Take a Tropical Holiday

Take a holiday on a tropical island that is known for its captivating fireworks for six months of the year. It’s a place where you can walk 55 km (34 mi) of the widest and cleanest beaches anywhere. Try your hand at windsurfing or go dolphin watching. You don’t have to go that far to find this year-round paradise. It’s right off the coast of Texas in Cameron County and it’s called South Padre Island. Even in January you’ll find the temperatures here around 20C (68F).

Stay with Us, Visit the Island

There are about 10 Encore RV Resorts near South Padre Island. Many are under an hour’s drive away. South Padre Island is easily accessible from the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel. Take State Park Road 100 and head over for some island fun.

We’ve put together a few things together that you might enjoy for your day trips to South Padre Island.

Nature Lovers Rejoice

The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Centre is a bird watcher’s mecca. Bring your binoculars and hunker down in one of the five bird blinds. There are over 3,300 linear feet of boardwalk here and a five-story tower where you can take in the beautiful land and ocean views.

Head over to Sea Turtle, Inc., and learn about their mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles. The turtles are housed here until they can return to their natural habitat.

For something more out in the open, how about a whale and/or dolphin watching tour. Head out on an ocean cruise designed with dolphin watching in mind. There are several dolphin pods that live in the waters here year round.

Life’s a Beach

The beaches of South Padre Island were made for relaxing. As the island is only .8 of a km wide (.5 mi) you’re always just steps away from the ocean. Mild temperatures, calm warm water and sunshine are the perfect mixture for your day away on the beach. You can even take lessons on how to build the best sandcastles!

Get your cowboy on and saddle up for a ride on the beach or try watersports like parasailing, kiteboarding, and jet skiing. Test your balance with Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) or fly boarding. This is a water babies’ playground with several service providers ready to rent and/or teach you.

When it comes to fishing, you can take your pick of onshore, offshore or even deep sea fishing. Bring your own boat, or rent one here. If you prefer, cast from the shoreline and see what’s biting. There are restaurants in the area that will be happy to cook up whatever you catch.

Above and Below the Waves

Put on your life jacket, grab a paddle and head out on an adventure in a kayak or canoe. Perhaps you’d prefer to strap on a helmet and head out on a jet ski! There are 1.5-hour jet ski water tours for those of you that want a fast ride through the waves while sightseeing. For something a bit slower, hop aboard a six-person inflatable banana boat! There are several providers in the area that will rent you whatever you need for your above the water fun.

Dive beneath the waves and explore a world seldom seen by others. Many vendors here will teach you how to do basic open water dives. For those of you with experience, try a dive down to the sunken Texas Clipper. Get up close and personal to the sea life as you explore their world. You can rent equipment here, or bring your own. Either way it’s an experience you won’t’ soon forget.

Not ready for diving? How about snorkeling! Explore the Laguna Madre Estuary where the water is only one to two meters (three to six feet) deep, making in perfect for all experience levels from beginner to advanced.

Pamper, Relax, Repeat

For a small island, South Padre has some great shopping. You’ll find some great gifts for yourself and for friends back home. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping it’s time to step into one of their many spas and pamper yourself. Feel your cares melt away with a massage from one of their relaxation specialists.

Once your outsides have been taken care of, it’s time to treat your insides to some delicious treats. There are over 50 restaurants, bars and nightclubs on South Padre Island. There’re burgers and beachside grills and lots of places for seafood. There are several ethnic eateries on the island too as well as well-known fast food joints.

Once you’ve taken care of your body, it’s time to go out dancing, sing some Karaoke, or settle back for some nighttime fireworks displays.

Whatever you choose to do, whatever time of day, or season, you’re sure to have warm memories of your time at South Padre Island.

Comment below and let us know if you’re interested in visiting South Padre Island!