Holiday homes & rentals in South Padre Island

South Padre Island is located at the extreme south-east tip of the United States, off the coast of mainland Texas. Accommodation here includes large resort-style villas with private pools, all situated a very short distance from the beach. Indulge in outdoor activities or simply sunbathe with a drink and enjoy the excellent weather.

Getting to your South Padre Island accommodation

The city is served by three airports, namely Valley International Airport, Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport and McAllen Miller International Airport. A taxi or hire car will get you to your South Padre Island holiday accommodation in no time. To get around the island, use The Wave, which is South Padre Island's free public bus line.

What to eat in South Padre Island

Like most beachside destinations, South Padre Island excels in seafood, and offers fish such as marlin, red snapper, kingfish and flounder. Why not savor some grilled oysters while dolphins frolic in the Gulf? Boomerang Billy's, meanwhile, serves tantalizing "beach-friendly" food such as chicken tacos and burgers, while Dirty Al's thrills visitors with its fried seafood and seafood market. For authentic Japanese fare, head to Kohnami Restaurant which is the island's only Japanese eatery.

For drinking establishments, South Padre Island offers everything from swanky rooftop lounges to hole-in-the-wall bars frequented by friendly locals. For live music, consider Quarterdeck Lounge which showcases bands from Vegas, Chicago, New York and all over the U.S. End the day at your South Padre Island holiday letting and kick start the next morning with fluffy pancakes and waffles from Yummies Bistro's. SPI pampers its foodies, so dig in!

Joining in the fun with the spring breakers

As spring temperatures are so lovely on South Padre Island the area is a focal point for college kids taking spring break holidays. If you are looking for a livelier experience in the bars and clubs around the island March to May is the best time to visit.

Things to do and see on South Padre Island

South Padre Island's biggest claim to fame is its marvellous coastline that runs for miles. For information on waterside and recreational activities, stop by the South Padre Island Visitors Centre. Waterbabies will have their hands full on this cheery island: there's jet skiing, surfing, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, windsurfing and more to choose from. There are also dolphin cruises that let you get up-close-and-really-personal to these adorable mammals. Shelling, horseback riding on the beach, tennis, hiking and biking will keep the land lubbers occupied.

While on South Padre Island, consider a course in kiteboarding, wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or surfing. Lettings and trained staff are at your disposal. If you're in town for the summer, don't miss the dazzling firework displays every Thursday and Friday night at the Laguna Madre Bay, and every Friday and Saturday night over the Gulf of Mexico.

Art and culture on South Padre Island

"Spring Break Central" island has its artsy side too! The three most important historic sites to visit are the Port Isabel Lighthouse, the Port Isabel Historical Museum, which houses a huge collection of artifacts from the U.S.-Mexican War, and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum. All three sites can be visited at a discounted price if purchased together, and kids under five can go for free.

Family holidays on South Padre Island

Kids will love Gravity Park which features the World's Tallest Reverse Bungee, Go-Karts, climbing walls,
frog hoppers, trampolines and kiddie cars. The Black Dragon Pirate Ship cleverly recreates a seventh century pirate galleon with superb entertainment onboard.

Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is a pleasant break from the sweltering heat. Enjoy water rides, a surfing machine and the sandcastle play space. Take the kids bird-watching on the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, which is home to more than 300 species of birds. It is close to the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Centre which has a bird-watching boardwalk and a fantastic viewing tower. End the day cooling off back at your South Padre Island holiday letting in complete privacy.

Dining and chilling out

The island is also great for quieter and more family-friendly entertainment with a number of excellent eateries serving delicious seafood including lobster. Blackbeard’s Restaurant serves casual family fare, while Laguna BOB offers food and drinks in a bar-shack style setting.

Regular events and festivities on South Padre Island

SPI opens its cultural calendar with the South Padre Island Polar Bear Dip in January, followed by the Annual Kite Festival in February. Spring break takes place in March/April while summer features the Beachcombers Art Show and Texas International Fishing Tournament.

The year comes to a spellbinding close with the Harbor Lights Festival where the Bayfront Marina is adorned with festive lights.

South Padre Island is truly an inspiring family destination, so book your holiday letting on SPI and dive on in.

The top locations to visit on South Padre Island

Queen Isabella State Fishing Pier

A long pier giving a great panoramic view to both directions of the island, tis is a great place to stock up on fishing bait or simply browse the charming shops.

Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark

A popular waterpark for families and spring breakers the park offers a childrens’ play area, carousel and pools as well as helmet diving experiences and the Blackbeard’s Twister water slide for thrill-seekers.

Sea Turtle, Inc.

A centre dedicated to education and preservation of these magnificent marine creatures, Sea Turtle Inc offers special childrens’ activities and individual tours. Turtles are referred to as ‘residents’ and ‘patients’.

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Centre

A number of exotic and beautiful birds are on display in authentic habitats that vary throughout the year depending on migratory patterns. Also see the magnificent Butterfly Garden.

South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Centre

Here you can learn about the efforts to preserve dolphins and see them in their natural habitat as you take a boat tour.

Frequently Asked Questions