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South Padre Island things to do can vary greatly depending on your interests and who you are vacationing with. Whether you prefer to spend the majority of your South Padre Island vacation soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches or taking in the nightlife in town, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
If you’re on vacation with your family, you must partake in a dolphin-watching tour or take sandcastle lessons. If the romance of a honeymoon or anniversary celebration is what brings you to the Island, embark on a romantic sunset horseback ride or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Sapphire Spa for an unforgettable experience.
Whatever your reasoning for visiting South Padre Island, you won’t come up empty-handed on finding the perfect activity to satisfy your needs. Check out these 15 things to do on South Padre Island and begin planning your trip!
15 Things To Do on South Padre Island
There is no shortage of activities to keep your South Padre Island vacation on the move. If you prefer a more relaxed vacation, there are also plenty of activities to help you relax and keep a minimalistic itinerary. Here is your travel guide on some of the more sought-after activities to create an unforgettable vacation on southern Texas beaches.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Deep-sea fishing on South Padre Island isn’t only for the elite or skilled fishermen and women. Take part in your own deep sea fishing experience on one of the many available fishing charters. Most of these charters provide bait and tackle, which makes for a hassle-free fishing trip, especially if you are a beginner.
Most of these fishing tours last around 3 hours, so make sure you check with your tour guide to determine if you can bring a cooler with some snacks for the trip. It is also imperative that you obtain your Texas fishing license if you are under the age of 17.
There is nothing quite as satisfying as catching some Texas Mahi-Mahi or a big ole Tuna on South Padre Island. This is an excellent family adventure, especially if there is a competitive streak in the family dynamic.
Dolphin Watching
Whether you are a marine life fanatic or prefer land animals, there is no doubt that experiencing dolphins up close is an unforgettable experience. One of the more unique adventures available to tourists on South Padre Island, the dolphin watching tours hosted by The Original Dolphin Watch is worth the time and money.
Experience dolphins up close with year-round dolphin tour options on a 60’ cruise boat. Soak up the sun and enjoy the salt air as you watch spinner and bottle-nose dolphins gracefully jump in and out of the salty ocean water alongside your boat.
The Original Dolphin Watch tours also provide an Eco Tour add-on where the crew drags a net in the water to collect a sample of marine life. Once this marine life is collected, it is presented as an educational display.
Sandcastle Lessons
There is no doubt that making sandcastles is a staple to beach vacations, but did you know that you can take sandcastle lessons on South Padre Island? Conveniently named Sand Castle Lessons, this company helps you take your sandcastle skills to the next level.
By utilizing tool kits, creativity, and sandcastle experts, Sand Castle Lessons provides various lesson packages to help you create the most exciting sandcastle you can dream up. This is a perfect kid-friendly activity as it brings the whole family together to play in the sand and create a masterpiece.
If you’re on the lookout for a unique family experience on your South Padre Island vacation, Sandcastle lessons are the way to go!
Horseback Riding
The SPI Equestrian & Events Center is the only riding facility on the Island and makes for an unforgettable experience. Even if you don’t have any experience on a horse, you have the opportunity to get to know the horse you will be riding and receive teaching on proper riding education.
From a sunrise ride taking in the views the Gulf of Mexico has to offer, to the romantic sunset rides where you can watch the sunset over the Laguna Madre, horseback riding is one of the more unique ways to enjoy the island.
If a romantic evening on the beach with your significant other is on your list of things to do at South Padre Island, make sure you go for a sunset horseback ride.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
Self-guided tours of the Port Isabel Lighthouse are an excellent way to enjoy a piece of Texas history. Standing for more than a century, this lighthouse is an essential piece of history on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Immerse yourself in the history of the lighthouse and the role it played in the development of South Padre Island. Walk the winding staircase to the top of the lighthouse and step out onto the deck as the salty air blows through your hair.
This is the perfect activity for the whole family if you want to get away from the beach for an afternoon on the bayside and enjoy some local history.
Golf Cart Rentals
If you need a better way to explore the island than walking or having to get your car out of the parking garage, try renting a golf cart. With various rental services scattered around the island, you are bound to find a convenient location that provides four or six-passenger golf carts to rent.
Rent a golf cart for a couple of hours or 24-hours. Whatever your transportation needs, a golf cart is bound to meet them. Renting a golf cart allows you to soak up the sun and get to your next destination without having to put in the effort that walking or bicycling requires.
Sea Turtle, Inc.
Sea Turtle, Inc. is the perfect spot to get your fill of sea turtles. The sole purpose of this company is to educate the public on sea turtles and rehabilitate turtles that have been injured. The education aspect Sea Turtle, Inc. strives to teach the public about the ocean ecosystem that is pushing turtles towards extinction and what they can do to protect them.
While learning about sea turtles, you can also visit the rehabilitation center and meet the injured sea turtles staying there and learn their stories. They even house a sea turtle named Allison that holds the record as the very first sea turtle in the world to receive a successful prosthesis.
Don’t let this unforgettable experience pass you by during your vacation to South Padre Island. Visit Sea Turtle, Inc. for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Sapphire Spa
With a motto of “Relax, Revive, & Rejuvenate,” it’s impossible not to enjoy yourself at the luxurious Sapphire Spa. The world-class service serves as a getaway not only for your body but also for your mind and soul. Take a relaxing afternoon at Sapphire Spa to inspire you to live an overall healthier life and feel like a new person.
The luxurious Sapphire Spa is the perfect getaway for you and your significant other to spend some quality time together and receive an unforgettable experience.
Visit SpaceX
Just across the bay from South Padre Island you have the opportunity to explore your love for space at the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site. Even better, you have the opportunity to watch the launch up close if you are in the area during a launch.
If you want to ensure you are in town for a test launch, make sure to plan three to four days because the weather can affect whether or not the scheduled launch takes place. If you don’t make it on time or have to end your vacation before a launch, you can watch from afar on a free 24/7 stream of SpaceX Starship.
Golf at South Padre Island Golf Club
The South Padre Island Golf Club combines upscale golfing with luxurious beach life as you can experience the breathtaking Laguna Madre Bay on this golfing oasis. From breathtaking views to the romantic sunsets, golfing at South Padre Island Golf Club is the perfect getaway from the business of everyday life.
If you aren’t an avid golfer, SPI Golf Club offers golfing lessons if your swing isn’t up to par or you are just starting in the golfing scene. Known also as one of the finest golf courses in the Rio Grande Valley, you are sure to make lasting memories at this world-class golf club.
Parasailing
If extreme water sports is the name of the game, parasailing takes the cake. South Padre Island is home to SPI Excursions, the ultimate parasailing adventure. With room for one, two, and even three passengers at a time, this parasailing adventure is one you can enjoy with some of your favorite company.
Receive spectacular, birdseye views of the island while letting the salty air blow through your hair. If you’re not the biggest fan of heights, take the edge off by taking an authentic margarita or tropical pina colada up in the air with you.
Flight time lasts approximately 8 to 12 minutes fully extended on 600 ft. of line. The entirety of the trip is approximately 45 minutes. Enjoy some time up in the air taking in the beautiful views of the island by partaking on an unforgettable parasailing adventure.
You can also go jet skiing or paddleboarding through SPI Excursions!
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is a must if you’re a bird or nature fanatic. From all different species of birds to the natural wonders of the island, to alligators and their habits, you are bound to find something of interest for everyone in your party.
Let your one-of-a-kind experience for bird watchers begin on one of the five bird blinds located at the nature center or on the 3300 plus feet of boardwalk. If you want a higher vantage point of the waters below, climb up the five-story viewing tower and take in the birdseye view. Don’t forget to sign up for a guided bird walk to get a better understanding of what you are seeing.
If alligators are more up your alley, head on over to the alligator sanctuary. Learn everything there is to know about the swamp-loving creatures while getting a close-up view. Schedule your visit today!
Wyland’s Whaling Wall
Located on the South Padre Islands Convention Center outer wall, Wyland’s Whaling Wall, titled Orcas off the Gulf of Mexico, is a piece of art not to be overlooked. Artist Robert Wyland paints these murals as a way to raise awareness of the various dangers marine mammals encounter.
This magnificent mural covers three of the convention center’s outer walls and is a sight that won’t soon be forgotten. Take in the magnificence of this painting while putting yourself in the artist’s shoes and empathize with the orcas on the painting and the dangers they face daily.
South Padre Islands Farmers Market
Take in some of the local cultures by visiting South Padre Islands Farmers Marketing. Every Sunday from 11:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M. at 8605 Padre Blvd, you will find the local farmers and craftspeople displaying their items for sale.
Find some of the freshest produce on the island along with unique, handmade, and crafted items. Soak up the culture by visiting with the local farmers while sampling their fresh vegetables, cheeses, and seafood.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. If you find yourself on the island over the weekend and need a cultural experience, ensure you visit the farmers market.
Sunset Cruise
Take a romantic sunset cruise with your spouse or enjoy an end-of-the day boating adventure with your family. Whatever brings you to the island, your vacation is not complete without taking in some of the most beautiful sunsets the state has to offer.
Previously noted for their parasailing offerings, SPI Excursions also provides the perfect sunset cruise for your group. During your cruise, the captain will give you the history of the area and point out some of the well-known sights on the island.
It’s hard to take your eyes off the setting sun as the rays of beauty it emits are remarkable, but don’t forget to look around and enjoy the extensive beauty that surrounds you. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the native bottlenose dolphins!
Conclusion
South Padre Island is known for its pristine beaches and is a destination for individuals all over the country looking for a unique beach vacation getaway. If you’re visiting the island on your honeymoon or getting away for your anniversary, you must visit Sapphire spa for a relaxing afternoon massage, then partake in a sunset cruise in the evening.
Or, if you are a thrill-seeking tourist and want to try your hand at parasailing 600 feet in the air while enjoying an alcoholic beverage, SPI Excursions is here to meet your needs. If you are on a family vacation and want to have a sandcastle building competition, visit Sandcastle Lessons to learn all the tricks of the trade before beginning your competition.
There is no denying that South Padre Island has activities that the whole family can enjoy to keep your vacation exciting and full of surprises. Whether you are into relaxing beach activities or educational activities, you are bound to find the perfect activity. Make your reservations today!
