by Samantha Giving

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

Nestled on the southern most tip of the Texas Gulf Coast, with Laguna Madre Bay on the west and the Gulf of Mexico on the east, South Padre Island boasts 300 days of sunshine and is famous for its sub-tropical climate.

Featuring luxury accommodations, ranging from top US Chain hotels to exclusive beach front vacation homes, South Padre Island is where you getaway in style. The island is becoming home to new exclusive resorts which will cater to your every whim. Whether you are looking for small resorts with a cozy feeling to larger hotels with private elevators, you will find them here.

If you arrive on summer Friday evening, make sure that you take in the spectacular fireworks display over the bay. You can view them from one of many restaurants or book yourself on an evening cruise. Every Friday is like the 4th of July!

Rise with the sun and reel in some fish on a deep sea fishing charter. Marlin, speckled trout and even shark are abundant and waiting. After spending the day on top of the water, it's time to dive in and experience some of Texas' best snorkeling. There are many jetties and bays that are accessible by foot or kayak.

Your second day on the island should include some sight-seeing. A must see is the Port Isabel Lighthouse. It was constructed in 1852 and is the only one of the original 16 lighthouses on the Texas coast open to the public. Climb the 75 winding stairs to enjoy fantastic beach views and take photographs. Bring a picnic lunch and relax in the grassy knolls.

After lunch slip into your beachwear and sign up for sandcastle building lessons. All sculpting supplies are included, and these lessons will enhance your beach visits for years to come. You will find access to miles of sandy beaches every couple of blocks.

To bring your weekend to a close, rent a 4x4 and drive north of the city to the sand dunes and empty beaches. Nothing is more spectacular than viewing the sunset from atop one of the dunes.

If you brought the children with you, you might also want to consider the Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Centre. Here you will learn about dolphins and sea wild life. They have an interactive setting where you can hold starfish and feed the octopus. There is also the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark featuring a pool-to-pool tube chute, America's largest surfing machine, wading pools and much more. Or, you might consider a dolphin watching cruise to spot some of the many bottlenose dolphins that live in the coastal waters.

With so many dining

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