Atttractions and Fun Things to do in South Padre Island

Coca Cola Beach.

Spring breakers can party hard at the hottest daytime party spot in South Padre Island. Located at the Isla Grand Beach Resort, Coca-Cola Beach is a popular spring break beach party featuring dancing, bikini contests, live music, fun activities, and the hottest DJ’s in the US. Www.spadre.com/cocacolabeach.htm

Isla Blanca Beach and Park.

Located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park offers pristine beaches, jetty fishing, surfing, tent camping, 600 RV spaces, recreational facilities, a snack bar, picnic areas, beach rentals, and more. Park entrance fee is $4 per vehicle before 5pm; $2 after 5pm. Www.co.cameron.tx.us/park/blanca.htm

Sand Castle Classes.

The whole family will enjoy learning the secrets of sand castle construction from professional sand castle masters. South Padre Island is home to a variety of companies offering sandcastle-making lessons. Visit www.amazinwalter.com, www.sandcastlelessons.com or www.sonsofthebeach.com/services/lessons.html for more information.  [Top]

Schlitterbham Waterpark.

This family friendly waterpark offers fun in the sun with a variety of exciting water rides, water slides, a giant sand castle, water coasters, a challenging surfing wave, and beach access plus a swim up bar, a kiddie pool, and on-site dining. Open April-September. Www.schlitterbahn.com/spi/

Horseback Riding.

Enjoy the beach in a unique way with a guided horseback tour of the northern portion of South Padre Island. This gentle ride is fun for riders of all age and skill levels, and first time riders are welcome. Www.horsesonthebeach.com

Fishing.

South Padre Island offers endless opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines. Fishermen of all abilities can enjoy fishing from charter boats, local piers or surf fishing on the beach. South Padre Island is home to a wide rage of fish from Marlin and Wahoo to speckled trout, redfish and flounder. Www.spadre.com/fishing.htm  [Top]

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving.

South Padre Island is the perfect place to enjoy a day of snorkeling or scuba diving. Located on the spectacular Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is home to abundance of sea life and a number of snorkeling tours and diving guides for an exciting undersea adventure. Www.divesouthpadre.com

South Padre Island Dolphin Watch.

Dolphin Watch offers a variety of fabulous cruises including dolphin tours, sunset cruises and an exciting trip along the island’s infamous Devil’s Elbow. Www.theoriginaldolphinwatch.com

Dolphin and Nature Research Center.

This interesting nature center offers an interactive look at the ocean and its inhabitants, offering insight into the lives of wild dolphins and other sea animals through hands-on exhibits and outreach programs. Www.spinaturecenter.com  [Top]

Port Isabel Lighthouse & Lighthouse Square.

Built in 1852 to guide ships through Brazos Santiago Pass to Point Isabel, this historic lighthouse is the only lighthouse in Texas that is open to the public. Visitors will enjoy walking through the lighthouse and viewing photos, artifacts and displays. The lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s cottage are open daily, 9am-5pm. Www.portisabelmuseums.com

Port Isabel Historical Museum.

This interesting museum is housed in a historic 1899 building that was used as a former dry goods store. Today the museum features a large collection of artifacts from the US-Mexican War, and also has a theatre and a gift shop. Open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Www.portisabelmuseums.com

Matamoros, Mexico.

Several local tour companies offer trips to Matamoros, a city located just across the Mexican border and only 25 minutes away from South Padre Island. Visitors can enjoy shopping, clubbing, dining, local markets, historical sites, heritage festivals, and more at this fun, tourist friendly town. Www.matamoros.usconsulate.gov  [Top]

Sunrise Mall.

Enjoy a day of shopping at Sunrise Mall in Brownsville, TX. Offering more than 100 stores, like Dillard’s, bebe, Victoria’s Secret, and Aeropostale, shopping enthusiasts can find anything they’re looking for at this popular regional shopping mall. Www.sunrisemalltx.com

South Padre Island Shopping.

From unique gift shops and specialty boutiques to local T-Shirt shops and souvenir stands, South Padre Island offers unlimited shopping possibilities for visitors to enjoy. Www.spadre.com/shopping.htm

South Padre Island Golf Club.

The temperate climate of South Padre Island allows golfers to tee off all year long at this championship course located in Laguna Vista. The South Padre Island Golf Club also offers a pro shop, driving range, a putting green, golf lessons, and on-site dining. Www.spigolf.com  [Top]

Island Cinema.

See the latest movies at this four screen theatre located on Padre Boulevard in the heart of South Padre Island. Call (956) 467-7839 for movie listings and show times.

Sea Turtle, Inc.

This non-profit research facility offers live shows featuring sea turtles to help educate the public about sea turtles and provide information about how humans can help preserve these endangered animals. Daily shows each half hour, from 10am-3:30pm.. Www.seaturtleinc.com

Beachcombers Museum.

Visitors to this unusual museum can peruse unique displays of interesting items found on the local beaches of South Padre Island, from Spanish gold and treasure to Civil War relics, driftwood, and sea shells. Http://islandtraders.biz/Home.htm  [Top]