The waves at Surfside are some of the best on the Texas coast. There are surf-able waves 200 days a year, and most of the time the waves are the perfect size and form for learning. Not quite ready to Surf, try a boogie board. In one afternoon, you'll be catching waves.
BIRD WATCHING
Head to the marshlands on Surfside's Intracoastal shoreline where you can spot a variety of sea birds. Roseate spoonbills known for their pink color, are just one of the over 200 species of sea birds drawn to the area.
Surfside's Intracoastal Shoreline is the southern boundary of the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. During the winter Snow geese, Canada geese, Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mottled Ducks and Sandhill Cranes are just a sample of the birds you might see.
In the summer, birds that nest on the refuge include ten species of Herons and Egrets, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Mottled Ducks, White-tailed Kites, Clapper and Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, just to name a few.
GO FISHING
The Gulf Coast at Surfside is known for its excellent bay and offshore fishing. Offshore the depth of the water changes dramatically. This deep-water habitat attracts many varieties of fish such as Red Snapper, Ling, Bonita, and Kingfish.
Surfside is the headquarters for many charter and party boats of all sizes for off-shore fishing and sightseeing. Inshore wade fishing, bank fishing, or fishing off the long jetty, allow anglers without a boat the chance to catch Flounder, Redfish, or Speckled Trout.
Just north lies Christmas Bay and San Luis Pass, offering bay boaters miles of prime shoreline and deeper channels to explore.
Or launch from Surfside and head to the jetties or venture offshore. Numerous Bait and Tackle stores can supply live bait, lures, fishing equipment, and offer advice on where to catch fish.
CRABBING
The Located across from Stahlman Park, is the local Crabbing Pier. For crabbing you will need: An 8' long piece of cotton string, a package of chicken necks, a 1-ounce lead pyramid sinker, a crab net and a bucket. (Some stores sell complete "Crabbing Rigs")
Attach the sinker to the bottom of the string. Tie a chicken neck above the sinker. Walk out onto the crabbing pier. Find a place where you can get down close to the water. Drop the string in the water and WAIT. When the crab bites, you'll feel it. While it is chewing on the bait pull the string up slowly, have the net ready, and bingo, you have caught a crab!
Note: To go crabbing in Texas, you must have a fishing license and a saltwater stamp.
KAYAKING
The Gulf, as well as the Intracoastal Waterway, offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy Kayaking. Paddle out from the beach or try out the Kayaking Trails on the Intercoastal via the Bay Ave. Boat Launch or the Kayaking Trail Head just a few miles east on the Blue Water Hwy.
DIVE THE FLOWER GARDENS
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is one of 14 federally designated underwater areas protected by NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program. Situated 70 to 115 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, these underwater communities rise from the depths of the Gulf of Mexico atop underwater mountains called salt domes. The sanctuary protects three separate areas, East Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank, and Stetson Bank. These banks are separated from each other by miles of open ocean ranging from 200 to 400 feet deep, and each bank has its own set of boundaries.
Red Snapper Inn
Local favorite offering fresh seafood and Greek inspired cuisine.
