10 Top Things to do In South Padre Island, Texas

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!

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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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July 21, 2020

10 Best Things to Do in the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Your essential mini guide with the best beaches, restaurants and attractions in the Alabama Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and surroundings.

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June 8, 2020

Best Beaches to Visit from Dallas

Top beach vacations within a driving distance from Dallas.

Where to bury your feet in the sand in Texas and surrounding states without hoping on a plane
(hint: yep, Texas has AMAZING white sand beaches!)

In need of a beach fix but not in the mood for a plane ride? We got your back!

Find here the most amazing beaches in Texas and surrounding states within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas, and prepare to bury your feet in the sand.

From exclusive destinations in the Florida Emerald cost nothing short of spectacular, to stunning beaches as close as 5h45 driving from Dallas you wouldn’t expect to find in Texas not even in your wildest dreams, here you find the best Gulf Coast beaches to visit from Dallas, with all the info you need to make the most of your trip.

Read the posts above, find out the best things to do in these superb beach travel destinations and hit the road!

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May 27, 2020

Best Texas Beaches to Visit from Dallas

4 Texas beaches that are totally worth the trip

(and 3 you should skip altogether!)

Find out the most amazing Texas beaches within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas.

I was told several times I should not waste my time with Texas beaches. That I should head to Florida or hop on a plane instead. I’m glad I was stubborn enough to ignore those (so) untrue statements!

Life is short to wait for the next long vacation. And better on the beach. So, after doing some extensive research, I embarked on a personal mission to discover the best Texas beach within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas. One that could be reached in a long weekend, when I got beach sick and felt like burying my feet in the sand.

And I’m happy to announce that I succeeded!

On my quest for the perfect Texas beach, I spent a long weekend exploring the Port Aransas – Corpus Christi coast, around 6 hours away from Dallas. There I discovered not only one but 4 amazing summer spots. And a surprisingly gorgeous beach that took the game to a whole new level!

Here I share with you the bumps and humps of my adventure, so you can avoid tourist traps and enjoy the best beaches around. And my soulmate Texas beach, a hidden gem you must include in your bucket list now!

Keep reading and find out the best way to explore the area and have the time of your life. Fast your flip flops and enjoy!

For another trip ideas closer to Dallas, check our top weekend getaways. Tons of surprising destinations within 4 hours driving from DFW.

4 Must-Visit Texas Beaches Ranked

Those 4 Texas beaches are truly special, for different reasons, and worth the trip. They are all within a reasonable driving distance from each other and can be covered in a single visit to the Corpus Christi or Port Aransas areas.

I’ve ranked them (in descending order) according to my personal taste and experience but go check and decide by yourself which is your favorite!

Rockport Beach

4th Place

 3.5/5

Rockport is Texas only Blue Wave Beach. Meaning you can expect a super clean beach with all amenities – including handicap access – and swimmable waters.

Rockport was one of the most instagrammable of all beaches visited during the trip. The palapas, smooth sand and blue waters make the perfect background for snapshots, giving the impression you are in the Caribbean!

Rockport is a bay beach, so there are no waves. The water is shallow and warm during summer. There are play areas and a pavilion with picnic tables and showers. So, it is a perfect family destination and it was the favorite beach of all for the little ones that joined me in this adventure.

I liked it. And would be back. I think that it is worth visiting and for some people it can even become their favorite beach spot in Texas.

But Rockport beach was not my favorite beach among all visited because I prefer more untouched places and I missed that “beachy” vibe. It felt more like a man-made beach to me.

Padre Island National Seashore's North Beach

3rd Place

 3.7/5

North Beach is at the northernmost section of the Padre Island National Seashore, right before Malaquite Beach. It is a 5-mile beach stretch opened to driving (no 4×4 required, watch weather and beach conditions and use caution though).

Expect dunes, white and soft sand and clear blue waters. The visual is amazing.

This is your beach if you want the visual of Malaquite Beach (see bellow) but prefers or needs to park on the beach. And if free camping sounds good to you.

The downside is that there are no amenities – you must drive to Malaquite’s Beach Visitor Center for restrooms and showers.

IMPORTANT: This is the North Beach inside the Padre Island National Seashore. Don’t mistake it by the North Beach in Corpus Christi! Use this GPS coordinates: 27.4774, -97.2742

Mustang Island State Park

2nd Place

 4/5

Mustang Island State Park is beautiful. It has over 5 miles of shoreline, meaning that even in the most crowd days you can find your secluded spot under the sun (the pic above was taken during Labor weekend!). The sand is soft, the water is clear, and you are surrounded by dunes, with no signs of civilization other than a trash can here and there.

Mustang Island State Park’s beach is divided into two sections. One for the pedestrians, to the left, usually crowded and not very nice. And one for cars, to the right, crowded in the beginning – where the camping areas are – but very desert and pleasant if you keep driving for one or two miles. Go for the second option and you won’t regret. A 4-wheel drive is recommended, but we used a regular SUV and did just fine (weigh the risks before jumping in though).

Park access fee is USD 5.00 per person (children 12 and under are free). At the entrance of the park you will find amenities such as restrooms and showers. There is no concession inside, so bring drinks and snacks.

This was the second beach I visited in this trip and it wowed me. I wasn’t expecting to find such a nice beach in Texas because of what I’d heard about Texas beaches and due to my own personal experience (Galveston…).

It could have become my favorite Texas beach if I hadn’t found in the following days one that took the game to a whole new level.

I’ll definitively be back (actually I already did lol, we liked it so much that we stopped by next day to watch the sunset).

Malaquite Beach

1st Place

 5/5

Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow wow.

This beach made me wonder if someone had put something in my breakfast. Ridiculously white and soft sand. Dunes. Crystal clear turquoise blue ocean. Spotting a sea turtle in the water while swimming. Stumbling upon a huge band of birds with hundreds of Pelicans and Seagulls during a beach walk. Feeling basically alone at the beach right in the middle of Labor Weekend.

I didn’t expect to find such an amazing beach in Texas, not even in my wildest dreams.

Malaquite Beach is so far my favorite Texas beach. And for good my top one considering the beaches within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas – 6h 30 m, doable for a long weekend.

It is at the Padre Island National Seashore, the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, with 70 miles of seashore (don’t mistake it by South Padre Island, much further from Dallas). Entrance fee is USD 10.00 per car.

Malaquite Beach is the only stretch of the Padre Island National Seashore closed to driving and with amenities such as showers, restrooms and a visitors’ center. The other sections are a 60 mile stretch after Malaquite Beach that requires a 4-wheel drive and a 5 mile stretch before Malaquite Beach suitable for regular cars (see North Beach above in this post)

When you get to the beach, walk to the left from the Visitors Center to beat the crowds. I visited Malaquite Beach during Labor weekend and the stretch of beach right in front of the parking lot access was not nice and too crowded, but I walked less than 5 minutes to the left and it was paradise!

3 Texas Beaches to Skip

(but that worth a stop for other reasons)

Those beaches didn’t wow me. Actually, I even disliked them.

But they all offer something special beyond the beach itself, so I would recommend you including them in your itinerary if you have extra time or if the experiences mentioned bellow speak to you.

And staying in Port Aransas to explore the area, despite of the beach there not being the best.

Port Aransas Beach

The beach right at Port Aransas is not bad. But with so many nicer beaches within a driving distance – the four I mentioned above – I wouldn’t waste my time there. Port Aransas beach is not as clean as the other ones. The water not as clear and the sand not as white, so…

But still, I highly recommend you using Port Aransas as your base to explore the area.

Port Aransas is a charming seaside town with good restaurants, nightlife and entertainment options. It is within a short driving distance from the best beaches in the Gulf Coast: Malaquite Beach, Padre Island Seashore’s North Beach, Mustang Island State Park and Rockport.

Port Aransas has that laid-back beach vibe you are probably looking for when heading to the beach, with still tons of things to do. Much better than staying in Corpus Christi (a big city), in my opinion.

While in town, try one of the following restaurant options: Crazy Cajun, Venetian Hot Plate or La Playa. All recommended by a local foodie. Make reservations in advance, especially during summer and holidays. I tried the Crazy Cajun and loved it. It is a unique experience, with seafood served directly on the table to be eaten with your bare hands. Cool and tasty!

For a treat, make sure to stop by the Desserted Island Ice Cream, if only for the ambiance. I loved the vibe and decor. And their famous warm brownie sundae, of course!

Bob Hall Pier Beach

On the day of my visit the beach by Bob Hall Pier was way too crowded and it turned me off.

It is true that it was Labor Weekend. And that crowds should be expected. But with amazing and much more tranquil beaches such as Padre Island’s North Beach, Malaquite Beach and Mustang Island State Park only a few miles from there, I wouldn’t spend the day on this beach.

I would still recommend you stop by Bob Hall Pier though, on your way back from Malaquite Beach or North Beach. You can actually drive to Bob Hall Pier from North Beach on the sand.

The views from the pier are gorgeous. You can walk the pier to watch the sunset (USD 3.00 fee per person), fish or just take in the views. And even have a meal or a drink at the waterfront Mikel May’s restaurant.

North Beach in Corpus Christi

North Beach is a big city beach. So, you can imagine what to expect. The sand is not soft, the water not really clean and the surroundings very urban. Not my favorite type of beach.

But Corpus Christi’s North Beach hides a Texas gem and that is worth the trip.

North Beach is home to the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier, used by the American Navy during the Second World War. It is a massive and impressive ship, currently a museum. You can visit it or admire it from Pier 99 restaurant outdoor patio, overlooking the USS Lexington.

I would recommend a stop for a late lunch at Pier 99 before heading back to Dallas. It is a laid-back beach style restaurant with a beautiful scenery. Not the best meal I’ve ever had, but food was tasteful, prices reasonable and I loved the vibe and the views.

Summing Up

There are amazing beaches within a driving distance from Dallas. Bam!

No, you don’t need to leave the state or drive 10 hours to South Padre Island to find a decent beach. Instead, drive about 6 hours to Port Aransas and explore 4 beautiful beaches in the Texas Gulf Coast: Malaquite Beach and North Beach at the Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park and Rockport Beach.

It is not a short drive. I know. But it is one totally doable in a long weekend.

It took me 3 days to explore the 7 beaches mentioned here. Not all the beaches were worth the stop, so you can read this post and focus solely on the best ones. And take advantage of the tips above to enjoy your visits to the fullest. So, make your plans and spend the very next holiday unwinding on an amazing Texas beach!

If you happen to know of a superb Texas beach less than 6 hours away from Dallas not mentioned in this post, PLEASE let me know. I’ll be more than happy to check on that.

And after visiting the beaches I mention here, please let me know your impressions and findings! Did you like Malaquite Beach as much as I did? Did you prefer the pedestrian beaches or the ones you could reach driving? Have you found any hidden gems worth sharing?

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May 21, 2020

Grand Canyon Travel Guide

All you need to know to make the most of your trip to the Grand Canyon National Park
Things to do and places to see in an unforgettable road trip to the Grand Canyon and surroundings.

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September 13, 2019

Discover all must-sees and must-dos in South Padre Island, one of the best beach vacation destinations in Texas.

Isla Blanca Park - Beach Access # 16

Edwin K. Atwood Park

South Padre Sand Dunes

Sea Turtle Inc

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Dolphin Watching Tour

Lighthouse at Port Isabel

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Waterfront Restaurants

Summing Up

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Top beach vacations within a driving distance from Dallas.

More trip and leisure ideas coming soon. Subscribe for free and get inspiration right to your inbox!

4 Texas beaches that are totally worth the trip

(and 3 you should skip altogether!)

4 Must-Visit Texas Beaches Ranked

Rockport Beach

Padre Island National Seashore's North Beach

Mustang Island State Park

Malaquite Beach

3 Texas Beaches to Skip

(but that worth a stop for other reasons)

Port Aransas Beach

Bob Hall Pier Beach

North Beach in Corpus Christi

Summing Up

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