Escape to South Padre Island this Winter

With miles of beautiful beach and sunrises over the Gulf, South Padre Island is the ideal destination for families, friends, and couples looking to get away this holiday season. Trade the snow for sand and experience an island-style winter wonderland. The temperature on SPI stays warm, averaging 70 degrees—letting you enjoy the beach without worrying about the Texas weather. From tropical waters to holiday events, enjoy a festive and memorable stay on the Island!

You can plan a trip filled with thrilling activities like kayaking, horseback riding, and surfing; or plan a trip where the most active thing you do is carry your towel out onto a pristine stretch of beach and enjoy the rhythm of the waves. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a bit of rest and relaxation this holiday season, you can find it all on SPI.

Bring your binoculars and visit two wildlife gems on the Island: Sea Turtle, Inc. and the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary. There you’ll spot some of the beautiful wildlife including wintering birds, rescued sea turtles, and several alligators. Top off your nature outing by with bay and offshore fishing—SPI is a premier destination for it, with more than 600 types of fish inhabiting the waters.

Get into the water yourself with snorkeling, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, or jet skiing—you can catch a perfect wave at Beach Park at Isla Blanca. Or take a lesson from a golf pro to improve your swing—or just enjoy a day at the course—at the South Padre Island Golf Club.

No matter how you choose to spend your time on the Island, you’ll build up an appetite—it’s all that Gulf fresh air. Fortunately, dining options abound on the Island, many of which offer to cook your catch—so if you manage to work in a fishing trip, you can enjoy the freshest seafood imaginable prepared by chefs who know how to make the most out of every type of fish. Or stop by one of more than 40 local dining options and experience bold, tropical flavors while enjoying beach and bayside views. The Island boasts everything from casual to take-out to fine dining—so you can wine and dine or go picnic style on the beach.

SPI is the live music capital of the Texas Gulf Coast. The Island has attracted musicians from throughout the region and the world, ready to serenade you during the cool nights along the Gulf and the bay. Multiple restaurants and bars offer live music featuring everything from country and Tejano to pop and classical fusion, all adding up to a nightlife that’s hard to beat.

South Padre Island has plenty of holiday events for you and your loved ones to experience. Explore our Holiday Sandcastle Village, where you can find sand sculptures of Santa Claus, a Christmas tree, and presents that make the perfect backdrop for a family photo. The biggest events will be the Christmas Street Parade and Lighted Boat Parade. The street parade will feature beautifully decorated floats cruising down Padre Blvd. for all to see. The parade will also feature performances and dances from our local talent groups and schools. The Lighted Boat Parade is a unique experience you can only find on the Island. This parade will feature boats adorned with festive lights and holiday decorations floating along the Laguna Madre Bay. Both events are free and open to the public.

SPI is located at the southern tip of Texas, just a quick jaunt down from San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, or Corpus Christi. The Island is serviced by two airports, so if flying is your preference, we’ve got you covered. But driving is a great way to leave the world behind as you embark on your getaway.