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., which has the largest enclosed sea turtle hospital in the world. 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 40 acres of land spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to the Laguna Madre Bay. Horseback riding trips are among the park’s most beloved experiences. Offered during the day, at sunset, and even under the light of the moon, the rides will take you along the beach and water’s edge in a remote portion of the island that few people get to experience. The park also features a zipline circuit including a Zip-a-thon, which enables visitors to experience a number of exhilarating zips. Other park attractions include a Petting Barn, Parasailing, and Banana Boat Rides.
Golf: The South Padre Island Golf Club is located a short 20-minute drive from the Island in Laguna Vista. The club offers an 18-hole, 72-par championship course with a beautiful lateral view of the island showcasing rolling green hills and “wildlife corridors” of native brush.
Live Music & Entertainment: Music is a big part of the South Padre Island lifestyle. In fact, SPI has officially been recognized as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office. Live music paired with the tropical ambiance makes for special nights on the Island, whether for beachside concerts or bayside performances. In total, South Padre Island features more than 25 venues on-island, spanning the Cameron County Amphitheater to more intimate spots at local restaurants and resorts.
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 the 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. If your visit aligns with a launch, South Padre Island is THE BEST place to watch Starship launches.
Cultural and Entertainment
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Music: South Padre Island features 25+ venues on-island, spanning the Cameron County Amphitheater to more intimate spots at local restaurants and resorts.
