South Padre Island is the place to be if you’re looking for ideal fishing adventures, beautiful sand, and breathtaking nature. Before tackling all the exciting things to do in South Padre Island, start by first learning all you can on the island itself. For instance, ask, “Where is South Padre Island in the first place?” Do your research on the general location, how and when to best fly or drive there, and more. We’ve got great South Padre Island beachfront rentals waiting for you!
About SPI & Location
South Padre Island is loaded with history museums and learning sites, which can be great to help you learn about the area and all that it’s been through to be what it is today. Visit the Port Isabel Historical Museum, the South Padre Island Welcome Sign, the Padre Jose Nicolas Balli Statue, Port Isabel Lighthouse, and South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. These make great starts to your sightseeing adventure.
South Padre Island currently stands as the world’s biggest barrier island (in measurements of longitude, at least). Until 1758, not much was known about the island, as there are very few documents or other pieces of historical evidence detailing who lived there.
It is primarily assumed that the Karankawa Native Americans were the first to dwell there prior. Nicolás Ballí owned the island around 1758, and in 1759, officially passed off its full ownership to Spain’s King Carlos III, who then gave it back over to Ballis’ grandson, Padre José Nicolás Ballí.
Shortly after, Jose brought in a few other settlers whom he knew and trusted to share the area with him and set up permanent residence and a church. The church they established eventually came to be a known Karankawa teaching center for Christian doctrine and faith. When Padre Balli was the island’s owner, the island was officially called Isla de Santiago. In English, this translates to “Island of James.” Padre Balli was one of the kindest, noblest men in the area.
South Padre Island Directions
Directions to South Padre Island aren’t that complicated. If McAllen is the location closest to you, I-2 is the fastest way to arrive by car. The whole trip there should take about an hour and a half. You’re looking at a one-way drive of 79.7 miles, of which you’ll start by locating I-2 E and entering the ramp on it.
In about 30 miles, stay on the right as this highway merges to become I-69E S/US-77 S/US-83 S and heads toward Brownsville. Get off exit 10B, which will say “Port of Brownsville – 10B EXT.” Stay on that path for several more minutes, and it will change names a few times, but in about six miles, you will see an “Exit 550 (TX)” come up on the left. Get off that ramp right away, and then stay on it until you see this next marked exit: TX-48 E. It’ll be on your left. Once you see it, get off on it. Stay on it to drive to E. Mesquite St. in South Padre Island, where you’ll turn right and eventually see the final destination in about 20 miles.
Things to Do in South Padre Island
Now it’s time to talk about fishing, the beach, dining spots, and other things you can do in the area. When looking for the best seafood restaurants, start with Daddy’s Seafood & Cajun Kitchen, an inspirational eatery for all who come in. People enter hungry and tired, and they leave recharged and happy. This restaurant boasts non-judgmental, happy vibes and “amazingly finger-licking” chicken and fish tacos. You can come in from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on most days except Fridays and Saturdays, during which they extend their open hours by an extra hour (closing at 11 p.m.). Don’t forget to pay a visit during happy hour!
If you like to fish, you must try SPI Fish Killer Charters, which runs its fishing charter services daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are incredibly well-known for boating you out to great fishing spots and offering expert advice on the kinds of bait & tackle you should use along with how best to cast, where to line up a split-shot (and even re-align it), and more.
If you have time to hit the beach, hit up Beach Park at Isla Blanca, which is open for beachgoers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the year. It’s got a terrific water park section and spotless restrooms with showers next to multiple open-space lockers. You should also try Treasure Island Circle, a beach that is open 24/7/365. There are abundant outdoor and indoor showers, which is incredibly convenient. There’s limited parking, so arrive early to beat the rush.
Plan Your Stay
We’re proud to offer many South Padre Island condos, ideal for groups of all sizes. You won’t be disappointed when you visit for yourself. Contact us now to book!
Book Your SPI Rental
Our team can talk day and night about why you should stay with Padre Getaways on your next vacation. Yet until you head out here for yourself and get a taste of the serene air outside on your South Padre Island rental balcony, it just won’t be the same.
