South Padre Island is a stupendous resort city off coastal South Texas. My dad and mom really spent a decade as Snowbirds making their means 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 superb 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 perfect 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 and not using a seaside day? Make positive to pencil in at the very least sooner or later to take pleasure in 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 if you find yourself on the lookout for 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 on the lookout for one thing extra energetic, hire gear from one of many many surf outlets and log on 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 can even 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 stupendous boardwalk with waterfront pavilions scattered alongside the best way. 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 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 quick drive from South Padre Island – positioned in Port Isabel on the opposite aspect of the Queen Isabella Causeway.
The heart runs every 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 normal business 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 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 statement tower, 5 chook 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’d like to spend half a day surrounded by nature. If you preferred the sound of the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, it presents an analogous expertise, simply longer and with extra different sights alongside the best way.
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 unique standpoint. You can test availability and costs right here.
An essential a part of the middle is the Butterfly Garden and it’s a good spot to spot butterflies within the wild. The park is small however filled with pollinator-friendly crops – 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 unlimited, 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 advocate horseback driving, as for those who 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 kids to animals in a protected, educated surroundings. 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 talent 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 citadel classes alongside the seaside. You received’t be flipping buckets the other way up the entire time to make normal 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 shocking 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 may impress Disney and reasonable 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 educate 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 would possibly make your individual 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 hundreds of 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 very least an hour to go searching. If you go to throughout a vacation, you’ll be able to often discover some themed paintings, which is all the time good enjoyable. Even higher, to go to, you simply pay a donation – holding 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 one year a yr. 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 completely 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’ll view the completely different remedies and methods used to heal the creatures – together with steel braces and bandaging.
Make positive to cease by the reward store after, as gross sales massively assist the charity proceed its unbelievable work. You can even test the schedule to attend one of many hourly shows or every 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 best 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 means of them. Just be conscious of disrupting the dunes as little as doable.
There is one thing particular about being surrounded by sand dunes, and it is best 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 shocking landmark and state historic website. It is the one remaining lighthouse in Texas nonetheless open to the general public, so it’s thought-about a invaluable 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 be able to deal with 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 presents 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 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 kids 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 could sound an odd 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 loosen up 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 most well-liked means to attain South Padre Island, you’ll probably 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 automotive for a day, evaluate 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 typically catch tarpon, mangrove snapper, and sand trout, so sit tight and watch for that thrilling first chunk.
Pirate’s Landing is the longest pier in Texas and has every little thing you want – from a deal with and bait store to a rest room block. The pier is positioned simply throughout the causeway in Port Isabel. You’ll be putting off into Laguna Madre Bay with a few 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 yr. Firework shows shortly turn into one of many favourite South Padre Island sights in summer time. At round 9 pm most nights, you’ll be able to head out to be entertained by loud noise and vivid colours, all for the grand value of zero {dollars}. It is simple to see why visiting a firework show has turn into among the best issues to do on South Padre Island.
Throughout summer time, 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 for those who 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 positively 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 means 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 might decide up recent veggies, candy treats, or a home made memento. You by no means fairly know what you 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 means 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 through the low season. This is a particular summer time or springtime attraction – superb 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 advocate 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 take pleasure in good meals, drink, music, and firm as you sail. Perhaps you’ll even spot bottlenose dolphins if you’re fortunate.
This extremely rated personal sundown cruise takes you out on a catamaran to take pleasure in stunning 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 chook 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 take pleasure in 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 slightly further effort to get there, it’s simply among the best day journeys on South Padre Island. The drive takes round three hours a technique, and also you’ll want to hire a automotive to go to. If you might be touring as a bunch and might rotate drivers, this journey might 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 certainly one of 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, overlaying Laguna Madre’s expertise of the conflict and its early maritime beginnings. Laguna Madre’s historical past has been successfully condensed onto a large timeline – so you’ll be able to actually stroll by means of the ages.
Whether you’re a historical past fanatic or simply need to study extra a couple of lesser-taught piece of historical past, visiting this museum is a good concept. It can also be among the best 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 may 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 certainly one 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 deal with, holding your day bag good and lightweight.
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 for those who 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 presents wonderful bay fishing. Crystal Flats Guide Service doesn’t take you proper out to sea. And as a substitute, you’ll fish particularly inshore areas most popular by locals. It is a a lot smoother, shorter expertise, so take into account it in its place 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 perfect 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 alternative on the menu. You can tuck in understanding that your meals is recent and domestically caught. Blackbeard’s additionally has an incredible burger menu for those who 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 advice 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 different and as recent as doable.
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 coated all the perfect issues to do on South Padre Island, let’s take a look at some widespread 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’ll 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 comply with, or you might detour by means of Austin. You might even drive the complete east coast for those who wished, crossing over onto South Padre Island once 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 for those who keep across the heart.
If you need to enterprise additional up the island, South Padre Island has a superb public transport system. The Island Metro is a free shuttle that transports you round the entire island, stopping at main motels, sights, and seashores.
You can even e book this 8-hour golf cart rental for a simple, no-hassle means to get across the 5-mile (8km) lengthy island. You can even select from a number of pick-up instances.
Of course, you may additionally want to hire a automotive to get round South Padre Island. This is a wonderful concept if you’d 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 price having a automotive for those who plan a go to. Check out RentalCars.com to evaluate costs.
Best time to go to South Padre Island
The greatest time to go to South Padre Island is in November. November is once you’ll discover the fewest crowds – escaping the summer time holidays and rowdy spring break interval. November additionally has a few 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 price 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 recommendations 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 amenities are simply as spectacular as the value, with an outside heated pool, health heart, and personal seaside entry to take pleasure in.
Guests will discover a microwave and fridge in each room – excellent for storing grocery store snacks. There’s additionally a every day continental breakfast to tuck into. See charges on Booking.com and evaluate 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 might want for. From a health heart to tennis courts and an unlimited outside 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 evaluate on TripAdvisor
Luxury: Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
Hilton Garden Inn is South Padre Island’s most luxurious, highest-rated lodging alternative. The lodge has every little thing, from an outside pool overlooking the ocean to a completely outfitted health heart. Guests can select from numerous room choices, together with suites with balconies overlooking the ocean. See charges on Booking.com and evaluate on TripAdvisor
To Conclude
Visiting South Padre Island is a unbelievable means to take pleasure in 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 take pleasure in it.