Island Activities

Take the family on an adventure through South Padre Island Adventure Park, which offers horseback riding and ATV tours. ATV tours follow a private sand dune track with 30-minute rentals. They also have zip lining. Fee. Far north end of the island

Five species of turtles are found in the Gulf of Mexico waters and all are threatened like the endangered Kemp Ridley. Sea Turtle, Inc. is a super cool interactive spot that kids of all ages will love as they work to save sea turtles injured as well a assist with hatching of new baby turtles. Fee. Across from Clayton’s Beach Bar

Nature-lovers will be happy to see this huge facility that covers all of the bird species. NEW attraction is the gators! Fee. Located across from Clayton’s Beach Bar

The Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is open mid-April to mid-September. Waterslides, lazy river, and the new indoor water park (open year round on weekends) as well as the huge splash castle welcome you. Coolers allowed you can bring in food just no booze. Fee. Located far south end of Island.

501 E. Maxan St., Port Isabel, 78597, TX, South Padre Island, TX
Before crossing the bridge to South Padre Island, stop in Port Isabel and check out its nearby attractions, including this popular pirate adventure cruise. Kids will enjoy swashbuckling fun like…

Located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island, Isla Blanca is one of the island’s most popular and beautiful beaches. The 1-mile stretch of sand is super packed on the weekends in the summer. The park features a brand new $5 million pavilion with snacks & ice cream. BYOB is allowed in this county park. Fee. Far south end of island.

The only lighthouse along Texas’ Gulf Coast that is open to the public, the Port Isabel Lighthouse is one of 16 lighthouses that protected ships from the barrier islands at the turn of the century. Climb to the top for your instagram photos! Fee. In Port Isabel

Is it raining out? Consider the short drive to Bobz World located just 20 minutes from South Padre Island in Los Fresnos. Massive arcade and & gift shop, including black light mini golf inside. Fee.

Contact Isla Tours or American Diving to go on a $15 two hour eco dolphin watch tour aboard a catamaran in the Gulf of Mexico. BYOB cruises, also they do Friday & Saturday night (summer) fireworks cruises

Sonny’s Beach Service (located at Pearl Resort OR beachfront at The Saida Towers) offers $20 per person banana boat rides behind a jet ski in the golf of Mexico

Head on down to Longboards Bar & Grill or go to Cococnuts Bar & Grill to rent a jet ski. About $75 for 30 minutes.

Gene & Rachel Gore give the world’s BEST surfing lessons (check out spadre.com to book) perfect for kids and families. You do NOT need to know how to swim as water is plenty shallow.

There are many shallow sport boat trips out in the Laguna Madre flats for anglers. Nearly all guided trips are guaranteed you catch fish or you do not have to pay. We recommend Gary Farmer 956 459 0594 as one of the best guides on South Padre Island. Expect to pay $350-$400 for a fully equipped half day trip with gear, boat, guide, the works. Bring sunscreen and BYOB

Contact Isla Tours OR the Osprey for group Snapper trips. About $30 per person

This is for you big dawgs that want to go 40 to 50 miles off shore for Marlin & Grouper – contact Breakaway Cruises for pricing.

Let’s face it, when people go to south padre island, they drink their faces off. Bars that always have people include BOB’s, Longboard, Coral Reef, Kelly’s Irish Pub, & Louies Backyard. Older crowd does the Quarterdeck at Isla Grand a lot as well.