South Padre Island Attractions and Activities that Will Cool You Off This Summer

If you’re searching for South Padre Island indoor activities (and even some outdoor ones), know that the doable list of things is infinite.

There are endless sea turtle spots, massage therapy parlors, ice cream shops, retail stores, and much more. For most of the year, the typical warm-weather sits right around 80°F, so you’re likely to want a break from the heat at some point.

Check out some of these popular local attractions during your stay in one of our South Padre Island rentals

Sea Turtle, Inc.

Open Tuesday-Sunday (10-4), this is one of the top local places to educate yourself on turtle life and join the efforts to conserve their habitat. Every one of the doctoral staff members here is a renowned expert on sea life, many holding degrees in ecology, so whatever question you may have on the small and large breeds available, their way of life, or even their diet, they can answer. This conservatory and rehabilitative center for turtles is all about helping injured red-eared sliders (and countless other breeds) to eventually heal and make their way back to the ocean where they belong. It’s all about nursing them back to health, and their small turtle hospital funding campaign has already raised over $2,000 (with a goal of $1 million) to help provide all the facilities and resources to make this happen long-term.

The staff considers the off-season to run from August 16 – May 31, but you can still get in during this time from 10-4 (on any day but Monday). The more active season is the summer season (June 1 – August 15), so get in during this time from 10-5 (any day but Monday). All tours are self-guided, so enjoy at your own pace.

Jet Ski Tour 

This excursion is available from Parrot Eyes Watersports, found at 5801 Padre Blvd Rear (open 9-4 Tues-Sun). It runs 1.5 hours for just $170 per jet ski driver (or $25 per additional passenger; one sitting in the back is allowed). You can take a guided tour with a guide pointing out all the great spots, or you can drive your jet ski and follow one of the tour guides as they explain the area, point out features, and lead you around. Suppose you’ve got a modern phone with a fancy camera perfect for taking pictures. In that case, the business lets you borrow any of their underwater-capable, 100% waterproof cases for these (many sizes available, to fit many models perfectly). Just ask for this case at the front desk. 

man enjoying the ocean waves on a jet ski
Photo from Shutterstock

The official boater’s safety certification, as required by law, must be shown upfront if you wish to drive one of the jet skis. If you were born in September of 1993 or later, you must also have a Texas Boater Safety Certificate if you’d like to operate a PWC of any kind.  

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Port Isabel offers quite a touch of excellence overall when it comes to friendly areas for things to do in South Padre Island. This area is top-class and shouldn’t get missed on any visit. But more than anything, make it a priority not to miss the lighthouse (open 10-9 daily from May 26 to September 6). One of the top places to visit in South Padre Island, you’ll find this historic state lighthouse to be tall, white, and beautiful. Locals built it in 1952 as the primary means to Port Isabel (ideally when coming from the Brazos Santiago Pass). In April of 1976, the lighthouse made history by officially getting listed and registered at the National Register of Historic Places; it “officially” made its mark on local society and began to accept interested visitors. Admission is only $3 for kids 4-12, $4 for seniors 55 and older, and $5 for adults. A minimum height requirement of 38″ is in place to tour this lighthouse. 

Each guest is highly encouraged to sanitize their hands before and after each tour for safety and public health. Many freehand sanitizer units are placed throughout the lighthouse and its entrance area. You can buy your admission tickets right at the lighthouse itself or the nearby Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center (open Mon-Fri, 9-5). Tours are self-guided here once more, but if you’d like a bit of additional backstory, you can request a free-with-admission, basic orientation right at the main visitor center or at the lighthouse’s base. Learn some coastal history today. 

Plan Your Stay

Our South Padre Island bayside rentals are top-notch, especially if you never want to spend a minute away from the water. Regardless of what the perfect vacation looks like for you, Padre Getaways is happy to help you make it happen. We cater to the needs of all, whether it’s your first time on SPI or you return to the area year after year. Book any of our South Padre Island rentals now by contacting our team!

A Dinner Cruise 

This adventure is offered by Breakaway Cruises (33384 State Park Rd 100), which you can call any time at (956) 761-2212; they’re open from 8-5 daily. You can catch the sunset while eating a delicious meal simultaneously during this cruise, even with 2-4 different couples alongside you. The way to have the most fun on a cruise like this is to bring along another group or some family members to enjoy the experience with you. This cruise runs year-round for just $45 per person and features onboard entertainers like Ron Z. You will be laughing in your chair, relaxing alongside your loved ones every minute, a promise Breakaway Cruises makes to you.

All vessels that run this cruise are fully USCG-certified, and the staff and captains working their magic behind the scenes are only the best in this industry. You can come to enjoy the experience any time of year, but they also offer memorable experiences for occasions like Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a unique circumstance or just another fun thing to do on your vacation, you’re sure to enjoy a delightful dinner cruise!

Book Your SPI Rental 

Now that you’ve got an idea of things to do while you’re in town, you’ll need a place to stay. That’s where Padre Getaways comes in. We’re primarily known for our luxurious South Padre Island condos, ideal for groups of all sizes. You’ll be just moments away from all the major South Padre Island attractions, and inside your rental, you’ll enjoy amenities like high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, large bedrooms and bathrooms, and so much more.