Spring break is just around the corner, and this year, three Texas beaches have earned spots in the top 10 destinations across the country.
With travelers looking for the perfect balance of affordability and fun, Texas beaches are making waves, especially Crystal Beach, which has landed in the top 10 of the 2025 Beach Index published by HomeToGo.
The rental company’s Index evaluated 35 beaches based on factors such as affordability, “hidden gem” status, local popularity, and weather. Crystal Beach, located on the Bolivar Peninsula, a little over an hour’s drive outside of Houston, ranked No. 7 on the national list for spring break destinations, making it the highest-ranked Texas beach for 2025.
Crystal Beach earned high marks across several categories, scoring 9.52 out of 10 for its “hidden gem” status and affordability. Its average springtime temperatures also played a role in its ranking, with the beach receiving a high of 9.11 points for its “heat score,” which considers average weather in March and April.
While Crystal Beach emerged as the most notable Texas destination, Surfside Beach and Jamaica Beach also reached the top 20 rankings in the report. Surfside Beach, located about 30 miles south of Galveston, secured the No. 11 spot, also thanks to its affordability – making it the most budget-friendly option of all 35 beaches analyzed. Visitors to Surfside can expect to pay a median nightly rate of just $66 per person for accommodations, as reported by CultureMap, offering a more affordable option for those looking to stretch their spring break budget.
Jamaica Beach, a quiet destination next to Galveston Island State Park, rounded out the Texas trio at No. 17.
While Texas is well-represented, the No. 1 spot on the list went to Avila Beach in California, a town located about 200 miles south of San Francisco. Kure Beach in North Carolina and Cherry Grove Beach in South Carolina tied for second place, while Saint Joe Beach and Vilano Beach in Florida rounded out the top five.
Here’s a look at the full list of the top 10 beaches for spring break 2025, according to HomeToGo:
1. Avila Beach, California
2. Kure Beach, North Carolina (tied)
3. Cherry Grove Beach, South Carolina (tied)
4. Saint Joe Beach, Florida
5. Vilano Beach, Florida
6. Bethany Beach, Delaware
7. Crystal Beach, Texas
8. Pensacola Beach, Florida
9. Miramar Beach, Florida
10. Navarre Beach, Florida
