South Padre Island - Home to Texas' Finest Beaches

South Padre Island is a barrier island and a town in the state of Texas. It's named after one of the first settlers, a Catholic priest, and is located along the Gulf Coast. The island was actually populated by Native Americans and Spaniards before the Padre came and started his ranch.
South Padre Island offers all kinds of outdoors activities. Just name it and you can find it on the island. From dolphin watching to surfing, riding, jet-skiing, skim-boarding, para-sailing, biking, diving, horseback riding, snorkeling, to wave-riding and kite-boarding - there's nothing you can't do on South Padre. Enjoy the striking sunsets on some of the best beaches in Texas, get a tan and just relax. South Padre island will offer you classy restaurants, nice beach bars and cute shops. But frankly, who needs all that when you can just lie on the beautiful beach? Great picnic areas can be found in Andy Bowie Park and Edwin Atwood Park.

One of the best trails to explore this magical island is the Laguna Madre Nature Trail with its astonishing boardwalk. It is an extremely popular place for bird watching. The island provides great sites for fishermen to test their luck and catch a really big fish. Golfers can also practice their favourite sport among the beautiful South Padre Island courses.

Something not to be missed is the Museums of Port Isabel Complex, which feature three main attractions - the Port Isabel Historical Museum, Treasures of the Gulf Museum and the Port Isabel Lighthouse. The Treasures feature shipwrecks of a Spanish vessel from the mid-16th century. It crashed just miles from Port Isabel and you can follow the whole story behind the tragic event. The historical museum is located in a building from the late 19th century and has an exhibition showing significant events of the area. The museum also has the biggest collection of Mexican art from the Mexican-American War, which is natural as the island was one of the most strategic locations during that war. The pearl of the crown in Port Isabel is the Lighthouse. Built in the mid-19th century it now serves as a museum and visitors can explore the living premises of the lighthouse keeper as well. Don't miss the spectacular view you once you get to the top of the Lighthouse.

Explore the Isla Blanca Park, an astonishing beach with white soft sands, perfect for your summer vacation.