Things To Do:
Fishing: South Padre Island is undoubtably the mecca for fishing in Texas. It just might be the best year-round bay (nearshore), offshore, and surfcasting you’ll ever find, providing a haven for anglers with ample opportunities to cast a line and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether an amateur or a seasoned pro, the variety of fishing techniques available caters to all skill levels – from deep-sea trolling to bay fishing and everything in between – and there are over 60 charters and personal guides to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Sea Turtle Inc: No trip to South Padre Island is complete without a visit to the world-renowned Sea Turtle Inc. The organization has dedicated itself to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles. Sea Turtle Inc. is instrumental in bringing back the Kemps Ridley Sea turtle from the brink of extinction.
Island Adventure Park: This park is an unparalleled location for adventure with forty acres of land spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to the Laguna Madre Bay. One of their most beloved experiences are their horseback riding trips. Offered during the day, at sunset, and even under the light of full moons, the rides will carry you along the beach and water’s edge in the remote portion of the Island that few people get to experience. The park features a zipline circuit and with Zip-a-thon, visitors experience no limit to their number of zips. Other park attractions include a Petting Barn, Parasailing, Banana Boat Rides, while the Island Fun Park has Go-Karts, Mini Golf, and more.
Golf: The South Padre Island Golf Club is located a short 20-minute drive from the Island at Laguna Vista. The club offers an 18-hole 72-par championship course and provides a beautiful lateral view of the Island and is decidedly different with rolling green hills and “wildlife corridors” of native brush.
Live Music & Entertainment: Music is a big part of the island lifestyle. In fact, SPI has officially been recognized as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office.Pair live music with the tropical ambiance and spend the evenings listening to some of our favorite local artists. Whether it's a beachside concert or a bayside performance, you'll love the music on the Island. South Padre Island features 25+ venues on-island, spanning the Cameron County Amphitheater to more intimate spots at local restaurants and resorts.
The Art Lounge: The Art Lounge features a diversified collection of contemporary art by artists from all over Texas and Mexico. For the public, the Art Lounge offers a unique space for like-minded individuals to share their love of art and learn more through art classes and guided tours.
UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab: This organization is dedicated to providing educational opportunities, enhancing research, engaging in public service, and providing community outreach related to coastal and marine concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with special emphasis on the South Texas region. Here you can take a tour to learn about sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins and many different species of birds. These tours are intimate and perfect for a small group, and your captains are happy to teach children as well as adults.
South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary: This organization is on a mission to provide educational opportunities for residents and visitors to learn about the birds, flora, fauna, and the environment of South Padre Island, the Laguna Madre Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico with an emphasis on conservation and environmental awareness. The center features a three-quarter mile raised boardwalk through 43 acres of protected coastal wetland habitat comprised of both saltwater and freshwater marsh.
SpaceX: With the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site located just across the bay from South Padre Island, you can combine your love for all things space with some well-deserved island time. The launch site is just a short drive from the island where you can view the rockets first hand. And if you’re timing aligns with a launch, South Padre Island is the premier Starship viewing
