13 Fun Things To Do on South Padre Island

For as long as I've lived in Texas (about 10 years), I've been aware of South Padre Island on the southern tip of the Texas Gulf Coast. When I finally traveled there for a long weekend in November with Kel, I found a laid-back barrier island always open for business.

Beach walks at sunrise, visiting rescued sea turtles, and drinks under the stars were among the many fun things to do on South Padre Island. It's no wonder SPI receives millions of visitors annually. Here are all the highlights from my first vacation to South Padre Island.

South Padre Attractions

1. Sunrise Beach Walk

Each morning began with a gorgeous sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico, which we had a perfect view of from our room at the Hilton Garden Inn. On our second and third mornings, we walked down to the beach to watch the sun illuminate the sky and clouds.

Due to fall migration patterns, early morning beach walks can reveal flocks of sanderlings darting along the shoreline, while brown pelicans glide overhead. Laughing gulls are commonly seen, and reddish egrets may be observed performing their unique hunting dances in the shallows.

The island's unique position along the Central Flyway makes it a prime location to witness a variety of shorebirds and wading birds each fall. Beyond our flying friends and colorful skies, I enjoyed the sound of the gentle waves hitting the beach the most. It never fails to ground me in nature and bring peace of mind.

2. Hang Out at Isla Blanca Beach

If you're looking for the best beach along Texas's 367 miles of coast, it's Isla Blanca on South Padre Island. Inside Isla Blanca Park, you'll find soft white sand and clear waters.

You have to pay to drive in (about $10 per vehicle), but there's plenty of parking once you do. The beach is accessible via boardwalk, and visitors can use shaded picnic areas, showers, and public restrooms. Family-friendly attractions like a beachside waterpark are also available.

A massive RV park with 600 spaces provides convenient access to the beach, jetties, and a boat ramp.

3. Walk the SPI Jetties

The South Padre Island Jetties, located at Isla Blanca Park, are a prime spot for anglers and space enthusiasts. People fish from the jetties to catch snapper, redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and tarpon (during their summer migration). The jetties provide access to deeper waters where these larger species are commonly found.

Beyond fishing, the jetties offer an excellent vantage point for watching SpaceX rocket launches from the nearby Starbase facility. Located just across the bay, the jetties provide unobstructed views of the Starship launch pads, making them a popular gathering spot for spectators during launch events.

4. South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is a 50-acre park between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay. As one of nine World Birding Center sites in the Rio Grande Valley, it provides over 3,300 feet of boardwalks, five bird blinds, and a five-story observation tower offering panoramic views of coastal wetlands.

More than 350 bird species have been recorded here, making it a premier spot for birdwatching. The center also features an alligator sanctuary, the star of which is Big Padre, a 12-foot gator who became a little too comfortable around people and fishing boats in Port Arthur. He was subsequently relocated to the sanctuary on South Padre Island.

For the $10 admission fee, I spent my final morning on South Padre exploring this ecological park. The sky was blue, the alligators were at a safe distance, and I saw plenty of birds amid the marshland.

5. Visit Sea Turtle, Inc.

Another must-visit place on South Padre Island is just south of the birding center. Sea Turtle, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of sea turtles.

Founded in 1977 by Ila Loetscher, affectionately known as the "Turtle Lady," the center has grown into a leading facility for marine turtle care. Visitors can explore the world's largest enclosed sea turtle hospital, observe resident turtles, and attend educational presentations ("Turtle Talks"). 

I found their approach endearing. Meet Cowgirl, an Atlantic green sea turtle, and Poppy, a loggerhead. Their stories are posted outside the tanks where they swim and live. While the water tanks are enclosed and shaded, the facility is open-air, which gives it a beachy vibe.

Injuries from boat strikes, poaching, and congenital disabilities are some of the common reasons sea turtles end up here. Adult admission is $15.

See also: Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

6. Drive to the End of State Park Road 100

Have you ever wanted to drive until you reach the end of a road? On South Padre Island, one of the best things to do is head north on State Park Road 100 until the asphalt dissolves into dunes.

Intrepid travelers who don't want to be bound by paved roads can continue north by driving on the beach. Please don't drive over or through the dunes. Find a suitable flat place to access the beach.

Our rental car was inappropriate for an impromptu drive on the beach, so we parked it on the side of the road and went for a walk.

7. Explore Sea Shell Beach

Drive to the north end of State Park Road 100, and you'll arrive at Sea Shell Beach. You can walk west up the dunes for a panoramic view of Laguna Madre Bay to your west and the Gulf of Mexico to the east.

There are seashells on the beach and a whole lot of space. I could see this beach being popular during peak seasons (spring break and summer).

The downside is that there's no infrastructure, such as water fountains or bathrooms. You'll have to bring everything you need for a day at the beach (water, food, sunscreen, folding chair, umbrella, etc.).

8. Sunset at Laguna Madre Nature Trail

Visit the Laguna Madre Nature Trail for a serene place to watch sunset on South Padre Island. This 1,500-foot boardwalk winds through four acres of coastal marshland, offering visitors an escape into nature.

It's a free, pet-friendly trail perfect for catching a colorful sunset over Laguna Madre Bay, one of the few hypersaline lagoons in the world.

Hypersalinity refers to bodies of water with a significantly higher salt concentration than seawater. Examples include Salar de Tara in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, lagoons of the Bolivian altiplano, and the Dead Sea in Israel/Jordan.

The trailhead is conveniently located at 7355 Padre Blvd, adjacent to the South Padre Island Convention Center.

9. Enjoy the Open-Air Nightlife

Given its reputation for spring break, it should come as no surprise that South Padre Island is a lot of fun after dark. Open-air bars and restaurants are on both the Gulf and Bay sides. Clayton's Beach Bar & Grill offers live music and dancing on the sand on the Gulf side.

While the Bay side lacks sand, you get glorious sunset views over the water. Louie's Backyard features waterfront dining, karaoke, and a lively nightclub scene. We liked Louie's so much the first night we ate dinner there that we returned a second time.

Nearby, Laguna BOB is known for its casual vibe, seafood, and live music, while Tequila Sunset offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Craft beer drinkers should head to Padre Island Brewing Company for locally made beer.

10. Indulge in Local Seafood

Diners on South Padre Island have access to some of the freshest seafood in Texas. Take advantage of this fact at Blackbeards', a local favorite since 1978. Or try Cafe On The Beach, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had a delicious grilled red snapper sandwich here.

Check out my story for Feastio on South Padre Island restaurants for a complete list of where we ate and drank.

Now that I've shared the highlights from my first trip to South Padre Island, I want to mention a few more activities. I didn't try these myself, but I'm including them in case they interest you.

11. Go Horseback Riding

At South Padre Island Adventure Park, you can enjoy guided horseback rides on the beach, including sunrise, sunset, and moonlight options.

12. Off-Roading

Sand Monsters provides an adrenaline-pumping experience. Get behind the wheel of side-by-side Can-Am Maverick Trail 700s and navigate a challenging half-mile sand track featuring 13 curves and nine banked turns. Guided dune tours are also available.

13. Fishing Trips

Fishing enthusiasts have many opportunities, from the SPI Jetties and inshore trips targeting redfish to deep-sea excursions for tuna and mahi-mahi. Local charters, such as Captain Murphy's Isla Tours, offer tailored experiences for anglers of all levels.

Final Thoughts

From sunrise strolls and seafood feasts to wildlife encounters and beachside nightlife, South Padre Island delivered a relaxing, activity-filled getaway.

After years of living in Texas, I'm glad I finally made the trip—and even more pleased I could share it with Kel. Whether you're into nature, adventure, or simply kicking back by the coast, South Padre has plenty to offer year-round.