South Padre Island is a fun vacation spot with lots to do. It is a well known spring break destination for college students, but there's more South Padre than spring break. With its beautiful beaches and warm weather year-round, you'll find fun things to do no matter when you visit. From water sports to eco-tourism, there's something for everyone in South Padre Island, Texas.
The beaches provide lots to do on South Padre Island. You can play in the ocean, walk along the sand or just relax in the sun. You can even take sand castle building lessons. If you visit in October be sure to head down to the beach for the Sand Castle Days, where you can see some amazing sand sculptures being built.
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is another fun option on the beach. Enjoy a variety of tubes and water slides, the lily pad wading pool for younger children, the five story water fun house and the Schlitterbahn beaches. The water park is open daily during the summer and on weekends during spring and fall.
Water sports are aplenty in South Padre. On the gulf side of the island you can participate in many water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing. The bay side offers windsurfing and kite boarding. You can also go horseback riding on the beach north of town at the Island Equestrian Center.
There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching when you visit South Padre Island. You can take a boat tour or a sunset cruise to go dolphin watching. At Sea Turtle, Inc. you can see sea turtles and learn about saving and rehabilitating them. The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is a 1,500 foot boardwalk, extending across four acres of wetlands. As you stroll down the boardwalk you'll see many kinds of birds and other wildlife that live in the area. Another great place to go birdwatching and learn about wildlife in the area is The South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center.
South Padre is less than a hour away from Mexico. You can visit Progreso or Matamoros to go shopping in the marketplace or to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal. Also close to the island is Brownsville, Texas where you can spend the day at the Gladys Porter Zoo or take the kids to the Children's Museum of Brownsville. Whatever you decide to do, you'll be sure to have a great time in South Padre Island, Texas.
