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Where is South Padre Island located?
- South Padre Island is nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, near Brownsville, at the southeastern-most tip of Texas.
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How accessible are the beaches on South Padre Island?
- Because the island is only half a mile wide, you can see beaches from nearly any vantage point on the island.
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What activities can visitors enjoy on South Padre Island?
- There are ecological tours, dolphin sightings, and peaceful walks along the sand.
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Who is South Padre Island an ideal destination for?
- South Padre Island is a choice destination for honeymooners, couples looking to eat out and relax, and families ready for adventure.
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1. Sea Turtle Inc
Visit a rescue center to see rehabilitated sea turtles and learn about conservation.
Sea Turtle Inc was formed to protect and recover an endangered sea turtle species. Since then the mission has expanded into three: Education, Conservation and Rehabilitation. Donations keep the doors open, the turtles cared for, and the educational programs afloat. Even without any government assistance, 1/5thof the income is used to fund conservation projects involving sea turtles worldwide.
Sea Turtle Inc. provides college scholarships and a summer internship program for biology students. It rescues, aids, and releases injured sea turtles and assists with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species, all while endeavoring to educate the public.
6617 Padre Blvd. South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 956-761-4511
2. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
Walk on scenic boardwalks and see native and migratory birds up close.
This is Rio Grande Valley's top destination for birdwatching, and an ideal place to observe butterflies and natural wildlife in coastal South Texas. You can walk down the boardwalks; take a birding tour; and experience the nature center. The butterfly garden is full of fluttering visitors from summer to late fall, when the Monarchs arrive.
Any number of varieties of warblers arrive in the Spring. Orioles and numerous species of hummingbirds and other species are forced to land here because of severe weather during their migration routes. Experience the wonderful views of the Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, the Wood Stork and countless warblers. Brown Pelicans, White Ibis, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Red-winged Blackbirds, and many other species of birds reside here year round.
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, 6801 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island,TX 78597, Phone: 956-761-6801
3. Padre Island National Seashore
Explore untouched beaches, watch wildlife, and discover sea turtle nesting areas.
South Beach begins where the paved road ends. This national park has 60 miles of beach you can drive on. South Beach ends at the Port Mansfield Channel. Texas beaches are public highways, so all traffic laws apply, and all vehicles traveling on Padre Island National Seashore must be street legal and licensed, including ATVs because The National Seashore uses ATVs to patrol for nesting sea turtles in the park.
The driving conditions at the beach are constantly changing due to the currents, winds, and tides. Toilets and cold-water showers can be found at Malaquite Pavilion. Enjoy birds, turtles and other beach wonders without distractions.
Padre Island National Seashore, P.O. Box 181300, Corpus Christi, TX 78480, Phone: 361-949-8068
4. Southern Wave Sailing Charters of South Padre Island
Go on a catamaran cruise and enjoy breathtaking sunset views.
Southern Wave's 48’ custom-built Catamaran is a safe way to experience state-of-the-art sailing while enjoying the beauty of South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to Dinner Cruises and Snorkeling trips Southern Wave rents out Kayaks, Paddle Boats and Paddle Boards. Catamarans have a double hull construction and flotation devices which make them almost unsinkable.
Our experienced personnel help rookies and the experts alike on the snorkeling trip. All snorkeling gear is provided for the 4 hour snorkeling trip, as well as a delicious lunch. Enjoy a memorable day of sailing, an afternoon of dolphin watching, or an evening of beautiful sunsets on one of the famous dinner cruises.
Southern Wave Sailing Charters of South Padre Island, PO Box 833, Port Isabel Texas, 78578, Phone: 866-704-7245
5. Isla Blanca Park
Walk on sandy shores, fish from the jetties, or relax by the Gulf waters.
Isla Blanca Park is a state park, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, the Brazos Santiago Pass and the Laguna Madre. For day trips, there is ample parking and excellent bathroom facilities. For longer stays, it offers over 500 RV spots. Walk out on the jetties to see surfers, shrimp boats, cargo ships, dolphins, and the enormous Cristo De Los Pescadores statue.
Sea shells abound for collecting. Three restaurants are within walking distance from the park. The park features a fishing area and a bait shop. It is a clean, well maintained park with a wide paved trail around the 1 ½ mile perimeter of the park which is perfect for walking, jogging or biking.
33174 State Park Road 100 South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 956-761-5494
6. Laguna Madre Nature Trail
See diverse coastal wildlife while strolling along scenic nature boardwalks.
The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is a boardwalk that runs from the South Padre Island Convention Center to the Laguna Madre wetlands. This is a great place to see almost 300 species of birds. The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is open 24 hours a day and there is no charge.
Visitors rave about the diverse amount of animals they were able to see on the Laguna Madre Trail, especially all the alligators and the different varieties of birds. The Laguna Madre is a hyper saline lagoon. It is saltier than the ocean, one of only 6 such lagoons in the world. It is the nesting area and home of many creatures found nowhere else.
7355 Padre Boulevard South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 956-761-3000
7. Beach Park At Isla Blanca
Visit a thrilling waterpark with wave pools, slides, and lazy rivers for kids.
Experience the most popular waterpark, a 25 acre attraction, in the Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy the best waterpark attraction in the Texas Gulfcoast region. Roar down 13 amazing indoor and outdoor water slides, or float down one of the river systems.
The resort includes lodging, great Gulf beaches, wonderful dining experiences, and unlimited use of both the indoor and outdoor water features. Seasonal packages are available for the whole family. Plan a weekend getaway. Enjoy a fun filled day; then stay the night in a room just steps away from the beach with the best indoor water attractions in the area.
Beach Park At Isla Blanca, 33261 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, 956-772-7873
8. South Padre Island Adventure Park
Go horseback riding on the beach or ziplining over sand dunes.
Ride horses, enjoy the Zip-lines and the petting barn. Take a hayride on the beach, swim in the ocean, then end the day on the beach with a luau menu and a bonfire. Birthday parties are a specialty, with ponies and barn animals, hotdogs and refreshments. This park specializes in special events and parties, just tell them what you want, and it will be organized for you.
Groups of all sizes are welcomed. With the state-of-the-art quick zip-line transition system, you will be able to go around the circuit as fast, or as slow as you want to. There are several horseback riding opportunities available.
South Padre Island Adventure Park, P.O. Box 3633,South Padre Island, Texas 78597, Phone: 956-415-0546
9. Coastal Studies Laboratory
Explore marine science exhibits and see fascinating sea creatures up close.
The Coastal Studies Laboratory located on South Padre Island was established in 1973, and provides educational opportunities, research and community outreach about coastal concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with an emphasis on the South Texas region. The Coastal Studies Lab is open to the public Monday - Friday 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm for self-guided tours, to see marine aquaria with local fish and invertebrate species. There is a touch tank, as well as sea shell collections featuring shells found locally and elsewhere around the world.
There are nature videos and a gift shop. No admission is charged, but donations are accepted. School groups can arrange to visit the Coastal Studies Lab. The group sponsor should visit www.utrgv.edu/csl for details and pricing on guided tours.
100 Marine Lab Drive, South Padre Island, Texas 78597, Phone: 956-761-2644
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Sea Turtle Inc
- 2. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
- 3. Padre Island National Seashore
- 4. Southern Wave Sailing Charters of South Padre Island
- 5. Isla Blanca Park
- 6. Laguna Madre Nature Trail
- 7. Beach Park At Isla Blanca
- 8. South Padre Island Adventure Park
- 9. Coastal Studies Laboratory