Summer is a very exciting time of year for families, but it can also be very stressful. Kids are out of school, summer camps are in full swing, and trying to find activities to entertain them can be challenging. For many families, finding the perfect summer vacation destination is an adventure on its own. Look no further – South Padre Island (SPI) is a great family summer vacation spot.
South Padre Island is a barrier island located along the Texas Gulf Coast in the Brownsville-Harlingen metro area and the only tropical island in Texas. The population is about 2,800 people year-round, but that grows exponentially during the summer months. With an assortment of activities for the entire family, this small island is the perfect place for a family to spend their vacation.
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Getting To South Padre Island
Because Texas is a sizeable state, and South Padre Island is on the very southeastern part of the state, driving can be a lengthy journey for some. Drive times can vary depending on where you are in the state; From the Panhandle, expect to be on the road for 12 hours, but you’ll arrive in roughly three if you’re coming from Corpus Christi.
If driving is not an option, there are three airports in the area. Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport is the closest airport to the island at only 22 mile away. From there you can take the free shuttle to SPI, rent a car, or use a ride-sharing service. The Valley International Airport is 40 miles out, but they have more flight options. McAllen International Airport is the furthest of all, at 82 miles away. Even though the McAllen airport offers many flight options, you will need to rent a car to complete the destination.
Where to Stay in South Padre Island
Although South Padre Island is a small town, the places to stay are plentiful. AirB&B has extensive options of rental houses or apartments. If camping is your thing, there are campgrounds around the island and across the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel. There is even an RV park located on the beach at Isla Blanca Park with great amenities. If a hotel is your accommodation of choice then there are many to choose from. Below are various options to help you decide which is the best fit for your family and your budget.
Budget Hotels
There are tons of budget hotels to pick from, but they are not located on the gulf side. It will be a short walk to the beach. Some popular selections include Best Western, Super 8, Econo Lodge and many others.
Mid Range
In the mid-range category, you are going to find some franchise hotels on the gulf side that gives you beach access. If you book the oceanfront room, you will have the opportunity to watch the fireworks from your balcony. The city has fireworks twice a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn is a great beachside hotel with an extensive beach deck including palapas and a bar to make your stay memorable. The pool is very nice with two hot tubs and wading pool for the little ones.
La Quinta Inn
La Quinta Inn is another mid-range hotel with nice, clean rooms. The amenities are also kept clean and the staff is well-regarded by guests that stay there. This hotel is pet friendly making it a great choice for those that prefer to vacation with their fur babies. And just like the Garden Inn, fireworks can be viewed from your balcony or the nice beach deck.
Luxury
There are a few nicer gulf side resorts on SPI with better amenities, including attractive grounds and finer service.
Isla Grand Beach Resort
Isla Grand Beach Resort is an outstanding resort right on the gulf with lots of conveniences and amenities including a gift shop, tennis court, volleyball court, two swimming pools and many others.
Schlitterbahn Beach Resort
Schlitterbahn Beach Resort is the most family-friendly hotel in SPI. They are the only hotel in the island with an indoor and an outdoor waterpark which makes it the creme de la creme. AND, they have a concierge to help you plan all the activities that SPI has to offer!
What to Do in South Padre Island
When you go to a place like South Padre Island, you are not going to run out of things to do. Here are some suggestions that may be right for our schedule and your budget.
Beach Park at Isla Blanca (Schlitterbahn Water Park)
Schlitterbahn Water Park was celebrating its 40th Anniversary when summer of 2019. SPI weather is perfect for an outdoor water park. The park is super family-friendly with water slides to entertain the whole family. The lazy river is a crowd pleaser, in conclusion, it seems to get packed by the afternoon. There is even a chance for you to snorkel in the park for an additional fee. This is a must- do for family. P.S. Schlitterbahn is in the process of changing its name to Beach Park at Isla Blanca
Eco Tour and Dolphin Watching
Eco Tour and Dolphin Watching is one of the most popular activities for visitors. You have the opportunity to observe wild bottlenose and spinner dolphins while cruising the Laguna Madre and the ship channel. During the cruise, the crew will drop the net on the water and later collect the sea life that is caught in the net and give a little story about each creature caught that day. It can be very informative.
Parasailing
Parasailing can be done both in the Gulf side and the Laguna Madre side. They are both different experiences and there are different companies that offer the service. You can choose to do them both or whichever looks the most rewarding to you.
Sand Castle Class
Sand Castle Class at South Padre Island is super impressive. This is one of the best places in Texas to have a sand castle class so, booking in advance is highly recommended.The instructor will bring everything needed for you and your family to become experts on the art of castle-making.
Bay or Deep Sea Fishing
Bay or deep sea Fishing has a life of its own in South Padre Island. There are many charter boats companies that take you on an adventure of a lifetime. You can find some of them on the South Padre Island Visitor Bureau website and book in advance.
Shopping
Shopping is another activity that cannot be missed when on vacation. There are plenty of beach shops that offer cute mementos of your stay on South Padre Island.
Beach
Also, take a couple of days in between to just sunbathe at one of the best beaches in Texas. The fluffy, white sand and the beautiful water create the best relaxation combination. You can enjoy many activities while enjoying a day at the beach.
Read more about the best Texas beaches here.
Where To Eat
Breakfast
Being the most important meal of the day, breakfast is taken very serious in SPI. Among the favorites restaurant to start your day right is:
Grapevine Cafe and Coffeehouse
With a very casual atmosphere, the Grapevine cafe will impress you with the broad breakfast menu. You will find choices ranging from the regular american breakfast, in addition to the always satisfying mexican breakfast favorites. Their coffee is roasted in house and needless to say very flavorful.
Yummies Bistro
Friendly service with a great menu, yummies bistro also serves both American breakfast and Tex-Mex choices, they also offer some vegetarian options. As far as coffee, you will find many selections. It’s definitely a great stop for your morning meal.
Lunch
The options here are extensive and they range from bay front waterview as well as eating watching the waves at Gulf side.
Pier 19
It’s tucked in in the marina where the dolphin cruises leave from, pier 19 is going to surprise you with the view and the many choices on the menu. Some of the frozen drinks are served in a coconut.
Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill
Clayton’s is right on the beach with an outstanding view of the waves. It’s the largest beach bar in the Texas coast making this a must visit place. Friendly atmosphere and premium location makes Clayton’s a great place to spend your day or just stop for a quick bite.
Dinner
Whenever on vacation on a tropical location, eating by the water sipping on a fruity cocktail is going to help make your stay memorable. The bay side restaurants will have the perfect view of the sunsets and you can also enjoy the Thursday night fireworks from their decks.
Sea Ranch Restaurant
Sea ranch restaurant has been a staple in SPI for 35 year. Serving the freshest seafood, their menu changes regularly to showcase the premium quality of their food, as a result.
The Painted Marlin Grille
If a great location and superb food is what is on your list of requirements, this should be your pick. For instance, the outside waterfront dining area is perfect for you to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and the entertaining fireworks. Their vast menu offers amazing seafood and plenty other options for the non-seafood lovers.
Transportation
While on SPI, there are a couple of ways you can get around if you don’t have a car. Public transportation goes from the south end of the island to the north with several stops in between. Renting a golf cart is another popular option since South Padre is a resort community and you can drive a golf cart pretty much anywhere. Of course taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
Once you visit South Padre you will fall in love with this coastal community that makes you feel at home while visiting. The people are friendly and the weather inviting at any time of the year.
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“To Travel Is To Live” – Hans Christopher Anderson
All the Best, Patricia M.
I didn’t realize Brownsville had an airport. Good to know that there is some sort of public transport on South Padre Island.
There are 3 airports close by with the major airlines covering the area.
Looks like a great place for a family vacation. I have a friend in San Antonio I’ve been meaning to visit. It’s about a 4 hour drive to South Padre Island – might make a great family trip to get to see some of Texas.
When I was in college in Colorado South Padre Island was the place to go for spring break. I never made it, but it sounds like an interesting place. Of course, college spring break would be very different than a family vacation.
I’ve always thought of South Padre Island as a college break destination, but it actually seems like a great place for all ages.
What an interesting place to go to for a vacation! I would love to take the sandcastle building class or try parasailing. Lots of great options.
We just took our first family RV trip and are in love. Can you see the fireworks from the beach that the RV campground is on?
It is so weird to me being from New Orleans that when I think of going to the beach, I immediately think East and head into the Gulf South Panhandle area. But we never thought of going west growing up even though I always heard of friends going to South Padre Island and loving it. When I was in High school, the Schlitterbahn had just opened and everyone talked about how cool it was. Now I am in my mid 40s, I am not going to lie, that sand castle making class sounds like a lot of geeky fun!
I grew up in Corpus Christi so I spent the better part of my youth and most of my high school days skipping class and hitting Padre Island. I made it to South Padre Island a few times as well. It has really grown.
To be honest, I’ve never even heard of South Padre Island. How interesting that it’s the only tropical island in Texas.
Would love to do some of that parasailing! 🙂