South Padre Island, TX

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

#blue
The South Padre Island Drive stretches beautifully with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other. These sand dunes line the road and look beautiful against the blue sea!!

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
$199 nightly
The price is $233 total per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
$233 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Total includes taxes and fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,417 reviews)
"Nice property but poolside music was loud and all day until I0pm at least. Sitting on balcony was not enjoyable as we were unable to enjoy ocean sound. There’s netting tie wrapped to the iron rails on the balcony so sitting in the chairs skewed the view that you pay extra for. Staff was friendly ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Sand Rose Beach Resort
Sand Rose Beach Resort
3 out of 5
7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
$144 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
$168 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,919 reviews)
Great location and great service!!
"location of hotel is amazing. service and staff were great!!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Sand Rose 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
$121 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$137 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,046 reviews)
"Great service overall, nice beach area."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front by IHG
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! (282 reviews)
"Great place to relax, walk around the beach and enjoy tennis courts and bar"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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! (126 reviews)
"The building itself was dated, however, the location and views of the beach and the bay were all worth the price. The walk to the beach was easy to make and safe for children. The property is in the heart of SPI with beach shops, restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance. The unit ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 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! (892 reviews)
"Like how close of walk to beach"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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.

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