Local Attractions
Andy Bowie Park
Located on the northern end of South Padre Island, this park provides beachfront picnic pavilions, concessions, children's playground, shower facilities, 18 full hook-up RV spaces, and a ranger station. Group rental facilities are also available with prior arrangement for beach parties. You can reach them at (956) 761-3704.
Isla Blanca Park
On the southernmost tip of South Padre Island, this park is the crown jewel of the Cameron County Park System. Over one mile of clean, white beach along the Gulf of Mexico offers abundant beachfront recreational facilities. Enjoy our picnic and playground areas, the south fishing jetty, restaurants, clubs, University of Texas Pan American exhibits, and the Chapel By The Sea nondenominational church. There is also a full-marina with daily charters, a water park, retail shops and a boat ramp. With nearly 600 R.V. spaces, Isla Blanca is not only one of the biggest parks in Texas, but also the best. For more information call (956) 761-5493.
Fishing
Where can you go that you can fish all day and have the restaurant of your choice cook your catch to your specifications? Get ready to bend your pole along the surf, on the bay or on a deep sea fishing trip in the Gulf. There are approximately 600 different species, but the most commonly caught fish are the red or black drum, spotted sea trout and southern flounder in the bay, and tarpon, red snapper, king mackerel, amberjack and pompano in the gulf. Choose from over 60 different charter companies and personal guides to take you on the fishing trip of your life. For more information call (956) 761-4412.
Golf
South Padre Island Golf Club offers a 18-hole championship golf course and is situated across the Laguna Madre Bay, a short 10 minute drive from South Padre Island. This par-72 course is home of the Texas Senior Open and presents an absolutely beautiful lateral view of the Island. Decidedly different with rolling green hills and "wildlife corridors" of native brush, these grounds offer an oasis, a wildlife refuge and golfer's paradise all rolled into one. Golf packages are offered by several of the Island's top resort hotels and condominiums. For more information call (956) 943-5678.
Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Cutting through the tall marsh grass are two boardwalks made of recycled material. Each boardwalk ends in a blind that allows people to become an unobtrusive observer of a host of birds, fish, turtles, dragonflies, lizards,and an alligator or two. Located just off to the side of the South Padre Island Convention Centre, the trail starts at the Warbler Rest Area, a plot of ground seeded with flowers designed to attract the winged creatures on a year-round basis. Located 4 miles north of the Queen Isabella Causeway. For more information call 800-SO-PADRE.
Aquatic Sports
South Padre Island is a dream come true for those that love to play in the water or soar through the sky. There are several places on the Island to rent just about anything you can think of that will let you propel through the water, swim with the fish or soar with the birds. Jet skis, waverunners, kayaks, and banana boats, just to name a few, can be rented for as little as one-half hour to whatever your heart desires. Kiteboarding and windsurfing are also popular water sports on the Island, and the shallow waters of the Laguna Madre and the brisk winds provide the perfect playground for these activities. There is also a wide array of opportunities to tour the Island by land and water. From amphibious vehicles to catamarans - we have it all. Pick your favorite and make a day of it! Don't forget to try your hand at parasailing or ski diving. Our birds are friendly and enjoy the company. Swimming with the fish on a half-day or full-day snorkeling trip is another experience that should be had by all. South Padre Island is the perfect spot to try those water sports you have only seen on television or read about in book. Remember all the times you have said - I want to try that someday? Someday is here - experience South Padre Island!
Point Isabel Lighthouse Complex
The Point Isabel Lighthouse Complex, located at 421 Queen Isabella Blvd., is home to the newly renovated Point Isabel Lighthouse and the Keeper's Cottage. In 1852, Congress approved the construction of a beacon in the Laguna Madre to support the growing ship industry of the South Texas Coast. The Point Isabel Lighthouse was built to protect and guide ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier islands. During the Civil War, the light was closed and the tower was used as a lookout for both the Confederate and Union armies. The lighthouse was lit again after the war. In 1880, the lighthouse was renovated to accommodate a new light system. The lighthouse was officially closed in 1905. In 1952, the lighthouse was opened as a state park and is the only lighthouse on the Texas coast to be opened to the public. A replica of the Keeper's Cottage houses the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce, historic displays, and tourist information. The Lighthouse Complex is open daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call (956) 943-2262.
Treasures of the Gulf Museum
The Treasures of the Gulf Museum, located at 317 E. Railroad, was opened in 2000 and tells the story of the three ill-fated Spanish ships that wrecked off the northern end of South Padre Island in 1554 near present day Port Mansfield. The exhibit incorporates murals, artifacts and hands-on activities to interpret this fascinating event that occurred only 30 miles north of Port Isabel. Actual artifacts from the shipwreck such as silver planchas, or disks, coins, and weapons are on display. The Children's Discovery lab is popular with the young and the young at heart. This hands-on exhibit teaches visitors about marine Archeology. Hands-on displays allow visitors to try on period clothing and map out a treasure site. The children's section also has a small-scale ship for kids to imagine themselves sailing waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The museum also has a "ship" theater and a nautical-inspired gift shop. The Treasures of the Gulf Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am. to 4:00 PM Call (956) 943-7602 for more information and current admission prices.
