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South Padre Island Travel

Fun Filled Family Vacations
Romantic Island Destinations
Eco - Tourism Travel
Travel Information

• Summer Camps

Our safe gently sloping white sand beaches makes South Padre one of the best family vacation spots in the United States. Offering those traveling with children fun -filled activities day and night that are certain to make your kids smile!

• Beach Weddings

• Wedding Planners

• Photographers

• Videographers

• Honeymoons

• Resorts

• Spa Packages

The sandy beaches and blue-green water of South Padre Island offers a flawless romantic setting for beach weddings at an affordable low price, this tropical island vacation is the perfect escape for two!

This tropical island environment offers the rare opportunity to see unique wildlife in it's natural habitat. Home to the world birding center, sea turtle nesting grounds, dolphins in the wild, unspoiled natural sand dunes perfect for hiking or horseback riding!

South Padre Island - A Sea of Dreams

South Padre Island, a coastal destination with all the romantic allure that a bustling seaside village represents draws visitors from all walks of life here as they answer their call to the sea. Our pristine Island boasts a magical array of unique opportunity that will certainly transform you away from the uniformity of day to day city life and mundane routines to the peaceful serenity of a tropical island beach vacation. As Jules Verne writes in his classic novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - “ The sea is an immense desert where a man is never alone for he can feel life quivering all about him.” This is the very spirit that the local Island residents live and breathe and the beach going visitors alike have come to know and love. During your time on this unique barrier island - be sure to take a private stroll on an empty beach, engage in a thrilling once in a lifetime water activity, or go snorkeling along the jetties visiting the realm of the under sea world and you will find yourself to be immersed in the Island life and energy that is quivering all about you!

Where to Stay on South Padre Island

Are you looking for a calming seaside retreat or would you prefer to experience the local flavor of Island culture and beach couture of the South Padre Island entertainment district? South Padre Island boasts a variety of accommodations ranging from all inclusive beach front resorts to charming bayside vacation rentals or condominiums.

Finding a place to stay on South Padre Island has never been easier! Whether you are looking for a beach front or bayside hotel or condominium, bed and breakfast, beach house, vacation rental, RV park, or campground you will easily find the perfect match for any budget or lodging preference.

Check out these accommodation options where you can book on-line reservations to help make your dream vacation get off to a great start!

What to Do on South Padre Island

South Padre Island is on the cutting edge of beach filled fun offering our visitors a chance to try such activities as surfing lessons, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, dolphin watching, jet skiing, deep sea fishing or bay fishing charters, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, and many more thrilling activities

Eco Tourism is another thriving industry in South Padre Island offering nature preserves, camping, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, and more. The Island is home to Sea Turtle Inc. - an educational research and rehabilitation facility dedicated to the preservation of sea turtles and the conservation of the marine environment world wide. They offer daily guided tours where you’ll see various species of sea turtles including the Kemp's Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and other species of endangered sea turtles that have been rescued from the wild and are being rehabilitated. If you visit South Padre Island during the months of April through mid July you could watch for nesting Sea Turtles or even attend a hatchling release where you’ll see hundreds of tiny baby sea turtles making their way out to the water for the first time. This is truly a spectacular experience and makes for a great photo opportunity. The World Birding Center located on South Padre Island is 50 acres of intertidal flats, native shrubs, and trees that are the first stop for the birds making the cross Gulf migration from Mexico and Central America. Warblers, tanagers, orioles, and thrushes are common to the wooded areas while the wetland areas are host to waterfowl, shorebirds, and even the endangered species of brown pelican, piping plover, and peregrine falcon. The birding center is also a great spot to see the Island’s colorful array of butterflies. The sand dunes north of city limits is a unique stretch of beach where visitors can see South Padre Island in it’s natural state - a place where you can truly step back in time and see the Island as the early explorers once saw and described it. It is one of the few beaches in the United States where you can find such solitude, a perfect place for a quiet stroll down the beach, a great place for both sunning and shelling, viewing our stunning sunsets over the bay, and a breathtaking sparkling night sky.

About South Padre Island

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS is the tropical southernmost part of the world's longest barrier reef island on the Gulf of Mexico at the Texas / Mexico border. Located 2 miles off the southern tip of Texas, it is connected to the mainland by the Queen Isabella Causeway. South Padre Island is the finest coastal resort in Texas, with beautiful beaches, tall sand dunes, and warm clear clean Gulf waters. Incredible saltwater fishing, Gulf shrimp, fresh fish and seafood served at many Island restaurants, a wide selection of hotels and condos from cheap to luxurious, shopping, beach weddings, professional wedding planners, South Padre weddings, photographers and video services, RV parks on the beach, eco-tourism and a diversity of watersports. The Island is only a few blocks wide, around 5 miles of City real estate, then you can drive north on the beach for nearly 30 miles of desolate beaches and beautiful sand dunes, until reaching the Port Mansfield jetties and boat channel. You don't even need a car, you can walk or bicycle, or ride the free shuttle. South Padre Island boasts the best fishing in the U.S. in the Laguna Madre, in the surf and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Check the bay cam for a list of fishing reports, or the fishing page for area fishing guides and charters. Dolphin watch is a popular favorite activity, and the best surfing in the Gulf of Mexico is at Isla Blanca Park at the jetties. Summer is bustling on South Padre Island. The weather is warm and dry, water temps are in the 80's and air temps in the 90's. Fall is known by the locals as the best time of the year. The water and air is still warm, hotel prices are dramatically cheaper, and the Island is nearly vacant. Winter bring thousands of "Winter Texans" from the northern U.S., the weather is mild as well, bird watching, golf and surf fishing are popular. South Padre Island is the premiere Spring Break destination in the country, spring break is in March and Texas Week is the busiest time week with nearly a hundred thousand college students enjoying the Island. Spadre.com is the only website of its kind, being updated multiple times daily by local residents, giving you up-to-the-minute information, particularly on beach, surf and weather conditions for the day, with daily updated beach and surf report and Island weather and forecast, rip current index, water temperature and more information to plan your visit. Enjoy multiple live web cam views of South Padre Island's beautiful beaches with the South Padre Beachcam, the surf in the Gulf of Mexico with the South Padre Surfcam, and the sunset over the Laguna Madre with the South Padre Baycam! Loaded with information on events, quick links to hotels condos and vacation rentals for booking your travel and vacation package to South Padre Island, real estate listings for those that really enjoy the Island and want to own a piece, local activities, attractions and watersports, night life and scenic pictures in the photo gallery. We hope you enjoy this website and your visit to South Padre Island, please support the finer businesses that are advertised on this site and help make this site possible.

South Padre Island , also known as the tropical tip of Texas is a 34 mile long barrier island offering our beautiful sandy beaches, sand dunes, and colorful sunsets over the Laguna Madre to anyone that wants to visit. The Island boasts land and sea adventures with opportunities for action packed beach and water sport activities year round, quality resort hotels, some of the best trout, red snapper, and tuna fishing in the world with your choice of deep sea fishing or bay fishing charters, a variety of restaurants serving your preference of cuisine with most offering menu items featuring the fresh and fabulous Gulf Coast shrimp and seafood, spectacular shopping, the best surfing in the entire Gulf of Mexico, and unique Island events to keep you and your family happily entertained no matter what time of year you choose to visit.

South Padre Island is matched at the same southerly latitude as Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offers comparable tropical weather conditions year round. Average summer temperatures on South Padre Island is 82 degrees with the winter months averaging 65 degrees. It’s rare to see a day on the Island that’s not warm and sunny which helps to make the Island a popular affordable beach vacation destination year round. South Padre Island flights are available through our neighboring airports of Brownsville and Harlingen where you can catch flights on Southwest Airlines, Continental Express, or Sun Country Airlines. Car rentals and shuttle buses are available at the airports where it is just a short drive to South Padre Island. Once on the island you can catch The Wave, a free shuttle which will transport you along the island or into our neighboring town of Port Isabel, where you may want to spend an afternoon strolling Lighthouse Square home of the historical Port Isabel Lighthouse which is open daily to visitors that want to make the climb up to the top for a spectacular view of the Laguna Madre and cityscape. At Lighthouse Square you’ll find museums, art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Center. You can even experience the myths, legend and lore of Port Isabel on the town’s new trolley ride which will guide you through the history of this unique port city including tale of shipwrecks, Spanish gold, civil war, old military highway, and pirate legend.

Four Seasons in South Padre

Off Season Travel in South Padre Island

South Padre Island is a perfect destination for off season travel. The weather is still warm here in South Texas and you can find great deals with most hotels offering discounts on rooms. Besides paying less, visitors who come to the Island during the low-season will enjoy less crowding, and a more laid-back atmosphere. Off season in South Padre Island doesn't mean that you won't get to experience all of the same activities that you would during peak season, you're just more likely to find that the local businesses are able to cater more to your specific needs with more availability than during the heavy traffic times. During the low season you'll also get to experience more local color, and you'll find the residents to be very laid back and friendly this time of year with alot of free time to answer any questions you may have or give you some good local advice on their favorite things to do, best places to eat, and unique ways to spend your time Island style. With big savings, empty beaches, and a tropical atmosphere it's always a good time to visit South Padre Island!

Winter Texans

Avoid winter weather - South Padre Island has many activities and events that are geared specifically for the enjoyment of our Winter Texans. Let's face it - it's just plain warmer here in South Texas than the northern latitudes of North America and Canada. This is why thousands of visitors come to the shores of the Gulf Coast each year to escape the chilling winter weather back home. Winter temperatures here in January averages a high of 67°F with a low of 52°F, most days are sunny and warm. The beaches on South Padre Island are perfect for strolling and collecting shells, fishing, or simply setting up a chair and umbrella and watching the waves roll in. Winter accomodations are easy to come by with most rental options offering discounted rates for longer stays, and many hotels, condominiums, and beach houses with long term rental availability of 3 months or more. RV Parks in the area are teeming with winter visitors from October through the end of February.

Spring Break 2009 at South Padre Island Texas

Welcome to the South Padre Island Spring Break Headquarters! If you are in search of sand, sun, and a ton of fun, you'll find it here! South Padre comes alive during spring break featuring award winning beaches and tropical weather perfect for all of your favorite daytime activities such as surfing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, wave runners, bikini contests, and coca cola beach parties - while also boasting super hot night clubs with live concerts and DJs to get your groove going all night long! Plan your South Padre Island Spring Break now! We've got the best places to stay and chill spring break style along with great travel packages and spring break discounts. Come to South Padre Island for YOUR spring break to party
Island style and hang with thousands of your closest friends!! Spadre.com has THE BEST spring break photo gallery, look for us on the beach we'll be right in the middle of all of the action taking photos of all of the spring break activities and events going on at South Padre Island, Texas the number one spring break party destination in America!.

Summer Vacations

For those of you with families, nothing is more awaited than summer vacation! After a long year of all work and no play, now is time to put away the books, step away from the computer and phone, grab your towel and run for the beach! Because we all have different ideas about the perfect vacation, take a look at our activities, fishing, and attractions guides to help spark your imagination. There are many good vacation ideas here that will go over big with the whole family. Whether you are looking for thrills or you are just into relaxing with a good book in the tropical sun, South Padre Island is the perfect summer vacation destination. An Island favorite activity would be for the whole family to "hang ten" in a surfing lesson with South Padre Surf Company, or if you prefer to stay beachside perhaps a sand castle building lesson. Go into the deep blue on a fishing charter, or saddle up for a horseback ride down the beach. South Padre Island is an inexpensive vacation spot that is fun for the whole family.

South Padre Island Calendar of Events

January 2010

Winterfest at Schlitterbahn
January 27, 2010 10am-7pm
All day music for Winter Texans & friends!
18 performers Fish Fry lunch included in ticket price & giveaways! $1 beer and Margaritas
$15 pperson pre-purchase at Shrimp Haus, $20 at the door day of event

Atlantic Brass Quintet
January 28, 2010
South Padre Island Convention Centre
Cocktails 6:30pm Concert 7:30pm
Tickets $25

Kite Making Clinic
January 29, 2010
Location:Isla Grande Resort 1pm to 3pm

SPI KiteFest
January 30, 2010 - January 31, 2010
Kite enthusiasts from around the country will descend on South Padre Island for the 10th Annual fun fly and exhibition! Come to the Sand Flats north of SPI Convention Centre from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

SPI Farmers Market
January 31, 2010
Fresh Produce, fresh eggs, fresh seafood!
Healthy shopping for healthy foods. Located at "The Shores"
north of SPI Convention Centre Every Sunday 11am-2pm

February 2010

Winter Texan Snowbird Extravaganza
February 2, 2010 - February 3, 2010 9:30-4pm each day
Free admission Live entertainment, interactive workshops & exhibits

Agnes of God
February 4, 2010
Camille Playhouse Production
South Padre Island Convention Centre
Cocktails 6:30 Show 7:30pm
Tickets $25

Winter Outdoor & Wildlife Expo
February 6, 2010
An expo to learn about fishing, birdwatching, dolphins and all the eco culture of the Island!
7-5pm at the SPI Convention Centre.

SPI Market Days
February 8, 2010 - February 10, 2010
Arts, crafts, jewelry, trade show items and specialty foods.
$1 at the door/SPI Convention Centre

Winter Texan Adopt A Beach Cleanup
February 12, 2010
9am to Noon
County Access 5, Edward Atwood Park Bags, gloves and snacks provided

Sugar & Spice & Valentine Mercado
February 13, 2010
Annual SPI Chili Expo & Valentine Mercado Louies Backyard.

Mini Lecture Series
February 13, 2010
SPI Birding & Nature Center, 11am Professor from UTPA speaks on 'Eco-Topics'
Price of admission is all inclusive

Annual Winter Texan Appreciation Fish Fry
February 13, 2010
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, 11:30am-2pm. $7 per person,
all you can eat! Live music by 'Leslie' Sponsored by the
Port Isabel/SPI Rotary and SPI Convention & Visitors Bureau

SPI Market Days
February 26, 2010 - February 28, 2010
Arts, crafts, jewelry, trade show items and specialty foods.
$1 at the door/SPI Convention Center

Mini Lecture Series
February 27, 2010
SPI Birding & Nature Center 11am Professor from UTPA
lectures on various 'eco-topics' Price of admission all inclusive.

MARCH 2010

Heat Wave Car & Audio Show
March 6, 2010 - March 7, 2010
Feel The Heat Tour 2010! Spring Break jam with this annual event at the
SPI Convention Centre.

Mini Lecture Series
March 6, 2010
SPI Birding & Nature Center
11am Professor from UTPA lectures on various 'eco-topics'
Price of admission all inclusive.

Spring Break Texas Week
March 15, 2010 - March 20, 2010
spring break week for Texas Schools

APRIL 2010

Yuju Fest
April 9, 2010 - April 10, 2010
Easter Concerts with a Hispanic flavor for Semana Santa!
A tradition is revived Island style at Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park.

Beach -N- Biker Fest
April 16, 2010 - April 18, 2010
Location: South Padre Island Convention Centre Description:
Come on down to this 2010 Rally,

Windsurf Blowout GPS Runs
April 17, 2010 - May 8, 2010
Register for prizes and fulfill your need for speed!!!
SPI Windsurf Association hosts these runs on Saturdays. April 17&24,May 1 & 8, 2010.
North Flats

24th Annual Spring Adopt a Beach Cleanup
April 24, 2010 - April 24, 2010
Let's talk trash!!! Lend a hand and have some fun at this annual event
sponsored by the Texas General Land Office. At 2 locations.
Bags and gloves provided. Andy Bowie Park #2 South Padre Island
& Boca Chica Beach/Brownsville.

MAY 2010

South Padre Kite Round Up!
May 1, 2010 - May 9, 2010
You've heard the rumors about the SIC CONSISTANT WIND,
WARM FLAT WATER, and LEGENDARY DOWNWINDERS
South Padre Island has to offer. Many of you have already been here
yourselves and tasted the goods. Either way, SPI KITEROUNDUP 2010
promises to be your best kiteboarding experience of the year with
CONTESTS, CLINICS, EVENTS and PARTIES for kiters and non kiters.
We look forward to seeing you this May.

Pedal To Padre
May 1, 2010 - May 1, 2010
Organization: River Rockets Adventure Club Location: Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
Time: 7:30
Description: Pedal with the River Rockets Adventure Club on a bicycle tour to
South Padre Island and Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. Park discounts will be available to participants. Admission: $20.00

Friday Night Fireworks
May 28, 2010 - September 4, 2010 From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend,
the Fireworks Capital of Texas (as proclaimed by the Texas Senate!) celebrates summer with fireworks every Friday night at 9:15pm. The displays are shot from a barge on the Laguna Madre Bay, roughly between Marlin and Red Snapper Streets. The displays can be seen throughout the area.

Memorial Weekend Fireworks
May 29, 2010 - May 29, 2010
Organization: South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau Location: Between Marlin & Red Snapper St.on Laguna Madre Bay Time: 9:15 pm Description: Annual Summer Weekend Fireworks tradition kicks off on Friday with another display on Saturday. Fireworks every Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

SPI Beach Volleyball Tournament
May 29, 2010 - May 30, 2010
Organization: SPI Volleyball
Location: Boomerang Billy's at Surf Motel
Time: 9AM Men's, Women's, and Co-eds Divisions.

JUNE 2010

Day Surf Camps
available every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday all summer long
South Padre Surf Company offers day camps and one hour surfing lessons for
beginners of all ages. 956-772-7272 website

JULY 2010

Day Surf Camps
available every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday all summer long
South Padre Surf Company offers day camps and one hour surfing lessons for
beginners of all ages. 956-772-7272 website

Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4, 2010 - July 4, 2010 Time: 9:15 PM
Organization: South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Location: Bayside between Marlin and Red Snapper Streets
Description: Annual fireworks display celebrating the birth of our nation

Beachcombers Art Show & Sale
July 24, 2010 - February 25, 2010
Over one hundred artists display paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and more!
South Padre Island Convention Centre, 10-5 each day

Texas International Fishing Tournament
July 27, 2010 - August 1, 2010
Organization: TIFT.Org
Location: Register/SPI Convention Centre
Description: Largest bay and deep sea fishing tournament in Texas!
South Padre Island and Port Isabel waters. 72nd year. 1,200 competitors.

AUGUST 2010

Day Surf Camps
available every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday all summer long
South Padre Surf Company offers day camps and one hour surfing lessons for
beginners of all ages. 956-772-7272 website

Ladies Kingfish Tournament (LKT)
August 6, 2010 - August 8, 2010
Organization: SPI Chamber of Commerce
Location: SPI Convention Centre and Sea Ranch Marina II at SouthPoint.
29th year. 200+ competitors. Bay and Offshore Divisions.

Surf & Turf Adventure Race
August 20, 2010 - August 21, 2010
Unlimited Sports Adventures South Padre Adventure Race!
Teams of two for biking, running, water event & mystery events Registration
Friday night at Louies Backyard, race on Saturday

SEPTEMBER 2010

Ruffrider Regatta
September 4, 2010 - September 5, 2010
Description: Annual race round the Island for catamarans!
Friday 5-8pm registration at Louie's Backyard. Sat. (Race Day)
Skipper's Meeting on the Flats at 10 AM.

Labor Day Fireworks
September 4, 2010
Organization: South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau Location: Bayside between Marlin and Red Snapper St.
Time: 9:15 PM Description: Celebrate with a Bang!

South Padre Island Seafood and Music Festival
September 17, 2010 - September 18, 2010
Watch here fo updates coming soon! Two days of music and seafood taste sensations!
It all takes place at the South Padre Island Convention Centre on the Laguna Madre Bay!

SPI Half Marathon Beach Run
September 18, 2010
Run 13.1 miles on our prestigious South Padre Island Beach!
Run solo or relay teams of 4.

24th Annual Fall Adopt a Beach Cleanup
September 25, 2010
Let's talk trash!!! Lend a hand and have some fun at this annual event sponsored
by the Texas General Land Office. 9am-Noon at 2 locations. Bags and gloves provided.
Andy Bowie Park/South Padre Island & Boca Chica Beach/Brownsville.

OCTOBER 2010

SPI Bikefest 2010
October 7, 2010 - October 10, 2010
Location: South Padre Island Convention Centre
Description: 17th Annual Rally!!! Bikers from around the US will make a roar by the shore!
Concert at SPI Convention Centre on Sat. Rally Package is $50 includes armband, pin,
souvenir dog tag and concert ticket. Mexico Fiesta Run tickets are available for $15.
Click here to download the housing form.

Sandcastle Days
October 15, 2010 - October 17, 2010
Possible date change pending, watch for updates
Organization: Sandcastle Days, Inc.
Location: Isla Blanca Park
Description: Master Sand Sculpture Competition. Amateur competition for all ages and groups on Saturday! Art & Craft Vendors
Admission: County Park Gate Fee

NOVEMBER 2010

World Championship Shrimp Cook-off
November 6, 2010
17th Annual World Championship Shrimp Cookoff will be held in Port Isabel from 10am-6pm on the old Walmart parking lot. Admission is $4

Lighting of the Island
November 26, 2010
Organization: SPI Convention & Visitors Bureau
Location: SPI Visitors Center, 600 Padre Blvd.
Time: 6 PM Description: Join Santa Claus for the official lighting of the Island, refreshments and Christmas carols.
Admission: FREE

SPI Invitational Division I Basketball Tournament
November 27, 2010 - November 28, 2010
Save the dates and watch here for details! Annual Division 1 Tournament at the beautiful South Padre Island Convention Centre

Christmas Mercado
November 27, 2010
Artists, craftsmen & local businesses will have their wares in an open market setting!
Music, food & fun! 10am-4pm adjacent to Louies Backyard.

DECEMBER 2010

Annual SPI Holiday Parade
December 17, 2010
Parade runs south on Padre Blvd. and begins at 6:30pm at Mars Street and ends at Campeche!
Reviewing stand at Padre Brewing Company on Padre Blvd..

New Year's Eve Fireworks
December 31, 2010
Celebrate the New Year with a BANG!
Midnite between Marlin and Pike Streets on the Bay!