South Padre Island Things to Do

  • The Beach at Isla Blanca Park
      The Beach at Isla Blanca Park
    by Stephen-KarenConn
  • Sand Castle in front of the Convention Centre
      Sand Castle in front of the Convention...
    by Stephen-KarenConn
  •   Sea Turtle Rescue
    by TexasDave

Most Viewed Things to Do in South Padre Island

  • Schliterbahn Water Park, South Padre Island

    1. Schliterbahn Water Park

    Schliterbahn (German for slippery road) is a 'branch' of the water park by the same name in San Marcos, North of San Antonio. This version is not nearly as big, but it will do if you're into this sort...   more
  • Laguna Madre Nature Trail, South Padre Island

    2. Laguna Madre Nature Trail

    The Laguna Madre Nature Trail was a great place to take a stroll and watch the different birds and even alligators wander in the tidewater park. There were also some exotic birds that had attracted...   more
  • Isla Blanca Park, South Padre Island

    3. Isla Blanca Park

    I lived on the Island about 10 years ago. It was fun espeially since I had a Big Ass Truck and spent most of my time up north between 5/6 and Mansfield cut playing. In the sand with friends and...   more
  • Sea Turtle Rescue, South Padre Island

    4. Sea Turtle Rescue

    Our family thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Sea Turtle Inc. They have very educational presentations about the endangered sea turtles that they protect, along with all the other species of sea turtles...   more
  • Andy Bowie Park, South Padre Island

    5. Andy Bowie Park

    Located on the northern end of South Padre Island, this Cameron County Park is a much smaller version of Isla Blanca Park on the other end of town. It provides beachfront picnic pavilions,...   more
  • Statue of Padre Jose Nocolas Balli, South Padre Island

    6. Statue of Padre Jose Nocolas Balli

    In 1804, Padre Jose Nicolas Balli, a Catholic Missionary/Priest, founded a settlement on South Padre Island called Rancho Santa Cruz, where he raised cattle and horses. This bronze statue of the Padre...   more
  • Port Isabel Lighthouse, South Padre Island

    7. Port Isabel Lighthouse

  • A few things.., South Padre Island

    8. A few things..

    If you stop by the turtle sanctuary, talk it up with the staff- they'll tell you where you can find protected turtle nesting sites on the island. If your the...   more
  • Surfing Lessons, South Padre Island

    9. Surfing Lessons

    You have to go Surfing while you are on the Island! South Padre Surf Co. offers lessons year round. REALLY fun for the whole family! I was suprised at how easy...   more
  • South Padre Island Convention Centre, South Padre Island

    10. South Padre Island Convention Centre

    This place is the convention centre for the island as well as a wildlife reserve. There are boardwalks that go out over the bay where you can see many...   more
  • Third Best Beach in America, South Padre Island

    11. Third Best Beach in America

    Of all the many attractions on South Padre Island, no doubt #1 is the beach. It has been rated by the Travel Channel as the "Third Best Beach in America." The...   more
  • Cristo de los Pescadores, South Padre Island

    12. Cristo de los Pescadores

    Before South Padre Island was a resort it was a fishing village, and to some extent it remains so even today. Dozens of fishermen and shrimpers in the area...   more
  • The Whaling Wall, South Padre Island

    13. The Whaling Wall

    On the walls of the South Padre Island Convention Centre is the famous "Whaling Wall #53" by acclaimed environmental artist Wyland. The artist wanted to show...   more
  • A Texas-Size Sand Castle, South Padre Island

    14. A Texas-Size Sand Castle

    The largest year-round sand castle in the State of Texas is in front of the South Padre Island Convention Centre. Sons of the Beach Sand Castle Wizards, who...   more
  • Dolphin Watch, South Padre Island

    15. Dolphin Watch

    Half a dozen companies on South Padre Island and the neighboring town of Port Isabel offer Dolphin Watch cruises. We took one out of Port Isabel (See our...   more
  • Come Meet the Sea Turtles, South Padre Island

    16. Come Meet the Sea Turtles

    The Sea Turtle Rescue Center is operated by Sea Turtle, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping sick or injured sea turtles. It was founded in...   more
  • Swimming, South Padre Island

    17. Swimming

    Take a dip in the gulf of Mexico and do some sunbathing.Take care to leave the beach the way you found it. Fines are pricey   more
  • Discover Sea Turtles!, South Padre Island

    18. Discover Sea Turtles!

    Sea Turtle was the home of Ila Loetscher, better known as "The Turtle Lady of South Padre Island." It has expanded its scope to actively support the...   more

  • South Padre Island Hotels

    64 Hotels in South Padre Island

    83 Reviews and Opinions

  • Ask a Question

    Got a question about South Padre Island? Get an answer from our Location locals and frequent travelers
Fun things to do in South Padre Island
  • Show Prices
  • Show Prices
  • Show Prices
  • Show Prices

View all South Padre Island hotels

Comments

Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Book now for big savings!
Hotels.com Outstanding choice of hotels all over the world at fantastic prices.

Sponsored Links

South Padre Island Travel Guide

South Padre Island Things to Do

Reviews and photos of South Padre Island things to do posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for South Padre Island sightseeing.

South Padre Island Things to Do Map

Map of South Padre Island

Experience South Padre Island

  • 146 Tips
  • 183 Photos
  • 2 Videos
  • 12 members live here
  • 70 Travel Answers

Best Hotels

Best VT Value Hotels

Lowest Price Hotels

View all South Padre Island hotels

Top South Padre Island Writers

Stephen-KarenConn profile photo

South Padre Island, Texas

My South Padre Island Page has:
  25 reviews
  26 photos

TexasDave profile photo

Tropical Texas By The Sea

My South Padre Island Page has:
  19 reviews
  27 photos

yelli profile photo

South Padre Island

 Though this is the best beach in Texas, you may not enjoy it if you've been to tropical beaches out of the country. However, it's still enjoyable, depending on the time of the year you go in. I like... 

TuanRonski profile photo

South Padre Food & Fun

 We really needed some sand, surf, & sun, and Padre was an easy choice. We got sand and surf, but the sun was a little hard to come by. So-- we enjoyed the surf and the food. The seafood was... 

rsleisk profile photo

South Padre Island...Texas' best beach

 Recorded history begins in 1519, when Alonso Alvarez de Pineda sailed past the Isla Blanca (White Island) while charting the Gulf of Mexico for Spain. Pineda claims giants inhabited the coast, and may... 

View all rated pages

View newest pages

Build your own South Padre Island page

Click here for best deals for South Padre Island

Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Book without the gamble!
Tingo.com If prices drop after you book, Get Money Back automatically!
Great Rooms. Great Rates.
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off. 
Save Up To 50% On Hotels
ORBITZ.com Get our lowest price  or get 110% back, automatically!

Sponsored Links