Mustang Island State Park, Texas

Sand, surf, sun, and sea turtles -- Mustang Island State Park has got everything you need for a good time! (except maybe a beach chair. And sunscreen). Paddle the 20 miles of over-water trails in your kayak on the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, ogling at the oodles of fish swimming below. Hold sand castle contests on the park’s five miles of coastline, and at night, come back to spot massive sea turtles laying their eggs in the damp sand -- if you’re lucky, you may even spy the smaller endangered Kemp’s ridley turtle, which is only found off the shores of Mexico and Texas! Take your bike for a spin in the sand along the shoreline, then retreat to one of the many picnic shelters nestled in the sand dunes to pig out. Once your stomach settles, take a dip in the salty gulf water, buoyed by your high spirits -- and maybe a water noodle or two. Trust us, for a good time call Mustang Island.