Things to do in South Padre Island

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in South Padre Island

Things to Do in South Padre Island


Book these experiences for a close-up look at South Padre Island.

Top Attractions in South Padre Island

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.

What travellers are saying

  • Sonya E
    Independence, IA7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun family trip that also supports the rehabilitation of the endangered sea turtles. It is also educational and informative about sea turtles.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sonya E
    Independence, IA7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a surprise at how fun and exciting it was! Very affordable family place to see alligators, snakes, birds, etc. We enjoyed it much more than we thought we would.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OntarioCanuck1
    Georgetown, Canada4,080 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Short flat boardwalk near convention centre but lots to see. Lots of species of birds, when we were there very rewarding to visit. FREE, easy access, etc. go for it!
    Written 4 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • fmaldo0613
    Austin, TX6 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went from 19th to 24th and totally missed the crowds. Last beach access was our preferred option. Beautiful and peaceful.
    Written 27 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mimi D
    Overland Park, KS90 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wished it was a bit bigger as it only took us about 10 minutes if even to walk along the path to view the sand sculptures. However, they were all very neat to see. Free event and they only ask for donations.
    Written 18 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • romanpiekosz
    Chicago, IL8,697 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was very hot day. After the dinner we've decided to take a walk. We've picked the Pier because of great refreshing breeze coming off the water. It helped us "to stay alive" after really hot day. We saw many people with fishing sticks. There were also people cleaning big fish caught far off the shore. We had very nice time. We took a walk for an hour going from one end to the other of the pier.
    I recommend this place.
    RomanP
    Written 2 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Roberta B
    Cibolo, TX138 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a 3 sided mural of dolphins and killer whales. It’s part of the convention center. Park by the wall and take the nature trail to get a view of Laguna Madre. Both are free.
    Written 11 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JoAnn P
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Park is very big and it's nice being so close to the ocean. Some of the sites are nice and some are not. The wind in this area is most often to an extreme. There are stickers on the ground you have to prepare for if you have animals. The island is full of places to eat and drink. Lots of live music. The Lo Bo Del Mar has bag pipes around 5:30 each day. That is a must see. January weather has been fairly warm but pretty much gloomy.
    Written 20 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peachie59
    Waterloo, NY120 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice small group of vendors. It may be because it's still February. Everyone there was super nice and of coarse eager to sell to you. The only reason for 4 stars is that it's way to short, 11am to 1pm.
    Written 24 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Melanie T
    Wisner, NE15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited for SPI Market. Great venue--plenty of space. Nice nature trail adjacent to the facility, which was good since my husband was done going through the market an hour before anyone else in our group. Walking on the nature trail gave him something to do while he waited for everyone else.
    Written 23 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eric Y
    Harker Heights, TX140 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is hidden way down south in Texas. A must destination. I could only imagine the busy streets and beeches in the summer months, but the winter months are exceptionally exciting for the whole family. Beaches are prob the cleanest in Texas. No shortage of things to do and places to go. Great entertainment, restaurants, and attractions. A must visit. We will be back!!!
    Written 2 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dionne C
    South Padre Island, TX2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had my 15 year old daughter take the silversmithing class and my 10 year old daughter the acrylic pouring class and both were excellent experiences! The art is unique and so fun to learn about! The gallery is in a great location as we were staying at the RV park next door and the staff and facilities are quite welcoming. Beautifully run shop and gallery. I hope to return on future trips to see and do more art with them.
    Written 15 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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