Why pay an arm and a leg for a Caribbean vacation when we have plenty of tropical getaway spots in Texas? From actual islands to restaurants with thatched roofs and palm trees galore, these seven places are nothing short of paradise in the summer, and you’ll want to start planning your itinerary now! Check out these iconic tropical places in Texas:

1. Son's Island (Seguin)
110 Lee St, Seguin, TX 78155, USA
Facebook/Son's Island
A tropical oasis in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Son's Island in Texasis one of the best-kept secrets in the Lone Star State. The island boasts a 4,000-foot perimeter, ensuring plenty of room for all sorts of summer activities. You can swim, fish, play beach volleyball, rent kayaks and paddleboards, and relax in your own private cabana, which is outfitted with a thatched roof and palm trees galore to transport you to an exotic paradise.
2. South Padre Island
South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Jeff R Clow / Moment Collection / Getty Images
With some of the bluest water in Texas, South Padre Island is a bucket list summer destination. From dolphin watching to admiring the world's largest sandcastle to just kicking back with your toes in the sand, there's something for all ages at this idyllic getaway spot.
3. Hula Hut (Austin and Little Elm)
3825 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703, USA
210 East Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, TX 75068
TripAdvisor/Management
Featuring locations in both Austin and Little Elm, Hula Hut is a unique restaurant that fuses traditional Tex-Mex and Polynesian cuisines. Seating is available both indoors and out, but the latter offers the most authentic island experience. Chow down on light and fresh Hawaiian-inspired eats while enjoying the vivacious, carefree atmosphere that turns an ordinary dinner into a luau.

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4. La Cantera Resort & Spa (San Antonio)
16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256, USA
Facebook/La Cantera Resort & Spa
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city of San Antonio, La Cantera Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel where guests can enjoy world-class amenities such as two 18-hole golf courses, five swimming pools, a destination spa, award-winning bars and restaurants, and so much more. All the ingredients for a memorable trip are right here on the property, so in that way, the resort truly is like its own little island. Palm trees and other tropical vegetation abound, providing much-needed shade and making you feel even more like you're in paradise.
5. Horseshoe Bay Resort (Horseshoe Bay)
200 Hi Cir N, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657, USA
Facebook/Horseshoe Bay Resort
Have you ever heard of a hotel with its own private beach? That's exactly what you'll find at Horseshoe Bay Resort, situated directly on the banks of Lake LBJ. Between the unparalleled views and five-star amenities, you'll never want to leave!
6. Son's Blue River Camp (Kingsbury)
2769 Sherrill Rd, Kingsbury, TX 78638, USA
Facebook/Son's Blue River Camp
Brought to you by the same owners as Son's Island, Son's Blue River Camp is a little slice of heaven on the banks of the gorgeous San Marcos River. It features many of the same amenities as its sister destination, with the addition of tube rentals, a massive riverfront beach, and luxury glamping cabins. The cabanas here are also two stories high, so large groups can be more easily accommodated.
7. Galveston Island
Galveston Island, Texas, USA
Tim Leviston / EyeEm Collection / Getty Images
While often ragged on for its brown water, Galveston is one of the most affordable beach communities in the Lone Star State - and it can actually be quite fun! Between wandering the historic Strand district, chowing down on fresh seafood, riding rides directly over the Gulf on Pleasure Pier, and so many more family-friendly activities, Galveston shouldn't be an afterthought while making your summer vacation plans.

How many of these spots have you visited? Did we leave off your favorite slice of paradise in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, then check out our previous article to learn more about Son’s Island.

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More to Explore

Tropical Places in Texas

Tori Jane | May 28, 2022

Are there any islands in Texas?  

It might sound kind of weird, but yes – yes there are. Texas is an absolutely enormous place (it takes, what, 16 hours to drive across the entire state?) and many of those square miles are coastal. As a result, there are several islands nearby the Texas coast that are, therefore, obviously, in Texas. For example, one of the best vacation destinations in Texas is South Padre Island, where the beaches rival those on the coasts of Florida. There are also islands in Texas like Galveston Island, Mustang Island, Pelican Island, San Jose Island, and Matagorda Island. There are more – but those should provide a good start!  

Where can I find paradise in Texas?  

Texas is a gigantic state and unfortunately, most people assume it’s either all desert or all plains, and neither of those two things is true. There are numerous truly breathtaking places in Texas that rival the most photogenic destinations you can probably think of. In fact, there are plenty of places that one might consider to be paradise in Texas! West of Austin is a little slice of heaven known as the Hamilton Pool, and it’s a shimmering emerald oasis in a harsh landscape. It’s so popular with nature lovers in Texas that reservations are very strongly recommended ahead of time! Another absolutely beautiful place in Texas is the Santa Elena Canyon, south of Marfa and tucked within Big Bend National Park. Do you want paradise in Texas? Those places have you covered.  

Where are the most tropical places in Texas?  

So, within all those square miles making up Texas, how many of ‘em are a little more on the tropical side? Well, with 3,359 miles of coastline, it’s not super tough to find some nice tropical getaways in the Lone Star State! Salado, Texas, is a small town with palm trees and a very tropical feel, and folks love coming out to celebrate that coastal vibe – even though it’s not a coastal town! Alternatively, a week spent at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, which is the perfect tropical destination in Texas that’ll make you feel like you escaped to Hawaii!  

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