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Trip Planner :  USA  /  Texas  /  Texas Gulf Coast  /  South Padre Island

South Padre Island

4
Nature & Parks · Dolphin & Whale Watching · Fishing Charters & Tours
A vibrant resort town, South Padre Island sits on a barrier island of the same name, located just off the Texas Gulf Coast. Long a favored spring break destination for college students, this sunny holiday getaway offers year-round mild weather, clean beaches, and a laid-back island lifestyle just 3 km (2 mi) from the mainland. Every water lover's dream come true, the popular "SPI" features 54.7 km (34 mi) of uninterrupted beach, quaint cottages, and luxurious beachfront resorts. Although most visitors arrive over a short causeway from Port Isabel, you can also reach the town of about 3,000 by air from either Dallas or Houston. The town's public bus line provides free rides all over the island once you arrive. Take a look at our United States online road trip planner to refine the details of your trip to South Padre Island.
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    Popular things to do in South Padre Island

    South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center ©
    Nature / Park
    South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
    4.6
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Sea Turtle, Inc. ©
    Nature / Park
    Sea Turtle, Inc.
    4.7
    Duration: 1h 30 min
    ©
    Dolphin / Whale Watching
    Dolphin & Whale Watching
    4.6
    Duration: 1h 30 min
    ©
    Fishing Charter / Tour
    Fishing Charters & Tours
    4.2
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Kid-friendly things to do in South Padre Island

    ©
    Horseback Riding Tour
    Horseback Riding Tours
    4.1
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    ©
    Adrenaline / Extreme Tour
    Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
    2.6
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    ©
    Parasailing / Paragliding
    Parasailing & Paragliding
    4.3
    Duration: 1 hour
    Isla Blanca Park ©
    Beach
    Isla Blanca Park
    2.9
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Side trips from South Padre Island

    South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center ©
    Aquarium
    South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center
    Port Isabel
    4.5
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Gladys Porter Zoo ©
    Zoo
    Gladys Porter Zoo
    Brownsville
    4.5
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum ©
    Monument
    Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum
    Harlingen
    4.7
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Port Isabel Lighthouse ©
    Lighthouse
    Port Isabel Lighthouse
    Port Isabel
    4.0
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Hidden gems in South Padre Island

    Laguna Madre Nature Trail ©
    Historic Walking Area
    Laguna Madre Nature Trail
    4.4
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Wyland's Whaling Wall ©
    Landmark
    Wyland's Whaling Wall
    3.8
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Paragraphs on Padre Boulevard ©
    Gift & Specialty Shop
    Paragraphs on Padre Boulevard
    4.9
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Seas the Day ©
    Gift & Specialty Shop
    Seas the Day
    5.0
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Shopping in South Padre Island

    Karen's Custom Toe Rings ©
    Gift & Specialty Shop
    Karen's Custom Toe Rings
    4.7
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    South Padre Island Farmer's Market ©
    Flea Market
    South Padre Island Farmer's Market
    3.9
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Wildlife in South Padre Island

    ©
    Scuba / Snorkeling
    Scuba & Snorkeling
    4.4
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

    Places to visit with South Padre Island

    AustinTrip planner BEST FOR: Government Building, Room Escape Game, History Museum San AntonioTrip planner BEST FOR: Shopping, History Museum, Theme Park DallasTrip planner BEST FOR: Specialty Museum, Garden, Aquarium FredericksburgTrip planner BEST FOR: Winery / Vineyard, Military Museum, Geologic Formation HoustonTrip planner BEST FOR: Specialty Museum, Room Escape Game, Science Museum

    Visit a single location or make it a multi-destination trip.

    Recently planned trips to South Padre Island

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