South Padre Island, Texas Travel Guide

Nearby: Brownsville, Port Isabel, Harlingen, McAllen

All too often, this southern island is mistaken for her sister, Padre Island. Originally, the two were one single island. In 1964 South Padre Island became a separate entity with the completion of the Port Mansfield Gulf Channel. Today South Padre is the capital of tourism in this tropical tip of Texas.

South Padre stretches for 34 miles, hugging the Texas coastline as a protective barrier against Gulf storms. At its widest point, the island is only a half mile across, providing every one of the 5,000 hotel rooms with an unbeatable view.

For some visitors, the chance to enjoy miles of pristine beach is reason enough to journey to South Padre. Miles of toasted sand invite travelers to enjoy horseback riding, sailboarding, surfing, sandcastle building, or just wave hopping in the surf.

But there are plenty of activities to keep travelers busy in and out of the water. Fishing is one of the most popular activities, both in bay and Gulf waters. Sailboarding and surfing keep even the most restless traveler occupied at a site called "the Flats" on the north side of town.

South Padre Island is also a gateway to two other popular South Texas activities. Birding is a top draw in this area and just a short drive from the island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for birders. This refuge has recorded more species than any other wildlife refuge in the nation. South of the island, shopping in Matamoros, Mexico is a popular day trip for many travelers, just 25 minutes from the island.

Attractions:

Laguna Madre Nature Trail

Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark

Sea Turtle, Inc.

University of Texas Pan American Coastal Studies Laboratory. Just south of town, the University of Texas Coastal Studies Laboratory offers another chance to learn more about Gulf marine life. Here research focuses on coastal ecosystems, including a study of the sea turtles and dolphins that live in the area. You can stop by the lab Sunday through Friday for a look at aquariums filled with marine life. Located at Isla Blanca Park at the south end of the island.

Hotels

Hotels on South Padre Island Find special rates on hotels on South Padre Island through our booking partner, IHSAdvantage. We selected this booking company because we found they offer the largest number and variety of Texas properties.

In-Depth Travel Articles

South Padre Island for Groups

When to Go

South Padre Island is a year-around destination. Winter days are generally too cool for swimming but nice for beach walks, horseback riding and birding. Know that South Padre Island is a major destination for spring breakers in March; whether this is a plus or minus is up to you.

Getting There

There's no airport on South Padre Island. Air service to South Padre Island is available through Harlingen's Valley International Airport, a 45-minute drive from the island, and the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport, a 30-minute drive.

Map

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For More Information: South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau