A Gorgeous Tropical Island That's in Texas?! Plan Your Dream Getaway to South Padre Island ASAP—No Passport Required
No matter the time of year, it always sounds like a good idea to visit an island. And, as luck would have it, there's one that's conveniently located in a southern state—no passport required. What is this dreamy destination? South Padre Island! And I'm not only giving you the location for your next vacation, I'm helping plan your trip as well with these 21 best things to do on South Padre Island.
South Padre Island makes up the lower half of Padre Island, a 113-mile-long barrier island that runs along the Texas coast from Corpus Christi to Port Isabel, offering 34 miles of pristine coastline to explore. And that description, as lovely as it is, doesn't even do it justice. I was able to visit this summer and was blown away by everything that's offered—dolphin watching, art studios to shop and browse through, restaurants on the water, animal sanctuaries and more. I haven't even mentioned the gorgeous beaches or pineapple pina coladas (that I 100 percent recommend—more about that later).
So, whether you're going with your partner, a group of friends or you're taking the kids (you can't miss the scavenger hunt-esque Sea Turtle Art Trail!), you don't have to feel like a traditional tourist—we've got some great tips and tricks for where to go, things to do, places to eat and more. Ready to plan your next vacay?
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21 Fun Things To Do in South Padre Island, Texas
From water activities to shopping to art and more, this island has plenty to offer.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
1. Go On a Dolphin-Watching Cruise
Thanks to Breakaway Cruises, I was able to see my very first dolphin—and then my second, third and fourth as well! The views were great, the staff was hilarious and we all had a blast out on the water. It's a great, relaxing way to spend a couple of hours. Breakaway Cruises also offers jet skiing, fireworks cruises, bay and deep sea fishing, and more.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
2. Enjoy the Incredible Art Scene
From the Art Business Incubator to The Art Lounge (and so much more throughout the island), art is clearly appreciated and celebrated—making it a really cool destination for creatives.
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Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
3. Visit the Birding Center and Alligator Sanctuary
South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is so impressive. It has truly beautiful views, and it's fun to take the elevated path over the water to look at all of the alligators and birds. And I have to shout out the staff—they're all SO incredibly knowledgeable and kind.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
4. Stock Up on Candy
The best place to do this? Sugar Kingdom. If you couldn't tell by the picture, we had a late-night craving. And no regrets.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
5. Rescue a Sea Turtle and See Them Up Close
Sea Turtle Inc. is not to be missed! You can "adopt" a turtle and get updates emailed to you, and even visit the resident turtles rescued by the facility. It would definitely be a hit for the entire family.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
6. Enjoy the Beach
From Isla Blanca Park to South Padre Island Beach and more, you really can't go wrong if you simply make your way to some water.
7. Take a Peek at SpaceX
That's right—you can see the SpaceX site from Isla Blanca Park.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
8. Explore the Sea Turtle Art Trail
The Sea Turtle Art Trail is actually the sweetest. It's like a scavenger hunt throughout the island as there are 12 permanent sea turtle sculptures to find!
9. Check Out the Sandcastle Trail
Yep, there's an incredible Sandcastle Trail as well. As the South Padre Island website says, "South Padre Island is home to a collection of castles called the Sandcastle Trail. Around 30 sand sculptures are located throughout the Island, sculpted by professional sand artists — some local, some from as far away as Singapore! Many of these sculptures are traditional castles, while others are themed for the businesses and organizations where they are located."
9. Visit the Bookstore + Coffee Shop
Whenever I visit a new place, I have to check out their local bookstore, and Karma Coffee & Books did not disappoint. I even befriended a fellow shopper and we both bought the same copy of The Handmaid's Tale (my seventh copy—can you tell it's my favorite?—and her very first).
Related: 20+ Must-See Destinations for Book Lovers To Transport You to a Whole Different World
Restaurants To Try in South Padre Island, Texas
There are plenty of great local eats to check out!
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
10. Café on the Beach
Palms Resort Cafe had one of my favorite outdoor seating views of the trip—it was SUCH a relaxing way to start the day.
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11. Clayton's Beach Bar
Clayton's Beach Bar is the biggest beach bar in Texas—need I say more?
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
12. Josephine's Kitchen
Josephine's Kitchen had some of the biggest portions, which was greatly appreciated by my entire group. I'm still dreaming about this croissant breakfast sandwich.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
13. Mahi Nic
Mahi Nic was a super chill environment as you order at the counter (the tacos were fabulous) and then find a spot to eat at one of their tables overlooking boats on the water.
14. The Meatball Café
The Meatball Café is a great option for your whole family to fill up on some delish pasta before hitting the next activity.
15. Padre Island Brewing Company
The nachos had been recommended to us at Padre Island Brewing Company, and I'll absolutely pass that recommendation along because they were perfect. It was super busy when we got here, so you might want to pick a time that's a little easier to snag a table.
16. Pizzeria Express by Gabriella's
We picked up Pizza Express by Gabriella's on our way back to the hotel and it was exactly the right late night meal after a long day.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
17. Viva
Viva has amazing drinks, a cool industrial-like style inside, sunset views and both the food and atmosphere are amazing.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
18. Yummie's Bistro
Yummie's Bistro has great food options—the eggs are even presented with cute little faces on them—but my heart belongs to their epic coffee drinks. You better believe I ordered the Milky Way Latte, and it was one of the best decisions of my life.
Other Can't-Miss Activities
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
19. Drinks on the Beach
I had this pina colada at Seaside Bar & Grill behind the Holiday Inn Resort right on the way down to the beach, and I'd 10/10 recommend it—for the IG feed, if nothing else.
20. Seasonal Events
When I was in town, the Jailbreak Beach Escape was going on and it was pretty fun to watch. Although, I'm not going to lie, it made me feel pretty happy I wasn't one of the participants because it was HOT and I am lazy.
But if "3-4 miles of sand, salt, and sweat…and 16-20 obstacles" sounds like your idea of a good time, grab your girlfriends and plan a trip for next year while this is happening. Or, look around at what's going on while you're visiting, because the local events could be really fun to join!
21. South Padre Island Visitors Center
The South Padre Island Visitors Center can answer any of your questions and give you more personalized recommendations on your trip. Plus, if you need to use a restroom while out and about, this spot will come in handy too!
Places To Stay in South Padre Island, Texas
Between exploring all there is to offer outdoors and around town, here are some options where you can lay your head.
Courtesy Kelsey Pelzer
Holiday Inn Resort
At Holiday Inn Resort, kids stay free, there are multiple onsite bars (including a swim-up bar at the pool) and more. I stayed at this location and enjoyed waking up in the morning and heading straight down to the beach.
South Padre Island Inn
South Padre Island Inn is pet-friendly, offers free breakfast, and has a tennis court as well as bicycle rentals.
Padre South Hotel On The Beach
Padre South Hotel On The Beach received a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award in 2023.
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Hot tip:One visitor recommends asking for a pool-view room.
Best Western Beachside Inn
This top-rated hotel includes free breakfast.
Plus, there are more hotels to choose from based on what you're looking for!
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