Down south, at the end of the world’s longest barrier island, you’ll find South Padre Island and the cleanest, most scenic beaches in Texas. From the moment you cross the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge and see the blue waters of the Lower Laguna Madre beneath you, and the Gulf of Mexico in front of you, you’ll know you’re in a special place and feel like you’ve left the world behind. And once you’re on the Island, the feeling never goes away. You see, South Padre Island is only a 1/2 mile at its widest point, which means no matter where you are, you are always just steps away from the beach.
And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also the Sand Castle Capital of the World and The
on and off shore fishing credentials. Due to our favorable winds and shallow bay, we’re also
Fireworks Capital of Texas. The Lower Laguna Madre that hugs our western shore is one
known as the Kite Boarding and Wind Surfing Capital of Texas! In short, South Padre Island
of 6 hyper-saline bodies of water in the world creating one of the most unique and abundant
has the Best Beach In Texas and world class beach activities. And at only a 1/2 mile wide,
fisheries anywhere. We’ve been hosting TIFT, the Texas International Fishing Tournament, the
you’re always just steps away from them all!
largest salt water fishing tournament in Texas, for 76 years giving testament to our World Class
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page:
topic:
01 - 02 • • • • • • • • • • • • • Change Your Latitude
N���T�I�E
03 - 04 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Weather 05 - 06 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Life's A Beach 07 - 08 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • EcoTourism
S�I�I��
t�e�co��t ��t�
09 - 10 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fish On! 11 - 12 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
W���R�A�K
T���M�S�:
KidTastic!
13 - 14 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Land Ahoy! 15 - 16 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Accolades 17 - 18 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Swim, Fly Or Drive 19 - 20 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Flag Warning System 21 - 22 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Good Clean Fun
B��DI��
23 - 24 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Beach Ambassadors 25 - 26 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Catch The Wave 27 - 28 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Beach Access 29 - 30 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Padre's Island 31 - 32 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • For The Birds 33 - 34 • • • • • • • • • • • • •
W���R S�OR��
UnConvention Centre
35 - 36 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Surf & Turf 37 - 38 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Events 39 - 40 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Accommodations • 41 - 42 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Hotels 43 - 44 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 44 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Rentals Camp Sites
SC��IC��E�C�
F�S�I��
ECO�O���SM
45 - 46 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Island Map 47 - 50 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Note Pad
D���N�
H���E�ACK ��D���
SC��A ��V���
It’s amazing wha t a change in la titude can do. A trip to South Pa isn’t just a vacatio dre Island n, it’s a journey. A journey to reco nnect with natu and friends. Imag re, family ine yourself sippi ng a cold drink, sand sifting betw een your
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toes and the wa
rm rays of the su n melting your wo rries away as yo yourself with ever u familiarize ything South Pa dre Island has to offer. The followi is your tool to liv ng Field Guide e like a local an d optimize your time on the Islan d.
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A���T��� ���T���YEA� IS�A ���AT��IM��T���ISI� S���H PADR��IS�AN�. As a matter of fact, we average over 300 days of sunshine per year! Our average winter temperature is around 65˚, same as our average winter age as thousands of our neighbors from up north make the Island their home to escape the cold. Summers average in the mid 80’s as our tropical breeze keeps things cool. Mild temperatures in Spring and Fall make them some of the best times to visit. So no matter what time of year you like to travel, any time is a great time to get your beach on at South Padre Island.
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If Beach Bummin’ were an Olympic sport, South Padre Island would be
a catamaran and sail off into the sunset or hit the links and catch a birdie.
awash in gold medals. And while our beach is our #1 attraction, we have
Surf some tasty waves or jet ski in the bay. On South Padre Island, we’ve
plenty of activities to get you out of your beach chair. From a leisurely
got something for everybody.
bike cruise down the beach to an adrenaline pumping skydive, we’ve got an array of activities for active lifestyles. Go parasailing to get a birds eye view of the Island or snorkeling for a glimpse of life under the sea. Catch
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While we pride ourselves on attracting over 1 million visitors yearly, we’re even more proud of the fact that millions of migratory birds and sea turtles instinctively migrate to South Padre Island on their own. As a matter of fact, over 300 species of migratory birds drop by each year, making South Padre Island one of the best birding spots in the world. We’re also the only place in the world where you can see a baby Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle in captivity. How cool is that? Join us for a hatchling release and create a lifetime memory. Learn more at www.seaturtleinc.org
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Tight lines and singing drags! A trip to South Padre Island is not complete if you don’t get your line wet. Inshore or offshore, charter boats or kayaks, surf fishing or wading, you can get bowed up no matter what species you’re targeting and the best part is most local restaurants will cook your catch for a fixed fee. And when it comes to fishing captains, we’ve got some of the saltiest dogs you’ll ever meet. Hook up a guide at sopadre.com or bring your own boat and launch at one of several public boats ramps.
tt tt Public Boat Ramps:
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Parrot Eyes
Jim’s Pier
Polaris
Palm Street Pier
Get your kids off of the electronics and on the beach! South Padre Island has an array of family friendly activities that’ll have you coming back year after year. Get totally tubular at the yearround Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark or learn to talk like a pirate on the Black Dragon Pirate ship. Arghhh! You can also learn how to be the King of the Castle with private sandcastle building lessons or when the sun goes down, try your hand at miniature golf and go carts at Gravity Park. It’s all good clean fun and it’s all on South Padre Island.
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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CENTER
If you’re a first timer on the Island or an old salt, a stop at the South Padre Island Visitors Center is always a good idea. Our well-informed and friendly staff can answer any Island-related questions about area attractions and current events. They can also help you create an itinerary based on your interests to ensure you have
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an awesome time. Be sure to pick up a free map so you can get around like a local.
South Padre Island Visitors Center
6���P���E B�V�. S���H PADR��IS�AN�, T��7���7
1.8��.S�PADR� S�PADR�.C��
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ACCOLADES! Apparently, we’re not the only ones who think South Padre Island is fantastic. While our opinion might be a bit biased, we couldn’t agree more with what these fine folks have to say. • Named to TripAdvisor’s List of Top 25 Beaches in the U.S. Also named one of the world’s “Top 30” island beaches by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in 2007 and a “Top 10” beach by Men’s Fitness and Women’s Day magazines in 2008. • Named one of America’s Top 10 Winter Beach Escapes by International Business Times. • Named as a Best Affordable U.S. Vacation and a Best Family Beach Vacation in U.S. News & World Report’s first-ever Best Vacations. • TripAdvisor’s top five vacation rental hot spots.
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KEMP’S RIDLEY SEA TURTLES SWIM FOR WEEKS TO MIGRATE TO SOUTH PADRE ISLAND. YOU CAN BE HERE IN A MATTER OF HOURS. Whether you fly or drive, getting to South Padre Island is a breeze. Located at the tropical tip of Texas, we’re accessible by land, sea or air. It doesn’t matter to us how you get here, as long as you do.
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f BY AIR
Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (a 30 minute drive from the Island). Served by AeroMexico, American Eagle and United Airlines. www.flybrownsville.com Valley International Airport in Harlingen (50 minutes away). Served by Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines. www.flythevalley.com Miller International Airport in McAllen (a 1.5 hour drive away). Served by
Austin 340 miles
El Paso 815 miles
American, Delta and United Airlines.
Dallas 531 miles
Monterrey 225 miles
www.mcallenairport.com
Houston 367 miles
Mexico City 666 miles
All three airports provide access to South Padre Island. Each offers car rentals,
San Antonio 285 miles
taxi and shuttle services. For more information about public transportation: Valley Metro: 1-800-574-8322, The WAVE: 956-761-8178, and MetroConnect: 855-220-8827.
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*
$
On South Padre Island, your safety is always our primary concern. The Island has implemented a flag system to inform you about surf conditions. Watch for these flags and heed their warnings:
RED – Heavy surf and dangerous currents. YELLOW – Calm to moderate water. Does not assure safe water. BLUE – Presence of venomous marine life (Jellyfish and Man-O-War).
G – The absence of a flag does not guarantee safe water. -19-
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* 1.
Please do not trash our beautiful beaches. Trash cans are provided for your convenience. In the event receptacles are full, please take trash with you for disposal.
2.
Glass is not allowed on the beach.
*
*
3.
the widest and cleanest beach in Texas. Help us keep it that way. To ensure everyone, you and those around you, enjoy their well-deserved beach vacation, please observe the following:
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* *
*
South Padre Island is renowned for having
While use of small charcoal grills is allowed on the beach, open campfires built into the sand are not. When cleaning your area, please take your coals with you. Do not bury your hot coals as someone could come along and step on them and be burned; and please do not dump them into trash receptacles.
4.
Be considerate of people around you in regards to language and music volume.
5.
No dogs off leash.
6.
No vehicles on the beach.
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BEACH AMBASSADORS
Keeping you safe is the primary concern of the South Padre Island city staff. But, they’re also here to ensure you get the most out of your stay. If you have a question or concern, flag down a South Padre Island city staff member. You can identify them by the South Padre Island logo on their shirt and they can provide information on topics ranging from “what kind of fish is that” to “where is a good place to watch the sunset”. So if you need a band-aid or directions to the nearest shade, flag down the South Padre Island Beach Patrol or city staff member. They’re happy to help.
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1.956.761.8178
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The WAVE is the free shuttle system serving South Padre Island and Port Isabel. Catch one at a number of convenient WAVE stops or just wave one down. WAVE buses run Sunday-Thursday 7am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 7am-Midnight (extended hours during the summer) and are equipped with wheelchair lifts (ADA Accessible) and bicycle racks. -25-
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BEACH
ACCESS
We pride ourselves on equipping many of our beach access points with amenities for the convenience of all our guests. Walkover decks allow beachgoers to “walk over” the sand on a raised deck while “Mobi-Mats” are placed directly over the sand on beach access paths for pedestrians, disabled persons, wheelchair users, strollers and bicycles. Access points with restrooms and drinking water as well as ADA Compliant access points are also available.
HE��’S A�L�S� ���AM��ITI�S A���T���R �OC���O�S: 1. Walkover: Seaside, Surf, Bougainvillea, Poinsettia, Neptune, Aquarius, Good Hope, Gay Dawn 2. Mobi-Mat: Gulf Circle, Beach Circle, Seaside, White Cap, Treasure Island, Moonlight, Fantasy 3. Restrooms and Drinking Water: Gulf Circle, Treasure Island 4. ADA Compliant: Seaside, Surf, Blue Water, Treasure Island, Moonlight, Bougainvillea, Fantasy, Gay Dawn 5. Beach accessible wheelchairs are available for loan from the SPI Fire Department: call (956) 761-3040 in advance to reserve.
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Back in the day, when migratory birds and sea turtles had the Island to themselves, Padre Jose Nicholas Ballí brought the first permanent settlers while establishing a church and attempting to bring Chrisitanity to the native Karankawa Indians. Charted by the Spanish in 1519, the Island had been granted to his grandfather, Nicolás Ballí in 1759, by King Carlos III of Spain.
When Padre Ballí owned the Island, it was known as the Isla de Santiago, but the people he ministered to affectionately referred to it as La Isla Del Padre. The name stuck and people have been flocking to The Padre’s Island ever since.
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THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS…AND TURTLES…
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AND BUSINESS PEOPLE!
Birds and Turtles aren’t the only ones who like to meet every year on South Padre Island. Hundreds of businesses and associations gather on the Island to hold meetings, conventions, trade shows and special events. From small groups to corporate
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conventions, the South Padre Island Convention &
Visitors Bureau staff can help you plan an event that will have your attendees raving for years to come.
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Call them today at 800-OK-PADRE or click on sopadre.com for more information.
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WE TAKE THE C���E���O� OUT OF C���E���O��CE���E.
There’s nothing conventional about the South Padre Island Convention
rooms available in a variety of sizes. Let our friendly and attentive staff make
Centre. Located on 30 scenic acres with a view of the Laguna Madre Bay,
your next convention as unconventional as possible with personal assistance
its 45,000 square feet can be configured to meet your needs. Primary facili-
that will knock your socks off. And since sandals are the norm on South
ties include 22,500 square feet of exhibit hall space, a 2,633 square foot
Padre Island, that shouldn’t be a problem. So bring your flip flops and leave
conference auditorium with seating for 225 and 9,000 square feet of meeting
your ties at home, as South Padre Island enforces a strict NO TIE policy.
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S��� &
, T��F
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S���ETS�AR��A B�G ��A�� ARO�N���ER�. And as the sun goes down you’ll want to head to the nearest watering hole after a long day at the beach. We have over 50 restaurants, bars and nightclubs to choose from so you can dance, sing, listen to live music or grab a bite. We have a wide range of dining options ranging from casual to up scale serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and our world famous Gulf Shrimp is fresh off the boat! In addition to seafood, you’ll also enjoy BBQ, Burgers, Pizza, Italian, Mexican, Irish and even Mediterranean delicacies.
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_ List of Events
January
July
SPI Polar Bear Dip
July 4th Fireworks
Penguin Plunge
TX Int’l Fishing Tournament TIFT
Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk
Beachcomber Art Show & Sale
Market Days
August
February
TX Int’l Fishing Tournament TIFT
Walk For Women Chili & Bean Cook Off
Lady Kingfish Tournament LKT
Market Days
GET YOUR BEACH ON ALL YEAR LONG AT SOUTH PADRE ISLAND.
September
Schlitterbahn Music Fest
Labor Day Fireworks
March
SPI Beach Volleyball
Spring Break Car Show & Sound Off
Walk For Women
UME (Ultimate Music Event) Electronic
SPI Dive Week
Music
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall,
descend upon South Padre to flee
South Padre Island has it going
the snow and cold from up north.
April
on. Summer is prime family time
It’s also a great time to get down to
Beach & Biker Fest
SPI SPLASH
featuring Friday and Saturday night
business, as it’s a popular time of year
TGSA Surfing Championship
SPI TRI
fireworks displays on the beach
for business meetings and retreats.
and bay at both ends of the Island.
Spring brings the annual mass migra-
It’s also a great time to catch a
tion of college students who come to
tan, a wave or a fish. Fall is also a
get their Spring Break on and families
favorite time of year due to cooler
from around the U.S. and Mexico also
temperatures and even cooler
come during the spring to celebrate
SPI Beach Volleyball
events like Sand Castle Days,
Easter and Semana Santa. We also
Fireworks Memorial Day-Labor Day
where you can see some impres-
specialize in seasonal special events
Cyclovia So Padre
sive sand sculptures. Our average
year round. Check the list here or on
winter temperature is a cool 65
sopadre.com and see why any time
June
degrees, same as our average
is a great time to get your beach on
winter age as flocks of retirees
at South Padre Island.
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October Sand Castle Days
SPI Sand Crab Night Run
November
South Padre Island SPLASH
SPI Marathon
May SPI Kiteboard Roundup
December
Run the Jailbreak Beach Escape
SPI Holiday Parade
Pedal to Padre
Breakfast with Santa
Great Texas Catamaran Race Shark Run
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ACCOMMODATIONS Finding a place to stay is easy on South Padre Island. The hard part is leaving. We offer a wide variety of luxury or laid back hotels and motels on the beach and bay. Go with a well-known national chain or one of the Island’s unique indies. Most feature restaurants, exercise rooms, laundry, swimming pools, WiFi and the works. Take your pick and book it down here. If you’re interested in a longer stay, go condo and contact any of our top-notch rental agencies representing hundreds of condo units and beach houses. Just give them a call and they’ll help you set up house on the beach or by the bay. Or you can make rental arrangements directly with the owner. And if camping is your thing, load up the RV or pack your sleeping bag and tent. South Padre Island has a campground for every nature. Many feature swimming pools, snack bars, playgrounds, laundry rooms and boat ramps – everything you need to make roughing it as easy as possible.
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H���LS F��� Se�v���: Hilton Garden Inn Beach Resort 7010 Padre Blvd. 877-782-9444 956-761-8700 enjoyspi.com Isla Grand Beach Resort 500 Padre Blvd. 800-292-7704 956-761-6511 islagrand.com Schlitterbahn Beach Resort 100 Padre Blvd. 956-772-7873 schlitterbahn.com Pearl South Padre 310 Padre Blvd. 800-222-4010 956-761-6551 pearlsouthpadre.com
L�m�t���S���i�e: America’s Best Value Inn & Suites – Casa Bella Hotel 5601 Padre Blvd. 877-224-7700 956-761-7700 casabellaspi.com
Beachside Inn 4500 Padre Blvd. 800-865-1777 956-761-4919 padrebeachside.com
Flamingo Inn 3408 Padre Blvd. 888-761-3375 956-761-3377 flamingo-spi.com
Motel 6 4013 Padre Blvd. 800-466-8356 956-761-7911 motel6.com
Suites At Sunchase 1004 Padre Blvd. 866-926-7711 956-761-7711 suitesatsunchase.com
Blue Bay Inn & Suites 901 Padre Blvd. 956-761-4350 southpadreinn.com
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 6502 Padre Blvd. 888-465-4329 956-761-8844 hiexpress.com
Padre South Hotel – On The Beach 1500 Gulf Blvd. 800-313-4626 956-761-4951 padresouth.com
Super 8 4205 Padre Blvd. 800-800-8000 956-761-6300 super8padre.com
Island Inn 3813 Padre Blvd. 956-761-8500 southpadreislandinn.com
Palms Resort 3616 Gulf Blvd. 800-466-1316 956-761-1316 palmsresortcafe.com
Charlie’s Island Hideaway 120 E. Atol 956-761-5622 charliesislandhideaway.com Clayton’s Resort 6900 Padre Blvd. 956-761-2344 claytonsresort.com Comfort Suites 912 Padre Blvd. 877-774-7848 956-772-9020 comfortsuites.com/hotel/ tx467 Days Inn South Padre Island 3913 Padre Blvd. 800-329-7466 956-761-7831 daysinn.com
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La Copa Inn 350 Padre Blvd. 866-452-2672 956-761-6000 lacoparesort.com La Quinta Inn & Suites 7000 Padre Blvd. 800-531-5900 956-772-7000 lq.com
Surf Motel 2612 Gulf Blvd. 800-723-6519 956-761-2831 surfmotelpadre.com The Inn at South Padre 1709 Padre Blvd. 956-761-5658 theinnsouthpadre.com
Ramada Limited 4109 Padre Blvd. 800-272-6232 956-761-4097 ramadasouthpadreisland.com
Travelodge 6200 Padre Blvd. 866-601-6200 956-761-4744 southpadretravelodge.com
South Beach Inn 120 E. Jupiter 956-761-2471 southbeachtexas.com
Wanna Wanna Inn 5100 Gulf Blvd. 956-761-7677 wannawanna.com
South Padre Motel 204 W. Gardenia 956-761-6701 sopadremotel.net
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RE��A��AGE�CIES Affordable Beach House Vacation Rentals SPI, Inc. 5712 Padre Blvd. #3 956-761-8750 padrebeachhouses.com
Furcron Property Management 4800 Padre Blvd. 800-892-6278 956-761-6961 furcron.com
Bonita Isla Rentals & Real Estate 127 E. Dolphin 956-792-3550 southpadrebonitaislandrentals.com
Island Services 1700 Padre Blvd. 800-426-6530 956-761-2649 mypadre.com
Chacon Realty & Rental 5800 Padre Blvd., Ste. 205B 866-230-5633 956-761-5633 chaconrealty.com
Latitude 26 3213 Padre Blvd. 956-761-9926 latitude26.com Padre Getaways 700 Padre Blvd., Ste. D-1 956-761-8888 padregetaways.com
Coastal Lifestyles, Inc. 5312 Padre Blvd., Ste. C 877-782-9774 956-761-8900 vacationpadre.com
Padre Island Rentals 3100 Padre Blvd. 800-926-6926 pirentals.com
Fina Rentals & Real Estate 108 Pompano 956-761-4588 finare.com
C�m� S��e�: Service 24 2100 Padre Blvd., Ste. 4 800-828-4287 service24.com
Andy Bowie Park 7300 N. Padre Blvd. 956-761-3704 co.cameron.tx.us/parks/andy_ bowie.htm
South Padre Beach Houses & Condos 3800 Padre Blvd. 800-377-3262 956-761-6554 sopadrerentals.com
Isla Blanca Park Park Rd. 100 956-761-5494 co.cameron.tx.us/parks/isla_ blanca.com
South Padre Resort Rentals 1000 Padre Blvd. 800-944-6818 956-761-6818 gosouthpadreisland.com
South Padre Island KOA 1 Padre Blvd. 800-562-9724 956-761-5665 southpadrekoa.com
Tropical Realty & Rentals 108 E. Dolphin 956-761-1004 tropicalrealtyspi.com Vacation Villas 281-222-0432 ezbookvacationhomes.com
Paradise Rentals 210-885-0700 paradise-rentals.net
Franke Realtors 8605 Padre Blvd. 800-447-4753 956-761-2606 frankerealtors.com
Seaside Services 100 E. Swordfish, Ste. D 877-544-1066 956-761-6104 southpadrebeach.com
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