These four pelicans flanked us and guided us for miles. The World Birding Center is also located in Harlingen and there are nine, bird viewing centers all along the river valley. Both beaches tend to have very loose sand, which normally makes driving difficult even with four wheel drive. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. And it just so happens that South Padre has firework displays every week for most of the year. On an off-road trek along the Gulf of Mexico in southernmost Texas, Aaron Reed encounters many memories and a mystery. Overall, its a convenient destination for quick visits with children, since its located close to hotels and condominiums, and, at the same time, never gets overcrowded. Steve's body of work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike - yet always retains the human element. Sadly its time to leave our beach adventure for paved roads. Free Trolley pick up at your hotel or condo on Sanibel. Sunrise Fishing Excursion. However, youll be surrounded by nature from fiddlewood berries to pelicans and falcons. WebSouth Packery Channel Beach is a place to enjoy meditative strolls and impressive sunsets. This is our second year of RV travel and Ive managed to develop a system for choosing parks that works. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Attracting a mix of couples and families, it offers a range of rooms and suites that are quite colorful. There are also some standard and deluxe rooms with furnished balconies for those who want a lower price point. Copyright 2023 South Padre Island Vacation Rentals. Join 10,000 others who get our weekly emails! This is the end of the road for us. The air-conditioned accommodation is less than 0.6 miles from Whitecap Beach, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site. We didnt want to disturb them. The Padre South Hotel On The Beach is a great option if you're looking for a clean and comfortable budget-friendly hotel with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The natural wildlife reserve is a peaceful addition to any South Padre Island itinerary. South Padre Island is so fun. What an absolute treasure! The grounds here are lushly landscaped and there is direct gated access to the beach from the pool area. At Lively Beach rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best national parks in Texas. If you are booking a romantic getaway, there are semi-luxe properties with large pools and plenty of dining options. "Sea-ze" the day and prepare to be amazed by a variety of excursions fun for all ages. Thanks to a zoom lens this is the end of the jetty which marks a cut through the barrier islands of Padre and South Padre. It has a good location on a quiet section of beach and is near the popular Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The hotel is also within walking distance of popular attractions, like Isla Blanca Park and the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the USA. You could even drive the entire east coast if you wished,crossing over onto South Padre Island when you reach the bridge at Corpus Christi. Kids stay free; there is a kids' club on-site and a playground. WebWe just returned from SPI, stayed at the La Quinta, and there were a plethora of sea shells on the beach by the hotel, large ones and small ones, almost too many, it was hard to Whether you are a history enthusiast or just want to learn more about a lesser-taught piece of history, visiting this museum is a great idea. You can be zipping along water rides and grabbing poolside refreshments. Guest writers for The Planet D offer insider tips and information on destinations that they are experts in. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Often, immersive history is easier to engage with, and the lighthouse offers a memorable history lesson. Do you need a car on South Padre Island or from the airport? Captain Billy Sandifer 6/11/1947 - 3/31/2018 "Life's a hoot. You can often catch tarpon, mangrove snapper, and sand trout, so sit tight and wait for that exciting first bite. Make it yours. This Many companies offer dinner cruises around South Padre, but wed recommend Southern Wave Sailing Charters. The grounds and rigs and homes are beautifully kept with plants and flowers even though this spot looks a little bare. For historical status please check Swimguide.com, The PDF map will be sent as an email attachment. The beach park has an inland surf machine, a river system, and four different rollercoasters. The apartment includes a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, as well as a coffee machine. It is also part of the 25-acre Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, and guests receive discounted access to the park, which features multiple indoor and outdoor pools, slides, lazy rivers, and even a zipline. Time to turn around and search for more treasures as we stop along the way. So if you have a large shell collection come by Big Shell beach and see what you can Dive bomb cars? It is a win, win month to visit. You wont be flipping buckets upside down the whole time to make standard castles. Pack a picnic lunch or eat at a completely unique location, Mainsail Restaurant and try the locals favorite dish, the Havana! 4.3 miles from Mustang Island State Park and 17.4 miles from American Bank Center Convention Center, the resort offers a private beach area. Corpus Christi's beautiful beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Capital. This is different territory for us and every bit of it is interesting. That meant we needed to look at the suburbs outside of Brownsville. Main Menu Texas Sea Grant / flickr. The most important part of travel, for us, is the ability to go out and explore a 50 mile or more radius while having a comfortable place to come home to. Cruise with Adventures in Paradise to a remote barrier island only accessible by boat. These dolphin tours are unlike your standard commercial tourist traps and carry just six or fewer tourists at a time. National Seashore is a remote paradise in Texas and the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world. These people were having a full photo shoot that was taking forever! This good-value hotel is especially popular with families, as there are room configurations designed for larger parties - check out the three-room family suite for instance. Address: 6700 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach. The boat leaves from a dock in Port Isabel and while I found some information about the tour, the information itself was lacking, it didnt seem complete. Both airports are around 40 miles from South Padre Island, and you can book a shuttle, rent a car, or book a taxi to travel from the airport to your accommodation. A little obsessive perhaps, but it works. Youll also see seabirds, The US Coast Guard Station, and the Space X location. She explained all about the medical facilities nearby and how the neighbors all looked out for one another and if we needed emergency service they would be right there to help out. Avalid Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required for this excursion. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider: Additionally, there's a number of beaches near South Packery Channel Beach (Jetty Beach) which you can visit: El Constante 210 in Corpus Christi features accommodation with free WiFi, less than 0.6 miles from Whitecap Beach, 7.5 miles from Mustang Island State Park and 24.2 miles from American Bank Center Convention Center. This branch was very long and absolutely covered in shells. Port Isabel Lighthouse has 75 stairs, which you can tackle to reach the top for glorious views. The rooms at the resort are fitted with a seating area. The park is a mix of RVs and mobile homes and it is a gated community. Located just across the street from the beach on the north side of the island, La Quinta Inn & Suites is a mid-range property where kids stay free. The boardwalk is just 1,500 feet long and spans four acres of the Laguna Madre Wetlands. Casual, friendly, and full of tasty food, dining at Blackbeards is one of the most fun things to do on South Padre Island. Map. There are a number of amenities on-site. Fun happens here. Read more: 10 Ways to Help Save the Oceans World Oceans Day and Beyond. (LogOut/ Photo Gallery. This statue is a monument to fishermen lost at sea. You are flanked by the marina and backed by a beautiful boardwalk with waterfront pavilions scattered along the way. It is one of the longest bridges in Texas and has beautiful water views. The park protects 66 miles of stunning coastline and houses an estimated 380 bird species. Fisherman, cars and horses share the beach near the access road. South Padre Island Rental Management Services. I finally found a park in Harlingen Texas called Fig Tree Resort. She brought us a bag of goodies, tourist brochures, can cozies and lanyards. The main restaurant is Windjammer's Cafe, and it serves a mix of Tex-Mex, seafood, steaks, and pasta selections. Once our explorations were complete, we moseyed on over to the boat dock to inquire about the port tour, only to be informed that the tours had been cancelled due to increased concerns of terrorism. A great place to spend a holiday in serene natural surroundings, either alone or with your nearest and dearest. Check out todays surf conditions and weather with our live webcam feed from the Hilton Garden Inn and Suites on the north end of the Island. Isla Blanca Beach is stunning, with vast white sands and plenty of room to accommodate all the visitors that it inevitably attracts. Even so, sometimes, its the drive itself rather than the destination. Alvarez Court Amberjack St. Ana Laura Court Analaura Court Anaqua Dr. Ann Arbor Anne Bonny Apollo Ave. Arcos Gardens Arien Ct. Sea Turtle Inc. is a haven for injured sea turtles and rehabilitates and releases rescued sea turtles 365 days a year. The Island Metro is a free shuttle that transports you around the whole island, stopping at major hotels, attractions, and beaches. Here is what we recommend: Need more help planning your trip? Little kids and big kids know it. It offers a mix of rooms and suites with balconies. There are so many South Padre Island attractions both natural and manmade. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Of course, you can expect extra special fireworks if you visit South Padre Island on the 4th of July or Labor Day. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Now that weve covered all the best things to do on South Padre Island, lets look at some common frequently asked questions. South Padre Island Boondocking Spots Walmart Corpus Christi. Address: 350 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front, an IHG Hotel. The Rio Grande Valley and environs are critical areas for migrating birds, over 500 species have been sighted in the valley around Harlingen (where were staying). School is hard, South Padre Island is easy. Catch the wind and ride the waves. Another good option to entertain yourself is by fishing. Our Captain and Naturalist are passionate and fun and will narrate along the way, pointing out all kinds of wildlife; dolphins, manatees, birds, sea turtles and much more! Part of it is sad, trash and plastics have been washed up and the black on the beach is oil from the many pipelines that run through the Gulf, but to us and apparently others, its like treasure hunting. The beach is open day and night all year round and entrance is free. If you are a real adrenaline junkie, you can even go parasailing or jet skiing. Good by the La Quinta on the end of the island. Shelling is always an option. Written by Carri Wilbanks and Becca Blond Updated Mar 15, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Other than that, it would be Even so, I wasnt concerned because wed be visiting during the off-season. South Padre Island is an angler's paradise no matter whether you are fishing inshore, offshore, or simply wading or fishing the surf. Sea Ranch is another recommendation for our foodies. Even if you decide that deep sea fishing isnt for you, be that due to limited time or budget, there are plenty of other fishing trips. Visiting Sea Turtle Inc. is one of the most wholesome ways to spend a couple of hours especially since the charity is entirely funded by visitors and donations. Come see our wildlife! Bar suggestions if it rains, HELPChoice between Port Aransas or South Padre Island? Guests can choose from various room options, including suites with balconies overlooking the sea. Kiteboarders and windsurfers know it. With theme parks and watersports for adventure and amazing natural habitats including nesting grounds for sea turtles and plenty of wildlife, South Padre Island is the perfect balance between spending time in nature and having a fun beach holiday. WebWater Sports at South Padre Island SPI Excursions offers the most exciting water sports on SPI, from parasailing, banana boat rides, fishing, jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, dolphin The center runs daily ethical dolphin cruises, taking visitors out to spot wild bottlenose dolphins on a special dolphin tour. WebIsla Blanca Park on the southern end of South Padre Island holds Dolphin Cove Beach, another popular destination for sunbathing and fishing. Sunrise Fishing Excursion. The easiest way to get to South Padre Island is to fly into Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport or Valley International Airport. In your mind, you're already here. For that reason I look for small, quiet parks, outside the city but with full hookups. Accessibility | Copyright all rights reserved Site by Exploritech, Inc. WebShelling is best after a storm has passed through, producing a large storm surge, pushing large amounts of debris and shells far up onto the beach. WebNorth Beach Webcam. Gravity Park is a fun evening out. You may either fish from the jetty or climb down and fish from the rocks. The memories are familiar -- fishing with his grandparents, nursing the injuries of a misspent youth -- but what is that orange stuff out The cool part is The northerly current deposits little shells on the beach and the southerly current deposits shells a little bigger on the beach immediately south of Little Shell. Plus many people fish right off the beach. WebWhy South Padre Island For A Family Spring Getaway? The rooms and suites are spacious and quite modern, with cool mural wall art. Past the condos, hotels and restaurantsthe dunes take over. Many fishermen like to come to South Packery Channel Beach since this place offers opportunities for easy fishing and a big catch of various fish species, including grouper, trout, kingfish, and tarpon. Laguna Madre Nature trail is open 24 hours a day and free to enter. Sun worshippers and sandcastle builders know it. The further down the beach we get, the wilder and narrower it gets. Sailaway from the safe harbor. On Tuesdays, the display is at Louies Backyard. One of the most unique things to do on South Padre Island is to take a sand castle lesson. Historically a ranch, today the island is managed principally for wildlife. This may sound a strange addition to your itinerary but driving the Queen Isabella Causeway is somewhat of a momentous thing to do on South Padre Island. The water is clean and clear, good for swimming in; nevertheless, pay due attention to weather forecasts and be careful in the water: theres a possibility of strong riptides. If you bring the bag back, preferably with trash you picked up, the $2.00 is refunded. See menu.) When you stay with us, youll always get great amenities like the following: Interested in learning about the benefits of renting your property with Padre Getaways? Theres nothing for it but to drive across the bridge and explore South Padre Island. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Amenities are plentiful. From nearshore (bay) to offshore waters the fishing scene on the Island is welcoming and fun. The park is small but full of pollinator-friendly plants perfect for encouraging butterflies and other beautiful wildlife. WebSea Shell Isle South Padre Island is a home away from home for anyone who wants a great time in Texas! The Redfish bite has been on fire! Location: 5505 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. The place is just beautiful, so good to stroll and watch bright orange sunsets with an awesome boundless sky over a wide and flat beach landscape. To get yourself off the piers and beaches and out into the ocean, look at one of South Padres deep sea fishing trips. +1-956-299-2401. Join us for our Parasailing Adventure on South Padre Island! March 25, 2023. Sometimes you can see ships swimming along the channel. See rates on Booking.com and compare on TripAdvisor, Hilton Garden Innis South Padre Islands most luxurious, highest-rated accommodation choice. The 4-star Isla Grand Beach Resort is located on the island's south side, and it sits right on the beach, which is its best attribute. 21040 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA. One of the most popular and highly rated hotels in South Padre Island, the Best Western Beachside Inn is not a fancy property, but it gets top marks for value, cleanliness, and comfort. Yes, there are literally hundreds of RV Parks to choose from and no they will not all fit your needs and neither will they be financially prudent. This guide will cover all the best things to do on South Padre Island. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. Catch the trade winds in your sails. It cuts over Laguna Madre, joining Port Isabel with South Padre Island. United States ; Texas (TX) Texas Gulf Coast ; South Padre Island ; South Padre Island Travel Forum; Get answers to your questions There is also a swimming pool and a fitness center. Our style of travel is somewhat different than other RVers. You might make your own sandcastle or even take a sandcastle building lesson, but you also need to visit the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the US. 34 Amazing Things to Do in Oregon in 2023, 25 Best Things to Do in Houston, Texas in 2023. Somehow we missed this giant treasure the first time. The 2-star hotel has a mix of spacious rooms and suites with private balconies and kitchenettes. 567 Reviews. While driving down the main road into the town it quickly became apparent that they have a very distinctive style of building decor! WebThe Wilderness Beach: A Down-Island Drive on Texas' National Seashore, by Aaron Reed. Can anyone tell me what are the best places The hotel has everything, from an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean to a fully equipped fitness center. The dunes sit on the beachfront, located at the north end of Padre Boulevard. There are 70 units, and most of them are the above-mentioned apartments. This is definitely one of the busiest spots and is a place you dont want to miss when you are looking for things to do on South Padre Island. While you can have water fun anywhere on the island, the best place to enjoy water sports is on the south side, where there are fewer people. In addition to these watersports, visitors can also parasail or skydive South Padre Island. The views from the sky as you skydive South Padre Island are spectacular. Theres also a daily continental breakfast to tuck into. South Padre Island, Texas Gulf Coast. Sure, you can embark on a deep sea fishing excursion (more on that later), but why not try your hand at traditional fishing too? Port Isabel Lighthouse is a stunning landmark and state historic site.