The 2.6-mile-long Queen Isabella Causeway connects the mainland of Texas to South Padre Island. The state's longest bridge will place you in a Texas tourist destination that is hot both figuratively and literally. The big draw here are the 34 miles of sandy beaches that allow for year-round enjoyment of water recreation. The other main attraction gets you away from the beach, not the necessarily the water.
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark spans 65 acres and includes rides and entertainment that appeal to all ages. The Boogie Bahn at the South Padre Island Schlitterbahn was still the world's largest surfing wave as of early 2010. The Gale Force is a flume rafting attraction that actually sends you up a hill of water. Younger kids and their families can take a break from the scarier rides by visiting the tranquil Lily Pad wading pool. Rio Aventura is a breakthrough attraction in the world of water parks that allows you to float around the park and directly into several water coasters or the wave beach without the need to use the soles of your feet.
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
33261 State Park Road 100
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 772-7873
schlitterbahn.com/spi
One of the most memorable ways to enjoy those 34 miles of beaches on South Padre Island is from horseback. The Island Equestrian Center has horses that are appropriate in size for riders of all ages and experience. This is not one of those tame horseback trails where everybody rides in single file at two miles per hour. Once you hit the beach you are free to take your horse to explore at your leisure. A guide will accompany you to make sure are safe. If a horse ride is still a little too tame, then you can also look into hitting the beach atop a machine with more than one horsepower. ATVs are available for rental for use on a private 10-acre sand dune course.
Island Equestrian Center
391 Padre Boulevard
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 761-4677
horsesonthebeach.com
Heading off the island and into the Gulf of Mexico provides the opportunity to take part in a potentially unforgettable attraction. Dolphin watching cruises take you out into the water to reveal the beauty, majesty and grace of these slippery mammals breaching the surface of the water. From Memorial Day to Labor Day you can also get the chance to enjoy the nightly fireworks that have become a tradition on South Padre Island from the perspective on the boat. In addition to dolphin-watching excursions, you might also consider a cruise out into the Gulf to reel in fish like red snapper, amberjack or grouper.
