South Padre Island holidays

Cruises offer the opportunity to spot dolphins year-round. For a more adventurous alternative, get into the spirit of pirate Jean Lafitte, who’s said to have visited San Padre in the 1800s. On the Black Dragon Pirate Ship you'll be part of treasure hunts, water pistol battles and sword duels alongside one of the fiercest crews in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the sandcastles. The beaches here attract professional sand artists and no South Padre Island holiday is complete without joining them. Be inspired at the Holiday Sculptures Village, where sculptors from all over the world come to showcase their work. To learn the tricks of the trade, sign up for a lesson with an expert.

For an out-of-this-world experience, book your South Padre flights and hotel to coincide with a rocket launch at nearby SpaceX Boca Chica. Sign up for a site excursion or watch from the comfort of your own accommodation. Factor in three to four days to allow for bad weather or equipment failure.

A stretch of long, golden sand makes Padre Beach a top choice for families, sun worshippers and water sports lovers. Stay in this neighbourhood to be in the heart of the action, close to bars, restaurants and attractions. Don't miss the Sea Turtle Art Trail and Sandcastle Trails, which showcase the work of San Padre’s creatives.

Good for: Water sports, bars, restaurants

Fiesta Isles is the place to stay on your South Padre Island holiday if you want a quiet location with access to water activities. Go exploring with a rented jet ski, kayak or paddleboard, then have a barbecue at Andy Bowie Park. Try to squeeze in a visit to the Port Isabel Historical Museum across the bay.

Good for: Paddleboarding, parks, museums

If you’re planning your holiday to South Padre Island around a SpaceX rocket launch, consider making Isla Blanca your base. Take care to book a room with views of Boca Chica. You could also join the hundreds who congregate at Isla Blanca Park for a festive atmosphere that will leave you feeling uplifted.

Good for: Rocket launches, beach, park

This coastal community has a vibrant arts scene so focus your shopping on South Padre Island on its many galleries and eclectic gift stores. Whether you’re here for sea life or space travel, you’re sure to find a unique reminder of your holiday. Head to the Sunday farmer’s market for crafts, cosmetics and foods.

Be sure to spend some time at Sea Turtle, Inc.'s education center. The organization’s heroic conservation efforts provide a lifeline for the Gulf of Mexico's flippered friends. Come meet the hospital patients and residents who otherwise wouldn't survive in the wild. Keep an eye on social media to learn about hatchling releases between June and August.

Films are projected onto the Port Isabel Lighthouse in summer. Head down early to climb the tower for sunset views across Laguna Madre Bay. Summer also brings Louie’s Backyard fireworks on the beach every Tuesday and Friday. Otherwise, you’ll find enough South Padre Island nightlife in bars, nightclubs and live music venues to keep you busy until the wee hours.

It’s all about the seafood on South Padre. Fish for your supper within the Laguna Madre Bay or Gulf of Mexico, taking care to choose a cruise operator with sustainable practices. Redfish, flounder and speckled trout are just some of what might be biting. Forget the dishes: most South Padre Island restaurants will cook your catch for a fixed fee.

One of the best free things to do on South Padre Island is exploring the short Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Skimmers, spoonbills and pelicans are some of the coastal and migratory birds you might spot. Other wildlife to look for include blue crabs, turtles and alligators. The trail starts at the South Padre Island Convention Center and is fully accessible.

Choose Dolphin Cove Beach for jet skiing and Clayton's for beach volleyball. A handful of South Padre Island’s beaches are wheelchair accessible and offer Mobichair access. The northern part of the island remains completely undeveloped. Pack a picnic, drive right onto the sand and catch some of the best waves in Texas.