South Padre Island is a ravishing resort city off coastal South Texas. My mother and father truly spent a decade as Snowbirds making their approach 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 one of the 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 and not using a seaside day? Make positive to pencil in a minimum of sooner or later to get pleasure from an actual seaside 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’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, 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 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 also e book a jet ski rental to discover Laguna Madre independently. Make positive to preserve 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 ravishing boardwalk with waterfront pavilions scattered alongside the way in which. The seaside is only a brief 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 brief drive from South Padre Island – positioned in Port Isabel on the opposite aspect 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 customary 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 middle additionally has a contact tank and marine displays 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 middle has over 3,300 ft of boardwalks that wind across the bay, an alligator sanctuary, an commentary tower, 5 hen 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 gives an identical expertise, simply longer and with extra diversified sights alongside the way in which.
If you need to see Laguna Madre from the water, a very good possibility is a jet ski rental. You can experience alone or with one other individual to see the shoreline from a special viewpoint. You can test availability and costs right here.
An necessary a part of the middle is the Butterfly Garden and it’s a excellent place to spot butterflies within the wild. The park is small however filled with pollinator-friendly vegetation – 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 seaside. You can decide no matter exercise piques your curiosity, from horseback using on the seaside to ziplining round a zipline circuit. We advocate horseback using, as when you get fortunate, you would possibly spot bottlenose dolphins or different marine life whereas cantering alongside the water’s edge.
South Padre Island Adventure Park additionally has a petting barn. Families can introduce younger youngsters to animals in a secure, educated 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 ability 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 seaside. You received’t be flipping buckets the other way up the entire time to make customary 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 surprising citadel – typically so massive that you just’ll have to stand on your tiptoes to end the ultimate roofing particulars. The particulars are spectacular, with stairways that might impress Disney and sensible 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 consists of all of the instruments to create lovely sandcastles that can be utilized all through your keep. Read extra right here.
6. See The Largest Outdoor Sandcastle within the US
You would possibly make your personal sandcastle and even take a sandcastle constructing lesson, however you additionally want to go to the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle within the US. The sandcastle took 150 tons of river sand to construct and was constructed in 2013. Since then, it has attracted vacationers within the 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 enable a minimum of 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 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 twelve months a yr. Visiting Sea Turtle Inc. is among 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 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 vastly memorable expertise. It additionally helps you to comprehend the variety of turtles in want, and you’ll view the totally different therapies and strategies 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 implausible work. You may also test the schedule to attend one of many hourly displays or each 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 probably the greatest spots on the island. The dunes sit on the beachfront, positioned on the north finish of Padre Boulevard. While the dunes are protected (which means no driving or sand sports activities), you may stroll by them. Just be aware of disrupting the dunes as little as doable.
There is one thing particular about being surrounded by sand dunes, and you need 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 surprising 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 precious 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 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 gives 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 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 enormous 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 calm down and take within the views.
Isabella Causeway was additionally sadly the positioning of tragedy in 2001 when an older model of the bridge collapsed. The newly constructed bridge doubles up as a memorial for the tragedy. It is a humbling drive to pay your respects.
As the causeway is the preferred approach to attain South Padre Island, you’ll doubtless 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 hire a automobile for a day, evaluate 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 previous fishing pier for a soothing 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 the whole lot you want – from a deal with and bait store to a bathroom block. The pier is positioned simply throughout the causeway in Port Isabel. You’ll be disposing of into Laguna Madre Bay with among 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 yr. Firework shows shortly turn into one of many favourite South Padre Island sights in summer season. At round 9 pm most nights, you may head out to be entertained by loud noise and vivid colours, all for the grand value of zero {dollars}. It is straightforward to see why visiting a firework show has turn into probably the greatest issues to do on South Padre Island.
Throughout summer season, 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 anticipate additional particular fireworks when 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 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 good for any vacationer. And what higher approach to beat the new 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 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 keep in mind is that the Beach Park at Isla Blanca closes through the low season. This is a particular summer season or springtime attraction – perfect for these scorching 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 delightful. However, forking out on a dinner cruise is an effective way to make a typical boat tour even higher. Many firms supply 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 keep 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 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 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 hen 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 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 this planet.
While it’d require somewhat additional effort to get there, it’s simply probably the greatest day journeys on South Padre Island. The drive takes round three hours a method, and also you’ll want to hire a automobile to go to. If you’re 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 considered one of South Padre Island’s most instructional sights. 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 conflict and its early maritime beginnings. Laguna Madre’s historical past has been successfully condensed onto an enormous timeline – so you may actually stroll by 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 probably the greatest indoor actions within the space, so preserve 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 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 considered one of South Padre’s deep sea fishing journeys.
Osprey Cruises are a preferred possibility 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 gives 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 when you determine that deep sea fishing isn’t for you, be that due to restricted time or funds, there are many different fishing journeys. Crystal Flats Guide Service gives wonderful 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 popular by locals. It is a a lot smoother, shorter expertise, so contemplate 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 one of the best spot on South Padre Island. The informal eatery would possibly look unassuming however don’t be fooled; it has been serving scrumptious seafood since 1978 and has fairly the cult following.
The ginger teriyaki tuna steak is a well-liked alternative on the menu. You can tuck in understanding that your meals is contemporary and domestically caught. Blackbeard’s additionally has an awesome burger menu when you change your thoughts about seafood, together with a choose few vegetarian choices. Casual, pleasant, and filled with tasty meals, eating at Blackbeard’s is among 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 among the greatest 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 choice of seafood is diversified and as contemporary 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 lined all one of the best 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’ll e book a shuttle, hire a automobile, or e book a taxi to journey from the airport to your lodging.
Of course, if street journeys are extra your fashion, you may at all times drive to South Padre Island. The Texas Gulf Coast is a scenic route to observe, or you possibly can detour by Austin. You might even drive the whole east coast when you 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 could be very easy. The city middle is small and shortly walked on foot, so that you received’t want to fear about public transport when 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 accommodations, sights, and seashores.
You may also e book this 8-hour golf cart rental for a straightforward, no-hassle approach to get across the 5-mile (8km) lengthy island. You may also select from a number of pick-up occasions.
Of course, you may also want to hire a automobile to get round South Padre Island. This is a superb 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 nicely price having a automobile when you 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 season 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 season holidays sound extra interesting to you, temperatures do attain up to 94 levels Fahrenheit. You’ll have low rainfall and hovering temperatures; it’s simply up to you to determine whether or not that’s 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 prime options for every funds degree.
Budget: Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island
Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island is a implausible budget-friendly possibility for lodging on South Padre Island. The services are simply as spectacular as the value, with an outside heated pool, health middle, and personal seaside 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 evaluate on TripAdvisor
Mid-range: Isla Grand Beach Resort
Isla Grand Beach Resort is a good mid-range lodging possibility. It has all of the resort facilities you possibly can want for. From a health middle to tennis courts and an unlimited 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 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 the whole lot, from an outside pool overlooking the ocean to a completely outfitted health middle. 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 implausible approach to get pleasure from coastal Texas. The city is stuffed with actions, reserves, and sights; it’s clear that there are many issues to do on South Padre Island. South Padre Island is among the greatest locations to go to within the US – be sure to get pleasure from it.