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South Padre Island favorites guide
Top 30 locations in South Padre Island
byShiry
Live update: Updated June 10, 2021Copy link
Copy link1. South Padre Island Farmers' Market
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
ShiryThe South Padre Island Farmers Market is a great place to stock on fresh fruits & veggies, jam, cheese, eggs, baked goods, and seafood! Open every Sunday 11am-1pm and located at The Shores 8605 Padre Blvd. My personal favorite is the fresh sourdough bread paired with the yummy cilantro sauce. It’s so good!
For more info about the SPI Farmers market check out their Facebook page here http://bit.ly/SPI-farmers-market
2. Beach Park At Isla Blanca
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryIf you are visiting South Padre Island when it's hot out and you're looking for a place to cool off and have fun, check out Beach Park Water Park! Usually open from Memorial day to Labor Day and offer daily tickets or seasonal passes. They have over 40 water attractions to choose from including water slides, tube slides, lazy river (with rapids!), surfing pool and much more. Great way to escape the summer heat and enjoy the cool water rides.
To check out ride description and pricing for the Beach Park Water Park click here: bit.ly/SPI-beachpark
3. South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySouth Padre Island attracts so many types of birds and the Birding Nature Center is the perfect place to go watch the wildlife! With more than 3000 feet of boardwalks over wetland where you can see many birds, butterflies and natural wildlife you're guaranteed to see some birds you’ve never seen before! There's also an alligator sanctuary, and they offer guided birding tours, gator talks, as well as self paced tickets to just walk around and enjoy the 50+ acres of beautiful wildlife.
For more info about the birding and nature center click here: http://bit.ly/SPI-birding
4. Native Plant Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Native Plants Center is a non profit eco education center with a native plants nursery working to preserve coastal plant life unique to the Valley area. They hold educational tours and grow & sell plants that support butterflies, bees, fish, and birds that stabilize the coastline, the beaches and the dunes. They are also in the process of raising funds to build a botanical garden on the island, so if you’re passionate about plants, definitely plan to visit the Native Plant Center and donate to their cause.
For more information about the Native Plant Center click here: http://bit.ly/SPI-plant-center
5. Sea Turtle
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryIf you are visiting South Padre Island with your family, you should go visit the Sea Turtle Inc. on the island. This is an incredible organization dedicated to rescue, rehab and release of sea turtles. Their facility has 2 sections: The hospital area where you can see current turtle patients getting treated and rehabilitated to go back into the wild and a 2nd area for their long term tenant turtles, which cannot go back to the ocean for medical reasons and live permanently in South Padre Island. Don’t forget to visit Allison the Turtle, the first turtle in the world with a prosthetic fin! They also offer educational programs and daily presentations where kids can learn and ask questions about sea turtles. Check out their website for scheduled events. If you're visiting South Padre Island in the summer you might even be able to catch a release of newborn baby turtles!
To view more information about Sea Turtle Inc. click here
http://bit.ly/SPI-sea-turtles
6. The Original Dolphin Watch
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryDo you like dolphins? (that was a rhetorical question, who doesn't like dolphins?) Well, you’re in luck! Because dolphins love South Padre Island and you can spot dolphins all around the island year round! We really enjoyed going on this 90 minutes Dolphin watch cruise where we were able to see the dolphins up close and listen and learn about the diverse marine life on the island. The tour guides have a wildlife-safe net which they use to pull starfish, sea horses, different types of fish and much more and let the kids (and adults) touch and see really up close some of the amazing sea life around the island. This is a great educational tour that the whole family would enjoy.
For more information and buy tickets to the Dolphin Eco Tour click here: http://bit.ly/SPI-eco-tour
7. Sandcastle Lessons - Things to do on South Padre
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySouth Padre Island is known to be a hub for some of the biggest and most beautiful sand castles in the whole world! AND, You and your friends & family can also learn how to build an epic sandcastle at South Padre Island! Take a sandcastle building class from the pro, and learn all the tips and tricks on how to build a beautiful sand castle yourself! All the tools provided in this great family friendly activity that everyone in your group is going to enjoy - including your kids and your grandma!
For more info and to schedule your sand castle building class click here http://bit.ly/SPI-sandcastle
8. Gravity Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryRight in the middle of the entertainment district in South Padre Island, you will find the Gravity Park. Ride options include a Ferris wheel, roller coaster Go-Kart (single & double), Skycoaster, Reverse Bungee, 18 holes mini-golf, Kiddie go-Karts, Trampoline ride, climbing wall, and an arcade. Also featuring the Sand Sculpture Village where you can walk through a variety of changing displays of huge sand castles built by local artists. Open 7pm everyday March -August. Open 7pm Friday-Sunday September-February (weather permitting).
For more information about the SPI Gravity park click here http://bit.ly/SPI-gravity-park
9. South Padre Island Adventure Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryAlways wanted to ride a horse on the beach? Well, this is your chance! Choose from daytime or sunset rides and even a moonlight option where you can ride horses right on the beautiful sandy beach on the northern part of South Padre Island (only about 15min drive away). They have horses that are kid friendly, as well as a petting farm and even a zip line. This is a bucket list excursion you don’t want to miss!
For more info click here http://bit.ly/SPI-horseback-riding
10. Art Business Incubator South Padre Island
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThe Art Business incubator in South Padre Island opened in 2019 to support the local and emerging artists and create a space for them to work and build their business. They have a beautiful art gallery where you can see and purchase unique art pieces, take classes and participate in it's events. They also host an Art Festival every second Saturday of the month where local artists display their work in booths and sell their unique art pieces.
For more information and event schedule for the SPI Art Business Incubator click here http://bit.ly/SPI-Art
11. Southern Wave Sailing Charters
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryWhat a better way to see the island than from the water, on your own private catamaran, relaxing while working on your tan, go snorkeling, watch the dolphins, or catch the beautiful sunset, or even a night sailing to see the fireworks. This is a great option to get away from the crowds and go on a more private excursion for 30-40 people max. Some options may even include live on-board music and a private chef preparing fresh food on board just for you. This would be a sailing trip you won't forget!
For more info about private catamaran cruises click here What a better way to see the island than from the water, on your own private catamaran, relaxing while working on your tan, go snorkeling, watch the dolphins, or catch the beautiful sunset, or even a night sailing to see the fireworks. This is a great option to get away from the crowds and go on a more private excursion for 30-40 people max. Some options may even include live on-board music and a private chef preparing fresh food on board just for you. This would be a sailing trip you won't forget!
For more info about private catamaran cruises click here http://bit.ly/SPI-prokite
12. Captain Murphys Deep Sea Fishing
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySouth Padre Island is surrounded by so many fish it almost seems deliberately built to hold them. From ship channels to reefs, oil rigs, and Laguna Madre of course, the water around SPI has been shaped and decorated to attract as many fish as possible. Being the most southern point in the country, there are types of fish you can't find anywhere else! From bay fishing to deep water fishing, there are so many great options so taking a fishing trip is highly recommended. There are many different options for fishing trips from kids friendly ones, to more adult party style, private or semi-private, day trips or night trips, fishing from a pier or jetties or going out on a kayak or boat, and so on. So make sure to check out all the different options and pick the fishing trip that best suits your needs.
To book a fishing trip click here South Padre Island is surrounded by so many fish it almost seems deliberately built to hold them. From ship channels to reefs, oil rigs, and Laguna Madre of course, the water around SPI has been shaped and decorated to attract as many fish as possible. Being the most southern point in the country, there are types of fish you can't find anywhere else! From bay fishing to deep water fishing, there are so many great options so taking a fishing trip is highly recommended. There are many different options for fishing trips from kids friendly ones, to more adult party style, private or semi-private, day trips or night trips, fishing from a pier or jetties or going out on a kayak or boat, and so on. So make sure to check out all the different options and pick the fishing trip that best suits your needs.
To book a fishing trip click here http://bit.ly/SPI-fishing
13. Clayton's
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySouth Padre Island is known for the many firework shows all over the island! Mostly running between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Go have dinner and/or drinks and watch the fireworks show!
A few business around town do firework shows and the most known ones are:
The pier behind Clayton's Beach Bar & Courtyard By Marriott Hotel at 9pm every Friday & Saturday.
Louis Backyard/ Entertainment District - at 9:15pm every Tuesday.
14. K's Jewelry & Beads
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThis is my personal hidden gem that I absolutely love! K's Beads is a small bead store where you can get hair wraps, and buy jewelry and beads and make your own. Mary, who’s been working at this store for over 30 years, is the sweetest lady and will help you make a necklace or bracelet so you can think about how much you miss SPI every time you wear it. A great indoor activity in case you are looking to escape the heat or the rain.
For directions to K’s Jewelry & beads store click here http://bit.ly/SPI-Beads
15. John L Tompkins Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryIf you're looking to take the kids somewhere other than the beach, this park offers great options. Featuring a playground, skate park and even basketball court and grassy area to play catch. We love visiting this park with our kids.
For directions to John L Tompkins Park click here http://bit.ly/SPI-Tompkins-Park
16. Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryLocated right on the bay, near the entertainment district and is a great place to have a cocktail & light dinner and watch the sunset while enjoying live music. At night this place comes alive with more live music and a dance floor. We personally weren't very impressed with the food here but the music & vibe is definitely great!
17. LongBoard Bar and Grill
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryAnother great bayside restaurant with great views, and live music. They have a full menu and cocktail options and at night the dance floor is filled with people dancing. It’s a fun place to catch the sunset and/or the bayside fireworks on Tuesdays.
18. Louie's Backyard
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryLouie’s backyard has so much to offer! This huge located is right on the bay with beautiful sunset views. They have a restaurant with a full menu and bar, buffet options, multiple bar areas, and a big club-like area for parties with a DJ. They also do an amazing fireworks show every Tuesday from memorial day to labor day. Food here is decent, not the best on the island but they make up for it with all the other things they offer. Our personal favorite dish is their fish tacos.
19. Driftwood Landing
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThis bayside restaurant shares the same kitchen as the next door Louie’s backyard, so they offer a smaller set of dishes. Much smaller and intimate and often have live music playing. You can sit right on the dock and enjoy the breeze and views. Our favorite is their fish tacos (same as from Louie's backyard).
20. Laguna BOB
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySmall shack in a great location right in the middle of the entertainment district, on the bay docks with laid back atmosphere, live music, offering burgers and seafood, and a full bar and of course the beautiful bay views.
21. Pier 19
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryPier 19 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but what they are most known for is their Texas size cinnamon roll! It’s giant! They also have pancakes, waffles, omelets etc for breakfast, and have many American flair options for lunch & dinner. And the views of being right on the water are just amazing!
22. Cafe Karma
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySmall local café with yummy crepes (both sweet & savory) and great coffee. Take it to go, or stay for a while. Their WIFI is decent too, and they have a cool sofa seating area so you can often find local working remote from this coffee shop.
23. Yummies Bistro
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThis cute laid back restaurant is only open daily from 8am to 2pm and offers breakfast & lunch dine-in & pickup. Serving eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, coffee and mimosas! My personal favorite is their eggs Benedict.
24. Gabriella's
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryGabriella’s is an Italian restaurant with really good oven pizza, canzone, pasta, flatbread, soups and salads. They have both indoor & outdoor seating and offer pick up and delivery too! My kids love their garlic bread and our personal favorites are the BBQ Chicken pizza, clam linguine, and five layers lasagna. So good, and the best Italian restaurant on the island (in our opinion of course).
25. Daddy's Seafood & Cajun Kitchen
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryIf you feel like having some fresh seafood, head to Daddy’s Seafood! You have to try their shrimp fondue as a starter and their fresh fish Rockefeller is huge and so so good! Open till 9pm on weekdays and 1-pm on weekends.
26. Painted Marlin Grille
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShirySeafood restaurant right on the bay with more of an upscale vibe but still very laid back. They have fresh fish & seafood options and great cocktails.
27. F&B
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryElevated gulf coast restaurant with rotating dishes based on season. You can find fresh seafood, stakes, and other unique dishes. It is highly recommended to reserve a table in advance!
28. Liam's Steak House & Oyster Bar
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryIf you feel like getting a good stake, you should check out Liam’s Steakhouse. They offer upscale steaks, fresh seafood options and a full bar. AND- you gotta try their deserts! They are so good!
29. Senor Donkey
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThis is our go-to to get good Mexican food. Their ceviche is always fresh and good, and their fajita options with steak, chicken, shrimp and vegetable options are my kids favorite. Bottomless nachos and great margaritas too. When we are extra hungry, this is where we go!
30. Blue Marlin Supermarket South Padre Island
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:ShiryThis is the only decent size grocery store on South Padre Island. They have everything though from fresh produce, meat, snacks, drinks and all and they are not extremely pricey either. We love to do our little grocery runs at the Blue Marlin.
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