South Padre Island is a good looking resort city off coastal South Texas. My dad and mom truly spent a decade as Snowbirds making their approach to South Padre to escape the winters from Canada. The city sits on a large barrier island and is joined to the mainland by Queen Isabella Causeway.
With theme parks and watersports for journey and wonderful pure habitats together with nesting grounds for sea turtles and loads of wildlife, South Padre Island is the proper steadiness between spending time in nature and having a enjoyable seaside vacation. There are so many South Padre Island sights – each pure and artifical.
Top Things to do on South Padre Island
This information will cowl all the very best issues to do on South Padre Island. You’ll have loads of itinerary inspiration, from exploring Laguna Madre to spending a day at Gravity Park.
1. Enjoy a Beach Day at Isla Blanca Beach
What would a seaside vacation be with out a seaside day? Make positive to pencil in at the least someday to get pleasure from an actual seaside day at Isla Blanca Beach. This is unquestionably one of many busiest spots and is a spot you don’t need to miss when you’re in search of issues to do on South Padre Island. Here, you’ll be able to stick to the classics like discovering sea shells or sunbathing or, if you’re in search of one thing extra lively, hire tools from one of many many surf outlets and go online or boogie boarding. If you’re a actual adrenaline junkie, you’ll be able to even go parasailing or jet snowboarding.
You can e-book this parasailing tour prematurely. No expertise is required to take within the sweeping views of the island. You may also e-book a jet ski rental to discover Laguna Madre independently. Make positive to hold a watch out for dolphins.
Isla Blanca Beach is gorgeous, with huge white sands and loads of room to accommodate all of the guests that it inevitably attracts. You are flanked by the marina and backed by a good looking boardwalk with waterfront pavilions scattered alongside the best way. The seaside is only a brief stroll from the city heart and all its facilities.
2. South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center
Dolphins deserve to stay a life free from captivity. And that is exactly the message that the Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center pioneers. The heart is only a brief drive from South Padre Island – positioned in Port Isabel on the opposite facet of the Queen Isabella Causeway.
The heart runs day by day moral dolphin cruises, taking guests out to spot wild bottlenose dolphins on a particular dolphin tour. These dolphin excursions are not like your commonplace business vacationer traps and carry simply six or fewer vacationers at a time. You’ll expertise an moral dolphin cruise; quiet, respectful, and educated in regards to the marine animals it goals to spot.
Tours aren’t the one factor the Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center does. The heart additionally has a contact tank and marine reveals to educate guests on marine conservation. All the resident animals are rescues which might be being rehabilitated or deemed unsuitable to be launched again into the wild. You can study extra about ongoing coastal considerations and how one can do your bit to assist out.
Book this 90 minute dolphin watch tour for a cruise into the Gulf of Mexico to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins of their pure habitat. You’ll additionally see seabirds, The US Coast Guard Station, and the Space X location.
3. South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is one other non-profit gem on South Padre Island. The heart has over 3,300 ft of boardwalks that wind across the bay, an alligator sanctuary, an commentary tower, 5 chicken blinds, and a butterfly backyard. You’ll spot birds, gators, butterflies, and extra. And you’ll be able to go for a guided tour or discover alone – with no noise besides from the animals round you.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is ideal if you would like to spend half a day surrounded by nature. If you appreciated the sound of the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, it affords an analogous expertise, simply longer and with extra diversified sights alongside the best way.
If you need to see Laguna Madre from the water, choice is a jet ski rental. You can trip alone or with one other particular person to see the shoreline from a unique viewpoint. You can test availability and costs right here.
An vital a part of the middle is the Butterfly Garden and it’s a excellent place to spot butterflies within the wild. The park is small however filled with pollinator-friendly vegetation – excellent for encouraging butterflies and different lovely wildlife. The Monarch Butterfly was positioned on the Endangered Species List and the middle is working to restore Monarch Butterfly Habitat.
4. South Padre Island Adventure Park
South Padre Island Adventure Park is a dreamy attraction for a day of actions. The park sits on forty acres of land, together with an enormous, privately owned seaside. You can decide no matter exercise piques your curiosity, from horseback driving on the seaside to ziplining round a zipline circuit. We suggest horseback driving, as when you get fortunate, you would possibly spot bottlenose dolphins or different marine life whereas cantering alongside the water’s edge.
South Padre Island Adventure Park additionally has a petting barn. Families can introduce younger youngsters to animals in a secure, educated atmosphere. The park is an excellent day trip for households and lone adults alike.
5. Take a Sand Castle lesson
One of probably the most distinctive issues to do on South Padre Island is to take a sand fort lesson. Chances are, constructing sand castles was a ability you both taught your self or your dad and mom confirmed you with a bucket and spade. However, at South Padre Island, you’ll be able to take your first official lesson, as skilled sand sculptors run sand fort classes alongside the seaside. You received’t be flipping buckets the wrong way up the entire time to make commonplace castles. You’ll be creating paintings.
The classes run between one and three hours, and the result’s assured to be a masterpiece. You’ll construct a surprising fort – usually so massive that you just’ll have to stand on your tiptoes to end the ultimate roofing particulars. The particulars are spectacular, with stairways that will impress Disney and lifelike textures carved into the partitions and roof. Depending on your necessities, you’ll be able to e-book group, household, and personal classes.
This Sandcastling Experience will train you to construct a sandcastle like a professional. It consists of all of the instruments to create lovely sandcastles that can be utilized all through your keep. Read extra right here.
6. See The Largest Outdoor Sandcastle within the US
You would possibly make your personal sandcastle and even take a sandcastle constructing lesson, however you additionally want to go to the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle within the US. The sandcastle took 150 tons of river sand to construct and was constructed in 2013. Since then, it has attracted vacationers within the thousands and thousands, and it stands as a testomony to South Padre Island’s sandcastle tradition.
There are additionally many smaller items of sand artwork close by, so permit at the least an hour to go searching. If you go to throughout a vacation, you’ll be able to normally discover some themed paintings, which is all the time good enjoyable. Even higher, to go to, you simply pay a donation – protecting prices good and low.
7. Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Laguna Madre Nature Trail is South Padre Island’s most scenic and various stroll. The boardwalk is simply 1,500 ft lengthy and spans 4 acres of the Laguna Madre Wetlands. However, you’ll be surrounded by nature – from fiddlewood berries to pelicans and falcons. It is without doubt one of the prime bird-watching websites on the island and is an ideal nature stroll on a sunny day.
Laguna Madre Nature path is open 24 hours a day and free to enter. The pure wildlife reserve is a peaceable addition to any South Padre Island itinerary. Allow round an hour to benefit from the path to its fullest.
8. Sea Turtle Inc.
Who doesn’t love sea turtles? Sea Turtle Inc. is a haven for injured sea turtles and rehabilitates and releases rescued sea turtles three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months. Visiting Sea Turtle Inc. is without doubt one of the most healthful methods to spend a few hours – particularly because the charity is fully funded by guests and donations.
You can take a self-guided tour across the completely different swimming pools, stopping to take a look at every rescued sea turtle. If you haven’t seen a sea turtle earlier than, it is a vastly memorable expertise. It additionally helps you to comprehend the variety of turtles in want, and you may view the completely different therapies and methods used to heal the creatures – together with metallic braces and bandaging.
Make positive to cease by the reward store after, as gross sales massively assist the charity proceed its incredible work. You may also test the schedule to attend one of many hourly shows or day by day sea turtle feeding classes. Read extra: 10 Ways to Help Save the Oceans – World Oceans Day and Beyond
9. South Padre Sand Dunes
South Padre Sand Dunes are top-of-the-line spots on the island. The dunes sit on the beachfront, positioned on the north finish of Padre Boulevard. While the dunes are protected (that means no driving or sand sports activities), you’ll be able to stroll by way of them. Just be conscious of disrupting the dunes as little as attainable.
There is one thing particular about being surrounded by sand dunes, and you must deliver your digicam to seize the second. You’ll be surrounded by miles of sandy hills and ridges -a lovely expertise, to say the least.
10. Port Isabel Lighthouse
Port Isabel Lighthouse is a surprising landmark and state historic web site. It is the one remaining lighthouse in Texas nonetheless open to the general public, so it’s thought of a worthwhile a part of the state’s coastal historical past. It is a incredible attraction to go to for a little bit of maritime historical past.
Port Isabel Lighthouse has 75 stairs, which you’ll be able to deal with to attain the highest for superb views. Walking up the spiral stairs is mildly vertigo-inducing however certainly an expertise. Often, immersive historical past is simpler to interact with, and the lighthouse affords a memorable historical past lesson.
You should purchase tickets from the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center. Reaching Port Isabel Lighthouse from South Padre Island can be extraordinarily simple, as you simply cross the Queen Isabella Highway.
11. Gravity Park
Ready for a day at an amusement park? Gravity Park is a enjoyable night out. The amusement park is full of rides and actions, together with go-karts, mini-golf, and a reverse bungee. Having opened in 1993, it has years of expertise below its belt. It is a well-liked attraction amongst vacationers and locals alike.
Entrance to Gravity Park is free, and tickets for rides are purchased on a ride-by-ride foundation. This is ideal for adults taking youngsters into the park, as admission tickets can shortly add up to in any other case make an costly day trip. Adults will love the park, too, and the large swing and reverse bungee are thrilling challenges for testing your nerves.
12. Drive the Queen Isabella Causeway
This might sound a wierd addition to your itinerary however driving the Queen Isabella Causeway is considerably of a momentous factor to do on South Padre Island. It is without doubt one of the longest bridges in Texas and has lovely water views. You can drive over the bridge your self and even e-book a taxi to calm down and take within the views.
Isabella Causeway was additionally sadly the positioning of tragedy in 2001 when an older model of the bridge collapsed. The newly constructed bridge doubles up as a memorial for the tragedy. It is a humbling drive to pay your respects.
As the causeway is the preferred approach to attain South Padre Island, you’ll possible get the possibility to cross. It cuts over Laguna Madre, becoming a member of Port Isabel with South Padre Island. It can be ideally mixed with a go to to Port Isabel Lighthouse. If you want to hire a automotive for a day, examine costs for leases at RentalCars.com
13. Fish on the Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier
Sure, you’ll be able to embark on a deep sea fishing tour (extra on that later), however why not strive your hand at conventional fishing too? Head to South Padre’s previous fishing pier for a calming afternoon. You can usually catch tarpon, mangrove snapper, and sand trout, so sit tight and look ahead to that thrilling first chunk.
Pirate’s Landing is the longest pier in Texas and has every part you want – from a deal with and bait store to a bathroom block. The pier is positioned simply throughout the causeway in Port Isabel. You’ll be getting rid of into Laguna Madre Bay with a number of the greatest amenities simply steps away.
14. Catch the fireworks
Fireworks are thrilling; there’s no denying it. And it simply so occurs that South Padre has firework shows each week for a lot of the 12 months. Firework shows shortly grow to be one of many favourite South Padre Island sights in summer season. At round 9 pm most nights, you’ll be able to head out to be entertained by loud noise and shiny colours, all for the grand price of zero {dollars}. It is simple to see why visiting a firework show has grow to be top-of-the-line issues to do on South Padre Island.
Throughout summer season, you’ll be able to catch fireworks on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Tuesdays, the show is at Louie’s Backyard. While on Thursdays, the show is held at Isla Grand Beach Resort. Then, on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll be able to catch fireworks at The Pier behind the Courtyard by Marriott.
Of course, you’ll be able to count on further particular fireworks when you go to South Padre Island on the 4th of July or Labor Day. These shows are let unfastened, particularly over Laguna Madre Bay – a spectacle you undoubtedly shouldn’t miss.
15. Visit the South Padre Island Farmer’s Market
Nothing fairly says leisure like a visit to a farmer’s market. South Padre Island Farmer’s Market runs each Sunday till mid-afternoon, promoting native produce and handmade items. A stroll by way of the stalls on a sunny Sunday noon is a heavenly factor to do on South Padre Island. It can be simply slotted right into a busy itinerary, taking round 20 minutes to stroll round.
You may decide up recent veggies, candy treats, or a hand-crafted memento. You by no means fairly know what you’ll discover, which is all a part of the enjoyable.
16. Beach Park at Isla Blanca
A day on the waterpark is good for any vacationer. And what higher approach to beat the recent South Padre climate? You can calm down and get your adrenaline pumping all on the similar time.
The seaside park has an inland surf machine, a river system, and 4 completely different rollercoasters. There are even swim-up bars for the adults to indulge at. You could be zipping alongside water rides and grabbing poolside refreshments.
One factor to bear in mind is that the Beach Park at Isla Blanca closes through the low season. This is a particular summer season or springtime attraction – best for these sizzling days when you’ll be able to’t face any actual sightseeing.
17. Take a dinner cruise
Boat excursions are all the time a good suggestion, particularly since South Padre Island waters are so tranquil and delightful. However, forking out on a dinner cruise is an effective way to make a typical boat tour even higher. Many firms provide dinner cruises round South Padre, however we’d suggest Southern Wave Sailing Charters.
Southern Wave Sailing Charters have luxurious catamarans that embark at sundown to whisk vacationers out for a dinner cruise they’ll bear in mind. You can get pleasure from good meals, drink, music, and firm as you sail. Perhaps you’ll even spot bottlenose dolphins if you’re fortunate.
This extremely rated non-public sundown cruise takes you out on a catamaran to get pleasure from lovely views of the Texas Gulf Coast. It’s a non-public yacht constitution for up to six passengers that may be custom-made to your preferences.
18. South Padre Island National Seashore
South Padre Island National Seashore is positioned north of South Padre Island’s city heart. You’ll want to entry it by looping again throughout the mainland. The park protects 66 miles of gorgeous shoreline and homes an estimated 380 chicken species. The National Seashore additionally homes some human historical past, with Spanish shipwrecks from 1554.
Apart from the odd shipwreck and park signal, you’ll be able to get pleasure from miles of undeveloped seashores and hikes. National Seashore is a distant paradise in Texas and the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island on the earth.
While it’d require a little bit further effort to get there, it’s simply top-of-the-line day journeys on South Padre Island. The drive takes round three hours a method, and also you’ll want to hire a automotive to go to. If you might be touring as a gaggle and might rotate drivers, this journey can be a breeze. You drive up to Corpus Christi after which over the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway to attain the National Seashore.
19. Port Isabel Historical Museum
Port Isabel Historical Museum is one in all South Padre Island’s most academic sights. The museum whisks guests again to the Mexican-American War with fascinating reveals and artifacts. Port Isabel Historical Museum additionally delves into the native space’s historical past, protecting Laguna Madre’s expertise of the struggle and its early maritime beginnings. Laguna Madre’s historical past has been successfully condensed onto an enormous timeline – so you’ll be able to actually stroll by way of the ages.
Whether you’re a historical past fanatic or simply need to study extra a few lesser-taught piece of historical past, visiting this museum is a good concept. It can be top-of-the-line indoor actions within the space, so hold it in thoughts on a wet day.
20. Get on the Water
If you might be an avid fisherman, the attract of deep sea fishing is big. It is a bucket list-worthy expertise. Even those that know nothing about fishing can have seen photos of individuals posing with big fish they’ve caught at sea. To get your self off the piers and seashores and out into the ocean, take a look at one in all South Padre’s deep sea fishing journeys.
Osprey Cruises are a well-liked choice and function all-year-round excursions. This flexibility is incredible for these visiting out-of-season, and also you’ll depart at 7:30 am for a full eight hours on the water. Osprey Cruises additionally gives all bait and deal with, protecting your day bag good and light-weight.
You can e-book a small half day fishing journey prematurely with Viator to fish for trout, sheepshead, and extra. A legitimate Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required for this tour.
Even when you determine that deep sea fishing isn’t for you, be that due to restricted time or price range, there are many different fishing journeys. Crystal Flats Guide Service affords wonderful bay fishing. Crystal Flats Guide Service doesn’t take you proper out to sea. And as an alternative, you’ll fish specifically inshore areas most well-liked by locals. It is a a lot smoother, shorter expertise, so contemplate it as a substitute if you’re comparatively new to fishing. Plus many individuals fish proper off the seaside.
21. Where to Eat on South Padre Island
Dine at Blackbeard’s
You can’t go to the seaside with out attempting seafood, and Blackbeard’s is the very best spot on South Padre Island. The informal eatery would possibly look unassuming however don’t be fooled; it has been serving scrumptious seafood since 1978 and has fairly the cult following.
The ginger teriyaki tuna steak is a well-liked selection on the menu. You can tuck in understanding that your meals is recent and regionally caught. Blackbeard’s additionally has a fantastic burger menu when you change your thoughts about seafood, together with a choose few vegetarian choices. Casual, pleasant, and filled with tasty meals, eating at Blackbeard’s is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do on South Padre Island.
Sea Ranch
Sea Ranch is one other suggestion for our foodies. Dining on the restaurant is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do on South Padre Island when you’ve got a ardour for seafood and high-quality delicacies. You might be tucking into king crab legs or having fun with succulent Gulf Coast shrimp. The collection of seafood is diversified and as recent as attainable.
Sea Ranch is positioned proper on the harbor and fringe of Laguna Madre Bay. It has by no means been really easy to visualize your meals’s ocean-to-plate journey.
South Padre Island FAQs
Now that we’ve lined all the very best issues to do on South Padre Island, let’s take a look at some frequent ceaselessly requested questions.
How to get to South Padre Island
The easiest method to get to South Padre Island is to fly into Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport or Valley International Airport. Both airports are round 40 miles from South Padre Island, and you may e-book a shuttle, hire a automotive, or e-book a taxi to journey from the airport to your lodging.
Of course, if street journeys are extra your fashion, you’ll be able to all the time drive to South Padre Island. The Texas Gulf Coast is a scenic route to observe, or you may detour by way of Austin. You may even drive the whole east coast when you wished, crossing over onto South Padre Island if you attain the bridge at Corpus Christi.
Getting round South Padre Island
Getting round South Padre Island may be very simple. The city heart is small and shortly walked on foot, so that you received’t want to fear about public transport when you keep across the heart.
If you need to enterprise additional up the island, South Padre Island has a wonderful public transport system. The Island Metro is a free shuttle that transports you round the entire island, stopping at main resorts, sights, and seashores.
You may also e-book this 8-hour golf cart rental for a straightforward, no-hassle approach to get across the 5-mile (8km) lengthy island. You may also select from a number of pick-up instances.
Of course, you may also want to hire a automotive to get round South Padre Island. This is a superb concept if you would like to journey additional afield, taking day journeys to locations like Padre Island National Seashore. You can solely attain this area by driving again onto the mainland, so it’s properly value having a automotive when you plan a go to. Check out RentalCars.com to examine costs.
Best time to go to South Padre Island
The greatest time to go to South Padre Island is in November. November is if you’ll discover the fewest crowds – escaping the summer season holidays and rowdy spring break interval. November additionally has a number of the lowest rainfall but nonetheless experiences common temperatures of 70 levels Fahrenheit. It is a win, win month to go to.
If summer season holidays sound extra interesting to you, temperatures do attain up to 94 levels Fahrenheit. You’ll have low rainfall and hovering temperatures; it’s simply up to you to determine whether or not that’s value the additional crowds.
Where to keep on South Padre Island
So, the place must you keep on South Padre Island? These are our prime ideas for every price range stage.
Budget: Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island
Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island is a incredible budget-friendly choice for lodging on South Padre Island. The amenities are simply as spectacular as the worth, with an out of doors heated pool, health heart, and personal seaside entry to get pleasure from.
Guests will discover a microwave and fridge in each room – excellent for storing grocery store snacks. There’s additionally a day by day continental breakfast to tuck into. See charges on Booking.com and examine on TripAdvisor
Mid-range: Isla Grand Beach Resort
Isla Grand Beach Resort is a good mid-range lodging choice. It has all of the resort facilities you may want for. From a health heart to tennis courts and an unlimited out of doors pool, you’ll be properly entertained. There’s even a complimentary espresso ready for you every morning on the on-site cafe. See charges on Booking.com and examine on TripAdvisor
Luxury: Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
Hilton Garden Inn is South Padre Island’s most luxurious, highest-rated lodging selection. The lodge has every part, from an out of doors pool overlooking the ocean to a totally geared up health heart. Guests can select from numerous room choices, together with suites with balconies overlooking the ocean. See charges on Booking.com and examine on TripAdvisor
To Conclude
Visiting South Padre Island is a incredible approach to get pleasure from coastal Texas. The city is stuffed with actions, reserves, and sights; it’s clear that there are many issues to do on South Padre Island. South Padre Island is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to within the US – be sure you get pleasure from it.