Horses riding in the ocean

South Padre
Island

Travel Region

Gulf Coast

Population

3,000

South Padre Island is a hotbed of beach culture with lodging, dining, nightlife, and watersports. Northward, Padre Island National Seashore protects the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, along with the wildlife that depends on it.

Upcoming Events

Memorial Day Fireworks

May 28

South Padre Island, 211 W. Whiting St.

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend on South Padre Island with a fireworks display over the bay. For the best viewing spots, check out the restaurants and bars in the Entertainment District.

sopadre.com/event-calendar

Dargel Boat Owners Fishing Tournament

June 2-3

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

When summer is in full swing, South Padre Island celebrates the angler approach to island enjoyment by hosting the annual Dargel Boat Owners Tournament each June. For this tournament, the angler who catches the redfish with the most spots wins.

sopadre.com/event/dargel-boat-owners-fishing-tournament/1131

Beach Bash Skate Jam

June 21-22

John L. Tompkins Park, 6100 South Padre Blvd.

At South Padre Island's annual skate competition, there's live music, food, and cash prizes.

sopadre.com/event/spi-beach-bash-skate-jam/1132

Beach Parade

July 4

Beach Access No. 21, Gulf Boulevard

Kick off the Fourth of July with a parade on the sand. If there is rain, the event will be moved to July 5th.

sopadre.com

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

South Padre Island Entertainment District, 211 W. Whiting St.

Celebrate the Fourth of July with a spectacular display of lights over the bay.

sopadre.com/event-calendar

Ron Hoover Fishing Tournament

July 14-15

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Anglers compete in an exciting bay tournament, with a portion of proceeds going to Make-A-Wish of the Rio Grande Valley.

sopadre.com

Texas International Fishing Tournament

Aug. 2-6

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel and South Padre Island play host to Texas’ largest saltwater fishing tournament. Anglers compete in one of three divisions: bay, tarpon, and offshore. Dockside, thousands of spectators turn out to view impressive catches of blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish brought in by the big boats offshore.

sopadre.com

Ladies Kingfish Tournament

Aug. 11-13

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

The first all-ladies tournament in Texas is divided into two divisions: bay and offshore fishing.

sopadre.com

The May 2023 cover of Texas Highways Magazine

Get the Magazine

Save up to 62% off the cover price

Subscribe

True Texas in Your Inbox

Sign up for magazine extras, upcoming events, Mercantile specials, subscription offers, and more.