South Padre Island (SPI) is a Rio Grande Valley gem! You can lose yourself in 34 miles of white sand and a warm, clear ocean. There is something for everyone at SPI – you can chillax or pack your day with adventures! SPI was named “2022 Destination of the Year” by the Texas Travel Awards, and other publications have named it one of the five best beaches in Texas.
I remember coming to the Island as a kid and how much I loved to dip my toes in the water and play in the sand. Most things have stayed the same for me. Well, now I bring a good book to accompany my ocean toe-dipping, and I love to look for cool-looking shells.
As you drive over the causeway onto SPI and travel right to the end, you’ll find the pristine beach, Isla Blanca. This is a popular beach with all the amenities: a pavilion where you can sit and enjoy barbecuing, a gift shop, and a restaurant. You can rent an umbrella and beach chairs, too. The beach here is deep and wide, and you can see the Jetties and the huge statue of Jesus. There is a boardwalk where you can sit and enjoy the view. Because this is such a popular beach, expect crowds, children, rowdy folks, and boom boxes. If this isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other calmer beaches to enjoy.
For other beach experience options, turn left after you cross the causeway. The beach access points are all numbered. There are a couple where you pay and can drive onto the beach, but I don’t recommend it if you 1) don’t have a 4-wheel drive or 2) want a peaceful, uncrowded experience. People bring their families, grills, music, and food trucks drive up and down the beach. If you like lots of activity and people-watching, this might be a good option for you. I recommend exploring the different beaches until you find one you like.
I seek a peaceful and more serene experience and I found it by driving five minutes up the road. You’ll experience dunes on both sides of the road until the road ends (you’ll be going North). Park along the side of the road, and you’ll find a vast beach with plenty of open space to find your spot. I love to set up my chair a few feet from the water’s edge, take in the ocean's sounds, sights, and smells, and read and write. This is my Nirvana. It might become yours, too!
There are fun activities to do also. You can rent a slingshot or golf cart and drive up and down the island, go parasailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding (on the bay side), and horseback riding on the beach. There is also the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, a great place to visit to learn about birds and alligators and enjoy a nature walk along the extensive boardwalk. Sea Turtle, Inc. is another great place to visit and support. They rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles and lead conservation efforts for these magnificent creatures.
After a day of fun in the sun, my next quest is to have an ice-cold beer and a good meal. My favorite go-to places include F&B, a more upscale restaurant with a great menu. The Spanish octopus and calamari salad is delicious, as is the whole salt-crusted red snapper. They occasionally have Grand Marnier Soufflé on the menu, which I highly recommend! Another good eatery is Sea Ranch. I like to have the King Crab legs and the panned grilled red snapper. Padre Island Brewery has pretty decent beer. Blackbeard’s has good crab cakes, and Clayton’s on the Beach serves a yummy, blackened fish taco – and you can enjoy a cold beer sitting outside overlooking the beach. It’s relaxing and fun to sit and people-watch.
After a great day at the beach and a satisfying meal, I am a happy camper eager to return to my beloved South Padre Island!
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