At the southern tip of Texas, you’ll find South Padre Island, a barrier island that Texans and non-Texans alike flock to year-round for its beaches, birding, outdoor adventure and small-town coastal charm.
Over 34 miles of beach and more than 300 days of sunshine a year make South Padre a haven for nature lovers, who take to the surf for kayaking, swimming, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and, of course, lazy beach days in the sand.
Spend the afternoon posted up by the water with a fish taco in hand or peruse art galleries and souvenir shops for shells and coastal decor. Visit one of the area’s nature centers for wildlife education and encounters, and toast to a great getaway with an evening cocktail while watching boats drift by.
In South Padre, there’s no need to rush your way through the day — you’re on (barrier) island time.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
“Adopt” A Sea Turtle
Sea Turtle, Inc.
6617 Padre Blvd.
(956) 761-4511
At Sea Turtle Inc., see rescued sea turtles and the clinic for injured sea turtles that are being rehabilitated. Learn about the work done on the island to protect and save sea turtles, especially Texas’ critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. The facility is a home for sea turtles who need a bit of extra care and is a great place to learn about sea turtle etiquette in case you spot one on the beach. You can also “adopt” a sea turtle, a sea turtle nest or a hatchling, with funds going to support beach patrols, nest conservation, food and medical care.
Chase Butterflies
South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary
6801 Padre Blvd.
956-761-6801
On 50 acres of wetlands, the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary is a great attraction for families and solo travelers alike — it’s where educational opportunities and nature collide. Walk along 3,300-plus feet of boardwalk or stop at one of five bird blinds to see diverse flora and fauna, including roseate spoonbills, egrets, sandpipers, ruby-throated hummingbirds, warblers and ospreys. There’s also a gator pond and daily gator talks, a five-story observation tower, a tortoise exhibit and a butterfly garden.
Watch Dolphins
Breakaway Cruises
33384 State Park Road 100
956.761.2212
Take to the Laguna Madre and see if you can spot dolphins porpoising from the water with a Breakaway Cruises dolphin-watching tour. There is a particular pod of dolphins near South Padre Island, and they often frolic together among the waves, sharing fish for meals and singing to each other in their own language.
See Rockets
Boca Chica Beach
52448-54298 Boca Chica Blvd
Out past the jetties, you’ll see SpaceX, the rocket testing facility owned by Elon Musk. You can drive out to SpaceX on Boca Chica Beach and see the rocket launchers, but know that there are no tours, attractions or facilities for the public at SpaceX. After you’ve got your SpaceX fix, spend some time at Boca Chica Beach, but note there are no facilities on the beach either.
Get Arty
Various locations throughout the island
South Padre has a thriving arts scene, with numerous local artists creating works in a variety of mediums. Stop by the Art Business Incubator to see resident artists at work or attend a First Friday Art Walk, art workshop, or painting class. There are also numerous art galleries, including Quinn Gallery and The Art Lounge.
WHAT TO EAT
For breakfast or lunch, pop in to Josephine’s Kitchen for southern and Tex-Mex favorites, like chicken and waffles, chilaquiles and biscuits and gravy.
At The Palms resort, Cafe on the Beach is a great spot for a peaceful meal near the beach, as the restaurant has direct beach access. Take a winding stroll past dense greenery, and you’ll reach a less-populated stretch of beach where you can take in the tranquility before walking back to dine on pancakes, burgers and fried seafood baskets.
For a fancy coffee and breakfast that is totally Instagrammable, Yummies Bistro is an absolute must, as their coffees come topped with beautiful coffee art and designs, plus great flavor add-ons like coconut syrup, white chocolate macadamia, Mexican chocolate and Irish cream.
Dockside at the marina, Mahi Nic is a casual eatery with some of the best fish tacos you’ll find on the island. Try the mahi fish tacos with blackened mahi, queso fresco, pico de gallo and sour cream on corn tortillas. They’re served with questionably large hand-cut fries, which could arguably be a meal themselves. They also serve fish sandwiches, dressed-up hot dogs, nachos and more.
For a gorgeous ocean view and killer cocktails, have dinner at Viva, where you can have the kitchen cook your catch or enjoy such dishes as wild-caught flounder, Texas redfish, gulf shrimp, burgers and cold bar items like tuna tartare and ceviche.
At Nautico Island Grill, fresh salads, sandwiches, seafood, burgers, Tex-Mex and pasta fill the menu, and a patio with umbrella-shaded tables is a great place to unwind with a signature frozen mocktail or cocktail.
WHERE TO STAY
Isla Grand Beach Resort is a full-service resort right on the beach with two swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a nightclub, a coffee shop and live entertainment (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Multiple on-site eateries offer everything from poolside snacks to steaks and seafood dishes.
Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island-Beach Front is another full-service resort on the beach with three pools, on-site dining and children’s activities.
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island is beachfront and full-service as well, with two restaurants, a coffee shop, a spa and coastal-themed rooms with ocean views.