spicvb visitors guide
DESCRIPTION
South Padre Island CVB Visitors GuideTRANSCRIPT
Welcome to South Padre IslandIt’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
1
2
YOU ARE HERE
THE HISTORY
South Padre Island is situated on the
Southern tip of Texas. To the north
lie miles and miles of Texas. Travel just
26 miles in the opposite direction
and you’re south of the border, down
Mexico way. The 34-mile long Island
is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico
and Laguna Madre Bay and linked to
the mainland by the 2 1/2 mile
Memorial Causeway Bridge named
for Queen Isabella. Our history
dates back to Spanish explorer
Alonzo de Pineda who charted it
back in 1519. And people have been
flocking here ever since – about a
million per year. We hope you’re
among them.
4
about town
THE AREA
Sun-washed South Padre Island is home
to about 5,000 lucky islanders, although
“Winter Texans” add to that estimate
when temps start dropping up
north. Winters on the Island average
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
recreational activities there in
addition to the Port Isabel
Lighthouse which affords a
pelican’s-eye view of the Gulf
and Laguna Madre Bay.
6
SAND WEARS AWAY YOUR ROUGH EDGES
THE BEACH
Our beaches have got it going on.
The widest and cleanest in Texas,
they’re big enough to handle kite flying,
sand castle building (they give lessons
for that), seaside fitness classes, beach
and watercraft rentals of all kinds,
horseback riding, eco touring, birding,
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.
Make new memories, and explore
parks and places you never knew
existed. After all, that’s what
vacations are for, right? So many
grains of sand to count, so little time.
Go to sopadre.com to pick your
spot on the beach.
8
see turtles and then some
ECOTOURISM
Wildlife abounds here. So, naturally,
nature lovers from around the globe
flock to South Padre Island to catch a
glimpse of our rare birds, sea turtles
and Bottlenose dolphins. Over 300
species of migratory birds flit in and
out each year making the Island one
of the best birding spots in the world.
We’re also big on sea turtles known
as Kemp’s Ridley. Adorable and
endangered, visitors can see them
up close at Sea Turtle, Inc., an Island
facility dedicated to their rescue and
protection. Pods of wild dolphins also
can be seen frolicking near the shore
year round. Numerous dolphin watch
boats stand ready to whisk you to
their playground. Visit the SPI
Birding & Nature Center, the Laguna
Madre Nature Trail, the Atascosa
National Wildlife Refuge or
sopadre.com to see more super
natural resources.
9
10
DIVE INTO A BIGGER ADVENTURE
SPORTS
Don’t just sit there. You can be out
jumping waves on a jet-ski or even
jumping out of a plane. There’s
also windsurfing, parasailing, stand
up paddleboarding, kiteboarding
and boogie boarding. You’ve only
scratched the surface. Catch a
catamaran for a snorkeling
expedition. Or strap on a scuba
tank and go deep to scope out
the colorful corals, brilliant blue
and yellow queen angelfish and
other exotic denizens of the Gulf.
And don’t forget your sticks. The
challenging South Padre Island Golf
Club is a short drive
across the bay.
12
Cast your CARES away
FISHING
Perhaps you are lured here by our
limitless sport fishing opportunities.
Try your luck from one of many
charter boats, piers, jetties or
beaches. There are all kinds of fish
and plenty of guides available,
well-schooled in the ways of local
fish and fishing. Go online to line
one up at sopadre.com. You could
hook a snook or take on a tarpon.
Red snapper (best when blackened),
sea trout, king mackerel, amberjack –
there are more fish than you can
shake a stick at. Even better, your
catch of the day can be prepared
your way at most
Island restaurants.
14
knots tied AND loosened
ISLAND SIDE TRIPS
Getting married? Planning your
honeymoon? Renewing your vows? South
Padre Island provides a wide variety
of breathtaking backdrops and bridal
services to make sure your ceremony is
both beautiful and memorable.
Marine Merchants. You may be on an
Island, but you’re not cut off from
civilization or commerce. Local specialty
shops and boutiques boast unique
goodies and services, while others stock
basics like groceries, souvenirs and
beach gear.
The Art of Vacationing. The art
scene around here goes on year
round and includes community
theater, concerts, fine art shows
and more.
All stress drastically reduced. The
Island’s day spas pamper guests with
therapies including massages, reiki,
seaweed wraps and yoga.
Be sure to visit sopadre.com for all
the added info you’ll need for
your trip.
15
16
Kids, Bring Your Parents!
KIDS STUFF
“There’s nothing to do here,” is
something you never hear around
the Island. Between the Gulf and
the Bay, kids of all ages are easily
amused by Island attractions like the
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,
sand castle building lessons and
family-friendly movies.
For more ideas, go to sopadre.com.
After all, you can never have too
much fun.
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.
Get here any way you can
By land:
From Austin 340 miles
From Dallas 531 miles
From Houston 367 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.
From El Paso 815 miles
From Mexico City 666 miles
From Monterrey 225 miles
18
WELCOME tips & tidbitSFirst 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 Beach Rules
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.
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 AroundThe 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.
To protect and to SurfThe 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 NumbersCall 911 first for all emergencies.South Padre Island EMS & Police Dept.: 956-761-5454South Padre Island Fire Dept.: 956-761-3040U.S. Coast Guard Station – SPI: 956-761-2668Constable Precinct 1: 956-943-6757
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.
20
Find all the information you need for your trip
at sopadre.com
21
22
we’re big on meetings
MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS
We’re big on meetings.
South Padre Island is not only a great
place to enjoy a little PTO (paid time
off), it’s the perfect destination for
business meetings, conventions, special
events, trade shows and more. From
intimate gatherings to full-blown
corporate conventions, the South Padre
Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
staff is well-equipped to make sure
your event goes according to plan –
including registration, housing, activities
for guests and spouses. Call them today
at 800-OK-PADRE or visit sopadre.com.
No ties. No lies.
Believe it or not, paradise has a dress
code. The Island has been officially
designated as a “No Tie Zone.”
No joke. We even like to begin our
conventions with a “tie-cutting”
ceremony. Stick with flip flops, Island
shirts and such and you’ll be fine.
At the center of it all.
The South Padre Island Convention
Centre occupies 30 acres on scenic
Laguna Madre Bay. Its 45,000 square
feet can be configured almost any
way you like. Primary facilities include
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.
24
Have A Lights Out Night Out
CUISINE & NIGHTLIFE
After your day in the sun, a night on
the town is in order. You might feel
like dancing, singing, listening to live
tunes or grabbing a bite followed by a
nightcap. Or two. No problem. There
are over 50 restaurants and nightclubs
on the Island. Much of the fare served
here was fresh-caught not far from
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.
Go to sopadre.com and you’ll find
a surf and turf smörgasboard of
de-lish dining establishments
ranging from casual to the uppity
scale serving breakfast, lunch, dinner
and in-between-meal meals.
So eat. Drink.
And be yourself.
25
26
Our Calendar Is Wide Open
WARM RECEPTIONS YEAR ROUND
No matter the season, any day spent
on the Island is another day in paradise.
Summer is prime family time featuring
Friday night fireworks, warm Gulf
waters and refreshing beach breezes.
Maybe even catch a fish, a wave or a
Catamaran race. Fall is a pretty, cool
time too. Conditions are perfect with
the best winds for windsurfing and
kiteboarding. Winter is far from chilly.
That’s why the Island is especially
popular with business types for
meetings or retreats, as well as Winter
Texans who flee south from snow and
cold. Spring is always a big thing. Not only
is the Island a number one destination
for college students, families around the
U.S. and Mexico flock here for Easter
and Semana Santa. Spring is also a great
time to set sail on a cool breeze.
We specialize in seasonal special events
year round. Check the list here or on
sopadre.com. You’ll see any time is a
good time on South Padre Island.
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
South Padre Island Polar Bear Dip
SPI Penguin Plunge
Longest Causeway Run & Wellness Walk
Winter Texan Winterfest
SPI Market Days
February
Winter Texan Adopt A Beach Clean-Up
Isle Ditter Dog
SPI Market Days
March
Spring Break
Heat Wave Sound Off and Car Show
April
Sand Crab Night Run
Beach-N-Biker Fest
Splash South Padre
Texas Adopt-A-Beach Clean-up
TGSA Surfing Championship
May
South Texas Kiteboarding Roundup
Pedal To Padre Bicycle Tour
Memorial Weekend Fireworks
SPI Beach Volleyball Tournament
Turtle Days
Run the Jail Break Beach Escape
28
June
Great Texas Catamaran Race
GBCA Race to the Border
Ladies Beach Half Marathon
July
4th of July Fireworks Over the Bay
Beachcombers Art Show
August
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
October
Sand Castle Days
Splash South Padre
November
World Championship Shrimp Cook Off
December
SPI Christmas Parade
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
29
Find all the latest events at sopadre.com
30
31
32
Find all the places to stay at sopadre.com
Places In The Sun & Shade
Book A Room. Hotel or motel?
Luxury or laid back? Beach front or
Bay side? With a well-known national
chain or one of the Island’s unique
independents? Most feature
restaurants, exercise rooms, laundry,
swimming pools, WiFi and the works.
Or Go Condo. For longer stays, the
Island has a number of topnotch
rental agencies representing hundreds
of condo units and beach houses. Just
give them a call and they’ll help you
ACCOMMODATIONS
set up house on the beach or by
the Bay. You can make rental
arrangements directly with an
owner on sopadre.com. You can
go either way.
Be A Happy Camper. Load up
the RV or pack a sleeping bag.
We have all you need to make
roughing it as easy
as possible.
HOTELS
34
FULL SERVICE
Hilton Garden Inn Beach Resort7010 Padre Blvd.877-782-9444/956-761-8700 enjoyspi.com
Isla Grand Beach Resort500 Padre Blvd.800-292-7704/956-761-6511 islagrand.com
Schlitterbahn Beach Resort100 Padre Blvd.956-772-7873 schlitterbahn.com
Pearl South Padre310 Padre Blvd.800-222-4010/956-761-6551 pearlsouthpadre.com
LIMITED SERVICE
America’s Best Value Inn & Suites – Casa Bella Hotel5601 Padre Blvd. 877-224-7700/956-761-7700 casabellaspi.com
Beachside Inn4500 Padre Blvd.800-865-1777/956-761-4919 padrebeachside.com
Blue Bay Inn & Suites 901 Padre Blvd.
956-761-4350 southpadreinn.com
Charlie’s Island Hideaway120 E. Atol956-761-5622 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 Island3913 Padre Blvd.800-329-7466/956-761-7831 daysinn.com
Flamingo Inn3408 Padre Blvd.888-761-3375/956-761-3377 flamingo-spi.com
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites6502 Padre Blvd. 888-465-4329/956-761-8844 hiexpress.com
Island Inn3813 Padre Blvd.956-761-8500 southpadreislandinn.com
La Copa Inn 350 Padre Blvd. 866-452-2672/956-761-6000 lacoparesort.com
La Quinta Inn & Suites7000 Padre Blvd. 800-531-5900/956-772-7000 lq.com
Miramar Resort Motel1200 Padre Blvd.956-761-1100
35
RENTAL agencies
Motel 64013 Padre Blvd.800-466-8356/956-761-7911 motel6.com
Padre South Hotel – On The Beach1500 Gulf Blvd. 800-313-4626/956-761-4951padresouth.com
Palms Resort3616 Gulf Blvd.800-466-1316/956-761-1316 palmsresortcafe.com
Ramada Limited4109 Padre Blvd.800-272-6232/956-761-4097 ramadasouthpadreisland.com
South Beach Inn120 E. Jupiter956-761-2471 southbeachtexas.com
South Padre Motel204 W. Gardenia956-761-6701 sopadremotel.net
Suites At Sunchase1004 Padre Blvd.866-926-7711/956-761-7711 suitesatsunchase.com
Super 84205 Padre Blvd.800-800-8000/956-761-6300 super8padre.com
Surf Motel2612 Gulf Blvd.800-723-6519/956-761-2831 surfmotelpadre.com
The Inn at South Padre1709 Padre Blvd.956-761-5658theinnsouthpadre.com
Travelodge6200 Padre Blvd.866-601-6200/956-761-4744 southpadretravelodge.com
Wanna Wanna Inn5100 Gulf Blvd.956-761-7677 wannawanna.com
WindWater Hotel & Resort5701 Padre Blvd.956-761-4913 windwaterspi.com
AACE Rental4901 Padre Blvd.800-828-2223/956-761-2223aace-rent.com
Affordable Beach House Vacation Rentals SPI, Inc.5712 Padre Blvd. #3956-761-8750padrebeachhouses.com
Bonita Isla Rentals & Real Estate127 E. Dolphin956-792-3550southpadrebonitaislandrentals.com
Chacon Realty & Rental5800 Padre Blvd., Ste. 205B866-230-5633/956-761-5633chaconrealty.com
HOTELS
RENTAL agencies
36
Coastal Lifestyles, Inc.5312 Padre Blvd., Ste. C877-782-9774/956-761-8900vacationpadre.com
Fina Rentals & Real Estate108 Pompano956-761-4588finare.com
Franke Realtors8605 Padre Blvd.800-447-4753/956-761-2606frankerealtors.com
Furcron Property Management4800 Padre Blvd.800-892-6278/956-761-6961furcron.com
Island Services1700 Padre Blvd.800-426-6530/956-761-2649mypadre.com
Latitude 263213 Padre Blvd.956-761-9926latitude26.com
Padre Getaways700 Padre Blvd., Ste. D-1956-761-8888padregetaways.com
Padre Island Rentals3100 Padre Blvd.800-926-6926pirentals.com
Paradise Rentals 210-885-0700paradise-rentals.net
Seaside Services100 E. Swordfish, Ste. D877-544-1066/956-761-6104southpadrebeach.com
Service 242100 Padre Blvd., Ste. 4800-828-4287service24.com
South Padre Beach Houses & Condos3800 Padre Blvd.800-377-3262/956-761-6554sopadrerentals.com
South Padre Resort Rentals1000 Padre Blvd.800-944-6818/956-761-6818gosouthpadreisland.com
Tropical Realty & Rentals108 E. Dolphin956-761-1004tropicalrealtyspi.com
Vacation Villas281-222-0432ezbookvacationhomes.com
Andy Bowie Park7300 N. Padre Blvd.956-761-3704 co.cameron.tx.us/parks/andy_bowie.htm
Isla Blanca ParkPark Rd. 100956-761-5494 co.cameron.tx.us/parks/isla_blanca.com
South Padre Island KOA1 Padre Blvd.800-562-9724/956-761-5665 southpadrekoa.com
CAMPING
36