This winter, Houston-based travel blogger Ana Garcia traveled to South Padre Island for a weekend getaway. From watching the sun set over the water to learning about the Island’s unique wildlife, Ana’s beach vacation was one for the books. Check out her experience below.

Texas has some pretty amazing gems, and South Padre Island is definitely one of them. I always like to find the best bucket list spots in Texas and I finally checked off South Padre Island, because who knew Texas had such beautiful beaches?

South Padre Island is known for its beautiful clear blue waters and white sand beaches. Plan a relaxing trip without having to leave your hotel or plan to watch the sunset over dinner with drinks and appetizers—you won’t regret it. In addition, there are plenty of activities in and out of the water to keep you busy throughout your trip.

Texans are so lucky to have mild temperatures year-round, where a warm summer day in the middle of winter is possible. Pack your bags—it’s time to check South Padre Island off your bucket list, no matter the time of year!

You have plenty of options for escaping to the beautiful clear blue waters of the Texas Gulf Coast. Fly into one of the three international airports: Brownsville SPI (BRO), Valley (HRL), or McAllen (MFE) airports. If you prefer driving, then plan a road trip and don’t forget the snacks!
South Padre Island is the perfect vacation spot year-round. Escape the cold in the winter, when temperatures are around 65 degrees on the island. Or plan a summer vacation, because the beach is always a good idea! No matter the time of year, it’s a different feeling of relaxation when you’re on the beach.
South Padre Island has plenty of options for places to stay. Choose from several hotels and vacation rentals, beachfront or not, at various budgets—like the Isla Grand Beach Resort. No matter where you decide to stay on the island, you really can’t go wrong with those beautiful water views from your room.
Getting around the island is super easy. You can rent a car, or if you’re feeling adventurous you can rent golf carts or slingshots. The island is also super walkable, but if you get tired of walking you can use the island’s free shuttle service that operates daily across the island.
With views this great from your hotel room you won’t want to leave! But you do have the option of grabbing some takeout or heading out to eat at a restaurant with a view, especially at sunset. Choose from many different cuisines such as seafood, Italian, American, Mexican, fast food, and more.
There are plenty of activities to do on the island. Choose from sunset cruises, dolphin watches, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, horse riding on the beach, and so much more. For those wanting to stay out of the water, choose from sandcastle lessons, shopping, Gravity Park, and so much more.
Plan for dinner at The Painted Marlin Grille for sunset! The restaurant is open-air and located right on the waterfront with amazing views. Make sure you get there early to catch the sunset directly from your table while enjoying drinks and dinner. For appetizers, you won’t regret ordering the avocado fries—trust me!
Another amazing place to watch the sunset is Mahi Nic. Mahi Nic is located dockside with beautiful waterfront views. They are known for their blackened mahi-mahi sandwich, mahi-mahi tacos, burgers, Texas-sized hand-cut fries, and more! Enjoy the views while eating your dinner and sipping on one of their amazing frozen drinks.
If live music is your thing, head to Laguna BOB’s. There’s live entertainment daily with seafood, cocktails, and more sunset views. Only a short walk down the road in the South Entertainment District is Longboard Bar & Grill. There are concerts, dancing, tropical cocktails, and bar food. It’s guaranteed to be a good time!
For a fun and unique activity on the water, check out SPI Water Rentals. Choose from an antique car, duck, sport, or swan boat. In addition to the electric boats, they also offer Stand Up Paddle Boarding. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do on the island!
Get in touch with nature at South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary. Walk the boardwalk and do some birdwatching, or walk up the five story viewing tower with views of Laguna Madre. Stop by and say hi to Big Padre, who is their 12’6″ resident alligator.
Learn about the rehabilitation and conservation of the sea turtles at Sea Turtle Inc. The work they are doing here for our sea turtles is incredible! Did you know April through November is sea turtle nesting season? Plan your visit and learn about protecting all marine turtle species.
Who says Texas doesn’t have beautiful beaches? South Padre Island is known for having warm, calm, and clear water with beautiful white sandy beaches. The soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles and the calm waters are great for swimming. Come out and see the beautiful beaches for yourself!
For a panoramic view of South Padre Island, head to Port Isabel Lighthouse. Climb up 75 stairs for an amazing view of Laguna Madre and South Padre Island. It’s the only lighthouse in Texas open for climbing and one of the oldest functioning lighthouses on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Did you really go to South Padre Island if you didn’t get a photo at this iconic spot? I highly recommend going at sunset for some beautiful colors in your photos. Make sure you add this spot on your way in or out of South Padre Island!