Reader Question: Winter Visit to South Padre?

Dear TexasTripper.com,

My parents are first-time Winter Texans and this year I will be visiting them in McAllen. I’d like to visit the beach while I’m there but is the winter a good time for the South Texas beaches? Thanks, Melody, St. Paul, MN

Dear Melody,

Thanks for your email! Winter days can be a little cool on South Padre Island (nothing like Minnesota winters, though!); most visitors don’t swim but instead enjoy beach activities. Most days are ideal for beach walks, horseback rides and bird watching. South Padre Island is lively this time of year as many winter visitors fill the town. From South Padre it’s an easy drive to Brownsville if you’d like to make your visit an international one; in Brownsville you can easily walk across the International Bridge for a few hours of shopping in Matamoros.

Happy Texas travels! Paris and John