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What to Do at South Padre Island, Texas
The Beach - Relax anywhere on the beaches of South Padre Island. The further North you go, the less people and noise. Drive on the beach - Yes! You can legally drive on the island's coast...some 30 miles of pristine beach with nothing but coyotes, seagulls and the sounds of the ocean waves slowly rolling into the sand. There is often very little, if any, traffic out there. This is the ultimate way to get your own "little spot on the island. Note: Four-wheel drive is recommended. For more information, check out my "driving on South Padre Island" guide. [Website] South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center - View rare and exotic birds and wildlife as you walk a long wooden boardwalk that leads you out into the bay area of South Padre. Recommended for nature enthusiasts. [Website] Horseback Riding on the Beach - Discover the undeveloped portions of South Padre Island via horse. Ride through sand dunes, beautiful sunsets, view wildlife, and much more. All skill levels are accommodated. [Website]
Watersports - Banana Boat rides, Catamaran/hobie-cart rentals, fishing, Jet Ski, waverunners, kiteboardings, paddle boats, parasailing, scuba diving lessons, and more are available around South Padre Island. [Windsurf] [Kiteboarding] [Surfing] [Scuba Diving] [More] Museums - An excellent museum is located in Port Isabel, right across the SPI bridge. The museum features artifacts and treasure found on the Island and the surrounding areas. You can also walk up the lighthouse and view the island. Highly recommended! [Website] Padre Island Trading Co. - great coffee and a good place to chat with local citizens. Ask for owner Steve Hathcock who is a well-known local treasure hunter and he'll tell you a local treasure story or two. You'll never know who will be in there (last time it was Larry McMurty and Jeff Foxworthy). Don't forget to sample the chili! [Website] Shop - Many excellent shops and curiousities exist on the island including a shopping mall and movie theater. Buy your sunscreen, sunglasses, souveniers and tshirts anywhere! Cruises, Tours and Dolphin Watching - Catch a dolphin cruise, snorkel, take an eco-tour, parasail, and fish! Bring your camera! There are many cruise/tour options available on the island, but a popular one seems to be Breakaway Cruises. [Website] [More] Seashells - The shell treasures you'll find on Padre Island are the homes of marine creatures that died and were washed ashore. Some of the shells to be found are dollars, scallops, snails, pen shells, and coquina clams. A few of those even more valued by collectors--Eastern murex, lightning whelks, Atlantic wing oysters, Scotch bonnets--usually wash up after storms. A Trip to Mexico - Spice up your trip to South Padre Island by taking a 25 mile detour and head to Matamoros, a bustling Mexican border town. Matamoros receives thousands of visitors each year and is known for their shops, food and friendly people. Note: Matamoros has lost much of its appeal and popularity to its sister city Progresso. If you are looking to see a bit of Mexico, I recommend Progresso. (tips and tricks about going to Mexico coming soon....) [Website] Golf Courses - There are many golf courses in the region, but the most popular and closest one is the South Padre Island Golf Course. Ron Howard was spotted here recently with his son. [Website] Fishing - SPI boasts itself as one of the best fishing spots in the country. Deep sea, pier, flyfishing, you name it. [Deep Sea Fishing] [General Fishing] Sea Turtle, Inc. - awesome place to view exotic turtles such as the Kemp Ridley and Leatherback. [ Website] A more thorough list of things to do on South Padre Island is available here. Having fun on SPI will make you hungry, so lets check out some good restaurants the island has to offer!
Page FOUR : Where to Eat on South Padre Island
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While the main attraction is the beach, SPI has events, attractions and activities for everyone. Here are some of the more popular items:
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