South Padre Island is a fantastic resort city off coastal South Texas. My dad and mom really spent a decade as Snowbirds making their manner 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 proper stability between spending time in nature and having a enjoyable seashore vacation. There are so many South Padre Island points of interest – 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 seashore vacation be with out a seashore day? Make certain to pencil in at the least sooner or later to get pleasure from an actual seashore day at Isla Blanca Beach. This is certainly one of many busiest spots and is a spot you don’t need to miss when you find yourself searching for issues to do on South Padre Island. Here, you possibly can stick to the classics like discovering sea shells or sunbathing or, if you’re searching for one thing extra energetic, lease tools from one of many many surf outlets and go online 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 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 certain 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 best way. 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 reside 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 not like your customary 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 middle additionally has a contact tank and marine displays 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 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 middle has over 3,300 ft of boardwalks that wind across the bay, an alligator sanctuary, an commentary tower, 5 chook 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 presents an identical expertise, simply longer and with extra diverse points of interest alongside the best way.
If you need to see Laguna Madre from the water, a very good choice is a jet ski rental. You can experience alone or with one other individual to see the shoreline from a unique viewpoint. You can test availability and costs right here.
An necessary a part of the middle is the Butterfly Garden and it’s a great spot to spot butterflies within the wild. The park is small however filled with pollinator-friendly vegetation – 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 enormous, 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 suggest horseback using, as should 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 setting. The park is a superb 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 fortress 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 possibly can take your first official lesson, as skilled sand sculptors run sand fortress classes alongside the seashore. You gained’t be flipping buckets the wrong way up the entire time to make customary 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 fortress – typically so huge 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 possibly can 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 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 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 possibly can normally 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 among 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 one year a yr. Visiting Sea Turtle Inc. is among the most healthful methods to spend a few hours – particularly for the reason that charity is solely funded by guests and donations.
You can take a self-guided tour across the totally 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 totally different therapies and strategies used to heal the creatures – together with metallic braces and bandaging.
Make certain to cease by the present 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 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 among the finest 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 possibly can stroll via them. Just be aware 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 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 shocking landmark and state historic web site. It is the one remaining lighthouse in Texas nonetheless open to the general public, so it’s thought-about a helpful 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 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 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 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 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 among 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 chill out 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 manner 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 lease a automotive 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 anticipate that thrilling first chunk.
Pirate’s Landing is the longest pier in Texas and has every thing you want – from a deal with and bait store to a bathroom block. The pier is situated simply throughout the causeway in Port Isabel. You’ll be getting rid of into Laguna Madre Bay with among the finest 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 yr. Firework shows shortly grow to be one of many favourite South Padre Island points of interest in summer time. At round 9 pm most nights, you possibly can head out to be entertained by loud noise and shiny colours, all for the grand value of zero {dollars}. It is straightforward to see why visiting a firework show has grow to be 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 further particular fireworks should 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 via 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 you will 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 manner to beat the recent South Padre climate? You can quiet down and get your adrenaline pumping all on the identical time.
The seashore park has an inland surf machine, a river system, and 4 totally 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 time or springtime attraction – preferrred for these sizzling 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 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 personal sundown cruise takes you out on a catamaran to get pleasure from lovely 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 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 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 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 earth.
While it’d require somewhat further effort to get there, it’s simply among the finest day journeys on South Padre Island. The drive takes round three hours a method, and also you’ll want to lease a automotive to go to. If you might be touring as a bunch and may rotate drivers, this journey will probably 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 instructional points of interest. The museum whisks guests again to the Mexican-American War with fascinating displays and artifacts. Port Isabel Historical Museum additionally delves into the native space’s historical past, overlaying Laguna Madre’s expertise of the struggle and its early maritime beginnings. Laguna Madre’s historical past has been successfully condensed onto a large timeline – so you possibly can actually stroll via 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 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 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 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 certainly one of South Padre’s deep sea fishing journeys.
Osprey Cruises are a preferred 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 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 should you determine that deep sea fishing isn’t for you, be that due to restricted time or finances, there are many different fishing journeys. Crystal Flats Guide Service presents glorious bay fishing. Crystal Flats Guide Service doesn’t take you proper out to sea. And as an alternative, you’ll fish particularly inshore areas most well-liked by locals. It is a a lot smoother, shorter expertise, so think about it in its place if you’re 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 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 contemporary and domestically caught. Blackbeard’s additionally has an excellent 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 among 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 among the finest issues to do on South Padre Island when 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 collection of seafood is diverse 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 perfect issues to do on South Padre Island, let’s take a look at some widespread incessantly 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, lease a automotive, or e-book a taxi to journey from the airport to your lodging.
Of course, if highway journeys are extra your type, you possibly can at all times drive to South Padre Island. The Texas Gulf Coast is a scenic route to observe, or you possibly can detour via Austin. You may even drive the complete east coast should 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 easy. 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, points of interest, and seashores.
You can even e-book this 8-hour golf cart rental for a straightforward, no-hassle manner to get across the 5-mile (8km) lengthy island. You can even select from a number of pick-up instances.
Of course, you may also want to lease a automotive 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 nicely value having a automotive 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 if you’ll discover the fewest crowds – escaping the summer time holidays and rowdy spring break interval. November additionally has among 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 must you keep on South Padre Island? These are our prime options for every finances degree.
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 worth, with an outside heated pool, health middle, and personal seashore entry to get pleasure from.
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 possibly can want for. From a health middle to tennis courts and an infinite outside pool, you’ll be nicely 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 thing, from an outside pool overlooking the ocean to a completely geared up health middle. 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 manner to get pleasure from coastal Texas. The city is stuffed with actions, reserves, and points of interest; it’s clear that there are many issues to do on South Padre Island. South Padre Island is among the finest locations to go to within the US – ensure you get pleasure from it.