South Padre Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
South Padre Island which includes fishing, a sandy beach and a sunset
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 vacation 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 favored 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 kilometers) 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
Isla Grand Beach Resort
Isla Grand Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
The price is NZ$198 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$198
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
Very satisfied- definitely repeating!
"Room was great, view was beautiful. Absolutely loved it, between having a heated pool, nice bar with entertainment, game room, nice rooms and the views Im definitely repeating and recommending this hotel!"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Isla Grand Beach Resort
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
3 out of 5
350 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$214 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
NZ$214
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,902 reviews)
"Un excelente servicio quede en cantada"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
Sand Rose Beach Resort
Sand Rose Beach Resort
2.5 out of 5
7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
The price is NZ$273 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$273
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (290 reviews)
"I loved that the beach was right there! Breakfast was included, so we went to eat and straight to the beach!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 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.
Ground Floor, Pet Friendly & Steps from the Beach!
Ground Floor, Pet Friendly & Steps from the Beach!
South Padre Island
Stay at this family-friendly condo in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (202 reviews)
Grandma and the Girls!
"Beach access was great!! Apartment had the necessities. Might be time for some updates."

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2024

Ground Floor, Pet Friendly & Steps from the Beach!
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 clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (762 reviews)
"Heated pool that was actually warm!!! 92-95 degrees!"

Reviewed on 12 Feb. 2024

The Tiki
Private Beach Home/Large balcony overlooking the beach. Perfect beach retreat in South Padre Island
Private Beach Home/Large balcony overlooking the beach. Perfect beach retreat in South Padre Island
South Padre Island
Stay at this beach vacation home in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Gravity ...
9/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
Quaint, old cabin with amazing view and beach access
"My good friend and I had a weekend stay after a busy holiday season. Our criteria were that we had to be somewhere we could see the beach from inside the condo and that it was dog-friendly. While the images on the listing made the condo look to be newly renovated, it's important to know that it is ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jan. 2024

Private Beach Home/Large balcony overlooking the beach. Perfect beach retreat in South Padre Island
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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