Accommodations

Here’s a nice change of pace: The Brazosport [1] area is overrun with local lodging options with nary a garish hotel chain sign in sight. Independently owned hotels are the norm, and many travelers opt to rent a beach house or cabin for the weekend.

Those looking for a clean, comfy place to stay within walking distance of the beach should consider the Cedar Sands Motel (343 Beach Dr. in Surfside Beach, 979/233-1942, www.cedarsandsmotel.net [2], rates range $75–$150, based on the size and season). One-bedroom options are available, but you may want to splurge for the rooms that feature kitchenettes, including pots and pans, a queen-sized bed, and a pull-out bed. All rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, and free wireless Internet access.

More casual and representative of many of the sun-bleached, wind-worn, slightly shabby beach hotels is Surfside Motel (330 Coral Court in Surfside Beach, 979/233-4948, www.surfsidemotel.biz [3], rates range $60–110). The motel offers kitchenettes with two queen size beds, one twin bed, and a full kitchen or two-room suites with one queen-sized bed, a pull-out bed, small refrigerator, and microwave. Check with the front desk if you need beach towels, board games, or horseshoes.

Of course, chain hotels provide reliable consistency for some travelers; so, if slightly shabby isn’t your thing, you’ll have to venture four miles off the coast to the nearby community of Clute. The best option is La Quinta (1126 Hwy. 332 West, 979/265-7461, www.lq.com [4], $69 d) featuring free wireless Internet access, a free continental breakfast, and an outdoor pool.

Another fine choice is Holiday Inn Express (809 Hwy. 332 West, 979/265-5252, www.ichotelsgroup.com [5], $99 d), offering wireless Internet access, a workout facility, and a free continental breakfast.

Hundreds of rooms are available in cabins and beach homes along the gulf in the Brazosport Area. The best way to find something that fits your specific needs (pets, kids, weekends, beach access, etc.) is to contact a rental locating service. Two of the more commendable outlets in the area are Beach Resort Services (800/382-9283, www.beachresortservices.com [6]) and Brannan Resort Rentals, Inc. (888/233-1812, www.brri.com [7]). For a comprehensive list of companies, visit the following visitor-related sites: www.tourtexas.com/brazosport [8] and www.surfsidetx.org [9].

Families and RVers make repeated returns to Quintana Beach County Park (979/233-1461, www.brazoriacountyparks.com [10], rates range $15–27) featuring 56 paved and level camping sites, full hookups, primitive tent sites, a bathhouse with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

A popular option for anglers is Surfside Beach RV Park (102 Fort Velesco Dr., 979/233-6919, www.surfsidebeachrv.com [11], rates range $25–30 nightly) offering full hookup RV sites, free parking for fishing boats, an onsite laundry, and free wireless Internet access.