The Summer Guide to South Padre Island
There are plenty of great places to take a beach vacation, but South Padre Island is for those who seek more from a destination. With the spirit of the tropics and the southern charm of a small Texan city, there’s nowhere like it in the country. From horseback rides (along the coast), to the SpaceX rocket launches (visible right from your balcony), experiences here are anything but ordinary.
Unique Ideas for Your Travel Itinerary
Just as lounge chairs go with tropical drinks, summer mornings are meant for the beach. Located on the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island invites visitors to explore over 30 miles of shoreline from 25 public access points. Each area of the island offers an experience worth mentioning, but staying on the coast provides the best opportunities.
Ready to start planning? Take a look at our top recommendations to build your summer travel itinerary!
Try Parasailing
Offering some of the best things to do in South Padre Island, Texas, Sonny’s Beach Service is your go-to for water sport experiences. Conveniently located just steps from our resort, rent beach chairs, schedule a banana boat tour, or book one of the area's only parasailing excursions. Guests can fly single, double or triple, with space for up to six people to watch on the boat below.
Explore a Hypersaline Lagoon
Whether you prefer to explore above or below water, you’ll find aquatic experiences everywhere on your trip to South Padre Island. Laguna Madre offers snorkelers and fishing enthusiasts the opportunity to explore one of the few hypersaline lagoons in the world. For those looking to dive in, Visit South Padre Island offers a reliable list of local guides and excursions.
Take a Local Tour
If you prefer sightseeing, there are plenty of ways to experience the area’s natural beauty. From dolphin-watching cruises to horseback-riding tours, you can enjoy the destination however you choose. After a long day of exploring, stop by LandShark Bar & Grill to relish in your adventures with a juicy burger, ice-cold lager, and live music available throughout the week.
Be Part of History
The SpaceX South Texas Launch Site is currently testing some of the most advanced rockets in the world, and you’re invited to the watch party! Launches happen every 3 to 4 days and are visible from various viewpoints across South Padre Island. Plan a vacation that goes down in history with views of the launch point from our resort rooms & suites.