South Padre Island, TX

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 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

#blue
The South Padre Island Drive stretches beautifully with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. These sand dunes line the road and look beautiful against the blue sea!!

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 NT$2,447 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$2,447
NT$3,627 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,452 reviews)
"Overall good experience. Room was clean and looked like it was remodeled recently. Wasn’t perfect but good enough for us. We had a good time and was good for families with kids"

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Isla Grand Beach Resort
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
Sand Rose 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 NT$3,822 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
NT$3,822
NT$5,053 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
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 ...
Margaritaville Beach Resort 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.
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 ...
The Tiki
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! (283 reviews)
"Everything was great.!!! We really had a great time. Staying there for almost 5 days very relaxing love how it’s situated close by shopping stuff. The only thing is that they have old furniture, but that’s OK."

Reviewed on 2025/7/18

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 beach locale. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Beach Park ...
Sunchase IV by South Padre Resort Rental
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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