10 South Padre Island Activities to Enjoy in Spring

South Padre Island, known for its unique beaches, natural habitats, and outdoor activities, is a hot spot for southern travelers looking to soak up the sun and get out of the city. With so much to enjoy, It’s no surprise that this tropical oasis draws a crowd during school breaks and holidays. Whether you’re looking to turn up the party or spend your time relaxing, here are 10 experiences to try this spring.  

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Explore the Beaches: Best Beach Spots in South Padre Island

Divided between the city and the county, South Padre Island boasts 25 beach access points along its 34 miles of coastline. At our resort’s end of the island, you’ll enjoy 6 miles of shoreline dotted by local shops, delicious restaurants and on-the-water attractions. Those looking to take their adventure off-road can visit the north end to cruise along sand dunes accessible by car!

ISLA BLANCA STATE PARK

Isla Blanca Park is every springbreaker's dream. Walkable, pristine, and accessible to everyone, this Texas beach is located at the southernmost tip of South Padre Island, less than a mile from Margaritaville Beach Resort. With onsite food, ample parking, a walking trail, and watersports galore, it's the perfect place to stretch out and unwind.

HARBOR BEACH

Located along Gulf Boulevard, Harbor Beach marks the first access point to South Padre Island Beach. Kick off your spring escape with a 1.5-mile bike ride to relax in the soft, inviting sand and enjoy a flavorful meal from Rocorro Grill nearby. Or, return to Margaritaville Beach Resort for live music and happy hour specials, available nearly every day of the week!

THRIVE BEACH

Thrive Beach offers a quiet retreat from the rush of spring breakers on South Padre Island. Located on the northern end, visitors can park and walk through its stunning sand dunes, or drive directly down to the ocean with a proper vehicle. Families can enjoy a treasure hunt for Large shells, as the landscape makes it easier for the sand to capture them.

Experience Wildlife Encounters: Best Nature and Wildlife Tours

South Padre Island isn’t just a favorite place for travelers to visit, the area is home to 16 species of wildlife and is considered one of the top birding destinations in the Western Hemisphere! If you visit in late spring, you might spot a sea turtle preparing their nest for future hatchlings.

ECO & DOLPHIN-WATCHING TOURS

No South Padre Island spring break experience would be complete without a few on-the-water activities. At Sea Ranch Marina guests can sit back and enjoy the view on a 1.5-hour wild-life watching cruise, with up-close Atlantic bottlenose dolphin encounters.

PRIVATE SUNSET CRUISE

If evening floats are more your style, consider booking a private catamaran cruise on the Laguna Madre. Bookable for up to 6 passengers, the captain will share stories of the area’s history, and point out any sea creatures swimming close by.

SANDCASTLE EXPERIENCE

As one of the world’s premiere locations for sandcastle building, you can’t plan a spring vacation without taking at least one lesson. A great activity for travelers of all ages, the activity can be scheduled wherever is most convenient, in 1-hour or 2-hour sessions.

BIRDWATCHING OPPORTUNITIES

With one-of-a-kind birding opportunities and fascinating expert-led tours, the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast. Here, visitors get to learn about the unique plant and animal life from one of the few World Birding Centers located within the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventures: Best Family-Friendly Things to Do

South Padre Island’s calm waters provide ideal conditions for watersports. From kayaking and paddleboarding to Gulf Coast parasailing, there’s no shortage of entertainment for families.

PARASAILING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Ready to catch some air during your spring break escape? Parasailing is one of the best ways to see the island, and you can enjoy it just steps from Margaritaville Beach Resort. Sonny’s Beach Service offers a dinghy pick-up service to shuttle you from the beach to one of the 32 ½ -foot Paracraft Parasail boats.

KAYAKING & PADDLEBOARDING IN THE LAGUNA MADRE BAY

With warm weather and sunshine year-round, the shallow waters of Laguna Madre provide ideal conditions to view sea life. Kayaking is considered one of the top things to do in South Padre Island, and is a must add to any adventurer’s itinerary. Hop in, and glide through the water to enjoy a new perspective of the area's natural beauty.

South Padre Island Spring Break at Margaritaville

Spring break is all about kicking back and enjoying life at a slower pace. At Margaritaville Beach Resort, the Vacation State of mind is in full swing, with live music, pool parties and drink & dining specials lined up nearly every day of the week. Not a guest? No problem. The resort offers day passes so you can soak up the sun, and float in the pool.