South Padre Island, a town with style…a folksy, warm and inviting style that welcomes visitors from all walks of life…is located on the tropical tip of Texas just 25 miles north of the Mexican border and is THE premiere resort area in Texas.

This 34 mile long stretch of white sand beach is bordered to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and to the West by the Laguna Madre bay. The conveniences and attractions of a modern resort coupled with miles of pristine island terrain is what draws thousands of visitors to the area each year, and has brought back many to live.

The natural beauty of its beaches, its vibrant business climate and the friendly people that call the Island home matches South Padre’s rich history. The white sandy beaches of South padre area known throughout the United States (ranked as one of America’s top 10 beaches), with the emerald water of the Gulf of Mexico serving as the perfect backdrop for spectacular sunsets over the Laguna Madre.

From sunrise to sunset, the Island is the perfect playground for sailing, fishing, windsurfing, dolphin watching, kiting, windsurfing, kiteboarding, horseback riding, shopping and golf…just to mention a few. A variety of restaurants area available for your choosing, and many will even cook your catch.

While its many amenities makes South Padre Island the premiere vacation spot in the state of Texas, the location of the Island also makes it one of the premiere spots in Texas to observe wildlife in its natural state, and to find that allusive bird to add to your list while birding. One of the best spots in the United States to see all of the regularly occurring rails, South Padre Island has over 300 recorded species to date, and the list continues to grow as do the birdwatchers.

With year-round moderate temperatures, South Padre Island is the ideal vacation spot for everyone. Whether you are a family looking for a week long get away, a “Winter Texan” looking for a warm spot during the cold months “up North”, or a college student looking for the best spot to relax during Spring Break, South Padre Island is your choice. Welcome to the Tropical Tip of Texas!

Attractions and Recreation

Andy Bowie Park…located on the northern end of South Padre Island, this park provides beachfront picnic pavilions, concessions, children’s playground, shower facilities, and a ranger station. Group rental facilities are also available.

Edwin K. Atwood Park…located 1.5 miles north of Andy Bowie Park on Park road 100, offers a beachfront picnic pavilion, a concession and beach access road which provides 20 miles of beach driving.

Beach Recreation & Aquatic Sports…South Padre Island is a dream come true for those who love to play in the water or soar through the sky. There are several places on the island to rent just about anything you can think of that will propel you through the water or allow you to soar with the birds. Jet skis, waverunners, kayaks and hobby cats can be rented for as little as
½ hour to whatever your heart desires. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also popular water sports on the Island. There is also a wide array of opportunities to tour the Island by land or water. From amphibious vehicles to catamarans…pick your favorite and make a day of it. A romantic horseback ride on the beach at sunset is one of several great ways to end a perfect day in the tropics. Don’t forget to try your hand at soaring like a bird by parasailing or ski diving. South Padre Island is the perfect spot to try those water sports that you have only seen on tv or in the books.

Fishing…Where can you go that you can fish all day and have the restaurant of your choice then cook your catch…to your specifications? Get ready to bend your pole along the surf, on the bay or on a deep sea fishing trip into the Gulf of Mexico. There are approximately 600 different species, but the most commonly caught fish are the red or black drum, spotted sea trout and flounder in the bay. Tarpon, red snapper, king mackerel, amberjack and pompano are caught in the gulf. Choose form a variety of charter companies and personal guides to take you on the fishing trip of your life.

Golf…South Padre Island Golf club offers a 18-hole championship golf course and is situated across the Laguna Madre Bay, a short drive form the Island. This par-72 course is home of the Texas Senior Open and presents an absolutely beautiful lateral view of the Island. Decidedly different with rolling green hills and “wildlife corridors” of native brush, the grounds offer an oasis, a wildlife refuge and golfer’s paradise all rolled into one.

Isla Blanca Park…located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island, this park is the crown jewel of the Cameron County Park System. Over one mile of clean, white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico offers abundant beachfront recreational facilities. Enjoy the picnic and playground areas, the south fishing jetty, the University of Texas Pan American exhibits, and the Chapel by the Sea, a non-denominational church. With nearly 600 RV spaces, Isla Blanca is not only one of the biggest parks in Texas, but also the best!

Matamoros & Nuevo Progresso…spice up your trip to South Padre Island with a zesty shake of Mexican flavoring. Just 25 miles by land, Matamoros is a strategic point on the Mexican-American border and receives thousands of visitors each year. Matamoros posseses several unique tourist attractions, all full of history and beauty.