On my first visit to South Padre Island in 1967—several years before the Queen Isabella Causeway was constructed, back when the only way onto the island was by boat—dining options were the Palmetto Inn and the Jetty Café. The only amusement for a teenager like me was renting a motorcycle at Andy’s Sand Box to drive on the beach. Then, I had a hard time believing my father’s prophecy: “Someday, this will be Miami Beach.”
It seems he was right: SPI has grown into a world-class beach resort with the wide strip of fine white sand fronting the Gulf of Mexico its main draw. Modern additions include a Ferris wheel, bungee jumping, zip lines, horseback and helicopter rides, minigolf, and go-karts. Still, sand and shore are why crowds continue to pack the island from March through August. South Padre, population 2,000, is just as enticing outside of peak season, when the sea and sky—along with old-school amusements like fishing, surfing, and swimming—provide all the entertainment you need.
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San Antonio
4.5 hours
Austin
6 hours
Houston
6 hours
Dallas
9 hours
El Paso
12 hours
1 ⁄ PALMS RESORT
Opened in 1972 as a motor court, Palms Resort is a short walk from the beach and boasts a vintage feel with cozy updated rooms. The popular on-site café and bar, Café on the Beach, serves up everything from pancakes to lobster with views of the Gulf. Rooms start at $99/night during the off-season.
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2 / ISLA BLANCA COUNTY PARK
A sandy beach, walking trails, a prime surfing spot, deep-sea fishing charters, and a viewing area for the nearby SpaceX launchpad sit at this park on the southern end of the island. Dolphin watching from Dolphin Cove in the late afternoon is sublime.
3 / LOS PESCADORES COFFEE
Choose from a selection of coffee beans and tea from around the world, or try a coffee flight or espresso martini. There’s also avocado toast, pie, a full bar, and fly-fishing supplies from local businesses.
4 / SEA TURTLE INC.
This conservation facility provides rehabilitation to the endangered Kemp’s ridley and other species of sea turtle. View recovering and non-releasable resident sea turtles on a self-guided tour, or sit in on one of the educational “Turtle Talks” throughout the day.
5 / VIVA
The bright, spacious dining room opens to the Laguna Madre and is complemented by an elevated menu. Mahi-mahi ceviche, yellowfin tuna tartare, and street tacos are popular. Reservations recommended.
6 / FISHING CHARTERS
September is a good time for tarpon fishing before the prize game fish migrates toward Veracruz for the winter. Captain Brian Barrera, of South Texas Saltwater Experience, led clients to more than 100 catches of tarpon last year.
