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

Default Image

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
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
4 out of 5
310 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
The price is €171 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
€171
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in South Padre Island. Enjoy a full-service spa, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,069 reviews)
"No issues. Would stay there again. Everything was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Isla Grand Beach Resort
Isla Grand Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX
The price is €141 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€141
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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! (1,185 reviews)
Good stay!
"Everything was great except room smell. Great bars, great pool area, great beach access, great views. Coffee shop in the lobby was amazing! Easy check in, only complaint was the room smell and kinda old."

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Isla Grand Beach Resort
Sand Rose Beach Resort
Sand Rose Beach Resort
3 out of 5
7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
The price is €107 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
€107
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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! (1,399 reviews)
"Great view, on the beach, fantastic breakfasts, and next to shuttle service."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 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.
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! (223 reviews)
"Access to the heated pools and beach were very nice and concenient"

Reviewed on 21 Feb 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 fitness center. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Gravity ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
Things to improve.
"It was pretty difficult to get support using the phone. I keep being pass to different group. It is common to hear 'we don't support Sunchase IV and then when we call the given number it goes to voicemail. I left multiple voice message and no one got back to us. Very bad. Getting additional tissue ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2025

Sunchase IV by South Padre Resort Rental
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! (843 reviews)
"Wonderful place"

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2025

The Tiki
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Other places like South Padre Island