Galveston Island

Galveston Island, located an hour south of Houston, is a popular local getaway from city life. This is not to say that Galveston is raucous; there are as many quiet corners as there are crowded areas along the seawall. East Beach is Texas's largest and Galveston's most beautiful beach (as well as the only beach on the island that allows alcohol), so it gets crowded. Throughout the summer, there are concerts and festivals, as well as an annual sandcastle competition. There is also a children's playground. Are you looking for sandcastle lessons? Instead of alcohol, head next door to Stewart Beach, where you'll find seasonal lifeguards, umbrella and chair rentals, and an even more family-friendly atmosphere.

Continue walking west along Seawall Boulevard until you reach the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, one of the island's most popular attractions. Its amusement park, which includes a steel roller coaster and a 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel, is located near the island's best beachfront restaurants, bars, and hotels, including Hotel Galvez and Spa (from $215 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night).