20 days in South Padre Island & Big Bend National Park Itinerary

A vibrant resort town, South Padre Island sits on a barrier island of the same name, located just off the Texas Gulf Coast.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Isla Blanca Park and Boca Chica State Park. Discover out-of-the-way places like Sabal Palm Sanctuary and Estero Llano Grande State Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Edinburg (Museum of South Texas History & Edinburg Scenic Wetlands), Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (in Alamo) and Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle (in San Juan). There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Laguna Madre Nature Trail, admire the majestic nature at Resaca de la Palma State Park, get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and trot along with a tour on horseback.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the South Padre Island trip website .

In February, daily temperatures in South Padre Island can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 56°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.

Situated where the Rio Grande River takes a big southerly dip in West Texas, Big Bend National Park covers a massive expanse of desert, woodlands, and grasslands full of rivers, limestone canyons, and high mountains. Nearly 2,000 species of plant and animal life call this place home.

Escape the urban bustle at Closed Canyon and Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Chihuahuan Desert and Pine Canyon Trail. Next up on the itinerary: take in breathtaking views at Tuff Canyon Trail, identify plant and animal life at Dug Out Wells Picnic Area and Nature Trail, and hike along Ernst Tinaja Trail.

To see ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Big Bend National Park online trip maker .

Traveling by combination of flight and car from South Padre Island to Big Bend National Park takes 11 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of shuttle, flight, and car; or drive. When traveling from South Padre Island in February, plan for a bit warmer days in Big Bend National Park, with highs around 74°F, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can travel back home.