SPICVB Visitors Guide

Welcome to South Padre Island It’s about time you got down to the tropical tip of Texas. While you’re here, rely on this handy guide to give you the lay of the Island, and the water. As you’d expect, the land is mostly sand that feels good between your toes, and it runs right up to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and idyllic Laguna Madre Bay. Some say it’s home to the most beautiful beaches in the Lone Star State. How you spend the day on them is up to you. Fishing, boating, floating, bird watching, shopping or just beach bumming around, your time is your own. When the sun settles down behind the bay, it’s a sight to behold. The gentle evening comes alive in the nightclubs and restaurants where people, not unlike yourself, gather for conversation, good food, music and dancing. So relax, enjoy all that surrounds you, and think deep happy thoughts. Just remember: Be yourself and you’ll be fine. You’re on South Padre Island – a place you really want to be.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE HISTORY .................................................................. 2-3 THE AREA .......................................................................... 4-5 THE BEACH ...................................................................... 6-7 ECOTOURISM ................................................................. 8-9 SPORTS ........................................................................... 10-11 FISHING ...........................................................................12-13 ISLAND SIDE TRIPS ..................................................14-15 KIDS STUFF.....................................................................16-17 GET HERE ANYWAY YOU CAN ........................... 18 MAP .................................................................................. 19-20 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS ..................... 22-23 CUISINE & NIGHTLIFE ........................................ 24-25 WARM RECEPTIONS YEAR ROUND ....... 26-29 ACCOMMODATIONS ........................................ 32-36

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THE HISTORY

YOU ARE HERE

South Padre Island is situated on the

for Queen Isabella. Our history

Southern tip of Texas. To the north

dates back to Spanish explorer

lie miles and miles of Texas. Travel just

Alonzo de Pineda who charted it

26 miles in the opposite direction

back in 1519. And people have been

and you’re south of the border, down

flocking here ever since – about a

Mexico way. The 34-mile long Island

million per year. We hope you’re

is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico

among them.

and Laguna Madre Bay and linked to the mainland by the 2 1/2 mile Memorial Causeway Bridge named

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THE AREA

about town

Sun-washed South Padre Island is home

recreational activities there in

to about 5,000 lucky islanders, although

addition to the Port Isabel

“Winter Texans” add to that estimate

Lighthouse which affords a

when temps start dropping up

pelican’s-eye view of the Gulf

north. Winters on the Island average

and Laguna Madre Bay.

around 65 degrees while the summers boast a balmy range in the mid-80s. The historic and quaint fishing village of Port Isabel is just across the bridge. You’ll find many

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THE BEACH

SAND WEARS AWAY YOUR ROUGH EDGES

Our beaches have got it going on.

Make new memories, and explore

The widest and cleanest in Texas,

parks and places you never knew

they’re big enough to handle kite flying,

existed. After all, that’s what

sand castle building (they give lessons

vacations are for, right? So many

for that), seaside fitness classes, beach

grains of sand to count, so little time.

and watercraft rentals of all kinds,

Go to sopadre.com to pick your

horseback riding, eco touring, birding,

spot on the beach.

and cruises galore. Or just rent a beach umbrella and watch everybody else doing whatever. You’ll see and do incredible things. Meet new people.

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ECOTOURISM

see turtles and then some

Wildlife abounds here. So, naturally,

facility dedicated to their rescue and

nature lovers from around the globe

protection. Pods of wild dolphins also

flock to South Padre Island to catch a

can be seen frolicking near the shore

glimpse of our rare birds, sea turtles

year round. Numerous dolphin watch

and Bottlenose dolphins. Over 300

boats stand ready to whisk you to

species of migratory birds flit in and

their playground. Visit the SPI

out each year making the Island one

Birding & Nature Center, the Laguna

of the best birding spots in the world.

Madre Nature Trail, the Atascosa

We’re also big on sea turtles known

National Wildlife Refuge or

as Kemp’s Ridley. Adorable and

sopadre.com to see more super

endangered, visitors can see them

natural resources.

up close at Sea Turtle, Inc., an Island 9

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SPORTS

DIVE INTO A BIGGER ADVENTURE

Don’t just sit there. You can be out

the colorful corals, brilliant blue

jumping waves on a jet-ski or even

and yellow queen angelfish and

jumping out of a plane. There’s

other exotic denizens of the Gulf.

also windsurfing, parasailing, stand

And don’t forget your sticks. The

up paddleboarding, kiteboarding

challenging South Padre Island Golf

and boogie boarding. You’ve only

Club is a short drive

scratched the surface. Catch a

across the bay.

catamaran for a snorkeling expedition. Or strap on a scuba tank and go deep to scope out

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FISHING

Cast your CARES away

Perhaps you are lured here by our

Red snapper (best when blackened),

limitless sport fishing opportunities.

sea trout, king mackerel, amberjack –

Try your luck from one of many

there are more fish than you can

charter boats, piers, jetties or

shake a stick at. Even better, your

beaches. There are all kinds of fish

catch of the day can be prepared

and plenty of guides available,

your way at most

well-schooled in the ways of local

Island restaurants.

fish and fishing. Go online to line one up at sopadre.com. You could hook a snook or take on a tarpon.

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ISLAND SIDE TRIPS

knots tied AND loosened

Getting married? Planning your

The Art of Vacationing. The art

honeymoon? Renewing your vows? South

scene around here goes on year

Padre Island provides a wide variety

round and includes community

of breathtaking backdrops and bridal

theater, concerts, fine art shows

services to make sure your ceremony is

and more.

both beautiful and memorable.

All stress drastically reduced. The

Marine Merchants. You may be on an

Island’s day spas pamper guests with

Island, but you’re not cut off from

therapies including massages, reiki,

civilization or commerce. Local specialty

seaweed wraps and yoga.

shops and boutiques boast unique goodies and services, while others stock basics like groceries, souvenirs and beach gear.

Be sure to visit sopadre.com for all the added info you’ll need for your trip.

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KIDS STUFF

Kids, Bring Your Parents!

“There’s nothing to do here,” is

sand castle building lessons and

something you never hear around

family-friendly movies.

the Island. Between the Gulf and

For more ideas, go to sopadre.com.

the Bay, kids of all ages are easily

After all, you can never have too

amused by Island attractions like the

much fun.

year-round Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark and The Black Dragon pirate ship. Or you can grab a seat and try to hold on to it aboard the twin turbo Thriller Ride. There’s also kite-flying, dolphin encounters,

Get here any way you can At the tropical Southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is accessible by land, air and sea. Go to sopadre.com and map your path to get down here.

By land: Â From Austin 340 miles

From El Paso 815 miles

From Dallas 531 miles

From Mexico City 666 miles

From Houston 367 miles

From Monterrey 225 miles

From San Antonio 285 miles By air: Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (30 minute drive) Served by AeroMexico, American Eagle and United Airlines.

Shuttle Service: Rio Gulf Coast Express. flybrownsville.com Valley International Airport in Harlingen (50 minutes drive) Served by Southwest, Sun Country and United Airlines.

Shuttle Service: South Padre Island Shuttle. flythevalley.com Miller International Airport in McAllen (1.5 hour drive) Served by American, Allegiant and United Airlines. mcallenairport.com All three airports provide access to South Padre Island. Each offers car rentals, taxis and shuttles. Please contact the airports for more information concerning all ground transportation.

Mexico The closest crossing point from South Padre Island to Mexico is through Brownsville into Matamoros. The latest information from the Department of Homeland Security concerning crossing the border can be found at sopadre.com.

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WELCOME tips & tidbitS First stop, the South Padre Island Visitors Center.

If you have Island-related questions, the Visitors Center has all the answers about area attractions and current events.

Maps are also available.

South Padre Island Visitors Center 610 Padre Blvd.

South Padre Island, Texas 78597 1-800-SOPADRE 1-800-767-2373 Or, you’re welcome to pay a virtual visit to sopadre.com.

Hooray for the Red, Yellow & Blue The island has implemented a flag system to inform you about surf conditions.

Watch for these flags and heed their warnings: 1. Red – Heavy surf and dangerous currents.

2. Yellow – Calm to moderate water. Do not assume safe water.

3. Blue – Presence of venomous marine life.

4. The absence of a flag does not guarantee safe water.

The Beach Rules To ensure everyone, you and those around you, enjoy their well-deserved beach vacation, please observe the following: 1. Please do not trash our beautiful beaches. Trashcans 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. 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.

Island Hopping Around The WAVE is the free shuttle system serving South Padre Island and Port Isabel. There are a number of convenient WAVE stops in both communities. Or you can wave one down. WAVE buses run 7am-7pm (extended hours during the summer) and are equipped with wheelchair lifts (ADA Accessible) and bicycle racks. Go to sopadre.com for schedules and route maps or call 956-761-3864.

A Hot & Topical Island • 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 and a “Top 10” beach by Men’s Fitness and Women’s Day magazines.

• Considered the widest and cleanest beach in Texas.

• 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.

To protect and to Surf The South Padre Island Beach Patrol monitors beach activities and provides rescue services. A “mobile patrol” is used to cover all of the City’s beach area. They not only respond to calls for assistance and caution people on the beach about potentially hazardous actions, they also provide minor first aid. The Beach Patrol members also act as ambassadors for the City by providing information to our visitors on topics ranging from “what kind of fish is that” to “where is a good place to watch the sunset.” The Beach Patrol is an essential part of making our visitors trip to the beach a happy and safe experience.

South Padre Island Emergency Phone Numbers Call 911 first for all emergencies.

South Padre Island EMS & Police Dept.: 956-761-5454 South Padre Island Fire Dept.: 956-761-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Station – SPI: 956-761-2668 Constable Precinct 1: 956-943-6757

Find all the information you need for your trip at sopadre.com

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MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS

we’re big on meetings No ties. No lies.

We’re big on meetings.

Believe it or not, paradise has a dress

South Padre Island is not only a great

code. The Island has been officially

place to enjoy a little PTO (paid time

designated as a “No Tie Zone.”

off), it’s the perfect destination for

No joke. We even like to begin our

business meetings, conventions, special

conventions with a “tie-cutting”

events, trade shows and more. From

ceremony. Stick with flip flops, Island

intimate gatherings to full-blown

shirts and such and you’ll be fine.

corporate conventions, the South Padre

At the center of it all.

Island Convention & Visitors Bureau

The South Padre Island Convention

staff is well-equipped to make sure

Centre occupies 30 acres on scenic

your event goes according to plan –

Laguna Madre Bay. Its 45,000 square

including registration, housing, activities

feet can be configured almost any

for guests and spouses. Call them today

way you like. Primary facilities include

at 800-OK-PADRE or visit sopadre.com.

22,500 square feet of exhibit hall space, 2,633 square feet conference auditorium with seating for 225; and 9,000 square feet of meeting rooms available in a variety of sizes. In addition, our can-do Convention Centre staff will make you the center of attention by providing personal assistance when needed.

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CUISINE & NIGHTLIFE

Have A Lights Out Night Out

After your day in the sun, a night on

Go to sopadre.com and you’ll find

the town is in order. You might feel

a surf and turf smörgasboard of

like dancing, singing, listening to live

de-lish dining establishments

tunes or grabbing a bite followed by a

ranging from casual to the uppity

nightcap. Or two. No problem.There

scale serving breakfast, lunch, dinner

are over 50 restaurants and nightclubs

and in-between-meal meals.

on the Island. Much of the fare served

So eat. Drink.

here was fresh-caught not far from

And be yourself.

your surfside table – including delicacies like our famous Gulf shrimp. Did you know there are 101 shrimp dishes?

And you can try them all right here.

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WARM RECEPTIONS YEAR ROUND

Our Calendar Is Wide Open

No matter the season, any day spent

Texans who flee south from snow and

on the Island is another day in paradise.

cold. Spring is always a big thing. Not only

Summer is prime family time featuring

is the Island a number one destination

Friday night fireworks, warm Gulf

for college students, families around the

waters and refreshing beach breezes.

U.S. and Mexico flock here for Easter

Maybe even catch a fish, a wave or a

and Semana Santa. Spring is also a great

Catamaran race. Fall is a pretty, cool

time to set sail on a cool breeze.

time too. Conditions are perfect with

We specialize in seasonal special events

the best winds for windsurfing and

year round. Check the list here or on

kiteboarding. Winter is far from chilly.

sopadre.com. You’ll see any time is a

That’s why the Island is especially

good time on South Padre Island.

popular with business types for meetings or retreats, as well as Winter 27

Annual Farmer's Market is held each Sunday, year round, 11:00am - 1:00pm at The Shores.

Fireworks are held each Friday night at 9:15pm beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Fireworks can best be seen bayside between Tarpon and Swordfish streets.

January

April

South Padre Island Polar Bear Dip

Sand Crab Night Run

SPI Penguin Plunge

Beach-N-Biker Fest

Longest Causeway Run & Wellness Walk

Splash South Padre

Winter Texan Winterfest

Texas Adopt-A-Beach Clean-up

SPI Market Days

TGSA Surfing Championship

February

May

Winter Texan Adopt A Beach Clean-Up

South Texas Kiteboarding Roundup

Isle Ditter Dog

Pedal To Padre Bicycle Tour

SPI Market Days

Memorial Weekend Fireworks

March Spring Break Heat Wave Sound Off and Car Show

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SPI Beach Volleyball Tournament Turtle Days Run the Jail Break Beach Escape

June

October

Great Texas Catamaran Race

Sand Castle Days

GBCA Race to the Border

Splash South Padre

Ladies Beach Half Marathon November July

World Championship Shrimp Cook Off

4th of July Fireworks Over the Bay Beachcombers Art Show

December SPI Christmas Parade

August

Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

TIFT – Texas International Fishing Tournament LKT – Ladies Kingfish Tournament September SPI Beach Volleyball Tournament Dive Week Labor Day Weekend Fireworks Texas Adopt-A-Beach Clean-up King of the Causeway Bike Tour Find all the latest events at sopadre.com

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Find all the places to stay at sopadre.com 32

ACCOMMODATIONS

Places In The Sun & Shade

Book A Room. Hotel or motel?

set up house on the beach or by

Luxury or laid back? Beach front or

the Bay. You can make rental

Bay side? With a well-known national

arrangements directly with an

chain or one of the Island’s unique

owner on sopadre.com. You can

independents? Most feature

go either way.

restaurants, exercise rooms, laundry,

Be A Happy Camper. Load up

swimming pools, WiFi and the works.

the RV or pack a sleeping bag.

Or Go Condo. For longer stays, the

We have all you need to make

Island has a number of topnotch

roughing it as easy

rental agencies representing hundreds

as possible.

of condo units and beach houses. Just give them a call and they’ll help you

HOTELS FULL SERVICE

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 LIMITED SERVICE

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites – Casa Bella Hotel 5601 Padre Blvd.

877-224-7700/956-761-7700 casabellaspi.com

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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 Flamingo Inn 3408 Padre Blvd.

888-761-3375/956-761-3377 flamingo-spi.com Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 6502 Padre Blvd.

888-465-4329/956-761-8844 hiexpress.com Island Inn 3813 Padre Blvd.

956-761-8500 southpadreislandinn.com

Beachside Inn 4500 Padre Blvd.

800-865-1777/956-761-4919 padrebeachside.com

La Copa Inn 350 Padre Blvd.

866-452-2672/956-761-6000 lacoparesort.com

Blue Bay Inn & Suites 901 Padre Blvd.

956-761-4350 southpadreinn.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites 7000 Padre Blvd.

800-531-5900/956-772-7000 lq.com

Charlie’s Island Hideaway 120 E. Atol 956-761-5622 charliesislandhideaway.com

Miramar Resort Motel 1200 Padre Blvd.

956-761-1100

HOTELS Motel 6 4013 Padre Blvd.

800-466-8356/956-761-7911 motel6.com

The Inn at South Padre 1709 Padre Blvd.

956-761-5658 theinnsouthpadre.com

Padre South Hotel – On The Beach 1500 Gulf Blvd.

800-313-4626/956-761-4951 padresouth.com

Travelodge 6200 Padre Blvd.

866-601-6200/956-761-4744 southpadretravelodge.com

Palms Resort 3616 Gulf Blvd.

800-466-1316/956-761-1316 palmsresortcafe.com Ramada Limited 4109 Padre Blvd.

800-272-6232/956-761-4097 ramadasouthpadreisland.com South Beach Inn 120 E. Jupiter 956-761-2471 southbeachtexas.com South Padre Motel 204 W. Gardenia 956-761-6701 sopadremotel.net Suites At Sunchase 1004 Padre Blvd.

866-926-7711/956-761-7711 suitesatsunchase.com Super 8 4205 Padre Blvd.

800-800-8000/956-761-6300 super8padre.com Surf Motel 2612 Gulf Blvd.

800-723-6519/956-761-2831 surfmotelpadre.com

Wanna Wanna Inn 5100 Gulf Blvd.

956-761-7677 wannawanna.com WindWater Hotel & Resort 5701 Padre Blvd.

956-761-4913 windwaterspi.com

RENTAL agencies AACE Rental 4901 Padre Blvd.

800-828-2223/956-761-2223 aace-rent.com Affordable Beach House Vacation Rentals SPI, Inc. 5712 Padre Blvd. #3 956-761-8750 padrebeachhouses.com Bonita Isla Rentals & Real Estate 127 E. Dolphin 956-792-3550 southpadrebonitaislandrentals.com Chacon Realty & Rental 5800 Padre Blvd., Ste. 205B 866-230-5633/956-761-5633 chaconrealty.com

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RENTAL agencies Coastal Lifestyles, Inc. 5312 Padre Blvd., Ste. C 877-782-9774/956-761-8900 vacationpadre.com

Seaside Services 100 E. Swordfish, Ste. D 877-544-1066/956-761-6104 southpadrebeach.com

Fina Rentals & Real Estate 108 Pompano 956-761-4588 finare.com

Service 24 2100 Padre Blvd., Ste. 4 800-828-4287 service24.com

Franke Realtors 8605 Padre Blvd.

800-447-4753/956-761-2606 frankerealtors.com

South Padre Beach Houses & Condos 3800 Padre Blvd.

800-377-3262/956-761-6554 sopadrerentals.com

Furcron Property Management 4800 Padre Blvd.

800-892-6278/956-761-6961 furcron.com

South Padre Resort Rentals 1000 Padre Blvd.

800-944-6818/956-761-6818 gosouthpadreisland.com

Island Services 1700 Padre Blvd.

800-426-6530/956-761-2649 mypadre.com Latitude 26 3213 Padre Blvd.

956-761-9926 latitude26.com

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Tropical Realty & Rentals 108 E. Dolphin 956-761-1004 tropicalrealtyspi.com Vacation Villas 281-222-0432 ezbookvacationhomes.com

CAMPING

Padre Getaways 700 Padre Blvd., Ste. D-1 956-761-8888 padregetaways.com

Andy Bowie Park 7300 N. Padre Blvd.

956-761-3704 co.cameron.tx.us/parks/andy_bowie.htm

Padre Island Rentals 3100 Padre Blvd.

800-926-6926 pirentals.com

Isla Blanca Park Park Rd. 100 956-761-5494 co.cameron.tx.us/parks/isla_blanca.com

Paradise Rentals 210-885-0700 paradise-rentals.net

South Padre Island KOA 1 Padre Blvd.

800-562-9724/956-761-5665 southpadrekoa.com