Blisteringly hot summer days in the Lonestar state will exhaust even the best of us. If you’re looking for a little reprieve, head down to one of this state’s many beaches that stretch over 600 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Though you aren’t guaranteed to completely evade this problem, Texas beaches have fared much better than surrounding states in the recent BP oil spill.Galveston Island is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations in Texas, dotted with resorts cottages and luxury hotels. There are even cruises that set sail from this island. But if you just want a relaxing day trip, there are plenty of opportunities as well. East Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Texas just a short drive from Houston. Lively crowds are guaranteed entertainment and even drinking is legal on this party beach. However, if you’re planning an afternoon with the kids, try a more family-friendly spot such as Stewart Beach.If your idea of a perfect day at the beach consists of a picnic, kayaking or fishing, Corpus Christi is the place to go. Most of the beaches in this area are much more centered around enjoying nature, and offer plenty of opportunities to participate in outdoor activities. Mustang Island State Park has an extensive system of water trails for kayaking or canoeing. To avoid crowds and enjoy an afternoon of solitude, Whitecap Beach is a quiet, natural beach that doesn’t see crowds.Some will argue that the best beaches in Texas are located on South Padre Island. One of the most attractive aspects of this vacation spot is its diversity of activities. Young singles looking for a high-energy weekend will enjoy the vibrant nightlife at area bars and clubs such as Chaos or Tequila Sunset. But, it’s not just a party beach. There’s plenty to entertain the little ones as well, with dolphin tours, horseback riding on the beach and the Gravity Adventure Park.