Located off the southern coast of Texas, the resort town of South Padre Island is a magnet for visitors who come to enjoy its idyllic beaches and calm waters, among many other unique attractions.
A sun-seeker reclines on the sandy shore on South Padre Island (Photo: issa via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Positioned on the eponymous barrier island, the town is something of an adventure lover’s paradise thanks to the array of adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer here. But there’s plenty for the more sedate-minded, too, including wildlife watching and the chance to walk the island’s entire width, thanks to its spanning just half a mile. We’ve picked out 7 of the most unique things to see and do on South Padre Island below.
Head to the beach
With miles and miles of sun-kissed beaches, it’s never too long before South Padre Island visitors venture to one of its sandy shores. But which one to choose is a tougher question, with each offering their own distinct character, crowd and local amenities. One of the most popular is Neptune Circle Beach, which is a particular hit with children owing to the huge number of sea shells that can be found here. For respite from the beach vibes, there’s also a pristinely-landscaped garden situated nearby along Gulf Boulevard where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll amid your scenic surroundings.
Visit a nature sanctuary
Spread over some 43 acres of coastal wetland, the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is one of the region’s finest spots for birdwatching and wildlife watching in general. Nature enthusiasts flock here to catch sight of the remarkable diversity of birds that call the centre home, along with an array of other animals including fish, turtles, crabs, dragonflies and alligators. Some of the best viewing spots are along the bayfront boardwalks and you can also join guided tours hosted by experienced naturalists, climb a five-story observation tower, and explore a live reptile room Meanwhile, an info-packed visitor centre features exhibits and displays that offer fascinating insights into the sanctuary and its natural wonders.
6801 Padre Boulevard / Mon-Sun 8am-5pm
An alligator lurks in the grass at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center (Photo: runarut via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Look around a local market
When it comes to discovering somewhere new, there’s something about the sights, sounds and aromas of a local market that helps you really get under the skin of a place. Step forward South Padre Island Farmers’ Market, an open-air bazaar that draws large crowds every Sunday when it brims with vendors selling their locally-sourced wares. Everything from seasonal fruit and veg, to ready-to-eat snacks, to cheeses, herbs, and specialty vegan treats are on offer here, offering visitors the chance to pick up some fresh produce or to simply soak up the bustling atmosphere.
6801 Padre Boulevard / Sun 11am-1pm Closed Mon-Sat
Join a dolphin tour
Among the many things to do on the island, South Padre is a hugely popular jumping-off point for dolphin-watching excursions. There are a wide range of dolphin tours available, during which an experienced captain and guide will help you look out for the large population of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that reside in this section of the ocean. Along the way, you’ll also pass a number of note-worthy landmarks and places of interest, which your guide will point out to you while offering commentary on the island, its history and the abundance of marine life that surrounds it.
A South Padre Island dolphin-watching tour boat (Photo: Isla Tours / Courtesy Viator)
Let the kids loose in an adventure park
There’s no rest for the wicked on South Padre Island – especially if you have energetic kids in tow. One of its most enduringly popular family attractions, South Padre Island Adventure Park is a great place to head with little ones thanks to the huge variety of recreational activities on offer, all in a self-contained park spread over 40 acres. Among them are horseback riding on the beach, ziplines, banana boat rides out on the ocean waters, and a petting barn filled with birds and rescued or donated animals.
21040 Ocean Boulevard / Weds-Sun 9am-6pm Closed Mon-Tues
Embark on a parasailing adventure
Parasailing is one of the activities you can enjoy in the above adventure park, but you can also book parasailing excursions elsewhere on the island. With no experience necessary, it’s an activity open to everyone, with experienced guides on hand to show you the ropes and ensure your time up in the air is both safe and memorable – for all the right reasons. After a comprehensive tutorial session, you and your attached guide will be propelled into the sky as a boat carries you both along with the wind in your hair. As you soar, your guide will help you spot anything of interest down below including wildlife and the area’s gorgeous natural landscapes.
You can book a South Padre Island parasailing tour at Viator
Thrill-seekers hurtle through the air during a South Padre Island parasailing adventure (Photo: SPI Excursions / Courtesy Viator)
Try your hand at bay fishing
The waters around South Padre Island are awash with exotic fish species including sand trout, whiting, shark, sheepshead, and more. Keen anglers can try their hand at catching them for themselves by booking a bay fishing tour. Aboard a large fishing vessel, you’ll set sail onto the waters of lower Laguna Madre and South Padre Island Bay in the company of a seasoned crew. After reaching the prime ocean spots, you’ll get to cast your line and attempt to reel in those elusive fish. All equipment, including fishing rods, bait, and fishing license to ensure you’re sea-worthy, are included.
You can book a South Padre Island bay fishing tour at Viator