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As recent transplants from California to Texas, our family was eager to dive into the Lone Star State’s beach life. We’re a family that loves adventure, having snorkeled and swum in oceans all over the globe. So, when we first set foot on South Padre Island, we were pleasantly surprised. It was the first time we had seen palm trees in a year, so that brought us the joy that comes with the familiarity of running into an old, cherished friend. The tropical wind reminded us of previous coastal Mexico trips, mixed with the solitude of a Caribbean island.
We spent a long weekend finding the best things to do on South Padre Island with teens so families like ours could enjoy their time, too.
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SpaceX Meets Seaside Charm
South Padre Island caught our attention due to its proximity to SpaceX’s Boca Chica Beach, where rockets regularly launch into the sky. Intrigued by this unique blend of space exploration and seaside relaxation, we embarked on a five-hour drive from our new Texas home, arriving at Isla Blanca Park.
Ready to take off for a fun time!
First Impressions Of South Padres Island
Crossing the causeway onto South Padre Island took our breath away. The crystal-clear water, shimmering in shades of turquoise and blue, was unlike anything we expected to find in Texas. To our right, the towering cranes and rocket structures from SpaceX added a thrilling, futuristic element to the island’s natural beauty.
The island’s vibe reminded us of the quaint coastal towns in California or Maine, with its laid-back charm, seafood shacks, and water sport rentals. Think Ventura Beach or one of those smaller New England towns—South Padre offers a nostalgic taste of coastal living.
Once on the island, we were immediately met with what felt like a time capsule, reminiscent of an era when coastal towns were family-friendly and untouched by the footprints of big resorts and high-rise hotels. The island’s modest size—just 2.64 square miles with a population of slightly over 2,000—makes it easy to explore and enjoy.
Smiling selfies ©Terri Harrah
Warm Water Beaches and Endless Adventures
On our first day, we headed to the island’s Thrive Beach, where zip-lining, four-wheel-drive beach access, and ice cream trucks add to the fun. This beach is located at the north end of South Padre Island at the very end of South Padre Road.
My teen son and I trekked out to a quiet spot on the shell-smattered sand, feeling like we were on the edge of the world before cooling off with a swim in the gentle waves.
One of the biggest surprises for us was the water itself. The Gulf of Mexico’s warm, inviting waves starkly contrasted with the colder Pacific waters we were used to.
We frequented Beach Circle #4 (all Gulf side beaches are numbered), which is well-kept, with accessible sidewalks and lounge chairs available for rent. Our villa was just a five-minute walk from this beach, making getting our fill of sun and surf easy.
Seaside charm. ©Terri Harrah
Paddle Boarding on the Gulf
Being avid paddle boarders, we brought our boards along and made quite a splash, as paddle boarding is rare here. The gulf’s waves were much tamer than what we’re used to, making it easy to glide across the surface. The shallow waters meant we could often stand on underwater dunes, giving us a unique perspective of this tropical coastline.
Snorkeling and Sunset Dinners
For a beginner-friendly snorkeling adventure, we booked a bayside boat tour. While South Padre’s bay may not boast vibrant coral reefs, it was perfect for first-timers. The warm, shallow water made for a relaxing experience, and the crew even gave us orange peels to attract small fish—a fun touch for kids. I was also able to easily grab shells from the ocean floor.
Teens chilling. ©Terri Harrah
More South Padre Island Water Fun
We missed out on jet skiing and parasailing, but we watched as other families enjoyed it. Be sure to book your reservations before your trip. Also available are banana boat rides. Expect goofy, wet fun if you go! Families who’ve always wanted to learn how to surf will find the water hospitable to newbie grommets.
Gravity Park
Another fun family activity is Gravity Park. It includes the tallest reverse-bungee in the world (The Rocket), a sky coaster (Giant Swing) with a view of the whole island, a multi-level adult go-kart track, and children’s go-karts, mini-golf, a 60-foot Ferris Wheel, a trampoline ride, an arcade, and a climbing wall!
All kinds of beach fun. ©Terri Harrah
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Eating Out In South Padre Island
Dining out with food allergies can be challenging, but we found a great spot at LongBoard Bar and Grill. This rustic bayside eatery features live music, indoor and outdoor seating, and a relaxed vibe that perfectly matches the island’s charm. We enjoyed fresh seafood and a beautiful sunset view over the bay.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”Uas25″ via=”no” ]We spent a long weekend finding the best things to do on South Padre Island with teens so families like ours could enjoy their time, too.[/ctt]
Final Thoughts on South Padre Island
South Padre Island is an enchanting time portal of an island. It has managed to hold onto its family-friendly charm without being overtaken by commercial tourism. With a mix of water sports, zip lining, adventure parks, stunning beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, it offers a feeling of another time that many people crave. Whether you’re there for the rocket launches, the warm gulf waters, or the nostalgic seaside experience, South Padre Island has something for everyone to enjoy.
When You Go
Getting to South Padre Island from Los Angeles
Brownsville/ South Padre Island International Airport can be reached via Burbank or LAX. From LAX, you can expect a quick transfer to DFW, taking a little over 5 hours. Flying out of Burbank, the flight is longer, with a transfer in DFW, but the price is slightly lower. American Airlines and United Airlines both service this trip.
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Where To Stay In South Padre Island
VRBO: Casa Mariposa
If you plan a longer stay, I highly recommend renting a beach house. Our VRBO host suggested that we stock up on groceries before crossing the causeway, and it was a tip for which we were grateful. We stayed at Casa Mariposa, a Mexico-inspired villa that turned out to be the most charming accommodation we could have hoped for. As a former Airbnb host, I can confidently say that Sherrie, our host, was exceptional—her attention to detail made our weekend both comfortable and memorable.
Families who prefer hotels can try the Casa Bella Hotel, which ranges between $37 – $60 per night, or other hotels right on the beach, like Isla Grand Beach Resort, which averages $100.00 per night, or the Peninsula Island Resort & Spa, which hovers around $200.00 per night. Most cater to families and children and have beach access.
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