Jellyfish in the Gulf Are as Mysterious as They Are Painful
These translucent, stinging creatures are full of secrets.
South Padre Island
Critters
May 10, 2022
Five Texas Jellyfish—and Relatives—to Know
Brush up on (but not against!) these five gelata common to the Gulf of Mexico.
Critters
February 22, 2022
How the Turtle Lady of South Padre Helped Save the Kemp’s Ridley
Ila Loetscher took costumed turtles on late-night TV and founded a nonprofit that has rescued thousands of the creatures.
Hunting & Fishing
November 9, 2021
Your Red Snapper Filet Might Have Been Caught by Drug Runners
Federal agencies have long struggled to stop illegal fishing and drug smuggling in the Gulf of Mexico. In recent years, it’s only gotten worse.
Music
March 19, 2021
In Selena, Queer Tejanos See Themselves as Brilliantly Transfigured and Free to Love Grandly
In the years since her death, the Queen of Tejano has become a gay icon, especially in Texas.
Food
March 8, 2021
“A Matter of Life and Death”: Latino Food Workers Are Terrified as COVID-19 Restrictions End
They fear that the end of the mask mandate and the influx of spring break crowds is a recipe for danger.
News & Politics
December 15, 2020
When SpaceX Rockets Take Flight (Or Blow Up), LabPadre Is Watching
South Padre Island resident Louis Balderas’s around-the-clock monitoring of the Elon Musk company has attracted a worldwide following of space enthusiasts.
Travel & Outdoors
May 31, 1995
Trip Tips
Travel InfoBefore you go, write or call the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (Box 3500, South Padre Island 78597; 800-343-2368) and load up on the helpful brochures; or on your way in, stop at the Visitors Center at 600 Padre Boulevard.When to GoDepending on the time of year,
Travel & Outdoors
May 31, 1995
The Shore Thing
Our complete guide to a great vacation on South Padre Island: the best spot for tanning, who serves the freshest seafood, how to rent scuba gear, where to see the prettiest sunset, and more.
Texas History
August 1, 1985
Isle Without End
An early castaway described Padre Island as “a wretched, barren sandbank.” It’s better known today as the Gold Coast of Texas, but its identity is still rooted in wildness and age-old solitude.
Travel & Outdoors
June 1, 1983
Funky Riviera
Discover another side of the Texas coast—its peerless beachcombing, legendary beer joints, odd birds (feathered and otherwise), and lovable year-round scruffiness.
Politics & Policy
October 1, 1980
What Ever Happened to the Storm of the Century?
Hurricane Allen proved that everyone talks about the weather but nobody knows much about it—least of all the National Weather Service.
Travel & Outdoors
August 1, 1980
The Secret Life of the Beach
Along the silent, lovely beach, tiny armies fight in the tide, fierce battles rage in the sky, and nocturnal marauders slither across the sand.
Travel & Outdoors
August 1, 1979
Down to the Sea in Buses
Grab your beach towel and bathing suit, but leave your car in the garage.
Business
August 1, 1978
Trouble in Paradise
Resort hotels and luxury condominiums line the shore of South Padre, yet foot by foot, day by day, the island is washing away.
Travel & Outdoors
September 30, 1973
A Grand Tour by the Gulf
October is the month to pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and head to the sea.