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The sunny weather of South Padre Island makes it an ideal getaway year round. This exclusive Texas resort is a barrier reef island that borders the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay. Its location makes it perfect for playing sports, fishing, sightseeing, and relaxation all in the same trip. Major events each month and an annual music festival guarantee every vacationer a memorable experience.

Activities range from adrenalin-pumping to eco-friendly. On the beach, families may take advantage of sand castle lessons, which can be taught in Spanish at Christy's Sandcastle Lessons. Afterward, child friendly evening fun may include putt-putt and movie. History buffs will adore Point Isabel Lighthouse, a historic site. Sports junkies can enjoy tennis, golf, or myriad water sports. Anyone can make a splash with kayaks, paddle boats, wave runners, sailboats, or even by parasailing.

Deep sea fishing is incredible during winter months, but summer fishermen need not worry; charters are scheduled year round. Winter events include the annual Polar Bear Dip and Taste of the Island, where visitors sample local cuisine and shop for hours. Christmas guarantees both the Lighted Boat and Old-Fashioned Christmas Parades. The exciting KOA World's Largest Surf Fishing Tournament is held in February.

Spring and summer months are just as eventful. Students flood the island when spring break rolls around. The Annual Texas Surfing Championship is held at Isla Blanca Park. Also in April is the Texas Adopt a Beach Coastal Cleanup for those who enjoy volunteering. The South Padre Island Splash, which attracts a couple thousand each year, celebrates alternative lifestyle. In addition, every Friday between Memorial and Labor Day, a grand display called Fireworks over the Bay mesmerizes its audience.

Twenty thousand guests herd to the South Padre International Music Festival each autumn, and not without good reason! Over sixty bands make it so that nearly every genre of music can be heard. It's a cultural experience in a subtropical paradise. One can escape the massive crowd by heading to Laguna Madre Nature Trail, where a boardwalk covers acres of wetlands. It's a must-see for bird watchers and nature lovers.

A nearby city in Mexico has even more activities to enjoy. The notorious "two nation vacation" is so named because of how easy it is to cross from South Padre Island into Matamoros. However, vacationers have recently been leaving their passports behind. Firefights between drug cartels and soldiers in Mexico have caused great concern, though tourists have not been targeted.

On South Padre Island, whether one is staying in a luxurious hotel room or a beachfront condo, each night on the island will be well spent. During the day, one may wonder where to dine. There is no shortage of bar and grills, cafes, foreign cuisine, fine seafood, and fast food restaurants. Dress codes allow casual clothing for the most part. The only question left is how to get there.

By car, visitors should take I-37 South from San Antonio to Highway 77, then head East on Texas 100. People can also fly directly to the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. The WAVE shuttle provides transportation to and from the airport, restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Getting around is easy. With so many options, deciding what to do is the hard part!

Learn more about this author, Shannon Beineke.
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