by Scott Busa

Created on: July 14, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

South Padre Island has long been known as a spring break destination spot for college students looking to let loose. What else does it have to offer? Plenty. South Padre has become a year round tourist destination for singles, married couples and families alike with its many hotels and condominiums, lots of restaurants, annual events, and fun, fun, fun.

South Padre has something to offer for everyone. Aside from its many attractions, the island eateries have diverse cuisine. From casual to five star fine dining and everywhere in between the restaurants offer a vast array of sushi, seafood and steak, grilled and fried, sauted and seared, and raw. Depending on where you are eating dress appropriate.

A nice weekend getaway at South Padre could include an early Saturday morning deep sea fishing excursion from one of the islands many charter boats. In the afternoon you might want to visit Sea Turtle Inc. an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of these beautiful creatures. A nice dinner in the evening and then embark on a dolphin watching cruise conducted by SPI Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center. If your not exhausted after that full day of activity there are dozens of hot night spots on the island for your late night enjoyment. On Sunday you might grab a delicious brunch and then venture out to Port Isabel, one of the oldest towns in Texas, to see the famed lighthouse and visit the museum. Port Isabel served as a strategic port during the Mexican-American war and the Civil War. Cap off the weekend with a nice dinner at one of South Padres many restaurants that offer patio dining overlooking the Gulf.

If you plan on staying longer than a weekend a trip to the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is a must. They have numerous interconnecting water rides including the world's largest surfing machine, an uphill water coaster, wading pool for the kids and for the adults a floating bar. They also have numerous eateries, direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and offer free parking. If you want to get out of fresh water and into the Gulf then Breakaway Cruises is for you. They offer a variety of offshore activities including, fireworks cruises, snorkeling trips and sunset cruises. Still want more? Visit the Gladys Porter zoo in Brownsville. It has long been recognized as one of the nation's best zoos and is one of South Texas' most popular attractions with over 400,000 visitors annually. For a more relaxing afternoon the Island Equestrian Center is the answer. They offer kids and adults the opportunity to ride horses on South Padres isolated north side beaches. Prices range from $45-65 depending on time of day and length of ride.

South Padre has a vast array of attractions and events, but nothing compares to its annual South Padre Island International Music Festival in the fall. Starting on October 31st and running through November 2nd, 2008 this Halloween weekend event is expected to draw more than 20,000 music fans from across the U.S. and Mexico. In 2007, the inaugural festival, more than 60 bands performed with almost every genre of music represented.

South Padre Island is a fantastic destination spot and is growing in popularity each year. More annual events, five star restaurants, exclusive hotels and spas and numerous fun attractions all add up to an exciting weekend getaway or a fun filled week long vacation. You will never run out of things to do or an adventure to seek out South Padre Island has it all.

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