Most people associate South Padre Island with spring break, but it is still a great beach destination the other 51 weeks of the year. Thanks to South Padre’s mild weather, calm waters, and an average of 300 days of sunshine, you can do just about anything you want, all year long. With the endless list of things to do in South Padre, like kiteboarding, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet-skiing, and deep-sea fishing, your trip will surely be an adventure. There are also golf cart rentals available if you want to get around the island in style. If your idea of fun is a little less adventurous, there are calmer activities you can enjoy, such as visiting the islands, nature centers, wildlife refuges, or walking on one of the many boardwalks.
South Padre’s activities also include horseback riding, camping on the beach, and ecological tours of Padre Island National Seashore. As a barrier island, it is accessible from the Queen Isabella Causeway and the town is located at its southern end. The island is named after José Nicolás Ballí, a Catholic priest and settler. One of the landmarks on the island is the larger-than-life Cristo de Los Pescadores, or Christ of the Fishermen, a memorial to fishermen who never returned.
If you want to camp under the stars and wake up to the sound of waves, take a surfing lesson, do water sports, or enjoy the night with live music, good food, and drinks, San Padre Island offers you the chance to do any or all of these activities, in one memorable visit. If you don’t have accommodation, book one of the island’s best vacation rentals or any of its Airbnbs, and discover the best things to do in South Padre Island, Texas.
1. Go birdwatching at South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center
If you enjoy long walks in nature and the added bonus of birdwatching, you might want to come and explore South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Located on Padre Boulevard, this sanctuary for birds and alligators focuses on educating the people on flora, fauna, and the conservation of the resort town.
You can join a guided birding tour, which currently accepts up to 10 participants 13 years old and above. There are daily Gator Talks where the kids can learn about the biology of alligators, along with an adventure package that allows the little one to have their photo taken with a gator and a snake. There are bird blinds and a butterfly garden as well.
South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center
Address: 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
Website: South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
2. Unleash your creativity at Art Space
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by South Padre Island Art Space on Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Offering a creative ground for all ages, Art Space is one of the family-friendly attractions on South Padre Island. If you have a budding artist in your group or you simply want to have an immersive activity that keeps the fun going, you can certainly book a class here! Also located on Padre Boulevard, it offers workshops that are available daily. You’ll have the option of acrylic pouring, clay, painting, and pottery. If you’re visiting the island in the summer, the gallery also offers a fun program exclusively for the little ones!
Art Space
Address: 1817 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
Website: Art Space
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 1pm - 7pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. Have some fun at Gravity Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking to enjoy some wholesome fun on your next visit to South Padre Island? If so, you may want to consider checking out Gravity Park. It is an amusement park with lots and lots of fun activities for all ages, including a mini - golf and go-karting for children and adults. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can try the reverse bungee ride. You can also try the giant swing where you can also take in spectacular island views while having the most fun!
Gravity Park
Address: 106 W Marlin St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
Website: Gravity Park
Opening hours: 6pm - 10:30pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD onwards
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Visit Queen Isabella Memorial Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This historic destination is dedicated to the victims of the collapse of Queen Isabella Causeway in 2001. The bridge is known to be the only bridge that connects the island to the main part of Texas. After paying your respects, you can stroll through the peaceful park and take in the beautiful bay and tree views. It is also a popular spot among tourists who wish to snap some shots with the South Padre Island sign.
Queen Isabella Memorial Park
Address: San Benito, TX 78586, United States
5. Bond with your loved ones at Andy Bowie County Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Found in the northern part of the island, Andy Bowie County Park is perfect for families or couples looking to enjoy some relaxing moments. You can go for al fresco dining while you are here as it features barbecue facilities as well as lovely picnic areas. Traveling with your kids and want to enjoy water-based activities? The park has areas where you can swim and offers easy access to a gorgeous beach. There are bathrooms within the premises for your convenience.
Andy Bowie County Park
Address: 7300 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
Website: Andy Bowie County Park
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
6. Experience the adrenaline rush of a parasailing adventure (from USD 97.0)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Experience a one-of-a-kind view of South Padre Island and its stunning surrounding landscape on this parasailing trip. Perfect even for first-time parasailers, this package comes with a professional guide who will help you ease into takeoff and landing and give you safety tips as well. Apart from that, you will also receive key insights about the wildlife you may spot during your flight, from osprey hawks to bottlenose dolphins and much more.
With multiple options for departure times, this experience is one you can easily fit into any itinerary. Our tip: try a toe dip and get soaked!
South Padre Island Small-Group Parasailing Experience
Duration: 1 hour
7. Shop for some treats at South Padre Island Farmers' Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by South Padre Island Farmer's Market on Sunday, April 12, 2020
After a week of exploring the top attractions on the island, you may want to take a break by visiting South Padre Island Farmers’ Market on Padre Boulevard. It is just north of the convention center. Here, you will find plenty of stalls that sell a wide range of products, including fresh produce, jams and spreads, soaps, desserts, and even seafood. Not only will you be able to try out some regional delicacies, but you will also get to meet some friendly locals too. You won’t come home empty-handed after a visit here.
South Padre Island Farmers' Market
Address: 8605 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
Website: South Padre Island Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 1pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
8. Port Isabel Lighthouse
Port Isabel Lighthouse is one of the 16 lighthouses originally constructed along the Texas coast and the only one open to the public. This South Padre Island attraction is a popular site for photographers and visitors. If you climb the 75 winding stairs and three short ladders of Port Isabel Lighthouse, you will have great views of South Padre Island and the beaches. The lighthouse has long been a prominent landmark on the southern tip of the Texas Gulf Coast. Its heavy brick walls have enabled it to withstand the elements for more than a century. Port Isabel Lighthouse was abandoned permanently when shipping traffic declined in 1907. The lighthouse and surrounding buildings became a historic site in 1950 when it was donated to the state. Sitting on a grassy knoll, Port Isabel Lighthouse is an ideal setting for relaxing. The grassy knoll where the lighthouse stands is ideal for strolling and relaxing. If you want to enjoy a picnic lunch, picnic tables are available.
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily (weather permitting). Summer hours are extended to 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in the Lighthouse, the Keepers Cottage (Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center), the Treasures of the Gulf Museum and the Port Isabel Historical Museum.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
Address: 421 E. Queen Isabel Blvd. in Lighthouse Square, Port Isabel, South Padre Island, TX 78418
Website: Port Isabel Lighthouse
9. Sea Turtle, Inc
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Don’t miss the chance to visit the renowned Sea Turtle, Inc., home for various resident turtles. The facility itself serves as a hospital for sick and injured sea turtles. Each year, they rescue and rehabilitate over 100 sea turtles with the goal of returning them to the wild. Sea Turtle, Inc. was founded in 1977, by Ila Fox Loetscher, better known as the “Turtle Lady of South Padre Island.” In 1999, Sea Turtle, Inc. moved from Ila’s backyard into its current location at 6617 Padre Blvd. Today, their mission is centered on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles, educating the public, and assisting with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species.
If you want to see baby sea turtles, April through November is the best time to visit as it is the nesting season on South Padre Island. Sea Turtle, Inc. monitors about 50 miles (80.5 km) of beach, searching for nests. The nests are then relocated and protected in a special corral until the baby sea turtles hatch and are ready for release. If you visit during nesting season, you can attend one of the scheduled releases, during the summer months and watch as the baby sea turtles make their way into the ocean for the first time.
Hours: Open from 10 am - 4 pm, Tuesdays through Sundays (Closed Mondays). From Memorial Day to mid-August, hours are extended from 10 am - 5 pm.
Admission: They ask for a donation of 4 USD for adults, 3 USD for seniors and 2 USD for children over the age of 4.
Sea Turtle, Inc.
Address:6617 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX 78597
Website: Sea Turtle, Inc.
10. Laguna Madre Island Trail
The Laguna Madre or Mother Lagoon Nature Trail is 1.1 mile (1.8 km) loop trail on a 1,500 foot (457.2 meter) boardwalk that crosses 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of marshland. It offers scenic views of the lagoon and is used for nature walks and birding. Bird watchers can view many coastal and migratory bird species in their natural habitat, as well as many others that are attracted to the berries on the fiddlewood bushes, along the trail. Throughout the year, more than 300 species of birds come through the South Padre Island area.
The trail begins at the South Padre Island Convention Center and extends out to the Laguna Madre wetlands. A walk on the Laguna Madre Nature Trail is one of the best ways to experience the pristine, natural wetlands of South Padre Island. The trail is open 24 hours a day and access is free.
Laguna Madre Island Trail
Address: 7355 Padre Boulevard South Padre Island, TX 78597
Website: Laguna Madre Island Trail
11. Isla Blanca Park
Isla Blanca Park is located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island and is the crown jewel of the parks system. Within the park, there is over a mile of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico. There are also many recreation amenities provided in Isla Blanca Park for a wide range of outdoor activities. Two large beachfront pavilions, a walking trail, fishing jetties and surf fishing, cabana rentals, a boat ramp, a water park, restrooms/shower facilities, and shaded picnic areas are available as well. And you don’t have to bring your own food as there are onsite concessions and restaurants within walking distance of the park.
If you want to stay overnight in Isla Blanca Park, there are tent sites and over 600 full hook-up RV sites. The park also has an equipment rental for an array of activities (e.g. snorkeling, diving, jet skis, parasailing, etc.). There is also a full-service marina, here.
Open 6:30 am - 11 pm
Isla Blanca Park
Address: 33174 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Website: Isla Blanca Park
12. Sandy Feet sandcastle lessons (from USD 150.0)
Next time you go to the beach, impress beachgoers with your amazing sand sculpting. One great thing to do in South Padre Island this weekend is to get professional (private or group) instruction from Sandy Feet Sand Castle Services. They work with all ages and skill levels and all tools are provided, with some you can take home. The classes range from a 45-minute crash course in sand sculpting to a basic and extended basic course, where you learn packing and stacking techniques. Specialty lessons, such as castles and cocktails, adult billboard parties, kiddy birthday parties, and “build me something”, are also available. They also offer customized “beach billboards” for special occasions, like marriage proposals, birthdays, or anniversaries. Book a stay in a beachfront hotel so you can practice your new sand sculpting skills after!
Sandy Feet Sandcastle Lessons
Address: 117 E Saturn Ln, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Website: Sandy Feet Sandcastle Lessons
South Padre Island Sandcastling Experience
Duration: 1 hour
13. Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Schlitterbahn Water Park is a 25 acre (10.1 hectare) park, with two dozen world-class attractions, such as 13 indoor and outdoor water slides, river systems where you can float along, a surfing ride, body slide, tidal wave river, uphill water coaster, Lily Pad wading pool and Pirates Cove for children, swim-up cocktail area, a seaside pool, and of course, beautiful beaches. Thrill levels range from low speed to aggressive. There are indoor and outdoor parks. Cabanas and palapas are available for shade. If you’re more into non-water activities, there are also carnival rides, such as the Twister and a carousel.
Admission price covers the use of all water attractions, free parking, free inner tubes, and you can bring your own picnic and coolers into the park (no glass or alcohol allowed). Another dining option is the Shrimp Haus, a casual dining restaurant on the beach, with a deck overlooking the Gulf. The Schlitterbahn Water Park has been rated a number one kid-friendly attraction, but there are lots of attractions for adults as well.
Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park
Address: 33261 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Website: Schitterbahn Beach Water Park
14. Go on a horse ride
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by South Padre Island Adventure Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020
If you have never been on a horse ride, South Padre Island offers plenty of fun and safe options for you and your family! Horseback riding is an enjoyable way to explore the beach. The tours are a great way to get introduced to the sea life along the shore and see the flora that grows amongst the sand dunes. Several tours are offered on the island and each of them comes with its own perks. Morning tours are best to explore the beach before the crowd shows up, and the weather makes for a more cooling and comfortable ride. Afternoon tours are usually shorter and easier to squeeze into your schedule, perfect for those who don’t have much time or want a shorter ride. Sunset tours also allow you to escape the afternoon heat and offer a more romantic experience. And finally, moonlight tours only offered during the period of a full moon, are quieter and allow you to enjoy the serenity of the coast. Choose the tour that best fits your travel itinerary to make the most of your time on South Padre Island.
South Padre Island Adventure Park
Address: State Park Road 100, South Padre Island, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Price: from 40 USD to 79 USD
Opening Hours: Summer, 8.30 am - 6.30 pm
Duration: around 2 hours required
Access: 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of the bridge to the island, at the end of Park Road 100
Contact: +1 956-761-4677
Website: South Padre Island Adventure Park
The Stables
Address: 8805 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Price: from 40 USD
Duration: around 2 hours required
Contact: +1 956-761-7743
Website: The Stables
15. Try a new water sport
Being a coastal resort town, South Padre Island is home to its fair share of sun-kissed water sports enthusiasts. Visitors crowd the beach to splash in the sea and have a go at different water sports. The waters stay relatively warm all year round, but you might need a full wetsuit if you’re planning on taking a dip in winter. Almost any water sport you can think of is available here on South Padre Island, from waterskiing to kiteboarding; you can even give flyboarding a shot! The water-powered jet board may seem daunting to the uninitiated, but vendors limit the maximum height to 3 feet (0.9 meters) above the water surface for beginners, ensuring a safe experience for all. If you feel like you have the hang of the contraption, the limit is abolished and you may have your chance at performing tricks on a flyboard!
Flyboard South Padre Island
Address: 5709 Padre Blvd., Unit A2, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Price: from 99 USD to 199 USD
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +1 956-299-1763
Website: Flyboard South Padre Island
Prokite
Address: 2500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Opening Hours: 8 am - 10 pm
Duration: around 2 hours required
Contact: +1 541-490-6872
Website: Prokite
South Padre Island Water Sports
Address: 5709A Padre Blvd, South Padre, TX
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +1 956-299-9463
Website: South Padre Island Water Sports
South Padre Surf Company
Address: Park Rd. 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Price: from 40 USD
Opening Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +1 956-772-7272
Website: South Padre Surf Company
16. Set sail on a fishing adventure
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Ready your sea legs and be led out to the open sea by experienced crew members who know local waters and have deep knowledge about the fish in the region. Depending on the season, you could haul in huge catches such as red snappers, lings, groupers, kingfish, and even sharks! All the equipment you could need is provided. The helpful crew aboard the ships makes the trips enjoyable even if you’ve never held a fishing rod before! Deep sea fishing charters cost more and are usually longer, from 6 hours onwards. Bay fishing charters can range from 3 to 4 hours per trip.
Isla Tours
Address: South Padre Island, TX 78597-6402
Price: from 25 USD
Opening Hours: 8 am - 8 pm
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +1 956-761-4752
Website: Isla Tours
Captain Murphy's Fishing Charters
Address: 1 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX. 78597
Opening Hours: 8 am - 7 pm
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +1 956-761-4752
Website: Captain Murphy’s Fishing Charters
Danny B Fishing Charters
Address: 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Price: from 25 USD
Duration: around 4 hours required
Access: Located in the entertainment district next to Amberjacks Restaurant, down the street from Tequila Sunset, Wahoo Saloon, and Louie’s Backyard
Contact: +1 956-761-1389
Website: Danny B Fishing Charters
17. Have a roll on the beach
Not every beach allows vehicles onto its sandy shores. Beach driving can offer a fun and different driving experience. Explore the length of the coastline in the convenience of your own vehicle. Pick a quiet spot at the end of the beach where it’s less crowded and have the luxury of setting up your beach chairs with everything you may need just a stone’s throw away. It is recommended that you travel in a 4x4 on the beach, however, a 2x4 is fine as well, as long as you just stay on the compacted surface and skirt around the soft sand. If you do get stuck in the sand, don’t call the official tow just yet. See if a 4x4 comes your way; most drivers with adequate rigs and tow equipment are usually more than willing to lend a helping hook.
South Padre Island Beach Driving
Address: South Padre Island, TX
Price: It costs 12 USD for a permit; you get back 2 USD upon returning the issued thrash bag at the end of the trip
Duration: around 2 hours required
18. Take your experience to new heights by skydiving
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This is a must-do for all thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, or simply anyone who wants the best views of South Padre Island. Here’s your chance to see the entire coastline blur into the horizon as you jump out of an airplane at 11,000 feet (3,353 meters). The freefall lasts for around 60 seconds and the canopy deploys at 5,500 feet (1,676 meters). The remainder of the journey down is a smooth-sailing canopy flight of 5 to 7 minutes, which is plenty of time to appreciate the views and capture your new social media profile picture that is sure to leave your friends and family green with envy.
Skydive South Padre Island
Address: 2500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Price: from 230 USD
Opening Hours: 8 am - 8 pm
Duration: around 1 hour required
Contact: +1 956-744-5867
Website: Skydive South Padre Island
19. Delve deep into the sea on a diving trip
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by American Diving on Thursday, October 1, 2020
Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. South Padre Island is home to several popular dive sites, such as the Texas Clipper, a former World War 2 ship converted into a training vessel for a university, subsequently sunk to form an artificial reef. The Texas Clipper is a suitable dive spot for both novices and experienced divers. Beginners can survey the surface of the Texas Clipper, while those who are more comfortable being in an overhead environment can gain access to the various decks aboard. Training for all stages is provided by diving schools. However, if diving doesn’t pique your interest, snorkeling is an alternative way to view the magnificent beasts beneath the ocean surface.
American Diving
Address: 1 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, Texas 78597
Price: from 140 USD
Duration: around 6 hours required
Access: Take a right off of the bridge. Continue for one third of a mile (536 meters). Look right and you will see a large blue and white building, The Sea Ranch Marina. Take a right and go to the red and white dive flag
Contact: +1 956-761-2030
Website: American Diving
Fun in the sun on South Padre Island, Texas
There is something for everyone on South Padre Island. Padre Island National Seashore where Big and Little Shell Beaches (yes, there are lots of shells) sits just to its north, while to its west, you will find business and residential areas as well as some of the best Airbnbs and cheap hotels along the bay. The east is the ocean playground, on the Gulf of Mexico, with a mix of beach hotels, vacation rentals, shops, and restaurants that line the longest, undeveloped barrier reef on the continent. It’s a great area if you don’t know where to stay. And to the South is the pristine Isla Blanca Beach, with over one mile (1.6 km) of the beach, on the Gulf of Mexico. This barrier reef island, with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, is a nature and beach paradise. You’ll never run out of fun things to do in South Padre Island.
Pin it for later
If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends on Facebook and save it to Pinterest for future reference!
Frequently asked questions about best things to do in South Padre Island, Texas
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to