Discover all must-sees and must-dos in South Padre Island, one of the best beach vacation destinations in Texas.
Have the time of your life this summer in one of the most beautiful portions of the Texas Gulf Coast
Ask any Texan about the best beaches to visit in the state and they will not hesitate in pointing out South Padre Island.
South Padre Island is a popular beach travel destination year-round, and especially during the excruciating Texas summer months – ocean breeze, water, and few clothes on are hands down one of the best ways to beat the Texas heat!
And the place lives up to all the hype about it: there you can expect to find white sand beaches, dunes, wildlife, beach vibe and great weather.
But which are the best beaches to hit in South Padre Island? What to do there besides hanging out on the beach? Which are the main local attractions you can’t miss and that will make you experience the best of this amazing portion of the Texas Gulf Coast?
Find here 10 amazing things to do in South Padre Island and hit the road to uncover one of the best beaches to visit in Texas within a reasonable distance from Dallas – 8h30 driving from the city.
If you’re looking for a beach closer to Dallas, check this blog post as well, covering the best beaches to visit in the Port Aransas and Corpus Christi surroundings.
Check our ideas below, make your reservations and embark on an amazing trip through the Texas Coast!
Isla Blanca Park - Beach Access # 16
So, you’re here for the beach, right? And Isla Blanca Park happens to be one of the best places to bury your feet on the sand in the heart of South Padre Island, near hotels, condos, and eateries.
Beach Access # 16, at Isla Blanca Park, is a top-rated beach access in South Padre Island and a safe bet if you’re looking for your perfect spot under the sun without driving any further. Expect a clean beach with soft sand, easily accessible through a beautiful wooden walkaway.
Isla Blanca Park has a small public parking, as well as abounding public street park. Go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
Edwin K. Atwood Park
Looking for something more private and scenic? Drive about 7 miles/ 15 minutes east and spend the day at Edwin K. Atwood Park instead.
It’s a scenic beachfront park with several amenities – such as beachfront covered pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms – and 20 miles of undeveloped and drivable beaches.
For the utmost adventure, drive on the beach (4-wheel drive recommended) and find your own private slice of paradise.
Sea Turtle Inc. is on your way to Edwin K. Atwood Park and combining them both is an outstanding way to spend your day in South Padre Island (keep reading for more info on that).
South Padre Sand Dunes
Continue driving east on Ocean Boulevard for about 6 miles past Edwin K. Atwood Park and you’ll reach one of the most beautiful – and maybe least visited – areas in South Padre Island.
The South Padre Sand Dunes are a must-visit protected area, with gorgeous dunes and a peaceful beach.
Its entrance marks the end of the road. You’re not allowed to drive on the dunes, so plan to hike them (bring plenty water!) and then set up your tent by the beach to enjoy solitude and stunning views.
the South Padre Sand Dunes are near South Padre Island Adventure Park, where you can experience horseback riding on the beach (more info in the next topics).
Sea Turtle Inc
Sea Turtle Inc. is a conservation center and animal protection organization.
They perform an amazing job rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles and they work can be seen firsthand – including the beautiful turtles they care for – at their rehabilitation center.
Visiting the center is an educative and inspiring experience. Witnessing their hatchling releases – currently suspended due to COVID-19 – an unforgettable moment. A must-stop in a summer trip from Dallas to South Padre Island.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door and visiting them both together is highly recommended (see next topics).
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Looking for once in lifetime experiences? Try horseback riding on the beach at South Padre Island.
Horseback riding with dunes and the ocean as a backdrop is a hard to beat summer activity, and a sure way to build everlasting memories.
South Padre Island Adventure Park, near the South Padre Island Sand Dunes, is one of the providers offering this type of adventure on the Texas Coast.
Make sure to schedule your horseback riding tour to the end of the day and top off the already amazing experience with a stunning sunset over the dunes.
Dolphin Watching Tour
Dolphins in Texas? You bet! And you can spot them right at the South Padre Island.
There are several operators offering Dolphin Watching tours in the area, at different times of the day.
Fins to Feathers is a great option and operates with small groups. The Original Dolphin Watch offers one of the most popular dolphin tours in South Padre Island.
Dolphin Docks is another interesting alternative. It departs from Port Isabel and you can take advantage of your day trip there to visit the Lighthouse (next topic) to cross both activities off your bucket list in a single day.
Make sure to bring your camera and if possible, schedule the sunset tour, for amazing photo ops.
Lighthouse at Port Isabel
Port Isabel is right across the bridge from South Padre Island and a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll.
Head there to explore Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, the only lighthouse in the Texas Coast open to the public. If you’re into historic spots and amazing views, you’ll love it.
The idyllic lighthouse offers great photo ops, has an informative visitors’ center telling its history and is surrounded by cute shops and restaurants. Make sure to climb the stairs to the top for amazing views of the bridge connecting the continent to South Padre Island.
Dolphin Docks is only a few steps from there and offers Dolphin Watching tours. Combining both activities can be a great way to spend an afternoon in the South Padre Island surroundings.
**NOTE:
Port Isabel Lighthouse Historic Site is currently closed due to COVID-19 as per Jul 21, 2020.
Check their website before heading there for current status.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is an amazing spot for a leisure nature walk and spot birds, turtles, and alligators!
Learn about nature. Stroll through their amazing suspended wooden boardwalk to breath in the beautiful wetland surroundings. Climb up the tower for stunning views. Feed gators and tortoises.
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door from Sea Turtle Inc., so take advantage of your visit to the area to check on both places.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a local gem almost untouched by man.
Things to do in this nature preserve include hiking, cycling, and fishing. The area is known for coyotes, falcons, and ocelots. Alligators, deer, roadrunners, and other birds can also be spotted.
The pavilion offers amazing bay views from the top.
It’s the place to be if you love nature, wildlife, solitude, and photography.
Waterfront Restaurants
A visit to the beach is not complete without enjoying a delicious meal or some drinks overlooking the ocean.
South Padre Island offers a handful selection of waterfront restaurants, both overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Laguna Madre.
To watch the sunset over Laguna Madre, head to Lobo Del Mar Cafe, Laguna BOB or Long Board Bar and Grill. For amazing ocean views, Clayton’s Beach Bar and WannaWanna are your best bet.
Summing Up
South Padre Island, 8h30 driving from Dallas, is an amazing beach destination in Texas and a sure way to get your deserved beach fix without leaving the state.
One of the best beaches to visit driving from Dallas, South Padre Island is home to amazing white sand beaches, nature preserves, dolphins, turtles and more.
In this post you discovered the 10 top things to do on a trip to South Padre Island, including the best beaches to visit, top local attractions and a handful of waterfront restaurants to include in your itinerary.
Read it through, select your favorite attractions and make your reservations to enjoy the best the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer.
Have you been to South Padre Island? Do you know of any other local attractions that should be included in a travel itinerary to South Padre Island? Leave a comment below!
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