South Padre Island

Whether you want nonstop fun for spring break or quiet relaxation any time of the year, South Padre Island is the place to be. The bustling Gulf side prides itself on the ocean views, and the peaceful Laguna Madre side has the best view for sunsets. Luckily, both have countless restaurants, nightspots, and recreational activities. Those who love the rod and reel will be pleased with the abundant fishing opportunities, from fly-fishing the flats to chasing the big boys 50 miles offshore. Matamoros, Mexico, only a short drive away, offers shopping at some of the best prices around. South Padre Island has more than 134 economical, 265 moderate, 2,065 first-class, and 3,036 deluxe accommodations (including condominiums).

Island Equestrian Center

One mile north of the Convention Center, South Padre Island
800-761-HOSS (4677)
horsesonthebeach.com

For a completely different view of the beach, take a jaunt down the shore–on a horse with a guide. Beginners get just enough instruction to make the adventure memorable. A penned-in pony is available for children 3–5 years to ride. The center also features watusi cattle, a llama, and a burro.

Call for hours and prices. Reservations required. Check Web site.

Group rates available.

Laguna Madre Nature Trail

7355 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, 78597
956-761-3000

800-SO-PADRE
sopadre.com/things/eco.php

Known locally as the birding boardwalk, the trail provides access to the Laguna Madre bay for birders and other outdoors enthusiasts. From the 1,500-foot boardwalk that extends across four acres of wetlands, onlookers can see egrets, herons, oystercatchers, kingfishers, moorhens, and numerous other species. The boardwalk is also the perfect place to set up a birding scope.

Open daily.

Admission: Free.

Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark

90 Park Rd., TX Hwy. 100, South Padre Island, 78597
956-772-SURF (7873)
schlitterbahn.com

This South Padre attraction is full of uphill water coasters, tube chutes, body slides, a huge wave pool, beaches, and a five-story water fun house. For landlubbers, there is also an arcade. The giant palapa buildings in the Brazilian-themed park create a beachside village with great food, drinks, entertainment, and shopping. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment and dinner at the Shrimp Haus, and the Gulf itself is just across the pristine sand dunes.

Call for hours.

Admission: $32.99, seniors and children 3–11 $27.99 (tax not included).

Events

Sandcastle Days

956-761-3005, 800-SO-PADRE
sandcastledays.com

South Padre Island
Oct. 18–21, 2007

Watch 12 of the world’s most accomplished sand sculptors vie for prizes totaling $5,000. On Saturday, amateurs can also compete, while serious enthusiasts can take a shot at the “Texas State Championship” title. Admission is free, and so are the workshops for anyone who wants to learn how to build a better sand castle.

Texas Senior Open

956-943-5678
stpga.com

South Padre Island
Nov. 5–10, 2007

Golfers from all over come to the South Padre Island Golf Club for the largest state senior open in the United States. The total purse this year is almost $80,000.

Texas International Fishing Tournament

956-943-8438
tift.org

South Padre Island
July 30–Aug. 3, 2008

Anglers of all ages try to reel in one of the trophies and awards for bay and offshore fishing at the largest saltwater fishing competition in Texas, held at Port Isabel.

Travel Itinerary

Harlingen, Port Isabel, South Padre Island, Kingsville

6 Days

The great thing about this stretch of the Gulf Coast is that everything is relatively close. Make South Padre Island your home base, and then venture out for day trips. Flights come into Harlingen daily, and it’s just an hour’s easy drive from the airport to South Padre hotels.

Take your pick of condos, B&B’s, or large hotels; you’re bound to find something appealing in all price ranges. Favorites include the Suntide III Condominiums (voted “Best of the Beach”), the luxury Padre Grand, or the charming Brown Pelican Inn Bed and Breakfast, right on the beach. If you’re interested in the B&B, book early–it fills up quickly.

When you get to Port Isabel (about 25 miles from the airport), tour the popular Port Isabel Lighthouse with its narrow spiral staircase that winds all the way to the top and affords beautiful Gulf views. Why? It’s the only lighthouse of the 16 on the Texas coast that’s open to the public. To learn more about this tiny port, visit the Port Isabel Historic Museum.

Have lunch at Pelican Station or Pirates Landing, while enjoying a glass of wine and a view of Laguna Madre Bay. Before you leave town, buy an inexpensive cooler and pick up some of the freshest seafood in the area from B&A Seafood. Just toss it on one of the many beachside grills in South Padre later and you’re set for dinner.

In no time at all, you’ll be across the Queen Isabella Causeway to South Padre Island, 34 miles of beaches, walking trails, great seafood, and nice people. With restoration work under way to rebuild the shoreline and lots of firm sand beaches that are ideal for runners, walkers, and cyclists, South Padre offers a beautiful place to spend a few days. Enjoy great fried fish and shrimp at Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill (5100 Gulf Blvd.), and drinks and live music every weekend at local favorite Boomerang Billy’s Beach Bar (2612 Gulf Blvd.).

Don’t miss the mystical South Padre Island Preserve, a collection of pristine sand dunes and 17 animal species of national or statewide conservation concern. Padre Island is also one of the few nesting grounds for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Visit the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center to learn more about the area’s marine life. For dinner, Dirty Al’s Seafood Kitchen is the best-kept secret on the island.

Like sports? Padre Island is one of the windiest areas of Texas and is known worldwide for its perfect conditions for kiteboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and sport fishing. End the day with a few dozen oysters and a cold drink at Dolphin Cove Oyster Bar, tucked away at the very end of Isla Blanca County Park.

If the next day happens to be cloudy, take a day trip away from the beach to Kingsville and the renowned King Ranch, which is larger than the state of Rhode Island! Founded in 1853, it’s still in operation, with both farming and ranching.

Go by the King Ranch Museum for a quick history lesson, and browse the King Ranch Saddle Shop, famous for its exquisite leather goods. Ask about the recipe for the equally famous King Ranch Casserole; with it you can be a cowboy or cowgirl in your own kitchen and relive your trip with a Texas specialty. Back in Padre, take the “Original Dolphin Watch Tour” that leaves from the Sea Ranch Marina and then dine outside on the lush patio with bayside views at Scampi’s (206 W. Aries).

Shopping opportunities abound in South Padre but don’t miss a trip across the border to Matamoros, Mexico, for a day of shopping at the mercado, a microcosm of Mexican culture and a heck of a lot of fun.

Load up on silver, Mexican rustic tiles, blankets, pottery, children’s toys, and tile-, silver- and concho-rimmed mirrors there or at Garcia’s, where the selection of souvenirs and jewelry is mind-boggling. After a few hours of shopping, take a break for authentic Mexican food and excellent margaritas at the restaurant above the retail store. Relax to the sounds of flamenco music and end your trip with a smile.