South Padre Island is a tropical oasis situated off the southern tip of Texas. This barrier island offers the unsurpassed beauty of the Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and is the ideal destination for snowbirds  seeking a tropical escape from winter.

The moment you cross the Queen Isabella Causeway, you feel like you’ve left all your cares behind – you’re now on South Padre Island time and free to experience your own tropical getaway. With 34 miles of beautiful white sand and emerald water, South Padre Island is one of the world’s most exquisite barrier islands – and the only tropical Island in Texas. Calm weather and water and more than 300 days of sunshine make South Padre Island a great place to visit all year. In the winter, the warm sun will melt away your cares as you stroll down the beach in shorts and sandals. This time of year also means less people and even more affordability. 

A coastal playground that stretches from sea to sand to sky, the opportunities for fun and adventure     are endless here. Unmatched beaches, eco-tourism encounters, , nightlife, family-fun attractions, artistic elements, and a multitude of water and recreational sports all make the destination the best way to experience Texas’ Gulf Coast.

Local Snowbird Community

Welcome Home RGV is a one-stop shop for area information, upcoming events, restaurants, retail, and much, much more for snowbirds, or "Winter Texans" as we like to call them.

Getting Here

Flying

Getting to South Padre Island is a breeze. Whether you fly, drive or arrive by boat, the Island is easily accessible with three airports nearby to make your traveling logistics easy.

• Brownsville SPI International Airport is located 30 minutes from the Island and is serviced by American and United Airlines.
• Valley International Airport is 55 minutes away and is serviced by Southwest, American, United, Frontier, Delta & Sun Country Airlines.
• McAllen International Airport is the furthest at 1.5 hours away and offers service by AeroMar, American, Allegiant & United Airlines.

Driving

From Toronto:

• US 59 S

• I-75 S

From Winnipeg:

• I-29 S & I-35 S
• I-29 S& I69 S

From Montreal:

• ON-401 W
• I-71 S

Once on island, getting around is easy! Hop on the Island Metro (a free shuttle with daily service) to the places you want to go. Stops include beach accesses, many of our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and the convention centre.

Weather – October to April

Terrain and Landscape

Situated off the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island makes up the southern portion of Padre Island, a 113-mile-long barrier island that runs along the Texas coast from Corpus Christi to Port Isabel.

Surrounded by the beauty of the Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is one of the world’s most impressive barrier islands, with 34 miles of coastline and the ONLY tropical island in Texas.

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Snowbirds can choose from 33 hotels and resorts,  as well as 90 vacation rental properties.

If you are arriving by RV, Isla Blanca Park offers close to 600 R.V. sites. Isla Blanca is not only one of the biggest parks in Texas, it is also the best. If you do not have an RV you can still enjoy a stay at the park in one of eight cabanas. Each cabana sleeps 4 and has air conditioning, a shower and bunk beds.

Attractions & Sights

1. 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.
2. Dolphin Tours: South Padre Island has its very own families of Bottlenose dolphins that live in the rich waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and can be seen near shore playing and frolicking in the waves. There are numerous dolphin watch boats that provide tours of our waters and our beautiful dolphins. Our dolphins are wild and free, can be seen year-round.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Laguna Madre Nature Trail: This 1,500-foot boardwalk crosses four acres of marshland, where bird watchers can spot many coastal and migratory birds and numerous others tempted by the berries on the fiddlewood bushes along the trail.
6. 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.
7. Redline Helicopter Tours: This father-son-owned company has over 20 years of combined flight experience. There are currently three different packages available for those looking to get a bird’s eye view of Texas’s only tropical island oasis.
8. 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.
9. Spa & Wellness: Inspired by the sapphire blue sea that lies beyond its doors, the Sapphire Spa offers experiences that will help you live healthier, look better, and feel renewed. The pristine beauty, endless ocean, and fragrant plants of the region are combined with the spa’s commitment to provide an unforgettable experience. Services include massages, body treatments, nail services, facial care, AVEDA hair services, waxing and couples treatments.
10. 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.

Culture and Entertainment

1. Sandcastle Trail: This trail features 30 different sand sculptures scattered throughout the island. Each sculpture was made by local and international sand artists who themed the pieces over the business or attraction where they are located. The Sandcastle Village is the main stop on the trail, home to the most extensive collection of sand sculptures that are permanently displayed and continuously updated to match the season/holidays.
2. Sea Turtle Art Trail: This trail comprises twelve sea turtle statues located at key attractions. Each sea turtle was created by local artists who started with a blank turtle canvas and added their designs representing a different aspect of the South Padre Island lifestyle.
3. Murals: Some of the most significant additions to South Padre Island have been the public murals painted on the walls of businesses and houses. The most prominent murals are the Wyland’s Whaling Wall at the South Padre Island Convention Center and the Sea Life Mural at the Courtyard by Marriott.
4. Art Business Incubator: Their primary focus is the growth of art culture on the island. They do this by helping flourishing artists navigate the early stages of business development for those looking to open an art-related business through their residency program. Take a stroll through the gallery to see the artists’ work on display and shop the unique items available for purchase. ABI will also host various art classes for people interested in learning more about the art world. Every class is led by one of their residents who specialize in different art forms.
5. 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.
6. Quinn Gallery: This gallery is owned and operated by Malia Quinn, an Art Business Incubator residency program graduate. She opened her gallery to offer original art pieces and features the works of two other international artists. Malia also offers painting lessons on the beach for those who would like to learn how to paint the natural seascape.
7. El Cristo de los Pescadores Memorial: Located on the south end of  the Island at the Isla Blanca Park, it translates to "Christ of the Fishermen." The memorial was donated to the Brownsville-Port Isabel Shrimp Producers Association by the De la Lastra Family in memory of Gustavo De la Lastra and Jose Edwardo De la Lastra. Around the base of the statue of Jesus is an inscription that reads "Father! Receive the souls of these brave fishermen who have sailed through this pass and never returned."
8. 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. 
9. Sandcastle Lessons: South Padre Island is the sandcastle capital of the world and home to the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the USA! Visitors can take a sandcastle lesson with a local professional who will help you build the sandcastle of your dreams! Whether it’s building a traditional sandcastle, an animal, a cartoon character, or even your very own sand throne…our local sand sculptors will show you how it’s done, no artistic skills required.
10. Music: South Padre Island features 25+ venues on-island, spanning the Cameron County Amphitheater to more intimate spots at local restaurants and resorts.

Food & Dining

South Padre Island has a unique mix of tropical flavors and cuisine that are sure to satisfy any palate. From beachside breakfast to dinner by the bay we have plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer a beautiful view of the island scenery.

Flavors and forms range from the freshest of seafood and classic bar food to traditional American, Tex-Mex, Italian and more.

Large selections of fine restaurants are available for your choosing, and many will even cook your catch. Cook Your Catch Restaurants include:

• Viva, Blackbeard's, Daddy's Seafood & Cajun Kitchen, Dirty Al's at Pelican Station, Louie's Backyard, Mahi Nic, Pirate's Landing and Sea Rach Restaurant and Bar.

South Padre Island is home to Clayton’s Beach Bar, the largest beach bar in the state of Texas.

We also have the second oldest brewpub in the state. Padre Island Brewing Company is technically one of the oldest breweries in Texas and the first in the Rio Grande Valley.

Festivals & Events

• Ride for Rotary Queen Isabella Causeway Cross - Oct
• Sandcastle Days – Oct
• Annual Walk for Women – Oct
• Hallowings Across South Padre - Oct
• SPI Muzicians Run - Nov
• SPI Half Marathon Weekend - Nov
• Craft Beer & Wings Festival - Nov
• Holiday Festivities – Nov + Dec
• New Years Day Polar Bear Dip - Jan. 1
• Pickleball on Padre – January 8-12
• National Cook Your Catch Day - Jan. 23
• 27^th Annual Market Days – Weekends at the end of January and all of February

View the Event Calendar HERE for full listing of scheduled events and details.

Sporting Events

South Padre Island is the Official Island Escape of the San Antonio Spurs. From special sweepstakes opportunities to integrating the brand into the team’s home at Frost Bank Center, we’re excited to partner with the iconic NBA team to provide their fans with the ultimate place to plan a game day getaway.

Another new experience we’re excited to offer in 2024 is our Pickleball on Padre Event. Set to take place January 8-12, 2024 at the South Padre Island Convention Center, the event is open to all ages and skill levels, offering a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy a fun-filled week of pickleball action in the beautiful coastal setting of South Padre Island.

Other fitness focused events include obstacle courses, runs and fun walks, biking events, triathlons, skate tournaments, surfing competitions and more.

Shopping

Shopping on South Padre Island ranges from thrift shops to high-end furniture stores. You’ll find plenty of options for you to take home the perfect SPI souvenir. We also have many beach shops that sell any items you might need during your time by the sea. Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir or need some last-minute beach essentials, the shops on South Padre Island have got you covered.

Lifelong Learning

1. Sandcastle Lessons: South Padre Island is the sandcastle capital of the world and home to the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the USA! Visitors can take a sandcastle lesson with a local professional who will help you build the sandcastle of your dreams! Whether it’s building a traditional sandcastle, an animal, a cartoon character, or even your very own sand throne…our local sand sculptors will show you how it’s done, no artistic skills required.
2. 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. 
3. Art Classes: Visitors can take art and painting classes at the various galleries located on the island: Art Business Incubator; The Art Lounge; and Quinn Gallery.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Health Care and Medical Facilities

Valley Regional Medical Center

Local Excursions

1. 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 destination. the island provides a front row seat to witness history in the making as SpaceX performs test launches of the tallest, most powerful, and only fully reusable rocket to ever fly.
2. Port Isabel Lighthouse: Located just before the Queen Isabella Causeway is the Port Isabel Lighthouse and Keeper’s Cottage – the last Texas lighthouse open to the public. The replica of the Keeper’s Cottage at the base of the lighthouse serves as a visitors center. The complex is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3. The Port Isabel Historical Museum:  Housed in the historic Champion Building which was built in 1899. The museum is a state-of-the-art facility housing hands on exhibits, audio presentations and videos that commemorate the history of the area. The museum has two exhibit levels, a theater and gift shop. On the south end of the building is the famous “fish mural” painted in 1906 by a local fisherman. The Treasures of the Gulf Museum tells the story of the three ill-fated Spanish ships that wrecked off the northern end of the Island in 1554. Hands on displays allow visitors to try on period clothing and map out a treasure site. There is also a children’s section with a small-scale ship and a Children’s Discovery Lab.

Safety

Situated off the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is a safe and welcoming retreat to all snowbirds. Island residents, business owners and leader’s welcome  visitors from all over to experience all the beauty the island has to offer. From the moment you cross over the Queen Isabella Causeway, you’ll feel the stress melt away as you indulge in the ultimate island escape. Click HERE for beach safety tips to keep in mind as you enjoy the beautiful beaches and waters.

Cost of Living

South Padre Island is an affordable island escape with options to meet every budget. Fall and Winter months offer even more affordability making this a very affordable option for snowbirds.

See why Canadian snowbirds love South Padre Island:

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