The burgers were thick, juicy and delicious and the onion rings were some of the biggest Ive ever had. You might make your own sandcastle or even take a sandcastle building lesson, but you also need to visit the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the US. Address: 7010 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas. South Padre Island North Packery Beach (J.P. Luby Surf Park), South Packery Channel Beach (Jetty Beach), 25 minutes from Downtown Corpus Christi, TX. The park is popular for camping, kayaking, birding, and more. Isla Blanca Beach is stunning, with vast white sands and plenty of room to accommodate all the visitors that it inevitably attracts. The Padre South Hotel On The Beach is a great option if you're looking for a clean and comfortable budget-friendly hotel with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Who doesnt love sea turtles? Jeff and I may be a bit odd but were interested in everything, how things work, how things are made, where things come from, why did they end up like that? This is not the most luxe property on the island, but it is in the process of upgrading. South Padre Island National Seashore is located north of South Padre Islands town center. Sunrise Fishing Excursion. WebShelling is best after a storm has passed through, producing a large storm surge, pushing large amounts of debris and shells far up onto the beach. With gorgeous sandy beaches and North Beach Webcam WebTwo-Bedroom/Two-Bath Suite (sleeps 1-6) 1 Queen-size bed in bedroom; 1 full-size sofabed in livingroom; 1 full-size bed and 1 twin-size bed in second bedroom; kitchenette. The natural wildlife reserve is a peaceful addition to any South Padre Island itinerary. Winter in South Padre Island TX: 7 Fun Reasons to Visit Tropical The amusement park is packed with rides and activities, including go-karts, mini-golf, and a reverse bungee. Ocean Palm is a wonderful place to stock up on clothing, beach accessories, and anything you may have forgotten at home. A handy shopping mall in the middle of South Padre, you can find brightly colored swimwear, T-shirts, and hoodies with the island's logo, plus beach towels and sun hats. One thing that makes this section of Texas so great is the excellent water activities on sites such as Laguna Madre Bay. Youll also see seabirds, The US Coast Guard Station, and the Space X location. Getting around South Padre Island is very straightforward. 16 Best South Padre Island Boondocking Spots for Winter THE TOP 10 South Padre Island Tours & Excursions in 2023 This is an excellent idea if you want to travel further afield, taking day trips to places like Padre Island National Seashore. Located on the beach backed by dunes, the Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island is on the northern side of the island. You can purchase tickets from the Keepers Cottage Visitor Center. Crystal Flats Guide Service offers excellent bay fishing. Of course, you can expect extra special fireworks if you visit South Padre Island on the 4th of July or Labor Day. Crystal Flats Guide Service doesnt take you right out to sea. Street | Urban | Travel | Photography by Marcus Puschmann, Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didnt do than by the ones you did do. Kids stay free; there is a kids' club on-site and a playground. This statue is a monument to fishermen lost at sea. Sometimes a treasure means being in the right place at the right time. The Monarch Butterfly was placed on the Endangered Species List and the center is working to restore Monarch Butterfly Habitat. It is also easily slotted into a busy itinerary, taking around 20 minutes to walk around. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. The 2-star hotel is not directly on the beach, but just a short walk from it. Time to turn around and search for more treasures as we stop along the way. The air-conditioned accommodation is less than 0.6 miles from Whitecap Beach, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site. The complimentary morning breakfast is another perk, and includes hot items like scrambled eggs, waffles, and biscuits and gravy. Depending on your requirements, you can book group, family, and private lessons. You drive up to Corpus Christi and then over the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway to reach the National Seashore. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. Read more here. Shelling on South Padre - South Padre Island Forum The stretching expanse of the boardwalk of the Laguna Madre Nature Trail is one of the best places to visit and one of the best free things to see in this part of Texas. If you liked the sound of the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, it offers a similar experience, just longer and with more varied attractions along the way. It also helps you to comprehend the number of turtles in need, and you can view the different treatments and techniques used to heal the creatures including metal braces and bandaging. WebI visited SPI 2 years ago and a local told me that there is a beach about 1/2 hour away where the shelling is excellent. We were just there found some really nice big shells down on the North end of the island.. Also in May we were there yes we have been twice in 2 mo Phone +1 956-761-4677. The 4-star Isla Grand Beach Resort is located on the island's south side, and it sits right on the beach, which is its best attribute. enjoy the warm and colorful winter scenes on South Padre Island. So, where should you stay on South Padre Island? Cruise with Adventures in Paradise to a remote barrier island only accessible by boat. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Sea Turtle Inc are located nearby. The ginger teriyaki tuna steak is a popular choice on the menu. For additional webcam views of South Padre Island click here! I am headed back in 3 weeks and was wondering if anyone can recommend a good place to go. Guests can choose from various room options, including suites with balconies overlooking the sea. See rates on Booking.com and compare on TripAdvisor, Isla Grand Beach Resortis a great mid-range accommodation option. The drive takes around three hours one way, and youll need to rent a car to visit. Shortly after we arrived, a lovely woman came over to welcome us to the park. Try to find the best property for your group, and we will make sure not to stop offering suggestions until you have found the perfect rental that you love! How often do they have to clear the sand? How long did it float around before it was covered and landed here? Kind of a metaphor for life. Little kids and big kids know it. The beach is just a short walk from the town center and all its amenities. Located just across the street from the beach on the north side of the island, La Quinta Inn & Suites is a mid-range property where kids stay free. This is a definite summer or springtime attraction ideal for those hot days when you cant face any real sightseeing. Walking up the spiral stairs is mildly vertigo-inducing but indeed an experience. There are also family suites. WebWinter in South Padre Island TX: 7 Fun Reasons to Visit. It includes all the tools to create beautiful sandcastles that can be used throughout your stay. The facilities are just as impressive as the price, with an outdoor heated pool, fitness center, and private beach access to enjoy. WebWater Sports at South Padre Island SPI Excursions offers the most exciting water sports on SPI, from parasailing, banana boat rides, fishing, jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, dolphin These four pelicans flanked us and guided us for miles. Blackbeards also has a great burger menu if you change your mind about seafood, including a select few vegetarian options. Amenities include a free breakfast with a made-to-order omelette station and Belgian waffles. Meets water quality standards. (Lunch NOT included in price. Spring is here! Guest writers for The Planet D offer insider tips and information on destinations that they are experts in. If you visit during a holiday, you can usually find some themed artwork, which is always good fun. They also come with kitchenettes. The resort also welcomes dogs under 25 pounds, with a maximum of two dogs per room and an additional fee. Enjoy a Beach Day at Isla Blanca Beach, 2. 21 Things to do on South Padre Island, Texas, 1. Sea Shell Isle South Padre Island The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a wardrobe and free WiFi. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. WebI visited SPI 2 years ago and a local told me that there is a beach about 1/2 hour away where the shelling is excellent. School is hard, South Padre Island is easy. Access is permitted only on public WebA Court Abalone Circle Abrahamson Dr. Abstract 260 Acapulco St. Achievement Ave Adams Agar Lane Agua Bravo Dr. Agua Nueva Akumal Dr. Alamo Trail Alba Circle Alcala Court Allen Dr. Alquds Ave. Alton Gloor Blvd. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast. Some have ocean views. A TV with satellite channels and a DVD player are featured. South Packery Channel Beach (Jetty Beach) - BeachCatcher.com Texas Sea Grant / flickr. Make sure to keep an eye out for dolphins. Cruising around the edges of Port Isabel we found, A beautiful raised cemetery tucked in between condos and expensive homes, The incredibly designed, supposedly haunted, 1926 Yacht Club Hotel. Both beaches tend to have very loose sand, which normally makes driving difficult even with four wheel drive. The further down the beach we get, the wilder and narrower it gets. There is something special about being surrounded by sand dunes, and you should bring your camera to capture the moment. All come with refrigerators, and room service is offered. These are our top suggestions for each budget level. Gravity Park is a fun evening out. South Padre Island loves its musicians; music is a big part of the island lifestyle. A stroll through the stalls on a sunny Sunday midday is a heavenly thing to do on South Padre Island. Other amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub, a fitness room, and a 24-hour front desk. The most important part of travel, for us, is the ability to go out and explore a 50 mile or more radius while having a comfortable place to come home to. South Padre Island has 34 miles of beaches, with windswept sand dunes and some of the best sand, sun, and shells along the Texas Gulf Coast. See rates on Booking.com and compare on TripAdvisor. One of the most unique things to do on South Padre Island is to take a sand castle lesson. There is a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a workout room on-site as well. Looking to book your next trip? You can also check the schedule to attend one of the hourly presentations or daily sea turtle feeding sessions. 14 Best Beaches on South Padre Island, TX | PlanetWare Laguna Madres history has been effectively condensed onto a giant timeline so you can literally walk through the ages. I was at the end of my trip though andcouldn't make it. Although there is not a restaurant on-site, there are plenty within walking distance. Standard Rooms, Queen Beds, Double Beds, Balcony with Island They gave us the biggest spot they had (which was a regular spot for a snowbird who had left for the season), happily chattered about all the best places to eat and shop and see, even going so far as to draw directions to the local grocery store because the roads are a little confusing. This bird was having a very hard time with his dinner! Ha ha thanks we travel so much I forget where I am half the time. The beach is open day and night all year round and entrance is free. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast each morning. Isnt technology great? Catch the trade winds in your sails. They have mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. Beach lovers know it. SHELLING VIDEO. If youre a beginner and dont have all the necessary fishing equipment, check the states Tackle Loaner Program. South Padre Island Farmers Market runs every Sunday until mid-afternoon, selling local produce and handmade goods. Here youll find miles of uninhabited beaches and shelling as well as the clearest waters in all of Southwest Florida. You can pick whatever activity piques your interest, from horseback riding on the beach to ziplining around a zipline circuit. One of the most popular beach resort destinations in Texas, South Padre Island attracts revelers to swim in its warm Gulf of Mexico waters and play at its many oceanfront resorts. And it just so happens that South Padre has firework displays every week for most of the year. WebA large tasteful condo in a small 8 condo complex with a beautifully landscaped, semi-private tropical pool, less than 1 block from the beach and yet very close to Padre Blvd. Once again, its not dark yet, time to explore the south end of the island so we can say we did the whole thing. The rooms and suites are spacious and come with views of either the Gulf of Mexico, Laguna Madre Bay, or the pool. Had it all figured out. Port Isabel Historical Museum is one of South Padre Islands most educational attractions. Dcor is funky retro and varies from room to room but expect features like rattan furniture, colorful bedspreads, and dark green carpets. There are also two dozen other restaurants less than a mile from La Copa Inn. South Padre Island Winter Weather is My friend and I want to hang at the beach while the guys golf. Address: 350 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front, an IHG Hotel. Address: 310 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas. National Seashore is a remote paradise in Texas and the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world. All the resident animals are rescues that are being rehabilitated or deemed unsuitable to be released back into the wild. The apartment includes a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, as well as a coffee machine. You wont be flipping buckets upside down the whole time to make standard castles. Make it yours. S outh Padre Island is an American barrier island located in Cameron County and Willacy County, in the State of Texas. 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in South Padre Island For those of you who are unfamiliar with snowbird destinations, let me enlighten you. Change). But you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men. Educational & fun for the whole family. Whether you are a history enthusiast or just want to learn more about a lesser-taught piece of history, visiting this museum is a great idea. You could be tucking into king crab legs or enjoying succulent Gulf Coast shrimp. The jetty is long enough for dozens of fishermen to find a place to fish from it! Portland, Texas. The end was anticlimactic. Our plans have most definitely gone awry. This is our second year of RV travel and Ive managed to develop a system for choosing parks that works. Catch the wind and ride the waves. Osprey Cruises are a popular option and operate all-year-round tours. The lessons run between one and three hours, and the result is guaranteed to be a masterpiece. Allow around an hour to enjoy the trail to its fullest. Our travel motto is see all the things, consequently my exploration plan-making is a little more intense. Amenities include a swimming pool, workout room, and free breakfast. Just be mindful of disrupting the dunes as little as possible. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. On the other hand, it wont take much effort to park your vehicle, since theres a lot of space on the sand and on-site parking is allowed for those with a beach parking permit. For historical status please check Swimguide.com, The PDF map will be sent as an email attachment. South Padre Island, Texas Gulf Coast. They offer partial beach or bay views and have microwaves and refrigerators in the room. Visiting Sea Turtle Inc. is one of the most wholesome ways to spend a couple of hours especially since the charity is entirely funded by visitors and donations. The center has over 3,300 feet of boardwalks that wind around the bay, an alligator sanctuary, an observation tower, five bird blinds, and a butterfly garden. Corpus Christi's beautiful beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Capital. See wildlife at Sea Turtle, Inc., have a fun evening at Gravity Park, or stroll along the shores of any of the local beaches. This There are great sunset views from the beach here. There is a kids' pool, as well as a large main swimming pool with a swim-up area where beverages are served. Every single park I looked at was either part of a membership club or they were cities unto themselves, with more activities and amenities than we could use in a lifetime. The 3-star hotel has retro-style rooms and suites. It is a much smoother, shorter experience, so consider it as an alternative if you are relatively new to fishing. The park is a mix of RVs and mobile homes and it is a gated community. Shelling is always an option. Yarborough Pass is located on Little Shell, just before the 15 mile marker. Head to South Padres old fishing pier for a relaxing afternoon. Here, there are more chairs for guests to use. I guess that explains why the information on the internet was incomplete. Amenities include three swimming pools with sun loungers and umbrellas. South Padre Island's 10 Best Onshore Fishing Spots - TripSavvy Situated in Corpus Christi, 1.3 miles from Whitecap Beach, Lively Beach features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar and a garden. Kiteboarders and windsurfers know it. Sun worshippers and sandcastle builders know it. Sat, Apr 08 2023. South Padre Island Adventure Park also has a petting barn. 1. Fisherman, cars and horses share the beach near the access road. Expedia It sounded like it might work for our needs, so we chose it. Then, on Fridays and Saturdays, you can catch fireworks at The Pier behind the Courtyard by Marriott. These come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. Guests will find a microwave and fridge in every room perfect for storing supermarket snacks. Captain Billy Sandifer 6/11/1947 - 3/31/2018 "Life's a hoot. There is a large main courtyard area with a life-sized chessboard that is fun to play. The dunes sit on the beachfront, located at the north end of Padre Boulevard. If you don't want to leave your dog home, pets are also welcome at this hotel. Good by the La Quinta on the end of the island. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. School is out for a week and theres no better time than Spring Break for some family-bonding. It is also part of the 25-acre Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, and guests receive discounted access to the park, which features multiple indoor and outdoor pools, slides, lazy rivers, and even a zipline. This one fell but someone took some time, the plastic caps have been nailed on. At around 9 pm most nights, you can head out to be entertained by loud noise and bright colors, all for the grand cost of zero dollars. Other amenities include a Mexican restaurant (hours can be limited, however), a kids' club, a small workout room, and a spa. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. A $10.00 fee plus $2.00 trash bag fee. The Redfish bite has been on fire! If you are traveling with kids there are interconnected room options. Osprey Cruises also provides all bait and tackle, keeping your day bag nice and light. Little Shell and Big Shell are located where northerly and southerly long shore currents meets. Its a calm and quiet sandy beach serving a kind of a border between Padre Island and Mustang Island. The details are impressive, with stairways that would impress Disney and realistic textures carved into the walls and roof. KIC's Seashell Emporium The biggest collection of 2023 South Padre Island Convention Center & CVB. This is a laser tag/ small amusement park. It has never been so easy to visualize your foods ocean-to-plate journey. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. There are also on-demand movies and video games. Port Isabel Lighthouse is a stunning landmark and state historic site. There are a number of amenities on-site. Photo Gallery. You can take a self-guided tour around the different pools, stopping to look at each rescued sea turtle. Facts about south padre island: The barrier island off the southern coast of Texas is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is separated from the mainland by Laguna You can learn more about ongoing coastal concerns and how you can do your bit to help out. All Rights Reserved. The good news is, a little way back, at beach access #5 or #6 you can pay $12.00 to drive on the sand. Chances are, building sand castles was a skill you either taught yourself or your parents showed you with a bucket and spade. Part of it is sad, trash and plastics have been washed up and the black on the beach is oil from the many pipelines that run through the Gulf, but to us and apparently others, its like treasure hunting. I began to despair of ever finding a place to stay. Areas on this part of Padre Island are referenced by their distance from the end of the Perhaps youll even spot bottlenose dolphins if you are lucky. You can also book a jet ski rental to explore Laguna Madre independently. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Quite a few (dead), Portuguese Man-of War. There is also a kids' pool with a waterslide. Copyright 2023 South Padre Island Vacation Rentals. Even if you decide that deep sea fishing isnt for you, be that due to limited time or budget, there are plenty of other fishing trips. All rooms are spacious with a modern vibe and come with comfy beds featuring Tempur-Pedic mattresses and crisp white linens. WebBenefit from personalized attention on this private fishing charter on the Laguna Madre from South Padre Island. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); {{cleanBedsStr}} {{cleanBathsStr}} Sleeps {{unit.sleeps}}. In addition to that, early in the morning or late in the evening, there are good chances to see the local fauna, including sea turtles. It is a bucket list-worthy experience. Now that weve covered all the best things to do on South Padre Island, lets look at some common frequently asked questions. There are also many smaller pieces of sand art nearby, so allow at least an hour to look around. Having opened in 1993, it has years of experience under its belt. SEA SHELL ISLE 2C | South Padre Island, TX | South Padre Where theres a will theres a way! Private Sunset Cruise South Padre Island. +1-956-299-2401. There are two Free Trolley pick up at your hotel or condo on Sanibel. Some people like to stay at big resorts with lots of amenities and activities and others enjoy boondocking for long periods, in the wilderness. How amazing is this? South Packery Channel Beach is a place to enjoy meditative strolls and impressive sunsets. If you are traveling as a group and can rotate drivers, this journey will be a breeze. Many have ocean viewstry to book a high floor. SPI Excursions offers the most exciting water sports on SPI, from parasailing, banana boat rides, fishing, jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, dolphin watching, and more. Best souvenir shops near South Padre Island, TX 78597 - Yelp The casual eatery might look unassuming but dont be fooled; it has been serving delicious seafood since 1978 and has quite the cult following. 4.3 miles from Mustang Island State Park and 17.4 miles from American Bank Center Convention Center, the resort offers a private beach area. South Continue reading. WebThe Wilderness Beach: A Down-Island Drive on Texas' National Seashore, by Aaron Reed. Many fishermen like to come to South Packery Channel Beach since this place offers opportunities for easy fishing and a big catch of various fish species, including grouper, trout, kingfish, and tarpon. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Firework displays quickly become one of the favorite South Padre Island attractions in summer. South Padre Island How is South Padre Island for Seashells? - Tripadvisor WebBeach lovers know it. The suites are modern, clean, and comfortable with plenty of space to move around. It is a humbling drive to pay your respects. (53 They are clean and comfortable, and many have great ocean views. A walkway leads down to the beach. WebPadre Getaways 2500 Padre Blvd. Visit the South Padre Island Farmers Market, Book this 90 minute dolphin watch excursion. Valley International, McAllen and Brownsville-South Padre Island airports have all had flights canceled over the past two days, with a number of others delayed. You can tuck in knowing that your food is fresh and locally caught. WebLocation: 5200 Padre Blvd Suite 105, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA Open: Friday from 1 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from 1 pm to 9 pm, SundayThursday from 1 pm to 7 pm Web Visit website. Its too early to eat, way to early to drink, its not spring break and its foggy and the ocean is cold.