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Most people don’t think of Texas as a beach destination, but the state is home to a gem called South Padre Island (SPI). Known to locals as “the island”, South Padre Island is a resort town located along Texas’ southeast coast on the Mexican Gulf. Its pristine blue waters and velvety white sand draws over a million visitors each year. Visitors to South Padre Island enjoy amazing views and awesome properties from local property managers.
SPI boasts of several activities for all ages, including beautiful nature trails and historical landmarks. We’ve compiled a list of the South Padre Island best beaches along with the best attractions at each. Read on to get inspiration for your next trip.
Andy Bowie Park
Andy Bowie is one of the most popular beaches on SPI and is especially loved by bird watchers and hiking enthusiasts. Additionally, this beach is a great destination for those on a family vacation, as it offers ample picnic options and playgrounds. Here are just a few of Andy Bowie’s main attractions.
Laguna Madre Nature Trail
This boardwalk is 1,500 feet long and offers a great view of marshlands where you can spot over 300 species of birds. A variety of exotic birds flock to the area each year in search for berries along the trail. The whole family can enjoy this trail, and you can access it 24 hours a day for free.
Bayside Fishing
You can enjoy the fishing area at Andy Bowie and even a sea turtle hatchery. There are also spots for RV parking here, so you can camp out while you wait for the perfect catch.
Windsurfing
Head to the bayside for some good windsurfing. Andy Bowie is known for being one of the most peaceful beaches on the island, and you can usually avoid large crowds. This makes it the perfect spot for those looking to catch some waves.
Bay Beach
Bay Beach is a tranquil place to catch waves and engage in some awesome sightseeing. The beach is a favorite for people looking for a personal paradise. Despite its peacefulness, you can find several action-packed activities on the beach.
Eco and Dolphin Watch Tour
Take a ride on Murphy’s Law and check out Atlantic Bottle-nose dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. Tickets are $13 and get you a guided tour of South Padre, including the U.S. Coast Guard Station and the South Padre Island Jetties. You’ll see tons of other wildlife as well, from sea creatures to migratory birds.
Private Sunset Cruise
If you’re looking to complete your romantic getaway at SPI, this tour is a must. Each tour boat can sit up to six passengers, so it’s perfect for a date or an intimate group of friends celebrating a special occasion. You’ll see lots of wildlife on the tour and enjoy a gorgeous sunset on the Texas gulf.
Parasailing Adventure
This 45-minute adventure is a great activity for anyone wanting to get a bird’s eye view of the island. You don’t need to be experienced, and the guide prepares you for safe takeoff and landing. Get some one-of-a-kind views of the island’s wildlife from up high.
Boca Chica Beach
Though technically detached from South Padre Island, Boca Chica is a fabulous beach only eight short miles from the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. It’s one of the most highly rated beaches in the area for its gorgeous views and proximity to historical landmarks.
Rio Grande
From Boca Chica, you can easily access the mouth of the Rio Grande as well as the border wall that separates Mexico from the U.S. Head East on Boca Chica Blvd (Highway 4) to enjoy the view and pass several other landmarks along the way.
Space X Launch Facility
You’ll pass the Space X launch facility on your way to see the mouth of the Rio Grande and see spectacular views. You can access views of the site from ship tours as well or get unobstructed views from nearby beaches such as Isla Blanca. However, keep in mind Boca Chica Beach may be closed during active launches.
Seashell Hunting
Boca Chica Beach has unique seashells galore. It’s one of the best beaches to search for seashells, and it’s also famous for sea turtle nests during certain seasons. The views of the rockets nearby and the great waves make this an unforgettable site.
Isla Blanca Beach
Isla Blanca is one of the better-known beaches on SPI. In addition to all the regular beach activities available -snorkeling, sunbathing and picnicking- you can find the famous Beach Park filled with attractions. Though it’s temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, it’s worth keeping an eye on to score passes for the future.
Fish Jetty
There’s no doubt that SPI is a fishing enthusiast’s dream. You can fish from a jetty on Isla Blanca Beach and find fish ranging from speckled trout to mahi mahi.
Beach Park
Beach Park is an aquatic park offering a wide variety of rides and attractions. You can find the infamous giant sandcastle structure that doubles as an interactive water play structure.
Camping
There are many great campgrounds on SPI, and Isla Blanca is one of the most popular. Prices start at $30 per day or $500 per month for additional special hookup spaces.
Neptune Circle Access 16
One of the many beach access points on SPI is access point #16, also known as Neptune Circle. The beautiful stretch of beach can get crowded on weekends but is still one of the best access points and close to several attractions.
Butterfly Garden
Look for the giant monarch butterfly at this adorable park and enjoy a fantastic view of the gulf from one of several shaded picnic areas. Butterfly Park is part of a 2016 initiative that supports Monarch butterflies and other native wildlife. Monarch butterflies take refuge here during migration, taking advantage of the milkweeds and nectar plants.
Blackbeard’s Restaurant
Blackbeard’s is rated one of the best restaurants on SPI. It started out in 1978 as a basic burger-and-beer location on the beach but expanded rapidly over the years to include several other menu items. Today Blackbeard’s serves some of the best seafood you’ll find on the island, from oysters to crab legs.
Treasure Island Circle Access 11
If you like showers on your beach, Treasure Island will be one of your favorite beach access points. It includes several amenities, great parking and is located near several parks such as Water Tower Park, Gravity Park, and the boardwalk.
Gravity Park
There’s something for everyone at Gravity Park. One of its most iconic attractions is its 60-foot Ferris wheel, where you can get amazing views of the beach. The park also includes a multi-level go-kart track, an arcade and mini-golf course, a Skycoaster with a view of the entire island, and the tallest reverse-bungee in the world.
Water Tower Park
There are several modern play structures at this park, situated at the base of the water tower. It’s one of the most loved parks in town with terrific views.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
Don’t let the name fool you. Aside from a wide variety of bird species, you can also see other wildlife such as alligators and sea turtles. The center includes over 3,300 feet of boardwalk, a gator pond, 50 acres of wetlands, and a 5-story observation tower.
Moonlight Circle Access 13
The dune walkover at the Moonlight Circle beach access is complete with rinse stations and drinking water. Enjoy access to many of the island’s greatest restaurants and cafes, beautiful sunrise views (if you’re a morning person!), as well as crab hunting and horseback rides.
Island Adventure Park
This is a 5th generation family-owned park that is popular with tourists and locals alike. Enjoy over forty acres of breathtaking views from the Mexican Gulf to Laguna Madre Bay. Ride a horse along the shoreline and see the diverse marine life along the way.
Padre Island Brewing Co.
This is a great place to enjoy a savory meal with cold brews on the beach. From gourmet burgers to seafood, the diverse menu at Padre Island Brewing has something for everyone.
The Grapevine Cafe and Coffeehouse
Wake up and head to breakfast at The Grapevine Cafe, which boasts a diverse menu and full espresso bar. You’ll find a mix of American and Mexican dishes here as well.
Crab Hunting
Many locals insist this is one of the best spots for crab hunting in the area. Wait until dark, bring friends, family, and a flashlight, and have a go at it yourself.
Beach Access 3
The excitement starts at the South Padre entrance, where you can begin your hike along the beach or pick a spot to relax.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
This historical landmark was built in 1852 for guiding ships through the Santiago Pass to Port Isabel. It served as a lookout post for soldiers during the civil war and stands 82 feet high. This is a must-see tour for history buffs.
Sandcastle Trail
Take a self-guided hiking tour of giant sandcastles along the beach and take professional sandcastle-making classes. Check out the country’s largest outdoor sandcastle right on the beach.
The Painted Marlin Grille
The best way to enjoy an ocean sunset is with a great meal in the outdoors. The Painted Marlin Grille is an outdoor restaurant serving gourmet food and offering live music and shows. It’s an especially good spot to check out on weekends when you want a lively vibe.
Yearly Events to Explore
As if South Padre Island weren’t action-packed enough, you can always opt to go during a special event if you’re seeking a dose of extra excitement with your ocean views.
Spring Break Jam
During March, the island is dedicated to spring break activities and is jam-packed with college students. After this month, SPI returns to being a family-oriented vacation spot and romantic getaway.
If you visit during March, however, you can kick off spring break with a car show, live music, and several fun beach competitions.
Ultimate Music Experience (UME)
If you’re looking for a dance party, look no further than South Padre’s UME, a music festival lasting several days. Up-and-coming DJs and several established EDM artists headline the festival, and it’s one of the busiest nightlife events of the year.
Wrap-up
Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway, a romantic destination, or a fun family vacation spot, South Padre Island has it all. You’ll find some of the best Texan cuisine, live music, and wildlife activities in the country. If you’re ready to book your trip and need a place to stay, let us help get you started.
