Known for its sparkling surf, powder-soft sandy beaches and playful dolphins, South Padre Island offers an aquatic twist to the Lone Star State. South Padre Island offers everything from nature trails to sea life centres, ATV adventures, skydiving and zip-lining.

Things to do

You’ll discover 55 kilometres of sugar-white sandy beaches line South Padre Island on the Gulf of Mexico. Fun-filled beach activities include sand volleyball, parasailing, kiteboarding, flyboarding and surfing. For stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, hit the waters at Laguna Madre Bay.

Book a deep-sea fishing expedition to reel in blue marlin, swordfish and tarpon. If you’d rather have yours already caught and cooked, snag a table at Café on the Beach for fresh seafood and spectacular water views. Spend some late-night hours at Clayton’s beach bar listening to live music on the deck.

Head over to the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center for interactive touch-tank encounters with sea creatures. You can also book a dolphin or birding tour. Visit Sea Turtle, Inc. to learn about sea turtle rescues and rehabilitation and let the kids participate in craft sessions.

Enjoy a day of family thrills at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located on the beachfront. Keep the family entertained for hours with elaborate water rides, a sandcastle playground and exhilarating surf machine. After working up an appetite, have lunch at the on-site Shrimp Haus Restaurant.

Getting around

Walking, cycling and taxicabs are common ways to get around on South Padre Island. There’s also a free shuttle running across town and you can pick up a rental car at Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, about 40 kilometres away.