South Padre Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun
College students and families are drawn to this Texas barrier island for its oceanfront access and unbeatable weather.

Famous for its balmy temperature and oceanfront access, South Padre Island is one of Texas’s most coveted holiday getaways.

The holiday town is located at the southeastern tip of Texas and borders Mexico. As a barrier island, its eastern shoreline is along the Gulf of Mexico and is beloved by tourists for its warm year-round climate. Most of the land is a protected National Seashore, and the town of South Padre Island is relegated to the bottom tip of the island. 

The island is a favoured destination for college spring breaks during March, when the town is largely populated by young adults enjoying the lively nightlife. Many families and retirees enjoy visits to South Padre Island during the winter thanks to its yearlong warm climate. Its downtown is filled with resorts, hotels, bars, and souvenir shops. 

Miles of pristine seashore stretches along the coastline, making it a perfect place to soak up the sun, go for a swim, or play beach volleyball. Many visitors take advantage of the horseback riding tours and take a beach ride at sunset. South Padre Island is known for its fishing opportunities and hosts numerous fishing contests and tournaments throughout the year. 

Water sports are the prime activity on South Padre Island and it is not unusual to see dozens of parasailers and kiteboarders enjoying the ocean waves. Dolphin watching is another popular choice, with a wide offering of tours available. Get snorkeling lessons to explore the ocean floor of the Gulf of Mexico. 

If fresh water recreation is more your style, spend the afternoon at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark where you can enjoy water slides and other attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages.

Port Isabel is five miles (eight kilometres) away and is home to the Port Isabel Lighthouse, which features stunning views of South Padre Island and the ocean beyond. 

South Padre Island has a slender shape and compact community. Most of the island’s destinations can be reached on foot, but if you don’t feel like strolling, the town also offers The Wave, a free shuttle service. 

Brownsville International Airport is a half-hour drive from South Padre Island, and has daily flights to and from Dallas and Houston. The island is connected to the mainland by Route 100.

Where to stay in South Padre Island

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The Shores

While visiting The Shores, you might make a stop by sights like South Padre Island Beach and Andy Bowie Park.

The Shores
Sand Rose Beach Resort
Sand Rose Beach Resort
2.5 out of 5
7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,917 per night from 22 May to 23 May
₹9,917
per night
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Beach Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (396 reviews)
"Nice place to stay. We enjoyed out staying down there and definitely will come back."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Sand Rose Beach Resort
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
3.5 out of 5
310 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
The price is ₹11,606 per night from 20 May to 21 May
₹11,606
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a beach locale and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (421 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Isla Grand Beach Resort
Isla Grand Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
The price is ₹10,577 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹10,577
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Property is older but well maintained. Maintenance could be seen in progress but not a distraction. Pool was excellent and clean. There were plenty of chairs."

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Isla Grand Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Tiki
The Tiki
3.5 out of 5
6608 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX
Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (768 reviews)
"very comfortable"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

The Tiki
Seabreeze 1 Condominiums
Seabreeze 1 Condominiums
3.5 out of 5
4300 Gulf Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (214 reviews)
"Beautiful. Excellent place to stay. Close to the beach. No issues with comfort or appliances."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Seabreeze 1 Condominiums
Sea Vista by South Padre Condo Rentals
Sea Vista by South Padre Condo Rentals
4 out of 5
110 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (43 reviews)
"Everything was perfectly setup and had all we needed. Place was clean and well equipped"

Reviewed on 2 Apr 2024

Sea Vista by South Padre Condo Rentals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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