South Padre Island is Texas' southernmost coastal community. Due to its unique geographic location, South Padre has a more 'tropical' feel than other Texas beaches. But, although the beach itself is a huge draw for SPI visitors, it is hardly the only thing to do on this barrier island that lies just north of the Texas/Mexico border.
1. Surf Into Schlitterbahn
Danno Wise
One of the top waterparks in the country, South Padre Island's Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is located right on the beach and offers a wide variety of waterslides, rides, pools and other ways to 'get wet.' Schlitterbahn Beach also features a restaurant, sports bar and evening entertainment during the summer season.
2. Hit the Beach
Danno Wise
South Padre Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state of Texas. Not only is SPI well known for its fine restaurants and clubs, but also for its natural beauty. With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Lower Laguna Madre on the other, South Padre Island is surrounded by some of the clearest water on the Texas coast.
3. Get a Bird's Eye View
Danno Wise
South Padre Island is home to a variety of bird species - both permanent and seasonal. Fins 2 Feathers Cruises of South Padre Island offers a variety of private sunset, dolphin watch and bird watching cruises and activities.
4. Take a Dive
Due to its southern location, South Padre Island offers much more consistent dive and snorkel conditions that other Texas coastal locales. American Diving offers a wide array of diving and snorkeling expeditions in the clear Gulf waters surrounding South Padre Island.5. See Sand Castle Wizards
Danno Wise
Each October, some of the world’s best sand sculptors head to South Padre Island for the annual Sand Castle Days, a weekend-long sand castle building extravaganza. What started as a tiny event two decades ago has since blossomed into one of the most prestigious sand art events in the United States.
