South Padre Island

Travel 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
Isla Grand Beach Resort
Isla Grand Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
The price is RM435 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
RM435
RM620 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,239 reviews)
"extra fees because of Spring Breakers 👎👎, the restaurant in there wasn't good, but there are plenty of options to eat around, property was very safe, very convenient access to the beach, the beds were very comfortable. But there was no microwave in the room nor coffee because of spring breakers ..."

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2025

Isla Grand Beach Resort
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 RM588 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
RM588
RM833 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (1,134 reviews)
"It’s was a great experience for our first time in south padre island ! Will definitely be booking again soon !!!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 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
The price is RM449 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
RM449
RM525 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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! (1,465 reviews)
Could use and update. Great location.
"This was a quick overnight. Part of a business trip but decided to stay at the beach. The hotel just seems slightly under kept. Location is great. Rooms are solid. Convenient. Nice beachside location. Balconies are too small for comfort."

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2025

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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (227 reviews)
Muy recomendable
"Todo muy limpio y tranquilo"

Reviewed on 31 Mar 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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (71 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 30 Mar 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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (849 reviews)
"The only complaint I have is that beds were extremely high. People in the reception were very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 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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