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 vacation 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 favored 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 kilometers) 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
Isla Grand Beach Resort

Isla Grand Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
The price is €102 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€102
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,500 reviews)
"Overall really nice property.! Great amenities! Only thing was i had to wait 2.5 hours to get a room after i checked in."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Isla Grand 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 €115 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
€115
12 Aug - 13 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! (1,182 reviews)
"Staff and property were amazing!!!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG
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! (2,092 reviews)
Fun little getaway
"Food at ola restaurant is on point"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Sand Rose Beach Resort
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.
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! (920 reviews)
"I love the Tiki. I've been coming since 2013. But the condo that I recently stayed in is a little outdated. It needs a new couch. The one they have is old and dirty. The room smelled like old people smell. I'm not one to really complain. e.outdated.ineeds It an"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

The Tiki
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! (297 reviews)
Great location for accessing the beach
"Room was okay. A little outdated. AC worked great. Bed was not so comfortable. Refrigerator had a bad smell. Basic living quarters but we didn't plan on spending our time in the room anyway. Great location for accessing the beach. A short walk. 3 pools on property. Overall, we would stay here again ..."

Reviewed on 20 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! (157 reviews)
"We stayed for our annual mother daughter vacation. There are 2 pools and an easy walk to the beach. The grounds are immaculate and the Unit was very clean and comfortable. The beach was perfect - no seaweed, excellent sand bar, very clean and about a 3 minute walk from the Unit. My daughter left ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Sunchase IV by South Padre Resort Rental
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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