South Padre Island is a good looking resort city off coastal South Texas. My mother and father truly spent a decade as Snowbirds making their method to South Padre to escape the winters from Canada. The city sits on an enormous 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 right 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 no seaside day? Make positive to pencil in at the very least at some point 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 find yourself in search of issues to do on South Padre Island. Here, you possibly can stick to the classics like discovering sea shells or sunbathing or, in case you are in search of one thing extra lively, hire tools from one of many many surf outlets and log on or boogie boarding. If you’re a actual adrenaline junkie, you possibly can even go parasailing or jet snowboarding.
You can e book this parasailing tour upfront. 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 beautiful, 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 way in which. The seaside is only a quick stroll from the city heart and all its facilities.
2. South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center
Dolphins deserve to dwell 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 quick 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 in contrast to your commonplace industrial vacationer traps and carry simply six or fewer vacationers at a time. You’ll expertise an moral dolphin cruise; quiet, respectful, and educated concerning 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 are being rehabilitated or deemed unsuitable to be launched again into the wild. You can be taught extra about ongoing coastal issues 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 statement tower, 5 fowl blinds, and a butterfly backyard. You’ll spot birds, gators, butterflies, and extra. And you possibly can 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 need to spend half a day surrounded by nature. If you favored the sound of the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, it affords the same expertise, simply longer and with extra diversified sights alongside the way in which.
If you need to see Laguna Madre from the water, choice is a jet ski rental. You can journey alone or with one other particular person to see the shoreline from a special perspective. You can verify availability and costs right here.
An essential a part of the middle is the Butterfly Garden and it’s a excellent spot to spot butterflies within the wild. The park is small however stuffed with pollinator-friendly vegetation – excellent for encouraging butterflies and different stunning 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 in the event you get fortunate, you may 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 essentially the most distinctive issues to do on South Padre Island is to take a sand citadel lesson. Chances are, constructing sand castles was a ability you both taught your self or your mother and father confirmed you with a bucket and spade. However, at South Padre Island, you possibly can take your first official lesson, as skilled sand sculptors run sand citadel classes alongside the seaside. You received’t be flipping buckets the other 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 citadel – typically so massive that you simply’ll have to stand on your tiptoes to end the ultimate roofing particulars. The particulars are spectacular, with stairways that might impress Disney and life like textures carved into the partitions and roof. Depending on your necessities, you possibly can 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 stunning sandcastles that can be utilized all through your keep. Read extra right here.
6. See The Largest Outdoor Sandcastle within the US
You may 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 enable at the very least an hour to go searching. If you go to throughout a vacation, you possibly can often discover some themed paintings, which is at all times 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 numerous 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 high 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 twelve months a 12 months. Visiting Sea Turtle Inc. is without doubt one of the most healthful methods to spend a few hours – particularly for the reason that charity is totally 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, this can be 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 strategies used to heal the creatures – together with steel braces and bandaging.
Make positive to cease by the present store after, as gross sales massively assist the charity proceed its unbelievable work. You may also verify 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 among the finest 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 possibly can stroll by way of them. Just be aware of disrupting the dunes as little as attainable.
There is one thing particular about being surrounded by sand dunes, and you need to convey your digital camera to seize the second. You’ll be surrounded by miles of sandy hills and ridges -a stunning 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 precious a part of the state’s coastal historical past. It is a unbelievable attraction to go to for a little bit of maritime historical past.
Port Isabel Lighthouse has 75 stairs, which you’ll sort out to attain the highest for wonderful views. Walking up the spiral stairs is mildly vertigo-inducing however certainly an expertise. Often, immersive historical past is simpler to have interaction with, and the lighthouse affords a memorable historical past lesson.
You should buy tickets from the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center. Reaching Port Isabel Lighthouse from South Padre Island can also be extraordinarily straightforward, 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 filled with rides and actions, together with go-karts, mini-golf, and a reverse bungee. Having opened in 1993, it has years of expertise beneath 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 rapidly 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 could 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 stunning 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 location 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 method to attain South Padre Island, you’ll doubtless get the possibility to cross. It cuts over Laguna Madre, becoming a member of Port Isabel with South Padre Island. It can also be ideally mixed with a go to to Port Isabel Lighthouse. If you want to hire a automobile for a day, examine costs for leases at RentalCars.com
13. Fish on the Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier
Sure, you possibly can embark on a deep sea fishing tour (extra on that later), however why not attempt your hand at conventional fishing too? Head to South Padre’s previous fishing pier for a calming afternoon. You can typically catch tarpon, mangrove snapper, and sand trout, so sit tight and look forward to that thrilling first chew.
Pirate’s Landing is the longest pier in Texas and has every part you want – from a sort out and bait store to a bathroom block. The pier is positioned simply throughout the causeway in Port Isabel. You’ll be removing into Laguna Madre Bay with a number of the greatest services 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 many of the 12 months. Firework shows rapidly develop into one of many favourite South Padre Island sights in summer time. At round 9 pm most nights, you possibly can head out to be entertained by loud noise and brilliant colours, all for the grand price of zero {dollars}. It is simple to see why visiting a firework show has develop into among the finest issues to do on South Padre Island.
Throughout summer time, you possibly can 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 possibly can catch fireworks at The Pier behind the Courtyard by Marriott.
Of course, you possibly can anticipate additional particular fireworks in the event you go to South Padre Island on the 4th of July or Labor Day. These shows are let free, particularly over Laguna Madre Bay – a spectacle you positively shouldn’t miss.
15. Visit the South Padre Island Farmer’s Market
Nothing fairly says rest 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 also be simply slotted right into a busy itinerary, taking round 20 minutes to stroll round.
You may decide up contemporary veggies, candy treats, or a home made memento. You by no means fairly know what one can find, which is all a part of the enjoyable.
16. Beach Park at Isla Blanca
A day on the waterpark is sensible for any vacationer. And what higher method to beat the recent South Padre climate? You can quiet 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 will be zipping alongside water rides and grabbing poolside refreshments.
One factor to bear in mind is that the Beach Park at Isla Blanca closes throughout the low season. This is a particular summer time or springtime attraction – perfect for these scorching days when you possibly can’t face any actual sightseeing.
17. Take a dinner cruise
Boat excursions are at all times a good suggestion, particularly since South Padre Island waters are so tranquil and delightful. However, forking out on a dinner cruise is a good way to make a normal boat tour even higher. Many corporations supply 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 in case you are fortunate.
This extremely rated non-public sundown cruise takes you out on a catamaran to get pleasure from stunning views of the Texas Gulf Coast. It’s a personal 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 beautiful shoreline and homes an estimated 380 fowl species. The National Seashore additionally homes some human historical past, with Spanish shipwrecks from 1554.
Apart from the odd shipwreck and park signal, you possibly can 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 planet.
While it would require somewhat additional effort to get there, it’s simply among the finest day journeys on South Padre Island. The drive takes round three hours a technique, and also you’ll want to hire a automobile to go to. If you’re touring as a gaggle and might rotate drivers, this journey will likely 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 every of South Padre Island’s most instructional 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 battle and its early maritime beginnings. Laguna Madre’s historical past has been successfully condensed onto a large timeline – so you possibly can actually stroll by way of the ages.
Whether you’re a historical past fanatic or simply need to be taught extra a couple of lesser-taught piece of historical past, visiting this museum is a superb thought. It can also be among the finest indoor actions within the space, so hold it in thoughts on a wet day.
20. Get on the Water
If you’re an avid fisherman, the attract of deep sea fishing is gigantic. It is a bucket list-worthy expertise. Even those that know nothing about fishing can have seen footage 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 every of South Padre’s deep sea fishing journeys.
Osprey Cruises are a well-liked choice and function all-year-round excursions. This flexibility is unbelievable 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 supplies all bait and sort out, protecting your day bag good and lightweight.
You can e book a small half day fishing journey upfront with Viator to fish for trout, sheepshead, and extra. A legitimate Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required for this tour.
Even in the event 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 popular by locals. It is a a lot smoother, shorter expertise, so take into account it as a substitute in case you are 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 making an attempt seafood, and Blackbeard’s is the very best spot on South Padre Island. The informal eatery may 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 figuring out that your meals is contemporary and regionally caught. Blackbeard’s additionally has an excellent burger menu in the event you change your thoughts about seafood, together with a choose few vegetarian choices. Casual, pleasant, and stuffed 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 advice for our foodies. Dining on the restaurant is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do on South Padre Island if in case you have 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 choice of seafood is diversified and as contemporary 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 often requested questions.
How to get to South Padre Island
The simplest way 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 automobile, or e book a taxi to journey from the airport to your lodging.
Of course, if highway journeys are extra your fashion, you possibly can at all times drive to South Padre Island. The Texas Gulf Coast is a scenic route to comply with, or you could possibly detour by way of Austin. You may even drive all the east coast in the event you wished, crossing over onto South Padre Island while you attain the bridge at Corpus Christi.
Getting round South Padre Island
Getting round South Padre Island may be very easy. The city heart is small and rapidly walked on foot, so that you received’t want to fear about public transport in the event 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 lodges, sights, and seashores.
You may also e book this 8-hour golf cart rental for a straightforward, no-hassle method to get across the 5-mile (8km) lengthy island. You may also select from a number of pick-up instances.
Of course, you may additionally want to hire a automobile to get round South Padre Island. This is a superb thought if you need 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 effectively value having a automobile in the event 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 while you’ll discover the fewest crowds – escaping the summer time 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 time 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 do you have to keep on South Padre Island? These are our high solutions for every price range stage.
Budget: Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island
Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island is a unbelievable budget-friendly choice for lodging on South Padre Island. The services are simply as spectacular as the value, 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 superb mid-range lodging choice. It has all of the resort facilities you could possibly want for. From a health heart to tennis courts and an unlimited out of doors pool, you’ll be effectively 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 resort has every part, from an out of doors pool overlooking the ocean to a completely geared up health heart. Guests can select from varied 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 unbelievable method 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.