by James W. Coates

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

The town of South Padre Island sits at the tip of the barrier island stretching along the Texas Gulf coast. While tiny, this island resort community, conveniently located within driving distance from San Antonio, Texas and Matamoros, Mexico, overflows with enough fun activities, fishing, dining and unique music festivals to fill a relaxing or adventure-packed weekend get away.

With its humid subtropical climate, South Padre Island offers some of the best tropical saltwater fishing in the world. Famed for its waters teeming with tropical game fish such as redfish, trout and flounder, the great year-round weather, especially in the Laguna Madre area, makes this island fishing spot a hot destination any time of the year.

But the tepid waters around South Padre Island not only make for great fishing, other water sports including windsurfing and kite boarding as well as parasailing, wave riding, water skiing, snorkeling, world class wreck diving at the Texas Clipper and kayaking also enjoy year-round popularity.
When shore bound, enjoy a game of golf at the South Padre Island Golf Club. This 18-hole course sits across the Laguna Madre Bay, a quick 10 minute drive from South Padre Island.

After the game soak sore muscles at one of the island's exclusive spas or enjoy other popular island attractions including the Point Isabel Lighthouse Complex, the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the South Padre Island Visitors Center Sand Castle, one of the largest year-round sand castles in the State of Texas.

Not only does South Padre Island offer great attractions, it also dishes up dining experiences unmatched in the rest of Texas. Whether you're looking for a fun, casual evening sitting around in one of the many bars and grills scattered around the island, or a more formal or romantic affair, the island abounds with fine restaurants serving fresh seafood, steaks, sushi and shrimp.

South Padre Island may be most popular during summer vacation with an influx of tourists arriving on the island from Memorial Day weekend on, but the island also holds activities year-round including the Annual SPI Polar Bear Dip in January, the annual chili cook-off in February, as well as the Winter Texan Snowbird Extravaganza sure to delight anyone looking for a change of scenery and a quick jolt of fun in the winter months.

In fall, South Padre Island celebrates the changing of the seasons with spooky Halloween activities and Day of the Dead celebrations inspired by the nearby Mexican cultural event.

And if you live through the fun of Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations, stay longer to experience the South Padre International Music Festival. With an array of musical influences from pop and rock to Mexican and other Latin-influenced styles, this music festival rocks like no other in the country.
Whether you seek a break from the city, memorable fishing adventures or a soak in an exclusive spa, South Padre Island makes the perfect vacation destination.

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