South Padre Island

Travel 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 South Padre Island Farmers' Market.

The Shores
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 RM383 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
RM383
RM448 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Book a stay at this beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (762 reviews)
"The bed, bedding and towels were very comfortable and luxurious! Very clean inside and outside the resort. Staff were friendly. Close to the beach. We were able to check in early. Housekeeping missed us one day. The Landshark restaurant has root beer on their menu but did not have any; would be nice ..."

Reviewed on 30 Oct 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 RM311 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM311
RM474 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Book a 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 helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,078 reviews)
Isla grand Good Times
"Isla Grand is great Definitely recommend, great location, great resort"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Isla Grand Beach Resort
Sand Rose Beach Resort
Sand Rose Beach Resort
3 out of 5
7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
The price is RM343 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM343
RM401 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,103 reviews)
"This is a nice, affordable hotel that offers options more expensive hotels will charge you to use. It's practically on the beach, but is so far north you won't be in the middle of the action, for better or worse. Wifi is free and breakfast is also. Housekeeping is almost too good; you will get door ..."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Sand Rose 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
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (836 reviews)
"Right on the beach ⛱️🏖️"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

The Tiki
Royale Beach and Tennis Club by VRI Americas
Royale Beach and Tennis Club by VRI Americas
3 out of 5
400 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (212 reviews)
"Ceiling in the room needs some TLC. There was a great view from the balcony. Staff upon check in were very courteous. Overall a great stay, but be aware that this room has a connecting door, and you can hear everything from the next room."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2024

Royale Beach and Tennis Club by VRI Americas
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 Beach Park at Isla Blanca and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (50 reviews)
"Everything ran smoothly, property manager and employees were really nice"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 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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