South Padre Island is a stupendous resort city off coastal South Texas. My dad and mom truly spent a decade as Snowbirds making their approach to South Padre to flee the winters from Canada. The city sits on an enormous barrier island and is joined to the mainland by Queen Isabella Causeway.
With theme parks and watersports for journey and wonderful pure habitats together with nesting grounds for sea turtles and loads of wildlife, South Padre Island is the right stability between spending time in nature and having a enjoyable seaside vacation. There are such a lot of South Padre Island sights – each pure and artifical.
High Issues 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. Get pleasure from a Seashore Day at Isla Blanca Seashore
What would a seaside vacation be with no seaside day? Be sure to pencil in not less than at some point to get pleasure from an actual seaside day at Isla Blanca Seashore. That is positively one of many busiest spots and is a spot you don’t wish to miss when you’re in search of issues to do on South Padre Island. Right here, you may stick with the classics like discovering sea shells or sunbathing or, if you’re in search of one thing extra energetic, hire tools from one of many many surf outlets and go online or boogie boarding. If you’re an actual adrenaline junkie, you may even go parasailing or jet snowboarding.
You’ll be able to e book this parasailing tour prematurely. No expertise is required to absorb the sweeping views of the island. You may as well e book a jet ski rental to discover Laguna Madre independently. Be sure to maintain an eye fixed out for dolphins.
Isla Blanca Seashore is beautiful, with huge white sands and loads of room to accommodate all of the guests that it inevitably attracts. You might be flanked by the marina and backed by a stupendous boardwalk with waterfront pavilions scattered alongside the way in which. The seaside is only a quick stroll from the city middle and all its facilities.
2. South Padre Island Dolphin Analysis & Sea Life Nature Middle
Dolphins should dwell a life free from captivity. And that is exactly the message that the Dolphin Analysis & Sea Life Nature Middle 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 identify wild bottlenose dolphins on a particular dolphin tour. These dolphin excursions are not like 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 identify.
Excursions aren’t the one factor the Dolphin Analysis & Sea Life Nature Middle does. The middle additionally has a contact tank and marine reveals to coach guests on marine conservation. All of the resident animals are rescues which can be being rehabilitated or deemed unsuitable to be launched again into the wild. You’ll be able to be taught extra about ongoing coastal issues and the way you are able to do your bit to assist out.
E book this 90 minute dolphin watch tour for a cruise into the Gulf of Mexico to identify Atlantic bottlenose dolphins of their pure habitat. You’ll additionally see seabirds, The US Coast Guard Station, and the Area X location.
3. South Padre Island Birding and Nature Middle
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Middle 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 remark tower, 5 chicken blinds, and a butterfly backyard. You’ll spot birds, gators, butterflies, and extra. And you’ll go for a guided tour or discover alone – with no noise besides from the animals round you.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Middle is ideal if you wish to spend half a day surrounded by nature. For those who preferred the sound of the Laguna Madre Nature Path, it presents an identical expertise, simply longer and with extra various sights alongside the way in which.
If you wish to see Laguna Madre from the water, a very good choice is a jet ski rental. You’ll be able to experience alone or with one other particular person to see the shoreline from a distinct viewpoint. You’ll be able to verify availability and costs right here.
An essential a part of the middle is the Butterfly Backyard and it’s a excellent spot to identify butterflies within the wild. The park is small however filled with pollinator-friendly crops – excellent for encouraging butterflies and different lovely wildlife. The Monarch Butterfly was positioned on the Endangered Species Listing and the middle is working to revive Monarch Butterfly Habitat.
4. South Padre Island Journey Park
South Padre Island Journey 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’ll be able to choose 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 Journey Park additionally has a petting barn. Households can introduce younger youngsters to animals in a secure, educated surroundings. The park is an excellent time out for households and lone adults alike.
5. Take a Sand Citadel lesson
One of the distinctive issues to do on South Padre Island is to take a sand citadel lesson. Likelihood is, constructing sand castles was a ability you both taught your self or your dad and mom confirmed you with a bucket and spade. Nonetheless, at South Padre Island, you may take your first official lesson, as skilled sand sculptors run sand citadel classes alongside the seaside. You gained’t be flipping buckets the other way up the entire time to make normal castles. You’ll be creating art work.
The teachings run between one and three hours, and the result’s assured to be a masterpiece. You’ll construct a surprising citadel – usually so massive that you simply’ll have to face in your tiptoes to complete the ultimate roofing particulars. The small print are spectacular, with stairways that may impress Disney and real looking textures carved into the partitions and roof. Relying in your necessities, you may e book group, household, and personal classes.
This Sandcastling Expertise will educate 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. Learn extra right here.
6. See The Largest Outside 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 Outside Sandcastle within the US. The sandcastle took 150 tons of river sand to construct and was constructed in 2013. Since then, it has attracted vacationers within the thousands and thousands, and it stands as a testomony to South Padre Island’s sandcastle tradition.
There are additionally many smaller items of sand artwork close by, so enable not less than an hour to go searching. For those who go to throughout a vacation, you may often discover some themed art work, which is all the time good enjoyable. Even higher, to go to, you simply pay a donation – retaining prices good and low.
7. Laguna Madre Nature Path
Laguna Madre Nature Path 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. Nonetheless, you’ll be surrounded by nature – from fiddlewood berries to pelicans and falcons. It is likely 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. Permit 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 likely one of the most healthful methods to spend a few hours – particularly because the charity is fully funded by guests and donations.
You’ll be able to take a self-guided tour across the completely different swimming pools, stopping to have a look at every rescued sea turtle. For those who haven’t seen a sea turtle earlier than, it is a massively memorable expertise. It additionally lets you comprehend the variety of turtles in want, and you’ll view the completely different therapies and methods used to heal the creatures – together with steel braces and bandaging.
Be sure to cease by the reward store after, as gross sales massively assist the charity proceed its improbable work. You may as well verify the schedule to attend one of many hourly shows or each day sea turtle feeding classes. Learn extra: 10 Methods to Assist Save the Oceans – World Oceans Day and Past
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. Whereas the dunes are protected (that means no driving or sand sports activities), you may stroll by them. Simply be conscious of disrupting the dunes as little as doable.
There’s something particular about being surrounded by sand dunes, and it’s 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 surprising landmark and state historic website. It’s the solely remaining lighthouse in Texas nonetheless open to the general public, so it’s thought of a worthwhile a part of the state’s coastal historical past. It’s a improbable attraction to go to for a little bit of maritime historical past.
Port Isabel Lighthouse has 75 stairs, which you’ll sort out to succeed in the highest for wonderful views. Strolling up the spiral stairs is mildly vertigo-inducing however certainly an expertise. Typically, immersive historical past is less complicated to interact with, and the lighthouse presents a memorable historical past lesson.
You should purchase tickets from the Keeper’s Cottage Customer Middle. Reaching Port Isabel Lighthouse from South Padre Island can also be extraordinarily straightforward, as you simply cross the Queen Isabella Freeway.
11. Gravity Park
Prepared 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’s a common attraction amongst vacationers and locals alike.
Entrance to Gravity Park is free, and tickets for rides are purchased on a ride-by-ride foundation. That is excellent for adults taking youngsters into the park, as admission tickets can shortly add as much as in any other case make an costly time out. 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 will likely 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 likely one of the longest bridges in Texas and has lovely water views. You’ll be able to 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’s a humbling drive to pay your respects.
Because 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’s also ideally mixed with a go to to Port Isabel Lighthouse. If it is advisable to hire a automotive for a day, evaluate costs for leases at RentalCars.com
13. Fish on the Pirate’s Touchdown Fishing Pier
Certain, 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’ll be able to usually catch tarpon, mangrove snapper, and sand trout, so sit tight and watch for that thrilling first chew.
Pirate’s Touchdown is the longest pier in Texas and has every thing you want – from a sort out and bait store to a bathroom block. The pier is situated simply throughout the causeway in Port Isabel. You’ll be disposing of into Laguna Madre Bay with among 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 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 vibrant colours, all for the grand price of zero {dollars}. It’s straightforward to see why visiting a firework show has turn into among the finest issues to do on South Padre Island.
All through summer season, you may catch fireworks on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Tuesdays, the show is at Louie’s Yard. Whereas on Thursdays, the show is held at Isla Grand Seashore Resort. Then, on Fridays and Saturdays, you may catch fireworks at The Pier behind the Courtyard by Marriott.
After all, you may 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 free, particularly over Laguna Madre Bay – a spectacle you positively shouldn’t miss.
15. Go to 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’s also simply slotted right into a busy itinerary, taking round 20 minutes to stroll round.
You can choose up contemporary veggies, candy treats, or a hand-crafted memento. You by no means fairly know what you’ll discover, which is all a part of the enjoyable.
16. Seashore Park at Isla Blanca
A day on the waterpark is sensible for any vacationer. And what higher approach to beat the new South Padre climate? You’ll be able to settle 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 may be zipping alongside water rides and grabbing poolside refreshments.
One factor to recollect is that the Seashore Park at Isla Blanca closes throughout the low season. This can be a particular summer season or springtime attraction – supreme for these sizzling days when you may’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. Nonetheless, forking out on a dinner cruise is an effective way to make a regular boat tour even higher. Many firms provide dinner cruises round South Padre, however we’d advocate Southern Wave Crusing Charters.
Southern Wave Crusing Charters have luxurious catamarans that embark at sundown to whisk vacationers out for a dinner cruise they’ll keep in mind. You’ll be able to get pleasure from good meals, drink, music, and firm as you sail. Maybe you’ll even spot bottlenose dolphins if you’re fortunate.
This extremely rated non-public 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 as much as six passengers that may be custom-made to your preferences.
18. South Padre Island Nationwide Seashore
South Padre Island Nationwide Seashore is situated north of South Padre Island’s city middle. You’ll must entry it by looping again throughout the mainland. The park protects 66 miles of beautiful shoreline and homes an estimated 380 chicken species. The Nationwide Seashore additionally homes some human historical past, with Spanish shipwrecks from 1554.
Other than the odd shipwreck and park signal, you may get pleasure from miles of undeveloped seashores and hikes. Nationwide Seashore is a distant paradise in Texas and the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island on the planet.
Whereas it would require a bit of 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 you’ll must hire a automotive to go to. If you’re touring as a gaggle and might rotate drivers, this journey might be a breeze. You drive as much as Corpus Christi after which over the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway to succeed in the Nationwide Seashore.
19. Port Isabel Historic Museum
Port Isabel Historic Museum is certainly one of South Padre Island’s most academic sights. The museum whisks guests again to the Mexican-American Conflict with fascinating reveals and artifacts. Port Isabel Historic Museum additionally delves into the native space’s historical past, protecting 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 may actually stroll by the ages.
Whether or not you’re a historical past fanatic or simply wish to be taught extra a few lesser-taught piece of historical past, visiting this museum is a superb concept. It’s also among the finest indoor actions within the space, so hold it in thoughts on a wet day.
20. Get on the Water
If you’re an avid fisherman, the attract of deep sea fishing is gigantic. It’s a bucket list-worthy expertise. Even those that know nothing about fishing may have seen footage of individuals posing with large fish they’ve caught at sea. To get your self off the piers and seashores and out into the ocean, have 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 improbable for these visiting out-of-season, and also you’ll depart at 7:30 am for a full eight hours on the water. Osprey Cruises additionally supplies all bait and sort out, retaining your day bag good and lightweight.
You’ll be able to 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 resolve that deep sea fishing isn’t for you, be that attributable to restricted time or funds, there are many different fishing journeys. Crystal Flats Information Service presents glorious bay fishing. Crystal Flats Information Service doesn’t take you proper out to sea. And as an alternative, you’ll fish specifically inshore areas most popular by locals. It’s 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. The place to Eat on South Padre Island
Dine at Blackbeard’s
You’ll be able to’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 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 selection on the menu. You’ll be able to tuck in figuring out that your meals is contemporary and regionally caught. Blackbeard’s additionally has an important burger menu for those who change your thoughts about seafood, together with a choose few vegetarian choices. Informal, pleasant, and filled with tasty meals, eating at Blackbeard’s is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do on South Padre Island.
Sea Ranch
Sea Ranch is one other advice for our foodies. Eating on the restaurant is likely one of the finest issues to do on South Padre Island when you’ve got a ardour for seafood and high-quality delicacies. You can be tucking into king crab legs or having fun with succulent Gulf Coast shrimp. The number of seafood is various and as contemporary as doable.
Sea Ranch is situated proper on the harbor and fringe of Laguna Madre Bay. It has by no means been really easy to visualise 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 have a look at some frequent steadily requested questions.
Methods to get to South Padre Island
The best approach to get to South Padre Island is to fly into Brownsville-South Padre Island Worldwide Airport or Valley Worldwide Airport. Each 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.
After all, if highway journeys are extra your type, you may all the time drive to South Padre Island. The Texas Gulf Coast is a scenic path to observe, or you possibly can detour by Austin. You can even drive all the 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 middle is small and shortly walked on foot, so that you gained’t want to fret about public transport for those who keep across the middle.
If you wish to enterprise additional up the island, South Padre Island has a wonderful public transport system. The Island Metro is a free shuttle that transports you round the entire island, stopping at main lodges, sights, and seashores.
You may as well e book this 8-hour golf cart rental for a simple, no-hassle approach to get across the 5-mile (8km) lengthy island. You may as well select from a number of pick-up instances.
After all, you may additionally want to hire a automotive to get round South Padre Island. This is a wonderful concept if you wish to journey additional afield, taking day journeys to locations like Padre Island Nationwide Seashore. You’ll be able to solely attain this area by driving again onto the mainland, so it’s effectively price having a automotive for those who plan a go to. Take a look at RentalCars.com to check costs.
Finest time to go to South Padre Island
The very best 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’s a win, win month to go to.
If summer season holidays sound extra interesting to you, temperatures do attain as much as 94 levels Fahrenheit. You’ll have low rainfall and hovering temperatures; it’s simply as much as you to resolve whether or not that’s price the additional crowds.
The place to remain on South Padre Island
So, the place must you keep on South Padre Island? These are our high options for every funds stage.
Price range: Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island
Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island is a improbable budget-friendly choice for lodging on South Padre Island. The amenities are simply as spectacular as the value, with an out of doors heated pool, health middle, and personal seaside entry to get pleasure from.
Visitors will discover a microwave and fridge in each room – excellent for storing grocery store snacks. There’s additionally a each day continental breakfast to tuck into. See charges on Reserving.com and evaluate on TripAdvisor
Mid-range: Isla Grand Seashore Resort
Isla Grand Seashore Resort is a superb 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 out of doors pool, you’ll be effectively entertained. There’s even a complimentary espresso ready for you every morning on the on-site cafe. See charges on Reserving.com and evaluate on TripAdvisor
Luxurious: Hilton Backyard Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
Hilton Backyard Inn is South Padre Island’s most luxurious, highest-rated lodging selection. The resort has every thing, from an out of doors pool overlooking the ocean to a completely outfitted health middle. Visitors can select from numerous room choices, together with suites with balconies overlooking the ocean. See charges on Reserving.com and evaluate on TripAdvisor
To Conclude
Visiting South Padre Island is a improbable 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 likely one of the finest locations to go to within the US – be sure you get pleasure from it.
