Location: South Padre Island
Top Things to do in South Padre Island
The 9 Best Free Things to do in South Padre Island, Texas (TX)
Right off the southern tip of Texas is the tropical paradise of South Padre Island. This barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico offers vacationers a sunny respite from the daily grind. Gaze at a magnificent sunset from the flats, laze on the white sandy beach or go deep sea fishing and cook your catch at Andy Bowie Park. Take a dolphin-watch tour, look for more than 300 species of birds at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center and dine on fresh Texas Gulf seafood.
Restaurants in South Padre Island
1. Paragraphs on Padre Boulevard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Paragraphs is a full-service independent bookstore handling a broad selection of new and gently used titles. We have a well-stocked children's section, games and puzzles for all ages, and a variety of other book-related sidelines. Watch our website for a schedule of book signings and other events. Browsing is welcome and we can special order any title for delivery within two days. Chairs and tables available for customers use and free WiFi provide an environment to work, study, or catch up on email. We also have game boards for your enjoyment.
Reviewed By 260myriamm - Fredericksburg, United States
A must visit if you love books. They have both new & used, very well organized, cozy, comfortable very convenient location. Very good location. Very nice owner. Love the store
2. Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
This 1,500-foot boardwalk crosses four acres of marshland, where bird watchers can spot many coastal and migratory birds and numerous others tempted by the berries on the fiddlewood bushes along the trail
Reviewed By TGoodGurg - Coeur d'Alene, United States
Great walk for the early morning or late evening. Great birds to view. So pretty and an easy trail on a boardwalk.
3. Sea Turtle, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,023 reviews
Ila Loetscher, the "Turtle Lady of South Padre Island", originally formed our organization to save the Kemp's ridley sea turtle in 1977. Now we are a sea turtle hospital with a mission to rehabilitate and release any injured sea turtles, increase awareness concerning their safety and habitat, and assist with conservation efforts for all sea turtle species. We are funded by donations, grants and gift shop proceeds-- For rehabilitated sea turtle and hatchling release text message notifications, please see our website membership page. See you at Sea Turtle, Inc.!
Reviewed By 398edwardr - Ainsworth, United States
This was very interesting. It is a sea turtle restoration / rehabilitation center. Great exhibits with live turtles and fish in the large tanks for viewing also interesting talks by naturalists every 1/2 hour or so. Loved it!
4. South Padre Island Convention Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
The South Padre Island Convention Centre's 45,000 square feet of meeting space can be utilized in a variety of configurations. Primary facilities include 22,500 square feet of exhibit hall space with a clear ceiling height of 36 feet for concerts, large meetings and sporting events; a 2,633 sq. ft. modern, media-oriented conference auditorium for 250; and 9,000 square feet of meeting rooms in various sizes. A large central lobby will also house exhibits and functions. A large terrace adjoins the lobby and a formal entry court provides covered arrival and waiting areas for people parking in the paved areas for 500 cars.
Reviewed By 26LynnW - Riverview, Canada
Great place for the market days and conventions. Nice open concept. Easy to get around .Lots of great parking and easy to fine.
5. Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the USA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
We Have finished rebuilding the largest Outdoor permanent sandcastle in the USA. Originally built in Oct 2013, it remains the oldest outdoor permanent sandcastle in the USA and has been featured on just about every show and publication there is.
Reviewed By wvgirlygirl27 - Joliet, United States
The sandcastles are cool to see! Make sure you go inside the visitor center and take a look around. They have a lot of pamphlets on area attractions.
6. South Padre Island Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By LMA4567
The beach is clean and goes on for miles. There are no private beaches on this coast, and, though there are numerous hotels along the south section of the beach, there are many public access points. Past the hotel section, there are access points all along the road, two parks (one for RV parking and one for beach camping and recreation access), and roadside parking all the way to the end of the road. One of the longest, cleanest, most user friendly beaches I have ever visited.
7. Wyland's Whaling Wall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 142 reviews
The Whaling Wall is part of artist Wyland’s contribution to walls around the country. The Whaling Wall is featured at the South Padre Island Convention Centre and it’s located on the north end of the Island, approximately four miles north of the causeway. The title of Wyland’s Whaling Wall #53 is “Orcas off the Gulf of Mexico”. This magnificent mural takes up three sides of the convention center’s walls. Wyland’s purpose in painting these murals is to raise awareness to the dangers that these marine mammals face. Robert Wyland the artist was born in Detroit in the mid 1950’s. He has become famous painting enormous outdoor murals of marine life on buildings throughout the nation.
Reviewed By karenh825
Always enjoy stopping by the Whaling Wall. The artwork is beautiful and I love how it flows from one wall right into the next wall. Great stop for kiddos!
8. Coral Reef Lounge
9. South Padre Island Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By barkologist - Phoenix, United States
This Market was small, but the vendors were all very friendly and helpful. We purchased some fresh vegetables, raspberry picked beets, pecan butter, great feta cheeses etc. Enjoyed out visit and would return next time at Padre Island.
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