A Postcard from Surfside Beach,Texas
We are surrounded by water, with spectacular views of sunsets and sunrises, wildlife and surf. And yet our tiny village is a jump away from the city. This is the best of both worlds, for our vacation life. And only an hour from our Houston home.
Surfside Beach Resort Area Specialists
About Surfside Beach, Texas
A village floating on the water, between the intercoastal and the Gulf of Mexico, Surfside Beach has got to be one of the best vacation spots ever. If you love wildlife, you are nestled between two refuges: Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. If you love deep sea fishing, it's out your back door. And if you love the city, hop across the water, and you are in Galveston. It is also the closest beach to Houston.
With four miles of coast, and lots of bays, the access to water and nature is perfect. There are some quirky beachhouses lining the coast to make you smile. This is also the perfect surfing town, so if you are into surf, get your board and go.
Local History
Stephen Austin landed here in 1821. The historic port of Old Velasco is here, involved in the Texas-Mexican disputes in the 1800's. Later (150 years) the town name changed to Surfside Beach. Temporary home of the Texas capital in the 1800's.
An Average Lifestyle in Surfside Beach, Texas
With a small population, and even small geographic area, the active City Council plays an important role in life on Surfside. As with most islands, the limited amount of land means being vigilant about its use, and Surfside is doing its best to keep the recreational environment fun for everyone. The pace is slow and natural here, as the wildlife and many birds set the tone. Mellow, as only a surfing town can be.
Housing
Good value here. Median house value: $73,600 (year 2000). Good vacation rental market for the Houston city dwellers. Most houses are beach front, and less expensive than nearby Galveston. Summer season rents from $700/week to $1100 a week, and off-season bargains are about $300/week, all for two-bedrooms, 2bath on the beach.
Costs: Lots from $60K to $200K; 4 bedroom homes on the beach for $275K; 2 bedroom for $110K to $180K and up.
Things to Do in Surfside Beach
- Birdwatching
- Golf
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Surfing
- Wildlife expeditions
- Visit Sea Center Texas
- Crabbing, shelling
- Beachcombing
- Biking
- Boating,
- Camping
- Off-shore scuba diving
Cultural Activities in Surfside Beach
- Brazosport Center Stage - Oldest theatre group on the Texas Coast
- Brazosport Symphony Orchestra
- Brazosport Art League
- Brazosport Museum of Natural Science
- Texas Opry at Lake Theater
- Lake Jackson Historical Museum
Near-By Excursions
Location: An island in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Intercoastal in Coastal Texas
Elevation: sea level
Size: 1.8 miles
Distance to other major cities:
Galveston: 38 miles
Houston: 56 miles
Quintana: 3 miles
Getting To Surfside Beach, Texas:
By plane to Galveston or Houston
Weather
Annual Average Temperature: Jan: 47 - 58; July: 79 - 87
Annual Average Rainfall: about 45 inches annually
Economics and Demographics
Population: 763
Median Age, 2000: 42
Median household income: $37,778 (year 2000)