16 Top-Rated Things to Do on South Padre Island, TX

Author Anietra Hamper spent time on the road in 2022 exploring destinations in Texas, including the popular vacation town of South Padre Island.

South Padre Island has some of the best beaches in Texas and some of the best beach resorts in the United States, so it's no wonder why nearly 4.5 million tourists a year flock to this part of the "Texas Riviera." While there is a lot to do here, there are just as many ways to relax once you cross the scenic 2.5-mile Queen Isabella Causeway onto the island.

The 113-mile Padre Island is the second-longest island in the contiguous United States, but here's a travel advisory to SPI newbies: Port Mansfield Channel divides South Padre Island from the northern section known as the Padre Island National Seashore. Set GPS coordinates to "South Padre Island," and enjoy a smooth ride.

Part of the appeal of South Padre Island is that it works as a vacation spot for everyone, including families on summer vacation, winter snowbirds from the north, college students on spring break, couples, and solo travelers.

As amazing as unlimited sand and surf sound, our list of best attractions, places to visit, and things to do will convince you that life on South Padre Island is a beach with considerable benefits.

1. Drive on the Beach

Your drive to South Padre Island will be pleasant, but driving your own car on the SPI beach is a thrill of a lifetime. Driving on the sand alongside crashing surf gives you a sense of freedom.

There are many points of legal access to bring your personal vehicle onto the beach from the road. To avoid getting stuck, and the cost of a tow truck to extract you from the sand, you may prefer to remain on the road instead of taking the beach route.

One of the first things to do once you cross Queen Isabella Causeway is drive north for 10 miles until the road dead-ends. For more than half of this straightaway, you'll experience the feeling of driving through sand dunes without ever leaving the pavement.

From here, you can continue on the beach by foot or bike for hours because SPI is 34 miles long. Winter Texans from the wintry north feel nostalgic when they see earthmovers clearing snow-white sand drifts from the shoulders of the road.

Want a different set of wheels (or hooves) to explore the beach? Rent a fat tire bike from one of many gear-rental shops or join a posse on horseback with a beach trip from Adventure Park.

Wherever you roam on the beach, here are a few tips:

• Rules for driving on the beach are the same as rules on the road: Only licensed road vehicles are allowed (no OHVs or ATVs).
• Observe speed limits (10 to 15 miles per hour).
• If you plan to drive a long distance, make sure you go with a companion vehicle. If there's a breakdown, it could be a long walk back to civilization.
• Watch out for sea turtles while driving on the beach, especially during nesting season between April and August.
• Tempted by a sudden jolt of Mad Max madness to drive on the dunes? Don't! Dunes and the vegetation that grows on them serve as a natural barrier to protect SPI from seasonal hurricanes. Avoid the expense of a violation ticket, and stick to the road or beach.

After you drive along the beach, don't forget to get out and enjoy it! Prop up a chair and close your eyes as you listen to the surf and plan your next vacation move.

Some of the best beaches on South Padre Island are actually divided into sections from the two main beaches: the city beach and the county beach. Only the county portions of the beach allow driving, which is 29 miles of drivable beach on the northern portion of SPI beaches.

2. Enjoy Birding and Wildlife Photography

Research and nature centers — along with a thriving flotilla of tour operators — provide ample opportunities for safe, comfortable, and exciting encounters with SPI's wildlife. Like you, nature and its creatures schedule their arrival on South Padre Island. If you're flexible, follow the annual migration of your favorite birds to SPI. Their digs are not far from where you'll be staying and dining out.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge across the water on the mainland is an immense nature preserve of almost 40,000 hectares. That's the size of almost seven Manhattan islands strung together. SPI's backyard is a favorite place for resident birds and their snowbird cousins, fish, mammals, amphibians, and countless insects.

Whether you are a birder, wildlife photographer, paddler, or nature lover, you'll enjoy endless opportunities to appreciate the natural bounty that the Rio Grande Valley and SPI have in store for you: Herons, pelicans, Mexican eagles (aka crested caracara), and flamboyant roseate spoonbills are among the more than 300 species that frequent this area.

This is the only place north of the Mexican border where you can admire the impressive plumage of green jays in the wild.

3. Befriend Wildlife at South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

Surrounded by water, island residents treasure and protect the ecological chain of diversity that attracts and feeds birds, reptiles, and marine mammals. Want to strengthen the chain and get a closer look?

Grab your binoculars, camera, and water bottle, and stop by South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary. Be sure to register for one of the highly-rated birding tours with a naturalist educator.

Home to a five-story viewing tower and more than half a mile of raised boardwalks and bird blinds, this center is your ticket to experience 50 acres of protected wetlands and the critters that live here. Not only will you see the vibrant colors and varying sizes of tropical birds, you can also check out alligators, tortoises, and other reptiles.

Near the center is the popular mile-long public boardwalk loop, the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Research, conservation, and public awareness are priorities here, including the protection of an endangered species you'll see in the butterfly garden: the monarch.

Address: 6801 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX

4. Get Up to Speed with Turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc.

The plight of sea turtles and their recovery may tug at your heartstrings. Sea Turtle, Inc. helps visitors like you turn these emotions into action with its year-round visitor and rehabilitation center for rescued sea turtles, most commonly the endangered Kemp's Ridley species. In addition to helping patients recover before release, it provides a home for resident turtles that will never be placed back into the wild.

One such resident is Allison — a turtle fitted with a prosthesis that enables her to swim with the assistance of human lifeguards and entertain visiting admirers from the comforts of her own tank. Her story may inspire you to return to Sea Turtle, Inc. as a valued member of its team of volunteers.

With a focus on conservation, rehabilitation, and public education, the center — located four miles north of the Queen Isabella Causeway — provides an informative self-guided waterfront experience with hourly "Turtle Talks."

Address: 6617 Padre Blvd., South Padre, TX

5. Find Your Beacon of Hope at Port Isabel Lighthouse

Where there is open water along a coastline populated with ocean-going vessels, you are sure to find a lighthouse that helps direct sailors on their journey. For this reason, lighthouses are often considered beacons of hope. Built as a navigational aid in 1852, the 72-foot-high Port Isabel Lighthouse has guided mariners of commercial and fishing boats into safe harbor.

Today, it stands as a symbol — not only of hope — but also of SPI's rich maritime history. This state historic site is the only lighthouse in Texas that is open to the public, along with its museum and reconstructed lighthouse keeper's cottage below the tower. Tours are self-guided so you will want to plan enough time to see everything and marvel at the view.

One of the best features to see is the 3rd Order Fresnel Lens that is on display at the top of the lighthouse. If you are afraid of heights and prefer to see its majesty from below, you will want to drive by at nighttime to see the lighthouse illuminated.

Address: 421 E Queen Isabella Blvd, Port Isabel, Texas

6. Zip along and Saddle Up at South Padre Island Adventure Park

If your idea of leisure is being active, you will want to visit South Padre Island Adventure Park, where Park Road 100 ends and the fun begins. On 40 acres with access to the beach, the Island Adventure Park is a permanent home for rescue animals and tourists looking for a temporary escape from the rat race.

For one price, you can zipline non-stop for 45 minutes, ride horseback on the beach in an ocean wilderness for an hour, and hang out at the petting zoo. The same family-owned company operates the Island Fun Park in town, where you can get behind the wheel of a go-kart or play a round of mini-golf.

Address: 21040 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX

7. Pamper Yourself at Sapphire Spa

Relaxation can be deep and soothing, as well as revitalizing, and there is no better way to do that than with views of the ocean which is one of the hallmarks of the Sapphire Luxury Spa. With a self-guided SPI spa treatment, you start by untethering yourself from electronic devices, eating healthy and fresh food, taking long barefoot walks on the beach, and lazing under a sun umbrella with long-awaited pleasure reads.

Revel in this self-indulgence and go one step further: Book a Sapphire Spa massage at the Pearl South Padre Resort. Select from an extensive menu of massage and body treatments, which can be booked online to reserve a spot with your preferred therapist.

Address: 310-A Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX

8. Cool Off at Beach Park at Isla Blanca

Children, youth, and the young at heart can easily spend most of the day soaking in active water play at Beach Park at Isla Blanca. In cooler weather, Beach Park has an indoor water park to extend summertime fun every month of the year.

What kind of water excitement appeals to you? Thrill seekers head with boogie boards to the Surf Rider. Atmospheric adventurers track the Storm Chaser. Swimmers — who like to go with the flow — float down the chute at Aqua Blanca.

Address: 33174 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, Texas

9. Take a Front-Row Seat for a SpaceX Starship Launch

South of SPI is Starbase, the Boca Chica launch facility and landing pad for the SpaceX Starship. Experience the history of spaceflight in real-time by setting up your beach chair in the best location to capture rocket launches and landings. Take a drive out to Boca Chica Village to see the area that might become the futuristic community of Starbase.

Address: 54298, Boca Chica Blvd, Brownsville, Texas

10. Defy Gravity at Gravity Park

Look no further than Gravity Park for outside evening entertainment. While mini-golf and the arcade are fun, take control of a go-kart to pick up the pace. While a 60-foot Ferris wheel goes round and round, you can really get into the swing of things on the Skycoaster.

The Rocket is the tallest reverse-bungee in the world that flings you into the sky and lets gravity bring you back to Earth. While this ride won't take you as far as a SpaceX projectile, you are slung into orbit within seconds. Ready, set, go . . . SCREAM!!

Address: 106 West Marlin Street, South Padre Island, Texas

11. Take Sandcastle Lessons

South Padre Island elevates the fun of making sandcastles in the sun to an art college level. Follow the self-guided hike along the South Padre Island Sandcastle Trail of 30 castles for inspiration, and learn how to make your own sandy masterpiece by taking lessons from a sandcastle pro.

Head over to Sandcastle Lessons, where you can learn and apprentice with a master. Lessons are three hours long and it is recommended that you take them on the first days of your vacation so that you can practice your new craft during your beach visits on SPI.

12. Go Boarding at South Padre Island Company

If laying on the beach and swimming bore you, it's time to jump on board: Surfboarding, boogie boarding, wakeboarding, sailboarding, kiteboarding, flyboarding, and stand up paddleboarding. A kayak or Jet Ski rental may also float your boat.

With so many options to get you on the water, you might need a guide to get started. In addition to gear rentals and surf shops, you'll find certified and experienced instructors to make your water adventures safe and satisfying.

If you've always longed to catch a wave on a surfboard, link up with an entire family of surfers: South Padre Surf Company on the southern tip of SPI in Isla Blanca Beach Park.

13. Dive Below the Surface with American Diving

Beauty might be only skin deep — unless you're a skin diver. If you dip below the surface of the waters surrounding South Padre Island, you enter a world that feels like it's yet to be discovered. Like the human body, most of what SPI has to offer is comprised of water.

The protective intertidal zone of the Laguna Madre is where sea life gets its start in water that is only three to six feet deep. Snorkeling in the shallows and seagrass allows you to see an abundance of fish such as catfish, spotted seatrout, black drum, and redfish.

You might also see hermit crabs and the occasional sea turtle. Contact a local tour operator for conditions on water visibility and a guide to bring you to the best places to visit for snorkeling.

If you are certified for deep sea adventures or want to pursue scuba diving certification, SPI-based American Diving can help you aboard and serve as your guide to offshore artificial reefs.

14. Cast into the Surf or Go Deep Sea Fishing

The hook for many visitors to South Padre Island is a day out in the sun with a fishing rod and a bucket of bait. Shore casting from the Jetties at Isla Blanca Park is sure to snag something for dinner. Queen Isabella State Fishing Pier next to the causeway is another favorite location for this popular pastime. SPI is one of the top areas in Texas for deep-sea fishing.

Not sure what to fish for or how? Need fishing gear? Visit the local tackle shops that can set you up with what you need, from great local insider advice about the best spots to try and what's biting, to bait and rods; many shops rent fishing rods.

15. Swing from Gulf to Golf at South Padre Island Golf Club

Aside from a few putts of mini-golf, there's no golf course on SPI. Within sight of the island, however, is South Padre Island Golf Club, on the other side of Laguna Madre in nearby Port Isabel. With almost 7,000 yards from the first tee to the 18^th hole, this course will help enhance your level of play with its sumptuous surroundings and onshore breezes.

16. Play with Your Dog on the Beach

Bailey, Bella, and Buddy are all welcome to join you on your SPI holiday. This community also offers top activities and adventures for your favorite pet. When you sign up for a stand up paddleboard or surf lesson, make sure you arrange lessons for your dog at the same time. Eh Brah SUP and South Padre Surf Company offer guides to teach your dog how to mount a board, get a grip, and hang 10 on the next wave.

Map of Things to Do on South Padre Island, TX