Summary
South Padre Island, a sandy barrier island, is Texas’ southernmost coastal community. Due to its unique geographic location, South Padre (SPI) has a more “tropical” feel than other Texas beaches. While the beach itself is a huge draw for SPI visitors, it is hardly the only activity to enjoy on this barrier island situated just north of the Texas/Mexico border. Moreover, visitors can find thrills at Schlitterbahn and witness sea turtles being released. SPI is also a vibrant gathering place during Spring Break and Pride weekend.
Surf Into Schlitterbahn
Address: 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Phone: +1 956-426-9066
As one of the top waterparks in the country, South Padre Island’s Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is situated right on the beach and provides a wide variety of water slides, rides, pools, and other attractions. Additionally, it features a restaurant, sports bar, and evening entertainment during the summer season, while off-season guests can enjoy an indoor waterpark.
For a full experience, consider staying at the Schlitterbahn Beach Resort, which offers ocean views and family-friendly suites accommodating up to six people, furnished with custom reclaimed wood furniture exclusively made for the resort.
Hit the Beach
South Padre Island is renowned as one of Texas’s most popular tourist destinations. SPI not only features exciting restaurants and nightlife but also showcases incredible natural beauty. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Lower Laguna Madre on the other, South Padre is surrounded by some of the clearest waters on the Texas coast.
Visitors can choose to unwind on the beach or engage in a plethora of water sports. From windsurfing to kiteboarding, SPI offers activities catering to both thrill-seekers and those desiring a peaceful experience in its stunning waterfront scenery. You can even attempt Flyboarding, propelled high into the air by a powerful stream of water, or go parasailing, with rentals and lessons available for various water sports.
See Sand Castle Wizards
Address: 208 W Kingfish St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Phone: +1 956-772-1122
Every October, South Padre Island hosts the annual Sand Castle Days, where renowned sand sculptors gather for a weekend of incredible sand castle creation. This event, once small, has grown into one of the nation’s most esteemed sand art competitions.
Contests are held for professionals and amateurs alike, but the real joy lies in admiring the finished creations, which can include spectacular castles and sculptures of famous figures.
Get a Bird’s Eye View
South Padre Island is a haven for birdwatchers, home to various permanent and seasonal bird species. Fins 2 Feathers Cruises provides options for private sunset, dolphin-watching, and birdwatching cruises.
These dolphin-friendly tours often host only six passengers and utilize a quiet engine. Birders can enjoy a 2.5-hour tour geared towards observing a diversity of bird species in their natural habitats.
Take a Dive
Address: 33256 State Park Rd 100 #104, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Phone: +1 956-761-2030
Thanks to its southern location, South Padre Island offers more reliable conditions for diving and snorkeling compared to other areas along the Texas coast. American Diving offers an extensive range of diving and snorkeling excursions into the crystal-clear Gulf waters surrounding the island.
Watch the Baby Sea Turtles
Sea Turtle, Inc.’s facility on South Padre Island serves as a care and rescue center for sick and injured sea turtles. Each year, they manage to rescue and rehabilitate over 100 sea turtles. Additionally, they monitor 50 miles of beach from April to July, searching for nests to protect until the hatchlings are ready for release.
The exact timings of the turtle hatchings can vary. To catch the release of baby turtles, tracking their Facebook page can provide valuable updates, with public releases typically occurring at dawn, between 6:30 and 7 a.m., at County Beach Access 3 (about half a mile north of Sea Turtle, Inc).
Cruise With the Pirates
Black Dragon Cruises offers an engaging experience for all ages aboard a modern-day replica of a 17th-century galleon. Pirate legends abound in South Padre Island, notably about Jean Lafitte, who is said to have hidden in the area and dug a well in Laguna Vista. Guests can sail these historical waters with Osprey Cruises aboard The Black Dragon.
The cruise includes entertaining costumed actors sharing pirate tales, face painting, treasure hunts, water pistol battles, and sword fights. Dolphin watching is another highlight as the ship sails through their habitat.
A memorable moment is sure to be the cannon fire from the nine-pound “Gollywobbler” during the boarding process.
Get Artistic
At the South Padre Island Art Space, guests can engage in painting small plates, learning acrylic techniques, and throwing pottery. Private painting classes can be scheduled for special occasions.
Art Space also functions as a working studio, showcasing a variety of pieces from local artisans, available for purchase in the Art Space shop.
Splash With the LGBTQ Community
The LGBTQ community celebrates pride and unity through Splash, a weekend-long event featuring parties, stage shows, and formal events. This vibrant celebration, known as Pride at the Beach, is typically held in April.
Go for Spring Break
Known as the most famous spring break destination in Texas, South Padre Island experiences a busy influx of visitors during this season. Typically warmer than other Texas beaches, the island becomes a popular spot from late February to March, coinciding with spring vacations for many schools and colleges. SPI is dotted with numerous condos, hotels, clubs, and restaurants that all cater to spring breakers, and its proximity to the Mexican border provides a unique “two-nation vacation” experience for visitors.
