South Padre Island is a fantastic resort city off coastal South Texas. My mother and father truly spent a decade as Snowbirds making their manner 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 seashore 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 most effective 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 seashore vacation be and not using a seashore day? Make positive to pencil in at the very least at some point to take pleasure in an actual seashore 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 on the lookout for issues to do on South Padre Island. Here, you may stick to the classics like discovering sea shells or sunbathing or, in case you are on the lookout for one thing extra lively, lease gear from one of many many surf retailers and go online or boogie boarding. If you’re a actual adrenaline junkie, you may 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 e-book a jet ski rental to discover Laguna Madre independently. Make positive to hold an eye fixed 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 fantastic boardwalk with waterfront pavilions scattered alongside the way in which. The seashore is only a quick stroll from the city middle 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 middle is only a quick drive from South Padre Island – situated in Port Isabel on the opposite facet of the Queen Isabella Causeway.
The middle runs each 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 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 middle additionally has a contact tank and marine reveals to educate guests on marine conservation. All the resident animals are rescues which can 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 middle has over 3,300 toes of boardwalks that wind across the bay, an alligator sanctuary, an remark tower, 5 chicken blinds, and a butterfly backyard. You’ll spot birds, gators, butterflies, and extra. And you may 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 preferred the sound of the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, it presents an identical expertise, simply longer and with extra various sights alongside the way in which.
If you need to see Laguna Madre from the water, a very good choice is a jet ski rental. You can trip alone or with one other particular person to see the shoreline from a unique standpoint. 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 crops – good 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 unlimited, privately owned seashore. You can decide no matter exercise piques your curiosity, from horseback using on the seashore to ziplining round a zipline circuit. We advocate horseback using, as should 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 protected, educated atmosphere. The park is a superb 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 citadel lesson. Chances are, constructing sand castles was a talent you both taught your self or your mother and father confirmed you with a bucket and spade. However, at South Padre Island, you may take your first official lesson, as skilled sand sculptors run sand citadel classes alongside the seashore. You gained’t be flipping buckets the wrong way up the entire time to make normal castles. You’ll be creating art work.
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 large that you simply’ll have to stand on your tiptoes to end the ultimate roofing particulars. The particulars are spectacular, with stairways that will impress Disney and life like textures carved into the partitions and roof. Depending on your necessities, you may e-book group, household, and personal classes.
This Sandcastling Experience will train you to construct a sandcastle like a professional. It contains 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 may 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 tens of millions, 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 may often discover some themed art work, which is at all times 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 various stroll. The boardwalk is simply 1,500 toes 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 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, it is a massively 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 present store after, as gross sales massively assist the charity proceed its implausible work. You may test the schedule to attend one of many hourly displays or each day sea turtle feeding periods. 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, situated on the north finish of Padre Boulevard. While the dunes are protected (that means no driving or sand sports activities), you may stroll by means 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 it is best to convey your digital camera 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 shocking landmark and state historic website. It is the one remaining lighthouse in Texas nonetheless open to the general public, so it’s thought of a helpful a part of the state’s coastal historical past. It is a implausible attraction to go to for a little bit of maritime historical past.
Port Isabel Lighthouse has 75 stairs, which you’ll 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 less complicated to have interaction with, and the lighthouse presents a memorable historical past lesson.
You can 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 filled with rides and actions, together with go-karts, mini-golf, and a reverse bungee. Having opened in 1993, it has years of expertise underneath 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 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 preferred manner to attain South Padre Island, you’ll probably get the prospect 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 lease a automobile for a day, examine costs for leases at RentalCars.com
13. Fish on the Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier
Sure, you may 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 outdated fishing pier for a calming afternoon. You can typically catch tarpon, mangrove snapper, and sand trout, so sit tight and await that thrilling first chew.
Pirate’s Landing is the longest pier in Texas and has every part you want – from a deal with and bait store to a rest room block. The pier is situated simply throughout the causeway in Port Isabel. You’ll be getting rid of into Laguna Madre Bay with a few of the finest 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 out to be one of many favourite South Padre Island sights in summer time. At round 9 pm most nights, you may head out to be entertained by loud noise and vibrant colours, all for the grand value of zero {dollars}. It is simple to see why visiting a firework show has turn out to be top-of-the-line issues to do on South Padre Island.
Throughout summer time, you may 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 may catch fireworks at The Pier behind the Courtyard by Marriott.
Of course, you may count on further particular fireworks should 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 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 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 contemporary veggies, candy treats, or a home made memento. You by no means fairly know what you will discover, 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 manner to beat the recent South Padre climate? You can settle down and get your adrenaline pumping all on the similar time.
The seashore 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 may 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 – best for these sizzling days when you may’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 exquisite. However, forking out on a dinner cruise is an effective way to make a typical boat tour even higher. Many corporations 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 in case you are fortunate.
This extremely rated non-public sundown cruise takes you out on a catamaran to take pleasure in lovely views of the Texas Gulf Coast. It’s a non-public yacht constitution for up to six passengers that may be personalized to your preferences.
18. South Padre Island National Seashore
South Padre Island National Seashore is situated north of South Padre Island’s city middle. 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 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 may 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 planet.
While it would require a bit of 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 technique, and also you’ll want to lease 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 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 warfare and its early maritime beginnings. Laguna Madre’s historical past has been successfully condensed onto a large timeline – so you may actually stroll by means 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 thought. It can also 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’re 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 could 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 preferred choice and function all-year-round excursions. This flexibility is implausible 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 upfront with Viator to fish for trout, sheepshead, and extra. A legitimate Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required for this tour.
Even should you resolve 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 instead in case you are comparatively new to fishing. Plus many individuals fish proper off the seashore.
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 most effective 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 alternative on the menu. You can tuck in realizing that your meals is contemporary and domestically caught. Blackbeard’s additionally has a fantastic burger menu should 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 advice for our foodies. Dining on the restaurant is without doubt one of the finest 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 choice of seafood is various and as contemporary as attainable.
Sea Ranch is situated 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 most effective 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, lease a automobile, or e-book a taxi to journey from the airport to your lodging.
Of course, if street journeys are extra your model, you may 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 means of Austin. You might even drive your entire east coast should you wished, crossing over onto South Padre Island whenever you attain the bridge at Corpus Christi.
Getting round South Padre Island
Getting round South Padre Island may be very simple. The city middle is small and shortly walked on foot, so that you gained’t want to fear about public transport should you keep across the middle.
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 may e-book this 8-hour golf cart rental for a simple, no-hassle manner to get across the 5-mile (8km) lengthy island. You may select from a number of pick-up occasions.
Of course, you may additionally want to lease a automobile to get round South Padre Island. This is a wonderful thought 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 price having a automobile should you plan a go to. Check out RentalCars.com to examine costs.
Best time to go to South Padre Island
The finest time to go to South Padre Island is in November. November is whenever 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 resolve 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 options for every price range stage.
Budget: Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island
Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island is a implausible 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 middle, and personal seashore entry to take pleasure in.
Guests will discover a microwave and fridge in each room – good for storing grocery store snacks. There’s additionally a each 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 could possibly want for. From a health middle 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 examine 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 resort has every part, from an out of doors pool overlooking the ocean to a totally geared up health middle. 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 implausible manner to take pleasure in coastal Texas. The city is filled 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 finest locations to go to within the US – be sure you take pleasure in it.