I use Good Sam Campgrounds Map and RV Park Reviews to narrow down the choices. Many fishermen like to come to South Packery Channel Beach since this place offers opportunities for easy fishing and a big catch of various fish species, including grouper, trout, kingfish, and tarpon. These come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. Went out fishing Frady and Jose, from Brownsville, Tx. This is a definite summer or springtime attraction ideal for those hot days when you cant face any real sightseeing. When you stay with us, youll always get great amenities like the following: Interested in learning about the benefits of renting your property with Padre Getaways? After hitting spot#8 we headed over to Spot#3 and boom! Address: 310 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas. Before that, the land was the site of Fort Polk. Port Isabel Historical Museum is one of South Padre Islands most educational attractions. It is a popular attraction amongst tourists and locals alike. All come with refrigerators, and room service is offered. Check out RentalCars.com to compare prices. Or this gigantic tree in a place where there are no gigantic trees. This branch was very long and absolutely covered in shells. The nearest airport is Corpus Christi International Airport, 25.5 miles from the apartment. We could make it across if we wanted to but several trucks were at the jetty fishing. A TV with satellite channels and a DVD player are featured. As the causeway is the most popular way to reach South Padre Island, youll likely get the chance to cross. There are also sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a coffee shop, and a few different dining options including a poolside grill that is open seasonally. I From the first time I spoke to them on the phone, to the day we left, I can honestly say that these were some of the nicest, most welcoming people weve ever met. WebI visited SPI 2 years ago and a local told me that there is a beach about 1/2 hour away where the shelling is excellent. Little Shell Beach runs from about the 12 to 18 mile marker and Big Shell Beach runs from the 18 to the 30. With theme parks and watersports for adventure and amazing natural habitats including nesting grounds for sea turtles and plenty of wildlife, South Padre Island is the perfect balance between spending time in nature and having a fun beach holiday. If you are booking a romantic getaway, there are semi-luxe properties with large pools and plenty of dining options. Here youll find miles of uninhabited beaches and shelling as well as the clearest waters in all of Southwest Florida. The grounds here are lushly landscaped and there is direct gated access to the beach from the pool area. What would a beach holiday be without a beach day? We were just there found some really nice big shells down on the North end of the island.. Also in May we were there yes we have been twice in 2 mo Join 10,000 others who get our weekly emails! Other amenities include a Mexican restaurant (hours can be limited, however), a kids' club, a small workout room, and a spa. The cleaning and maintenance of all our properties are simply unmatched, the screening process is thorough, and the check-in process couldnt be more straightforward. 1. We. 21040 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA. Accessibility | Copyright all rights reserved Site by Exploritech, Inc. This good-value hotel is especially popular with families, as there are room configurations designed for larger parties - check out the three-room family suite for instance. Peninsula Island Resort & Spa is an older, more mid-range resort. They come with private balconies and in many cases ocean views. Read more here. Retail Store (Unofficial) There are also multiple restaurants on the grounds. Google Maps allows me to zoom in on satellite view for the final determination. Free Trolley pick up at your hotel or condo on Sanibel. Set in Corpus Christi, less than 0.6 miles from Whitecap Beach and 7.5 miles from Mustang Island State Park, El Constante 113 offers air conditioning. Kids stay free here, and the hotel is pet friendly. Just across from the Queen Isabella Causeway that attaches South Padre Island to the mainland, La Copa Beach Hotel is a popular mid-range property right on the beach. During the Civil War it was occupied by soldiers from both sides as a look-out post. The beach is open day and night all year round and entrance is free. We just returned from SPI, stayed at the La Quinta, and there were a plethora of sea shells on the beach by the hotel, large ones and small ones, a The south end sits on the channel which entersthe Port of Brownsville. FREE PARKING Lunch Not Included In The Cost, **Additonal dates and times have beenaddedduring holiday weeks**, Departing from behind the "Ship Store Look for YELLOW Boat. Amenities include a swimming pool, workout room, and free breakfast. Whether you are a history enthusiast or just want to learn more about a lesser-taught piece of history, visiting this museum is a great idea. The park is small but full of pollinator-friendly plants perfect for encouraging butterflies and other beautiful wildlife. Even so, I wasnt concerned because wed be visiting during the off-season. South Padre Island rentals like ours make it so easy to have a good time. WebStay at this 3-star beach condo in South Padre Island. WebWater Sports at South Padre Island SPI Excursions offers the most exciting water sports on SPI, from parasailing, banana boat rides, fishing, jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, dolphin Adults will love the park, too, and the giant swing and reverse bungee are exciting challenges for testing your nerves. Meets water quality standards. Looking wistfully over the bay toward South Padre Island from the boat dock. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Now that weve covered all the best things to do on South Padre Island, lets look at some common frequently asked questions. Osprey Cruises also provides all bait and tackle, keeping your day bag nice and light. While the dunes are protected (meaning no driving or sand sports), you can walk through them. Here, you can stick to the classics like finding sea shells or sunbathing or, if you are looking for something more active, rent equipment from one of the many surf shops and go surfing or boogie boarding. If you want to venture further up the island, South Padre Island has an excellent public transport system. Other amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub, a fitness room, and a 24-hour front desk. Located on the beach backed by dunes, the Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island is on the northern side of the island. WebSouth Packery Channel Beach is a place to enjoy meditative strolls and impressive sunsets. Bar suggestions if it rains, HELPChoice between Port Aransas or South Padre Island? The Redfish bite has been on fire! Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Islandis a fantastic budget-friendly option for accommodation on South Padre Island. From Padre Island National Seashore, you'll drive exactly 25 miles south until you reach Little Shell Beach. Keep going for just a few more miles until you see the sign for Big Shell. More shells than you could ever imagine are scattered across the sand. Educational & fun for the whole family. While you can have water fun anywhere on the island, the best place to enjoy water sports is on the south side, where there are fewer people. In addition to these watersports, visitors can also parasail or skydive South Padre Island. The views from the sky as you skydive South Padre Island are spectacular. Amenities include three swimming pools with sun loungers and umbrellas. November is when youll find the fewest crowds escaping the summer holidays and rowdy spring break period. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Excellent tips, thank you very much! The property has sea views and is 24.2 miles from American Bank Center Convention Center. This one fell but someone took some time, the plastic caps have been nailed on. Make it yours. You can also check the schedule to attend one of the hourly presentations or daily sea turtle feeding sessions. 4.3 miles from Mustang Island State Park and 17.4 miles from American Bank Center Convention Center, the resort offers a private beach area. Visit the South Padre Island Farmers Market, Book this 90 minute dolphin watch excursion. Little Shell and Big Shell are located where northerly and southerly long shore currents meets. If you visit during a holiday, you can usually find some themed artwork, which is always good fun. There are a number of amenities on-site. If you want to see Laguna Madre from the water, a good option is a jet ski rental. Climbing 120 steps to the top offers a birds eye view of the bay. They are clean and comfortable, and many have great ocean views. And you can opt for a guided tour or explore alone with no noise except from the animals around you. The 3-star hotel has retro-style rooms and suites. WebLocation: 5200 Padre Blvd Suite 105, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA Open: Friday from 1 pm to 8 pm, Saturday from 1 pm to 9 pm, SundayThursday from 1 pm to 7 pm Sea Ranch is another recommendation for our foodies. Address: 4500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: Padre South Hotel On The Beach. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. There are also family suites. The burgers were thick, juicy and delicious and the onion rings were some of the biggest Ive ever had. There is a large main courtyard area with a life-sized chessboard that is fun to play. Enjoy a Beach Day at Isla Blanca Beach, 2. To get yourself off the piers and beaches and out into the ocean, look at one of South Padres deep sea fishing trips. She explained all about the medical facilities nearby and how the neighbors all looked out for one another and if we needed emergency service they would be right there to help out. You may find it a little bit difficult to find the beach the only road leading here is Access Road 3A. Address: 500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: Peninsula Island Resort & Spa. Breakfast is free and so is parking and Wi-Fi. Amenities include a free breakfast with a made-to-order omelette station and Belgian waffles. But I digress, before talking about plans that go awry, lets talk about making plans in the first place. The 2-star hotel has a mix of spacious rooms and suites with private balconies and kitchenettes. I had no idea that outside of Brownsville is a HUGE snowbird destination. Went out fishing Frady and Jose, from Brownsville, It documents the history of the area and includes legends of sunken treasure ships and buried pirate loot. We can't be everywhere at once, and it is important to have the highest level of travel information from local writers and experienced travelers. You drive up to Corpus Christi and then over the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway to reach the National Seashore. You wont be flipping buckets upside down the whole time to make standard castles. The buoy, or whatever it is, says nude beach with an arrow. We didnt want to disturb them. The system has worked perfectly and weve been happily surprised by the charm of even the most questionable parks. Continue reading. Throughout summer, you can catch fireworks on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The fort was erected by Zachary Taylor and used as a depot to receive supplies from New Orleans. It is my experience after going there for 20 plus years, that you never can tell. Try to go at low tide or really early in the morning before they WebNorth Beach Webcam. Since theres no nude beach here it must have traveled a ways. Its here that oil rigs are repaired, old aircraft carriers are torn apart and other wonderfully, fascinating things are built and shipped and moved around. The National Seashore also houses some human history, with Spanish shipwrecks from 1554. It has all the resort amenities you could wish for. No experience is needed to take in the sweeping views of the island. With free WiFi, this apartment offers a TV and a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave. The beach surface varies from hard sand to small dues and in some spots the road goes through water. Popular attractions South Padre Island Beach and Sea Turtle Inc are located nearby. I was at the end of my trip though andcouldn't make it. Even so, sometimes, its the drive itself rather than the destination. Address: 4205 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites South Padre Island, an IHG Hotel. The Redfish bite has been on fire! WebThe Wilderness Beach: A Down-Island Drive on Texas' National Seashore, by Aaron Reed. Another name of this beach is South Packery Jetty Beach. There are so many South Padre Island attractions both natural and manmade. Other than that, it would be For historical status please check Swimguide.com, The PDF map will be sent as an email attachment. Who doesnt love sea turtles? Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Theyre incredibly beautiful but deliver a painful sting which can be deadly to children. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. South Padre Island Farmers Market runs every Sunday until mid-afternoon, selling local produce and handmade goods. You cant visit the seaside without trying seafood, and Blackbeards is the best spot on South Padre Island. Good by the La Quinta on the end of the island. Ready for a day at an amusement park? I wonder how far this buoy has traveled to wind up stuck on a sandbar? (547 reviews) from $ 16.00. It is a humbling drive to pay your respects. WebSan Jos Island, known affectionately as St. Jo's, is privately owned. And what better way to beat the hot South Padre weather? Many companies offer dinner cruises around South Padre, but wed recommend Southern Wave Sailing Charters. There are two hotel buildings, one of which faces the ocean and is more dated, while the other faces the city side and has been more recently remodeled. Sometimes its very difficult to navigate an unfamiliar area via the internet, especially when your destination is not set in stone. Dive bomb cars? The nearest airport is Corpus Christi International Airport, 21.1 miles from the apartment. 1-6 passengers, Queen Isabell Causeway,Little Venice Italy canals,Commercial Shrimping & Fishing Industry. WebSea Shell Isle South Padre Island is a home away from home for anyone who wants a great time in Texas! It includes all the tools to create beautiful sandcastles that can be used throughout your stay. Reaching Port Isabel Lighthouse from South Padre Island is also extremely easy, as you just cross the Queen Isabella Highway. The ginger teriyaki tuna steak is a popular choice on the menu. In order to stick with our travel the outside of the US plan, we wanted our next stop to be near Brownsville, Texas. A $10.00 fee plus $2.00 trash bag fee. The newly constructed bridge doubles up as a memorial for the tragedy. The good news is, a little way back, at beach access #5 or #6 you can pay $12.00 to drive on the sand. Yarborough Pass is located on Little Shell, just before the 15 mile marker. The good news is, a little way back, at beach access #5 or #6 you can pay $12.00 to drive on the sand. Crystal Flats Guide Service doesnt take you right out to sea. Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures, TREASURE HUNTING ON SOUTH PADRE ISLANDTEXAS, TEXAS: PALO ALTO NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD ANDBEYOND, THE CASE OF THE MISSING TRAIN TRESTLE: GOAT CANYON CALIFORNIA, NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 13 YEARS AFTER KATRINA (part two), A SUNDAY DRIVE AND HISTORY LESSON VICTORIA, TEXAS, Follow NO STONE UNTURNED on WordPress.com. The most important part of travel, for us, is the ability to go out and explore a 50 mile or more radius while having a comfortable place to come home to. Youll spot birds, gators, butterflies, and more. WebA large tasteful condo in a small 8 condo complex with a beautifully landscaped, semi-private tropical pool, less than 1 block from the beach and yet very close to Padre Blvd. November also has some of the lowest rainfall yet still experiences average temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes a treasure means being in the right place at the right time. Kind of a metaphor for life. The beach is just a short walk from the town center and all its amenities. For that reason I look for small, quiet parks, outside the city but with full hookups. Firework displays quickly become one of the favorite South Padre Island attractions in summer. Alvarez Court Amberjack St. Ana Laura Court Analaura Court Anaqua Dr. Ann Arbor Anne Bonny Apollo Ave. Arcos Gardens Arien Ct. Just be mindful of disrupting the dunes as little as possible. Can anyone tell me what are the best places Port Isabel Lighthouse is a stunning landmark and state historic site. The main restaurant is Windjammer's Cafe, and it serves a mix of Tex-Mex, seafood, steaks, and pasta selections. It is a much smoother, shorter experience, so consider it as an alternative if you are relatively new to fishing. Little kids and big kids know it. The center also has a touch tank and marine exhibits to educate visitors on marine conservation. They charge a $20 deposit for the gate opener which you get back when you leave. We planned to stop in at the boat dock to buy tickets for the afternoon, but first we wanted to explore Port Isabel. WebShelling & Lunch Cruise "The best fun-filled adventure in paradise!" It is also close to many local attractions and area golf courses. South Padre Island Adventure Of course, you might also wish to rent a car to get around South Padre Island. Watch out for holes, drop-offs, That meant we needed to look at the suburbs outside of Brownsville. Book your South Padre Island condo through Padre Getaways, and you will get a taste of whats good. Amenities are plentiful. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast and free parking, and kids stay free. One thing to remember is that the Beach Park at Isla Blanca closes during the off-season. Street | Urban | Travel | Photography by Marcus Puschmann, Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didnt do than by the ones you did do. For those of you who are unfamiliar with snowbird destinations, let me enlighten you. You can book a small half day fishing trip in advance with Viator to fish for trout, sheepshead, and more. The rooms here are very clean and comfortable and you can see the water from some of the second floor rooms. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Getting around South Padre Island is very straightforward. The jetty is long enough for dozens of fishermen to find a place to fish from it! Royal Terns always look as though theyre about serious business. The beach is situated within a 10-minute drive from Schlitterbahn Waterpark Corpus Christi south to the man-made Packery Channel. Our travel motto is see all the things, consequently my exploration plan-making is a little more intense. Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island, Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach, Holiday Inn Express & Suites South Padre Island, an IHG Hotel, Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island. Captain Noahs Private Fishing Charters. A great way to experience the islands best scenic sights and a plethora of wildlife-watching opportunities, visitors will find fun both on and off the water during Even broken, theyre still beautiful. I was at the end of my trip though andcouldn't make it. South Padre Island condo rentals are the way to choose style and comfort when exploring such a fine area. National Seashore is a remote paradise in Texas and the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world. Portland, Texas. With so many beaches, ranging from calm waters to the best surfing destinations, plenty of opportunities await with something for everyone. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Ha ha thanks we travel so much I forget where I am half the time. I was at the end of my trip though andcouldn't make it. The most prominent sight in the park is this mini Christ The Redeemer statue, a copy of the one in Brazil. My friend and I want to hang at the beach while the guys golf. Fireworks are exciting; theres no denying it. Attracting a mix of couples and families, it offers a range of rooms and suites that are quite colorful. Elevation: 30. What an absolute treasure! The Monarch Butterfly was placed on the Endangered Species List and the center is working to restore Monarch Butterfly Habitat. If summer holidays sound more appealing to you, temperatures do reach up to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. If you bring the bag back, preferably with trash you picked up, the $2.00 is refunded. Web cams are managed by South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau tourism partners. Sea Turtle Inc. is a haven for injured sea turtles and rehabilitates and releases rescued sea turtles 365 days a year. The Texas Gulf Coast is a scenic route to follow, or you could detour throughAustin. Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best national parks in Texas. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach. I really enjoyed your article. Sometimes you can see ships swimming along the channel. A walkway leads down to the beach. You can pick whatever activity piques your interest, from horseback riding on the beach to ziplining around a zipline circuit. There may be strong riptides be careful! Fisherman, cars and horses share the beach near the access road. One of the most popular and highly rated hotels in South Padre Island, the Best Western Beachside Inn is not a fancy property, but it gets top marks for value, cleanliness, and comfort. Theres a lot of space for everyone and its easy to find a nice private spot to spread a towel and relax in a beautiful and peaceful ambiance. The casual eatery might look unassuming but dont be fooled; it has been serving delicious seafood since 1978 and has quite the cult following. There is a swimming pool with sun loungers and a hot tub if you don't want to chill on the beach. (Seasonal). +1-956-299-2401. But you know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men. It receives far fewer visitors than the other beaches in the area and offers nothing extraordinary but a classical beaching experience, including swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, picnicking, fishing, and snorkeling. You may either fish from the jetty or climb down and fish from the rocks. We imagine that the fisherman or local beach goers create these trash totems to mark a favorite spot. On Tuesdays, the display is at Louies Backyard. American Bank Center Convention Center is 24.2 miles from the apartment. This may sound a strange addition to your itinerary but driving the Queen Isabella Causeway is somewhat of a momentous thing to do on South Padre Island. They offer partial beach or bay views and have microwaves and refrigerators in the room. Both airports are around 40 miles from South Padre Island, and you can book a shuttle, rent a car, or book a taxi to travel from the airport to your accommodation. One of the most popular family-friendly activities on South Padre Island is going on a dolphin-watching cruise. The town is full of activities, reserves, and attractions; it is clear that there are plenty of things to do on South Padre Island. South Padre Island is also popular with groups of friends vacationing together, and for this demographic, you'll also find a range of hotels and resorts to meet your needs. See The Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the US, 13. You can check availability and prices here. 567 Reviews. They come with microwaves, refrigerators, work desks with ergonomic chairs, and coffee makers. So why not plan to make a trip now? On the other hand, it wont take much effort to park your vehicle, since theres a lot of space on the sand and on-site parking is allowed for those with a beach parking permit. Isla Blanca Beach is stunning, with vast white sands and plenty of room to accommodate all the visitors that it inevitably attracts. Address: 350 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island - Beach Front, an IHG Hotel. The center has over 3,300 feet of boardwalks that wind around the bay, an alligator sanctuary, an observation tower, five bird blinds, and a butterfly garden. In addition to that, early in the morning or late in the Our Captain and Naturalist are passionate and fun and will narrate along the way, pointing out all kinds of wildlife; dolphins, manatees, birds, sea turtles and much more! Located just across the street from the beach on the north side of the island, La Quinta Inn & Suites is a mid-range property where kids stay free. On an off-road trek along the Gulf of Mexico in southernmost Texas, Aaron Reed encounters many memories and a mystery. Depending on your requirements, you can book group, family, and private lessons. WebApril 1, 2023. Some people like to stay at big resorts with lots of amenities and activities and others enjoy boondocking for long periods, in the wilderness. I visited SPI 2 years ago and a local told me that there is a beach about 1/2 hour away where the shelling is excellent. WebIsla Blanca Park on the southern end of South Padre Island holds Dolphin Cove Beach, another popular destination for sunbathing and fishing. Copyright 2023 South Padre Island Vacation Rentals. Even the most ordinary things can become a haven for sea life. However, at South Padre Island, you can take your first official lesson, as professional sand sculptors run sand castle lessons along the beach. Birdwatch on the bayside. At night, the Quarterdeck Lounge, also on-site, has live music and dancing. The Monarch Butterfly was placed on the Endangered Species List and the center is working to restore Monarch Butterfly Habitat. You bring the swimsuits, towels, and shelling bag. This guide will cover all the best things to do on South Padre Island. (53 Its a calm and quiet sandy beach serving a kind of a border between Padre Island and Mustang Island. Lunch not included. The park protects 66 miles of stunning coastline and houses an estimated 380 bird species. Our style of travel is somewhat different than other RVers. South Padre Island Rental Management Services. KIC's Seashell Emporium The biggest collection of You can purchase tickets from the Keepers Cottage Visitor Center.