We moved to Austin over the summer. Though we usually go to the Caribbean-we thought it would be neat to take the family to the beach in Texas for spring break. We've heard that S. Padre Island was beautiful but fear the millions of teenagers/colege spring breakers. Would it still be an issue if we were to rent a house at the beach-is it just at the hotels? Any advice would be appreciated!

I think I'd avoid the beach during Spring Break. We went to Padre in college for Spring Break, and it was pretty wild and very crowded. I'd save a beach trip for the summer. I don't know if you have your heart set on a beach vacation, but we just got back from the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, and that would be great spot to take kids - they have a lazy river that runs around the property that you can inner tube on, pools, a nice spa - it's really family oriented; we even made s'mores one night around a camp fire. It's also right across the street from SeaWorld if that interests you at all. I just think the beach during Spring Break might be too wild for kids.

The Hyatt Hill country or the new-ish Hyatt in Bastrop - already forgot the name of it.

If you MUST go to the coast during spring break, how about Port Aransas/Mustand Island? Not as pretty as S. Padre, but less Spring Break-ers....

Austin, I think the newer one is called Lost Pines.

Yes, the Bastrop location is called Lost Pines Resort, and I've read some good reviews on it.

Greystonefarm - As much as we like Padre, I'd definitely avoid it over spring break and don't think it makes much difference if you rent a house or not.

From Texas you should DEFINITELY go to Costa Rica!!!!! Not expensive and you get the beach, no college springbreakers, plus SOOOOOOOOOO much MORE!.

If you decide to stay in Texas, the Barstow area is pretty neat. It's a very historic town that's fun to explore. The visitor information center is in an old bank building and the staff when we were there a few weeks ago was full of great old stories and suggestions. You could even drive over to Brenham and do a tour of the Blue Bell creamery, too.

I can't say I have heard of Barstow. I looked and found that it is West Texas. Did you mean Bastrop?

Oops -- Bastrop, yes. Sorry!