending quality time with her fiancé, Tyler, and her family, paddleboarding and staying active on campus and in her church. @emilyjene226 and www.linkedin.com/in/emily-jene-jenkins/