View from Clayton’s beach access

With spring break less than a week away, I thought it would be fitting to write a post about my favorite things to do at South Padre Island. There are some activities listed below that I personally have not done, however, I wanted to include entertainment suitable for everyone. If you aren’t familiar with the island, South Padre Island is located in the golf of Mexico at the southern tip of Texas. It is a favorite little getaway amongst locals, as well as a vacation spot for spring breakers and winter Texans.

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Accommodations

The places I have listed below are all hotels that I have stayed at before. They all have big pools and great views of the ocean, 2 things I look for in hotels. South Padre is not known for having that many AirBnB options, so I think it’s best to just stay at a hotel. If you are looking for a bigger place to stay, there are many condominiums that are available to be rented. On think I noticed throughout my stays is that The Pearl and The Hilton do not offer complimentary breakfast which is a bummer! However, the rest of the amenities make up for it.

• The Pearl 310 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
• The Hilton 7010 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
• La Quinta 7000 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

 

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Restaurants

Sea food is the way to go when you go to South Padre. However, if fish isn’t your thing, these places also serve burgers, chicken and different salads!

Lobo del Mar Cafe 204 Palm St, South Padre Island, TX 78597

A locally owned restaurants that sits facing the bay. They have live music, a great bar, and even have bagpipe players in the evening. People can dock their boats and hop on up to eat a delicious meal. The drinks are fantastic, the staff is super friendly, and there is a perfect view of the sunset.

 

Blackbeards’ 103 E Saturn Ln, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Another go to restaurant on the island. This place reminds me a little bit of red lobster. They don’t have those amazing bread rolls or anything, but it’s best to not go dressed in your swimsuit. It is a little bit chilly in this restaurant; I advise you wear a sweater or sit outside on the patio. They do serve you a lot of food, so be prepared to go in and indulge!

Cafe on the Beach 3616 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

The last time I went to the island, Jason and I were looking for a new restaurant to try. We had already gone to all of our favorite spots, so I decided to hop onto Yelp and scroll through the restaurant options. I stumbled upon this gem. It is located at the Palms Resort hotel. The hotel and cafe parking lot are one in the same and it is pretty dang small; be prepared to fight for a spot when the hotel is completely booked! The cafe has outdoor seating with a view of the ocean. I decided to try a teriyaki chicken sandwich with pineapple. I was not disappointed! My mouth is watering just looking at the picture! The atmosphere screams BEACH with the sound of the waves and typical beach music playing in the background. This is my new favorite spot.

 

Dirty Al’s 33396 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597

A local favorite! Everyone who goes to South Padre needs to check out this restaurant. Driving up people often think that it is a run down place, but let me tell you, they serve some of the best fried fish and coconut shrimp in town! This restaurant has a laid back atmosphere and a nice view of boats on the dock.

 

Clayton’s 6900 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

The biggest beach bar in Texas! Clayton’s has a great beach bar and grill, serves amazing piña coladas, and has one of the best beach accesses on the island! However, on the weekend they do charge a small fee for bringing in ice chests! During spring break and in the summer they host concerts that do not disappoint.

 

Mirage Cafe 904 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

If you have a big sweet tooth like me, you need to check out this gelato shop! You can find it attached to a local souvenir store. There are other places on the island that have ice cream such as Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, Whataburger and BurgerFi. However, I much rather have my usual gelato with sprinkles! They make crepes, waffles, milkshakes and much more!

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Activities

Dolphin Watch 33256 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Gravity Park 106 W Marlin St, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Kayaking 105 West Polaris Drive South Padre Island, TX 78597

Schlitterbahn 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Fishing

Sea Turtle Inc  6617 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Great place to go see turtles and learn a little history behind them. Going to this rescue center is FREE! If you want to, they have a box where you can leave a monetary donation. The rescue center is a non-profit organization that is funded by donations made by the community.

 

Drive to the end of the island

 

Go to a concert at Clayton’s. Event’s list

Last but not least, take a lot of pictures!