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Have you ever heard of South Padre Island in Texas? If you have, you may think of it as a prime spring break destination where young college students come to party on the beach. While this does happen every year for that one week when school is out, I am here to tell you that South Padre Island is so much more than that. It is a destination that offers a variety of fun, family activities, beautiful, vast beaches, and great dining options. In addition to all that, South Padre Island has great weather, even during the winter off-season. Admittedly, in the winter you may find the temperatures a bit cool for swimming in the ocean, but regardless of that, you are sure to enjoy bright sunshine and have plenty of fun!
TIP: Plan a family trip to South Padre Island during the winter off-season to avoid the spring break and summer crowds.
Where is South Padre Island
When people talk about South Padre Island, they usually mean the resort town that is located on the southern end of the actual South Padre Island. The island itself is a long, barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico that closely follows the Texas coastline.
Between the Texas coast and South Padre Island is a shallow lagoon called Laguna Madre. The survival of many different species of birds depends on the seafood and sea grass they find around this lagoon. This is why the shores of Laguna Madre are often considered one of the prime bird-watching destinations in Texas.
Five Days in South Padre Island, Your Guide to Family Fun
Now that we have somewhat clarified the geography of the area, you may be wondering how to get to the town of South Padre Island. If you are flying, there are three nearby commercial airports: Brownsville (BRO), Valley International (HRL), and McAllen (MFE). Brownsville is about 30 minutes from South Padre Island, Valley International Airport is 45 minutes, and McAllen International Airport is an hour and 30 minutes. Whether you are flying in or driving in, it is very simple, really: Make your way to the town of Port Isabel on the Texas coast, then take the Queen Isabella Causeway across Laguna Madre to the island.
Once there, you will begin to realize how much is happening on this narrow strip of land. To save you some time, we have put a comprehensive 5-day itinerary including many of the best things you can do in South Padre Island. This is the exact itinerary we followed on our recent, winter, family trip, but you can always switch activities around to make it work for you. One great thing about South Padre Island is that everything is fairly close and easy to find since most attractions are located right off of the main Padre/Ocean Boulevard.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
As you can imagine, one of the first things you’ll want to figure out before heading to South Padre Island is where to stay. There is definitely no shortage of hotels and condos.
La Copa Inn in South Padre Island, Texas
After doing much research, we chose La Copa Inn as our perfect place to stay on the island. There were several reasons why we picked this particular hotel: it had really good reviews from other visitors and was located right on the beach. Plus, pets are welcome to stay regardless of their size. This last one was great news for our 80-pound golden retriever, Sammy! We promised to bring him along, and La Copa Inn allowed for that to happen!
Day 1: Beaches, Nature Walks and Sand Dunes
Get to Know the Beach
You can start your first full day in South Padre Island by spending some time on the nearest beach. After all, the beaches of South Padre are what attracts so many visitors every year. You may even want to wake up early enough to see the sunrise, a sight that is totally worth the effort.
We began nearly every day with a walk on the beach near our hotel, La Copa Inn, and although we had cool temperatures the first day, it still felt wonderfully refreshing.
Our first morning in South Padre Island was a bit cloudy but that didn’t interfere with all the fun we had on the beach!
Stop by South Padre Island Visitors Center
It is always a great idea to start a vacation with a stop at the local visitors center. It can be so helpful, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. The staff can give you great suggestions and information materials. In fact, the South Padre Island Visitors Center is so much fun to visit, that you really should make it a part of your itinerary. Right in front of it, you will find a couple of giant sand castles that are sure to astonish you. Inside the Visitors Center, you will discover another unbelievable sandcastle and an exhibit about the island. Then, there are always the friendly people who work there, ready to help and answer any questions you may have.
The back of a giant sandcastle at South Padre Island Visitor Center
All of us really enjoyed stopping by the South Padre Island Visitors Center. We must have snapped at least a hundred photos of the impressive sandcastles there. It was definitely a worthwhile experience, and one we wouldn’t have missed!
See Whaling Wall #53 and Take Laguna Madre Nature Trail
After you’ve spent enough time at the beach and stopped by the Visitors Center, drive to South Padre Island Convention Center, where you will find Whaling Wall #53, and Laguna Madre Nature Trail.
Whaling Wall #53
Whaling Wall #53 is a large mural by American artist Robert Wyland, painted on two adjacent sides of the convention center. Named “Orcas Off the Gulf of Mexico,” this artwork is one of a hundred Whaling Walls around the world, all painted by the same artist. The number 53 indicates that it was the 53rd mural in the series.
Here is one side of Whaling Wall #53
Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Laguna Madre Nature Trail begins right near Whaling Wall #53. It is a short and easy boardwalk that leads to beautiful views of Laguna Madre and offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities.
Walking on Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Bird near Laguna Madre Nature Trail
View from Laguna Madre Nature Trail
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing Whaling Wall #53 and strolling on Laguna Madre Nature Trail. What made it even more fun was the fact that we could bring our dog as long as he was on a leash.
Check Out the South Padre Sand Dunes
When you are ready to continue exploring the island, head north on the main Padre Boulevard, and drive to the end of the road. There, you will discover the South Padre Sand Dunes – a stunning area with vast, sandy landscapes and views of the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre.
South Padre Sand Dunes near the end of the road on the north side
Sammy and Angie running around the dunes
Dani sitting down on a small sand dune
Kids climbing on a higher dune at South Padre Sand Dunes…
…Then jumping off the dune
We really enjoyed climbing up and down the dunes, and watching our dog roll around the sand and masterfully dig a few holes. He excitedly realized this surface worked much better than the tiles of our kitchen floor!
TIP: Be sure to go to the top of one of the higher dunes to get a glimpse of Laguna Madre. It can be especially beautiful to see this view near sunset.
Day 2: More Beaches, Zip Lines and Horses
Walk on the Beach at Isla Blanca Park
Begin your second day in South Padre Island with a trip to Isla Blanca Park. It is located on the southern tip of the island, and will cost you only a small fee to enter. Once inside, follow the road and park near the beach. Then enjoy a relaxing stroll and look around.
View from the beach at Isla Blanca Park
We really enjoyed seeing the town views from Isla Blanca Park, as well as walking on the jetties and watching people fish there. It was particularly entertaining to observe a man spinning around and attempting to throw a large fishing net into the water. He kept repeating this until finally he opted to use a fishing pole.
A man throwing a fishing net from the jetties at Isla Blanca Park
Zip Line and Ride Horses on the Beach at SPI Adventure Park
After spending some time in Isla Blanca Park, drive north on Padre/Ocean Boulevard and make your way to South Padre Island Adventure Park. There, you can feed the animals in the petting barn, zip line, and ride a horse on the beach.
The Petting Barn at South Padre Adventure Park
At the Petting Barn, hungry goats looking for some treats
All of us had a lot of fun here, and when it was time to leave, the kids weren’t too happy. They wanted to stay and do it all over again! Our younger, 9-year-old daughter, Dani, was a bit panicky before her first ride on the zip line, but once she tried it, she decided it was the best thing ever! After zipping a few times on the cables, we took a horseback ride on the beach with a small group of people. This was a fantastic experience, and you should definitely consider reserving a time for one of those rides.
TIP: It is a good idea to reserve your horseback ride at SPI Adventure Park in advance. This way you can be sure you will get a spot.
Our kids, Angie and Dani, flying on the zip line at SPI Adventure Park
Starting out our fun horse ride at SPI Adventure Park
Day 3: Sea Life Safari and Building a Sandcastle
Take the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour by Osprey Cruises
After you complete your morning walk on the beach and have breakfast, head out towards Pier 19 in South Padre Island. This is where you will board the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour. Either reserve your tickets in advance or purchase them inside the Pier 19 restaurant.
All of us ready to board on the Osprey Cruises boat for the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour
We absolutely loved this experience as it was unlike any boat tour we had ever taken before. The whole idea behind this cruise was to educate people about the sea creatures that reside around South Padre Island. It did just that and so much more!
After the deckhand caught a bunch of sea critters with a net, he told us all kinds of interesting facts about each one. The best thing was we got to hold most of these fascinating creatures and then release them unharmed back into the ocean. During the tour, we also saw dolphins playing near the boat, which was truly magnificent. All I can say is, the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour was an all around, great experience for adults and kids alike, so definitely put it on your itinerary!
One of our kids happily holding a puffer fish we caught and then released
A dolphin trio we saw while on the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour by Osprey Cruises
Learn How to Build a Sandcastle
Probably one of the most unique things you can do in South Padre Island is take a sandcastle building lesson. Yes, you really can do that here, and in fact, there are several businesses that specialize in that! After all, South Padre Island is known as The Sandcastle Capital of the Universe, and for a good reason. During the month of October, the island even holds a sandcastle competition as part of Sandcastle Days, and you better believe it – the beach is covered with some of the most fantastic sand sculptures you will ever see!
At the beginning of our sandcastle building lesson; it is all just a pile of sand!
Here is our finished sandcastle at the end of the lesson
For us, taking a sandcastle building lesson was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. Our kids had an absolute blast learning this fun art, and their finished castle actually had little windows, balconies, doors, and stairs! I must mention that our amazing instructor was Ms. Lucinda Wierenga from Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services. She is one of the top sandcastle masters on the island. You can see some of her amazing work in front of the South Padre Visitor Center and along the Sand Sculpture Trail.
Day 4: Sea Turtles and Pirates
Visit Sea Turtle Inc.
While in South Padre Island, you absolutely should visit Sea Turtle Inc., which is a rescue center for injured sea turtles. Not only will you get to see them, but also you will learn a great deal about the life and challenges these amazing creatures face. Be sure to stick around for one of the daily presentations and ask any questions you may have. It is totally worth it!
Gerry, the Atlantic Green sea turtle, an amazing, 200-pound creature
Gerry’s water tank at Sea Turtle Inc.
To us, Sea Turtle Inc. was the most heartwarming experience of all, since we care deeply about wildlife and animal welfare. We were happy to learn that many sea turtles at the rescue center make a full recovery thanks to the treatment they receive. Once strong and healthy, they can be released back into the ocean. The sea turtles that can’t recover enough to be released remain in the care of the staff at Sea Turtle Inc. They live a good life, free of predators and other dangers. It was fascinating to see these marvelous creatures! We think they are absolutely adorable!
Visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse
After you spend enough time at Sea Turtle Inc., head across the Queen Isabella Causeway towards the town of Port Isabel. Park near the Port Isabel Lighthouse, pay a small fee, and climb on up.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
Climbing up the stairs inside Port Isabel Lighthouse
We happened to be there on a beautiful, sunny day, and the views from the top of the lighthouse were fantastic! On one side, we could see the town of Port Isabel, and on the other, the blue waters of Laguna Madre and the townscape of South Padre Island. Not to mention, our kids found it very exciting to be in a lighthouse, and so did we!
TIP: At the time we were at Port Isabel Lighthouse, they only accepted cash at the entrance, so be sure you have some when you get there.
The view from the top of Port Isabel Lighthouse
Take the Black Dragon Pirate Ship Cruise
When you are done at the lighthouse, walk towards Pirate’s Fishing Pier, and purchase tickets or check in (if you already have tickets) for the Black Dragon Cruise. Then, if you still have some time to kill before you climb aboard, enjoy an ice cream cone from Davey Jones Ice Cream Locker. There are also small snacks at the bar on the ship, as well as a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Black Dragon ship
Our experience on the Black Dragon pirate ship was one we will always remember fondly. This was not just a cruise, but also a hilarious spectacle, enacted by our pirate hosts Shorty, Robo Todo, Sea Dog, and Scarlet. They made us all laugh, and also engaged the kids on board in entertaining, pirate games.
I consider it an extra bonus that we got to take the Black Dragon Cruise near sunset. The views all around were gorgeous, although some people might have missed them, since they were too busy participating in all the fun!
TIP: It is a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance, and even call to be sure your selected cruise will take place at the specified time.
Sea Dog and Shorty engaged in a profound pirate conversation
Watching the sunset from the Black Dragon
Day 5: Birds of Laguna Madre and a Lone Alligator
Visit South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
If you didn’t see enough birds near Laguna Madre Nature Trail, and even if you did, definitely plan to visit South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. They have great educational exhibits, an overlook tower, and a well-maintained trail. There, you are sure to encounter a variety of interesting birds, and on a clear day, you may even see an alligator napping out in the sun. The SPI Birding and Nature Center also features a butterfly garden, where you can observe beautiful monarchs dance in the air.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
The view from the top of South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center building
We really enjoyed seeing the views of Laguna Madre from the observation tower, and walking the trail at SPI Birding and Nature Center. There were so many unique birds swimming and wading in the water, and we were lucky to even see an alligator snoozing in the shallow water. It was most definitely a worthwhile experience, even though we could not bring our golden retriever along since dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Cute birds near the boardwalk at SPI Birding and Nature Center
A lone alligator snoozing happily near the boardwalk
Other Things to Do in South Padre Island
While in South Padre Island, we tried to cover as much ground as possible, and do as many things as we could. However, there are still other attractions and points of interest to visit and see. Here are a couple of places that you may also want to consider while vacationing in South Padre Island:
Beach Park at Isla Blanca
In Beach Park at Isla Blanca, you will get to enjoy a variety of water slides and rides. Plan to spend an entire day there in order to have time and take advantage of all the fun they offer.
South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center
At SPI Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center you will have a chance to learn more about the dolphins, as well as many of the other sea creatures that live in the area. Here, you can also book a more personal dolphin tour and meet these amazing sea mammals up close.
Sunrises and Sunsets
Sunrise near La Copa Inn in South Padre Island
When we go on vacation near the ocean, we always look for good spots to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset reflecting in the water. Luckily, in South Padre Island you can easily see both: For the sunrise, wake up early, and go to any beach on the eastern side, facing the Gulf of Mexico; for the sunset, find a good location overlooking Laguna Madre on the western side of the island. Our favorite sunset spot was Jim’s Pier, and we visited on three separate evenings to see the day off.
Sunset at Jim’s Pier
Favorite Places to Eat
South Padre Island not only offers a variety of attractions to visitors, but also has a nice selection of dining options. You can find a restaurant for just about every taste and budget.
While on the island, we tried a good number of places, but a couple really tickled our taste buds, and became our favorites. All of us really enjoyed getting lunch at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where they offer delicious sandwiches, wraps, panini, and refreshing smoothies. For dinner, our top choice was Pier 19 Restaurant because of the pleasant atmosphere, extensive menu and incredibly fresh sea food specialties.
Hubby and the kids at Pier 19 Restaurant, South Padre Island
In the end, food is just one of the many pleasures that await in South Padre Island. So, start planning your getaway soon, and prepare for oodles of unforgettable moments and amazing views. It is all there, at the southern tip of Texas!
Special Thanks
We would like to thank South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau for making this unforgettable trip a reality; Also, special thanks to La Copa Inn, Osprey Cruises, SPI Adventure Park and Ms. Lucinda Wierenga from Sandy Feet. We had an absolutely amazing time, and want to be sure to mention that while our visit to South Padre Island was a sponsored trip, all opinions expressed in this article are our own. Please, refer to our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Resources to Help Plan Your Trip to South Padre Island, Texas
- South Padre Island Official Website – Find information on hotels, attractions, restaurants, beaches and much more
- Beach Park at Isla Blanca – Check out all the fun water rides that this waterpark offers, and get your tickets
- Isla Blanca Park – Plan a visit to this beachfront park in South Padre Island, and take a walk on the jetties
- Osprey Cruises – Check out some fun South Padre Island boat rides you can take, including the Sea Life Safari Eco Tour and the Black Dragon Cruise, and book your adventure
- Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site – Learn about the history of this beautiful lighthouse, and plan your visit
- Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services – Book a sandcastle building lesson, and learn some fun, new skills
- Sea Turtle Inc. – Learn about the fascinating sea turtles and the amazing mission of this rescue center
- South Padre Island Adventure Park – Book a horseback ride on the beach, zip line, and feed some hungry goats
- South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center – Discover the large variety of birds that live near Laguna Madre
Note:Â Unless otherwise indicated, the photos in this post were taken by Vessy with a Nikon D5600 camera. Please send us an e-mail (vessy@feelgoodandtravel.com) if you would like to use any of them. All images are subject to copyright laws.
This trip took place from January 2 to January 7, 2019.
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44 comments
Hi,
I had never heard of South Padre Island, and your article gives me a glimpse of what it looks like! I thought that it is a very interesting place to visit with these calm and colorful surroundings. I would love to go there one day and experience all these wonderful things. Thanks!!!
Best wishes,
Nandih A.
Thank you so much, Nandih. I hope you visit soon. You will definitely have a great time! 🙂
Great information! I have never heard of this destination, but it looks like one to definitely keep in mind!
Thanks for checking it out, Michele! It was really a wonderful trip! 🙂
WOW! So much great info! I LOVED the sandcastles! Absolutely amazing!
Thanks so much, Jen! It really was a lot of fun learning how to build a sandcastle…and it was such a gorgeous day, too! I highly recommend South Padre Island! 🙂
Wow, South Padre Island looks like a really fun place to take the kiddos! We will have to put it on our list of places to visit. I never realized there was so much to do there! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks, Lisa. It is definitely a fun family destination! I recommend it very highly! 🙂
This really IS the Ultimate Guide! There is so much to do. I love riding on the beach, and I would have loved for my kids to take the sandcastle building lesson. Thanks for the great info!
Thanks so much, Tricia! Our kids also LOVED the sandcastle lesson. They wanted to practice building another one right away. Then, on the next morning, they woke up really early, and ran back out to the beach to build another sandcastle. They were psyched! 🙂
What a fun trip! I have never been to South Padre Island but this post makes me want to check it out!
Thanks so much, Pam! I definitely recommend it! It is a fun and beautiful place! 🙂
Wow! Looks like there is so much to do on South Padre Island. The nature walk looks great and your dog looks so happy running through the sand dunes! Will need to pin this for our future travels!
Thanks Janell! It was a great place to bring a dog! He was very excited, indeed! Many places allow dogs as long as they are on a leash. 🙂
Looks like a great trip! I loved your itinerary. Thank you for sharing
Thanks so much for stopping by, Ivy! It is a fun place! 🙂
There really is a lot to do in the area, and you did it all. I would have a hard time choosing what to do.
It’s true, Julie! We really enjoyed it all so much…I recommend everything! 🙂 🙂 🙂
What an amazing adventure! The dolphin shot is fantastic!
Thanks so much, Shirley! It was a lot of fun to watch the dolphins. I definitely recommend their dolphin tours! 🙂
What a GREAT trip. Lots of special memories. So great you were able to take your dog!!! I would love to make a sandcastle like that. Thank you for all the information.
Thanks, Donna! We loved having our dog with us! He was so happy! 🙂
What a wonderful itinerary. There are so many activities. Loved the horseback riding and the sand castles.
Thanks, Missy! These were definitely fun activities. It was so nice to be near the ocean! 🙂
Looks like you’d have a hard time getting bored there! So much to do!
Yes, Ola…and we still couldn’t do everything we wanted. It was great! 🙂
This looks like a great family trip! Your photos are beautiful! After reading your post, I think I’d like to visit South Padre Island, too!
Thanks so much, Sheila! It really was a treat! I highly recommend it. I am happy to say that the beach and the water looked really clean, too. They take good care of the town there! 🙂
It looks like there are a lot of great things to do on South Padre Island. I’ve never been there before. I never knew there were alligators in Texas!
Thanks for stopping by, Heather! Yesss! There are actually a lot of alligators in Texas. We had one in our neighborhood lake until recently, and not far from where we live, there is Brazos Bend State Park, which is famous for all the alligators. 🙂
I’m pretty sure I would spend most of my time at the beach. Though the whaling wall looks awesome.
The beach was wonderful, indeed! The water felt just a tad too cold for us to swim, so we will probably come back during the warmer season, and spend more time hanging out on the beach! 🙂
Great, itinerary! I had no idea there were so many activities. I would enjoy the sunset over the water, the horseback riding, and the nature trail!
Thanks, Jordin! I was very surprised, too. It was so exciting to discover all this! 🙂
This is a great guide for South Padre!
Thanks so much for checking it out! 🙂
I had no idea there was so much to do at South Padre Island. I think the sand castle building lessons are a really unique idea.
Thanks for stopping by, Tracy! Yes! We had a lot of fun learning how to build a sandcastle! I personally don’t know of any other place that offers this service! 🙂
Wow! What a beautiful trip!
Thank you so much, Brianna! 🙂
Sooo – I have no idea where to start. You had sunsets, dolphins, ocean views and lighthouses ~ all things that make me smile!! It wasn’t until recently – believe it or not – that I heard about South Padre Island and now you’ve piqued my interest.
Thank you so much for checking it out! It really is a fun place. We enjoyed it very much! 🙂
I always loved going and discovering fun things to do in South Padre Island, and this will be a very useful guide when I go again. Your blog has great content and is very well written. Great job!!!
Thanks so much! There are certainly a ton of fun things to do in South Padre Island, and Austin is our favorite Hill Country hub! 😉