Marlin Landing Condominiums

Something for Everyone

by Stephen-KarenConn

South Padre Island offers so many opportunities that our week long vacation was not nearly enough time to do them all. Some of the things we have saved for our next visit are:
Play minature golf
Race the go-carts
Go deep sea fishing
Ride a waverunner
Do Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
Go parasailing
Ride horses on the beach
Go snorkeling
Go windsurfing
And a whole lot more....

Many of the things we enjoyed most on our visit to the area were actually just over the causeway on the mainland. See our Port Isabel, Texas, pages to learn of the fascinating opportunites you will find there.

Find your own secluded dune

by yelli

South Padre Island is the world's largest barrier island, which means it's a very long, very sandy strip of land not far from the mainland of Texas. When you enter on the bridge, you'll see many high-rise hotels lining the gulf and bay side of the island. Don't be dismayed, though. Head northeast (to the left of the bridge) and you'll soon be able to drive until you can't drive anymore. You may reach a point where white sand covers the road. Get out and climb the dunes, it's pristine because of the lack of people who care to venture out this far.

The Art of Fried Seafood!

by TexasDave about Dirty Al's Bait Stand & Seafood Kitchen

This is a very no-atmosphere, no-nonsense, eating establishment. In fact you'll be sitting on furniture direct from Sam's Club, and there will be a local's bar within sight of all the tables. But they know how to do breaded and fried seafood. Fried Shrimp

Get Here For Breakfast!

by TexasDave about Rovan's Bakery & Restaurant

This place has a cozy family-oriented atmosphere. Do not expect elegant dining or refined service. Great breakfast specials, including several different kinds of sweet buns, bear claws, etc.
During the day they also offer all-you-can-eat fried fish at a good price. This is a good substitute for Marchan's White Sands (see my Port Isabel pages) if you don't feel like crossing the Causeway.

UPDATE: ROVAN'S IS PRESENTLY CLOSED, A SHAME!

A long time ago, far far away...

by Steve-H

"Identity crisis."

South Padre Island just off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico is a place with an identity crisis. The island is best known as a spring break venue where hoardes of teenagers will part with good money just to see a woman with her top off but there is more to it than that. For the rest of the year the islanders go about their buisness and all is calm. There was a large ex pat community when i was there who mostly spoiled the charm of the place and an equally large latino community getting the blame for any crime on the island, it was popular to have your car fitted with a tracking device to stop it dissapearing across the border into Mexico.
The picture shows the bayside of the island facing the mainland, to get on to the island you have to drive the last few miles across the Queen Isabella Causeway, there is no pedestrian access to prevent suicides from jumping off the bridge but the water ,i was told, isn`t too deep. We did get to see the wild oyster beds in the bay and its not unknown for the odd shark to swim by.