Stretching across 34 miles of soft, white sand and crested by the Gulf, South Padre Island has rightfully earned the title of Texas’s Best Beach from the U.S. News & World Report. With year-round temperatures hovering near 74º, the sun warms your skin, the waves set the pace, and every day feels like a getaway in paradise. You can slip off your sandals and dip your toes into island time.

You could start the morning with a sunrise paddleboard session—the feeling of skimming across a glassy bay sets the tone for a day that can only get better. As the afternoon unfolds, you might find yourself parasailing high above the waves or diving below for up-close marine life encounters. Dolphin-watching tours let you witness entire pods of these majestic creature spinning and leaping through the surf. A visit to Sea Turtle Inc. reveals the dedicated medical care, research, and education driving the island’s spirit of conservation. If you’re looking to kick back, you’re in luck—the island’s endless beaches are perfect for relaxing with a book or building sandcastles until the tide rolls in.

While the warm coast is almost impossible to leave, the island has more to do beyond its beaches. Wander inland and discover a lively arts scene with galleries showcasing paintings and sculptures from local artists. Self-led art tours like the Sandcastle and Sea Turtle Art Trails guide you to towering sculptures and vibrant statues that pay homage to the island’s icons. For the music-lovers, the island’s rhythm can be heard everywhere from beachside hangouts to nearby amphitheaters with acoustic concerts and full-band performances. Creativity spills into the shopping districts, where just steps from the sand you’ll find boutiques and souvenir spots with chic beachwear, handmade goods, and trinkets.

Nature enthusiasts can find a paradise of their own as they explore the island’s wild side. Over 200 migratory bird species sweep through each year, cementing this Texas town’s reputation as a premier birding destination of the Western Hemisphere. The Butterfly Garden at the Birding and Nature Center also flutters with life. Monarch butterflies and native pollinators thrive among lush botanical gardens and winding boardwalks, offering a glimpse into their migration and coastal ecosystem. Take a guided tour of the facility, then explore the South Padre Island Adventure Park for beachside horseback rides, ziplining, a petting barn, and more family memories.

As the sun dips below the horizon, South Padre’s dining scene comes to life with Texas-coast fare. Local fishermen haul in red snapper, shrimp, oysters, and more, delivering them fresh to island kitchens where they’re transformed into delicious coastal dishes. Casual shacks serve up fish tacos, while upscale eateries pair surf and turf with bayfront sunsets—each plate a tribute to the coastal region. Beachgoers are welcome to linger on open-air patios or rooftop decks, where the gentle sea breeze and crashing waves create the perfect setting to take it all in.

When it’s time to rest, accommodations range from luxury Gulf-side resorts to cozy condos perched above the waves. If you’re seeking a more adventurous stay, RV parks welcome big rigs and trailers. Camping on the beach will fully immerse you in the natural beauty of the area, you can pitch your tent right on the sandy shores and drift off with the ocean waves as your lullaby. No matter where you stay, the island’s laid-back vibe keeps the relaxation flowing.

For a change of pace, tee off at a scenic golf course. Find a sprawling 18-hole green where fairways wind along the sparkling waters of Laguna Madre Bay at South Padre Island Golf Club. You can also enjoy a quick round at the nearby Long Island Village Golf Course, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. If you’re simply soaking in the views, the island’s beauty is always on display, and there’s never a shortage to explore. Year-round, this place is alive: summer nights explode with fireworks over the water and winter evenings glow with holiday lights along the coast. With a packed events calendar, there’s always a chance to find tours and activities that make your stay unforgettable.

No matter the season, South Padre Island keeps the good times rolling. Picture yourself sipping a cold drink by the shore, swapping stories of the day’s adventures: a dolphin sighting or the perfect golf swing. It’s a spot where the breeze hints at even more fun just around the corner. So, come on down, kick back, and discover why this Texas island is Texas’ Best Beach.

Sponsored by Visit South Padre Island

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