Casa Bella Resort

A Great First Stop

by Stephen-KarenConn

A great first stop for those coming to South Padre Island, especially for the first time, is the South Padre Island Visitor's Center. Here you will find free brochures, magazines, and a friendly staff who will inform you of all the many things to see and do on the island. Our one week here was not nearly enough time to see and do it all.
Turn left immediately after crossing the Queen Isabella Causeway from the mainland. Then turn right at the first traffic light and you will see the Visitor's Center on your right.

Sand Castle Days

by TexasDave

Started in 1987, this annual event draws professional and amatuer sand sculptors from all over. Cash prizes are given and generally there are many dozens of sculptures to admire. Free classes are given to both children and adults. The exact venue has changed over the years, but lately it has been on the beach behind the Sheraton hotel. It seems to get bigger every year! It is usually held on the 3rd or 4th weekend of October, the week following Biker's Fest (see that tip).

Good Brew AND Good Food

by TuanRonski about Padre Island Brewery

It's great to get good beer in a tourist area. The Brewery has great seafood, and seems to be a magnet for the young (upscale?) crowd. I was there on a Thursday night in May, and there were no empty tables.
The waitresses flirt with even old guys like me. Try their Brewed Beer Sampler- for $3.75 you get four ounce servings of their best 5 brews. You may not like them all, but, if you are a beer lover, you'll find at least two that will make you order more.

Best Bet for Breakfast

by Stephen-KarenConn about Rovans Bakery and Restaurant

Rovans is where the locals eat. An island tradition since 1969, some people would not consider a visit to South Padre complete without at least one meal at this "Mom and Pop" family restaurant. The southwestern decor features an authentic Wells Fargo stagecoach and model train which circles the front dining room. Back rooms have a bar, pool tables, and other games. For us Rovans was where we enjoyed breakfast. Their signature dish is Migas with Cheese: Two jumbo eggs scrambled with sauteed onions, tomatoes, chili peppers, and Monterey Jack cheese, served with refried beans and chips.

Rovans also features their own in-house bakery where one can indulge in a variety of fresh pastries and cakes.

South Padre Island

by tee0206

"Labor Day Weekend"

I live in Austin, which is a few hours from San Juan, where a friend lives. Cristin, Christina, and I went down to San Juan for the long weekend and then drove about an hour to South Padre Island for a day.

"The Beach"

The beach isn't bad. It's not quite as developed as other beaches I've been to. They don't have a lot of skyscrapers against the background, which is kind of nice. The Gulf of Mexico is nice and the water was a great temperature.

"Great Place, Great Friends"

Well, the four of us drank thirty cans of beer in that one afternoon. It was a good time.