South Padre Island

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 holiday 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 favoured 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 kilometres) 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

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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
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 S$298 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$298
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,422 reviews)
"Over all great place, clean, great staff and entertainment"

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,926 reviews)
"Great location, nice decor, excellent service. Manager extremely helpful in providing solution for a accidental booking issue. Very responsive, kind, and eager to assist. Delicious made to order omelettes for breakfast. Great beach access. Excellent housekeeping services, very helpful with beach ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul, 2025

Sand Rose Beach Resort
Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG
Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG
3.5 out of 5
100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
The price is S$175 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$175
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,052 reviews)
"We saw staff that was pleasant cooperative. We saw everything being cleaned on a regular basis mopped. Very impressed with hotel and staff and accommodations."

Reviewed on 11 Jul, 2025

Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG
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.
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)
"Great place to relax, walk around the beach and enjoy tennis courts and bar"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (126 reviews)
"The building itself was dated, however, the location and views of the beach and the bay were all worth the price. The walk to the beach was easy to make and safe for children. The property is in the heart of SPI with beach shops, restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance. The unit ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Sunchase IV by South Padre Resort Rental
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (892 reviews)
"Like how close of walk to beach"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

The Tiki
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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