South Padre Island

South Padre Island is an island located on the Texas Gulf Coast and is known for its watersports as well as being a wild spring break getaway. Whether you are looking to go fishing, watch for dolphins, go horseback riding on the beach, ride a jet ski or boat, or enter a wet t-shirt contest, South Padre Island has what you are looking for.

South Padre Island Climate

South Padre Island has a humid-subtropical-like climate. The city mostly enjoys warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. However, the spring and summer months are the most humid/rainy times of the year.

SeasonRange of Daily High Temperature
Spring75 – 84
Summer88 – 89
Fall76 – 87
Winter67 – 70

Busiest Travel Seasons for South Padre Island

South Padre Island’s peak tourism seasons are late winter, spring, and summer. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway or family vacation, it is recommended to visit during the summer and late winter. Times of the year you may wish to not visit South Padre Island is during the prime hurricane season in September and during the spring when you are likely to run into spring-breakers.

Average Airfare To South Padre Island

Prices given are for Round Trip, coach.

Atlanta to S.Padre$350.00
San Francisco to S.Padre$390.00
New York to S.Padre$400.00
Los Angeles to S.Padre$380.00

Typical Hotel Prices

3 star$85 per night
4 star$175 per night
Luxury$205+ per night

Typical Car Rental Rates in South Padre Island

Economy$40 per Day
Luxury$85 per Day
Van/SUV$75 per Day

South Padre Island has several water-based activities whether it be fishing, dolphin watching, jet-skiing, or surfing. Tourists will love the breathtaking scenery, fun on the beach, and wonderful food.   Learning about sea turtles, enjoying the artistry of the Whaling Wall, and building sandcastles are some other popular activities home to South Padre Island.

Below is a chart that shows some of the most popular attractions in South Padre Island, by Type.

Family AttractionsFishing and BoatingOther
Sea Turtle, Inc.Fisherman’s WharfAndy Bowie Park
Whaling WallOn The Hook CharterLaguna Madre Nature Trail
Schlitterbahn Beach WaterparkThe Original Dolphin WatchSand Castle Days
Glady’s Porter ZooAloha ChartersPalm Street Pier

Recommendations for South Padre Island

If you visit South Padre Island, consider the following to make your stay worthwhile and unforgettable:

  • Try to catch the yearly Sand Castle Days.

If you in South Padre Island during the right time you will be able to see beautiful hand-crafted sand sculptures by artists coming from all over the world. Free sandcastle lessons are also offered and your castle can be entered into a contest.

  • Catch and eat your own fish!

Charter your own fishing boat. You can have your fish cooked on the boat for you or take it back to the beach and have a deliciously cooked dinner there.

  • Visit Padre Island Brewing Company.

This place satisfies your hunger and quenches your thirst with freshly brewed beer. It is the only restaurant that brews its own beer in South Texas.

Resources to Book a Vacation in South Padre Island

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