Things to Do in South Padre Island

The toughest decision you’ll make while you’re in South Padre Island will be what you’re going to do during each day of your vacation.

Surrounded by beautiful scenery that’s teeming with wildlife, the area is a virtual paradise just waiting to be explored.

Read on to see just a few of the many things to do in South Padre Island.

So fun. Beach, wind & water sports.

Dive in and hit the waves. It’s so fun. Get active and take up kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand-up paddle boarding or flyboarding. Rent your equipment and take a lesson from a variety of local vendors. Take a sandcastle building lesson with local sand artists; this is the “Sandcastle Capital of the World.”, after all. Or, get extreme and take a leap with Skydive SPI for the view of a lifetime. And, if you’re looking to stay indoors, check out Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Beach Resort’s inland surfing attraction, uphill water coasters, and more fun than should be allowed.

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So epic. Hook a fish! Then, cook your catch.

Reel in your next meal. And, have it cooked fresh. C’mon, that’s so epic. Book a half or full-day bay or deep sea excursion - inshore or offshore, charter boats or kayaks, surfcasting or wading. You can get bowed up no matter what species you're targeting. What’s more is many local restaurants will prepare your fresh catch for lunch or dinner, any way you like it - think grilled, blackened, fried and more. Tight lines! 

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So cool. Dining, drinks, & live music galore.

After a long day of fun, you can be so cool with the many night life options. Grab a bite and a cold one at one of more than 40 local dining spots. Casual, take out, and fine dining – most with beach and bayside views – make for the perfect dining experience. And, don’t forget to check out our firework displays (April – October) from most waterside dining options - talk about dinner with a view!

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So chill. Be one with nature.

Slow down. Be one with nature. It’s so chill. Check out the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary and Convention Centre grounds for prime viewing spots. Or visit Sea Turtle Inc., an educational, rehabilitation and rescue facility and one of the few places in the world where you can see a baby Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Book an eco-tour or dolphin watch on the Laguna Madre Bay. Or, go horseback riding on the beach with Island Adventure Park.