South Padre Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun
Photo provided by Texas Tourism
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun
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 South Padre Island Farmers' Market.

The Shores
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island

Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island

4 out of 5
310 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
The price is ₹11,582 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹11,582
₹17,758 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,452 reviews)
"I love to stay here. The best resort on the island"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Sand Rose Beach Resort

Sand Rose Beach Resort

3 out of 5
7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,993 reviews)
"We stayed with our two dogs for a week and we absolutely enjoyed our stay. Perfect beach access and included breakfast was amazing. Staff was kind and helpful. We will return"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Sand Rose Beach Resort
Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG

3.5 out of 5
100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
The price is ₹10,624 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹10,624
₹14,589 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,101 reviews)
"Our room was great! It had an amazing view of the ocean"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG
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.
Royale Beach and Tennis Club

Royale Beach and Tennis Club

3 out of 5
400 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in South Padre Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (293 reviews)
Great location for accessing the beach
"Room was okay. A little outdated. AC worked great. Bed was not so comfortable. Refrigerator had a bad smell. Basic living quarters but we didn't plan on spending our time in the room anyway. Great location for accessing the beach. A short walk. 3 pools on property. Overall, we would stay here again ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Royale Beach and Tennis Club
Sunchase IV by South Padre Resort Rental

Sunchase IV by South Padre Resort Rental

3 out of 5
1000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Stay at this 3-star condo in South Padre Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Beach Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (136 reviews)
"Excellent rental!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Sunchase IV by South Padre Resort Rental
The Tiki

The Tiki

3.5 out of 5
6608 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (899 reviews)
"Quick and easy access to the beach. Room was clean. Keep in mind that at least in our room there was no overhead fans, but the AC worked well at least"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

The Tiki
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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