Region: Gulf Coast
Incorporated in 1973, this small resort town is on the southern tip of Padre
Island just across Laguna Madre, the bay separating island from mainland. Access
is via free causeway on Texas 100. Visitors find wide range of accommodations
from campgrounds and family motels to high-rise luxury hotels and condo rentals,
marinas and seaside cottages. Restaurants feature fresh seafood harvested daily
from the Gulf.
South Padre is known for its water sports, including jet skiing; bay, surf
and deep-sea fishing; parasailing; sailing; and windsurfing. Other island
activities include bicycling, tennis, shelling and horseback riding on the
beach. The popular Laguna Madre Nature Trail—for nature enthusiasts and
birders—is north of the city next to the convention center.
Fishing is available from beach, piers and jetties. Group boats provide bay
and deep-sea fishing for full or half days; charter cruisers are available for
individual or small-party offshore sport. Marinas provide fuel, bait, tackle,
launching ramps and boat rentals. Small boats with guides are available for bay
fishing.