Do You Know About This Charming Tropical Island in Texas?
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Summer is slowly creeping in, which means it’s time for a vacation! If you want to head off the beaten path, cruise down Queen Isabella Causeway where the green palm trees meet the blue sky, welcoming you to South Padre Island. The small beach town (population just over 2,000) is Texas's very own tropical island.
About 30 minutes from the Mexican border, SPI offers more than 30 miles of sand, surf and plenty of sunshine. Before arriving to the island, travelers go through its neighboring town, Port Isabel. There, you can visit the last open lighthouse in the state of Texas. Climb to the top and take in breathtaking views of South Padre. The island is unique in many ways, one being that you’re surrounded by different bodies of water while you’re there. Dip your toes in the Gulf of Mexico on one side and splash around Laguna Madre Bay on the opposite.
SPI is home to plenty of locals who take pride in their tropical town. You’ll find the area’s best restaurants where you can cook your own catch, find some award-winning fish tacos, and sip on a refreshing drink while you watch the sun set over the water. Sound charming yet? If so, I'm sharing all of my favorite hidden gems and must visit spots on the island.
Brunch for a Whole Bunch
Everyone says "Everything is bigger in Texas," but it's especially bigger at Josephine’s Kitchen. The oversized menu includes savory favorites, something for those with a sweet tooth, and even a few favorite Mexican dishes. And those dishes—some of the biggest you've ever seen! Come hungry, because they fill ya up at Josephine's!
Stay by the Sea
The area has dozens of beautiful resorts, hotels, condos and beach houses to stay at. During our visit, Holiday Inn Resort was the perfect place for some rest after hours in the sun! The beach-front resort provides easy access to the beach plus three pools on the property, one with a swim up bar, might I add. Not to mention, you can rent out the top floor, a rooftop bar and event space with an ocean view, for parties or a dreamy beach wedding.
Be a Beach Bum For a Day
Pack up the cooler and head to Isla Blanca Park for a day at the beach! Located on the southernmost tip of SPI, Isla Blanca is a popular spot for R.V. campers, fishers, surfers and sun bathers. The park also offers cabana rentals, tent sites, and restroom/shower facilities. Not to mention a spot to rent fishing and water gear if you come without. Walk down the beach and any social butterfly will be thrilled to find a water park and an array of shoreside restaurants.
Enjoy Lunch Along the Water
Try the award-winning Mahi Tacos and sip on the best glass of lemonade you've ever had at Mahi Nic! The ocean-side restaurant is situated on a shaded dock making it the perfect spot to sit and watch boats come and go along the water. (Seriously, try the lemonade and thank me later).
Head Out to Sea
Look for friendly dolphins and more fishy friends with Breakaway Cruises! Hop on the boat and head out to sea for a snorkeling trip, jetski rides, dolphin watch tours, deep sea fishing and much more.
Get Crafty in an Art Class
Just a few steps away from the ocean is The Art Lounge: a place for artists and creative minds to gather. Browse the work of local artists, do some shopping, or flex your creative muscles at a workshop led by professional instructors. If you're in town long enough, you might be lucky enough to catch some live music in the evening.
Horse Around a Bit
Imagine you're in a Nicholas Sparks movie or an episode of Yellowstone when you go horseback riding on the beach! Talk about dreamy. Head out to the sticks where Island Adventure Park offers horse back riding, a petting barn, zip-lining, parasailing and even more adventures to cross off your bucket list.
Eat, drink, live at Viva
Enjoy, dinner, drinks, and a beautiful sunset view at Viva. The bar is stocked with only the best liquors for a unique cocktail and the menu offers an array of delicious seafood. The scallops are some of the best I've ever had and you can even have them cook your own catch!
Hit the Town
Grab a drink and enjoy some live music at the island's Entertainment District. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, live entrainment, and even fireworks you don't want to miss out on!
Seek Out Sea Turtles
Kemp's ridley sea turtles nest on South Padre Island more than any other place in the U.S. When you're not on the lookout for turtle nests on the beach, follow the Sea Turtle Art Trail. There are 12 different sea turtle sculptures across the island created by local artists. If you find all of them, you can win some South Padre merch to take home.
Enjoy a Meal With a View
Picture it — you walk up to a quaint little cafe on the beach and enjoy a cup of coffee or fresh juice while you watch the waves crash on to the shore. Enjoy a filling breakfast, lunch or dinner at Cafe on the Beach and take in the gorgeous views.
Blast Off at the SpaceX Launch Site
Get a glimpse into space at the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site. Just across the bay from South Padre Island, you can find the historical location where the 2023 rocket for SpaceX launched. It's where some of the most advanced rockets are being tested for the Mission to Mars.
Adopt a Sea Turtle, or Two
Remember what I said about more Kemp's ridley sea turtles nest on South Padre Island than any other place in the U.S.? Well, Sea Turtle Inc. also rescues and rehabilitates turtles from all over the world in hopes to release them back into the ocean. Here, you can learn about their efforts, what you can to do help, meet some of the turtles and even adopt one! Warning: They're very cute.
Unlock Your Inner Artist
Every year, a handful of artists are accepted into the Art Business Incubator program on the island. Here, they are provided their own space to learn, work, and practice business skills to sell their art. Meet the artists and shop around for a fun, unique souvenir. And once a month, an art festival happens in the area where you can shop and stroll even more local vendors.
A Touch of Italian on the Island
Experience a romantic evening in the cozy atmosphere of The Meatball Cafe. The local restaurant is known for it's homemade noodles and fresh bread. Dive into some classic Italian dishes and sample the most exquisite seafood.
Flock with the Birds and Gators
Meet Big Padre and Lady Laguna, the famous gators at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. You can can get up close with bunnies, butterflies, birds, and all of the natural wildlife the Texas coast has to offer. The sanctuary is home to many rescue animals from all over the country. See them all on a guided tour and birdwatch along the boardwalk.
Buy Some Brews
Beer bottles and mounted fish cover the walls at Padre Island Brewing Company. At any given time, the microbrewery is filled with locals and tourists looking to try some craft brews and award-winning pizza. The vast menu has everything from seafood, to burgers, soup and salad, tacos, pizza, and tons of apps. Even the pickiest eater will find something they like on this menu.
Get Your Coffee Fix
With eggs Benedict that smile back at you and pretty much any coffee concoction you can dream up, Yummie's Bistro is one of the most popular brunch spots on the island.
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