South Padre Island is so fun. Situated in Corpus Christi, 1.3 miles from Whitecap Beach, Lively Beach features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a bar and a garden. Book this 90 minute dolphin watch excursion for a cruise into the Gulf of Mexico to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Even those who know nothing about fishing will have seen pictures of people posing with giant fish theyve caught at sea. Offering sea views, El Constante 114 is an accommodation set in Corpus Christi, 7.5 miles from Mustang Island State Park and 24.2 miles from American Bank Center Convention Center. Once again, its not dark yet, time to explore the south end of the island so we can say we did the whole thing. We imagine that the fisherman or local beach goers create these trash totems to mark a favorite spot. There is a kids' pool, as well as a large main swimming pool with a swim-up area where beverages are served. The northerly current deposits little shells on the beach and the southerly current deposits shells a little bigger on the beach immediately south of Little Shell. - $3.95 plus $1 shipping. Theres a lot of space for everyone and its easy to find a nice private spot to spread a towel and relax in a beautiful and peaceful ambiance. Ill bet this huge tank has a story to tell. Kiteboarders and windsurfers know it. However, Dolphin Cove Beach This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. Attracting a mix of couples and families, it offers a range of rooms and suites that are quite colorful. This is perfect for adults taking children into the park, as admission tickets can quickly add up to otherwise make an expensive day out. Visit the South Padre Island Farmers Market, Book this 90 minute dolphin watch excursion. A day at the waterpark is brilliant for any tourist. Address. The selection of seafood is varied and as fresh as possible. There are also on-demand movies and video games. Of course, you can expect extra special fireworks if you visit South Padre Island on the 4th of July or Labor Day. You can check availability and prices here. Kiteboarders and windsurfers know it. You can only reach this region by driving back onto the mainland, so it is well worth having a car if you plan a visit. 1. Webshelling - South Padre Island Forum. Never would I have imagined that having an extra surplus of parks to choose from would make the job almost impossible. While the dunes are protected (meaning no driving or sand sports), you can walk through them. South Padre Island is an angler's paradise no matter whether you are fishing inshore, offshore, or simply wading or fishing the surf. South Padre Island Winter Weather is Part of it is sad, trash and plastics have been washed up and the black on the beach is oil from the many pipelines that run through the Gulf, but to us and apparently others, its like treasure hunting. WebSouth Packery Channel Beach is a place to enjoy meditative strolls and impressive sunsets. Another good option to entertain yourself is by fishing. Or this gigantic tree in a place where there are no gigantic trees. From Padre Island National Seashore, you'll drive exactly 25 miles south until you reach Little Shell Beach. Keep going for just a few more miles until you see the sign for Big Shell. More shells than you could ever imagine are scattered across the sand. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Excellent tips, thank you very much! The ginger teriyaki tuna steak is a popular choice on the menu. While driving down the main road into the town it quickly became apparent that they have a very distinctive style of building decor! Sea Turtle Inc. is a haven for injured sea turtles and rehabilitates and releases rescued sea turtles 365 days a year. It is one of the top bird-watching sites on the island and is a perfect nature walk on a sunny day. Address: 6700 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach. I use Good Sam Campgrounds Map and RV Park Reviews to narrow down the choices. I guess that explains why the information on the internet was incomplete. All the resident animals are rescues that are being rehabilitated or deemed unsuitable to be released back into the wild. Whether you are a history enthusiast or just want to learn more about a lesser-taught piece of history, visiting this museum is a great idea. Historically a ranch, today the island is managed principally for wildlife. United States ; Texas (TX) Texas Gulf Coast ; South Padre Island ; South Padre Island Travel Forum; Get answers to your questions Shortly after we arrived, a lovely woman came over to welcome us to the park. WebSea Shell Isle South Padre Island is a home away from home for anyone who wants a great time in Texas! The Rio Grande Valley and environs are critical areas for migrating birds, over 500 species have been sighted in the valley around Harlingen (where were staying). They gave us the biggest spot they had (which was a regular spot for a snowbird who had left for the season), happily chattered about all the best places to eat and shop and see, even going so far as to draw directions to the local grocery store because the roads are a little confusing. The Texas Gulf Coast is a scenic route to follow, or you could detour throughAustin. 4. WebPadre Getaways 2500 Padre Blvd. This highly rated private sunset cruise takes you out on a catamaran to enjoy beautiful views of the Texas Gulf Coast. South Padre Island Farmers Market runs every Sunday until mid-afternoon, selling local produce and handmade goods. There are also sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a coffee shop, and a few different dining options including a poolside grill that is open seasonally. For those of you who are unfamiliar with snowbird destinations, let me enlighten you. We started out with RGV Lures : Pearl White Shrimp and Croaker. All sorts of activities can be arranged here, including horseback riding along the beach, parasailing, and fishing. Plus many people fish right off the beach. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. The Padre South Hotel On The Beach is a great option if you're looking for a clean and comfortable budget-friendly hotel with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Photo Gallery. Best Places to See in South Padre Island - Franke Rentals There are also some standard and deluxe rooms with furnished balconies for those who want a lower price point. WebShelling & Lunch Cruise "The best fun-filled adventure in paradise!" During the Civil War it was occupied by soldiers from both sides as a look-out post. Fisherman, cars and horses share the beach near the access road. This is definitely one of the busiest spots and is a place you dont want to miss when you are looking for things to do on South Padre Island. I adore coming here with my friends! Little Shell Beach and Big Shell Beach on Padre Island South Packery Channel Beach (Jetty Beach) - BeachCatcher.com Join us for our Parasailing Adventure on South Padre Island! Rooms also have microwaves and refrigerators, and room service is available. Entrance to Gravity Park is free, and tickets for rides are bought on a ride-by-ride basis. 34 Amazing Things to Do in Oregon in 2023, 25 Best Things to Do in Houston, Texas in 2023. 2,011 And you can opt for a guided tour or explore alone with no noise except from the animals around you. The center has over 3,300 feet of boardwalks that wind around the bay, an alligator sanctuary, an observation tower, five bird blinds, and a butterfly garden. Ha ha thanks we travel so much I forget where I am half the time. Guests will find a microwave and fridge in every room perfect for storing supermarket snacks. I wonder how far this buoy has traveled to wind up stuck on a sandbar? Isnt technology great? If you liked the sound of the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, it offers a similar experience, just longer and with more varied attractions along the way. The Holiday Inn is located across the street from the Convention Center and close to restaurants, a championship golf course, and shopping centers. You could pick up fresh veggies, sweet treats, or a handmade souvenir. Dcor is funky retro and varies from room to room but expect features like rattan furniture, colorful bedspreads, and dark green carpets. South Padre Island Fishing There are also family suites. Here, you can stick to the classics like finding sea shells or sunbathing or, if you are looking for something more active, rent equipment from one of the many surf shops and go surfing or boogie boarding. Theyre incredibly beautiful but deliver a painful sting which can be deadly to children. There are also a few different dining options on-site, from a bistro caf to a sundries shop. And, so perfect. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. WebApril 1, 2023. Contact: Tyler south padre island shelling This flexibility is fantastic for those visiting out-of-season, and youll depart at 7:30 am for a full eight hours on the water. Private Sunset Cruise South Padre Island. The Redfish bite has been on fire! There are also multiple restaurants on the grounds. In order to stick with our travel the outside of the US plan, we wanted our next stop to be near Brownsville, Texas. Address: 100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, Texas, Accommodation: Comfort Suites South Padre Island. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 7000 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX 78597 US. Street | Urban | Travel | Photography by Marcus Puschmann, Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didnt do than by the ones you did do. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach. A walkway leads down to the beach. It is the only remaining lighthouse in Texas still open to the public, so it is considered a valuable part of the states coastal history. For families traveling with kids there are more affordable mid-range resorts that offer plenty to keep little ones entertained. Theres even a complimentary coffee waiting for you each morning at the on-site cafe. (LogOut/ You may either fish from the jetty or climb down and fish from the rocks. Shell Collecting - South Padre Island Forum - Tripadvisor Dining at the restaurant is one of the best things to do on South Padre Island if you have a passion for seafood and high-quality cuisine. A little obsessive perhaps, but it works. I am headed back in 3 weeks and was wondering if anyone can recommend a good place to go. When I find something I like, I bookmark it into my Google Chrome folders which I have organized by state. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast each morning. Osprey Cruises also provides all bait and tackle, keeping your day bag nice and light. Perhaps youll even spot bottlenose dolphins if you are lucky. It is also one of the best indoor activities in the area, so keep it in mind on a rainy day. South Padre Island itself is an important part of that network and many different birds, some familiar, some not were hanging out on the beach. Since were explorers we opt to drive to the very end of the road just to say we did. Laguna Madre Nature trail is open 24 hours a day and free to enter. You can be zipping along water rides and grabbing poolside refreshments. Elevation: 30. The nearest airport is Corpus Christi International Airport, 21.1 miles from the accommodation. South Padre Island School is out for a week and theres no better time than Spring Break for some family-bonding. 2023 South Padre Island Convention Center & CVB. WebLittle Shell and Big Shell are sections of the beach on the Padre Island National Seashore. It documents the history of the area and includes legends of sunken treasure ships and buried pirate loot. South Padre Island Adventure The 3-star Comfort Suites South Padre Island is a great mid-range choice. There is a large main courtyard area with a life-sized chessboard that is fun to play. Corpus Christi I was at the end of my trip though andcouldn't make it. Come see our wildlife! The water is clean and clear, good for swimming in; nevertheless, pay due attention to weather forecasts and be careful in the water: theres a possibility of strong riptides. 9 Best Things to Do March 25, 2023. Located just across the street from the beach on the north side of the island, La Quinta Inn & Suites is a mid-range property where kids stay free. Pirates Landing is the longest pier in Texas and has everything you need from a tackle and bait shop to a toilet block. It also helps you to comprehend the number of turtles in need, and you can view the different treatments and techniques used to heal the creatures including metal braces and bandaging. Pair live music Save room in your suitcase! Its a calm and quiet sandy beach serving a kind of a border between Padre Island and Mustang Island. South Padre Island Rental Management Services. The views of the Gulf and of the other jetty are gorgeous! Search Rooms. It receives far fewer visitors than the other beaches in the area and offers nothing extraordinary but a classical beaching experience, including swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, picnicking, fishing, and snorkeling. Sometimes you can see ships swimming along the channel. You cant visit the seaside without trying seafood, and Blackbeards is the best spot on South Padre Island. We didnt want to disturb them. The best way I can think of to end this post is by showing the unadulterated joy of this man and his birds. With theme parks and watersports for adventure and amazing natural habitats including nesting grounds for sea turtles and plenty of wildlife, South Padre Island is the perfect balance between spending time in nature and having a fun beach holiday. If summer holidays sound more appealing to you, temperatures do reach up to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. SPI Excursions offers the most exciting water sports on SPI, from parasailing, banana boat rides, fishing, jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, dolphin watching, and more. Best souvenir shops near South Padre Island, TX 78597 - Yelp Fish on the Pirates Landing Fishing Pier, 15. The complimentary morning breakfast is another perk, and includes hot items like scrambled eggs, waffles, and biscuits and gravy. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. (547 reviews) from $ 16.00. WebThere's also a pretty courtyard if you want to enjoy South Padre Islands warm weather. How amazing is this? Amenities include three swimming pools with sun loungers and umbrellas. We are starving by the time we get to town and decide to try a place called Burgerfi. WebWinter in South Padre Island TX: 7 Fun Reasons to Visit. To get yourself off the piers and beaches and out into the ocean, look at one of South Padres deep sea fishing trips. Kids stay free here, and the hotel is pet friendly. Take in some rays together as you wash away those back-to-school blues during your unforgettable vacation. It is a much smoother, shorter experience, so consider it as an alternative if you are relatively new to fishing. Sea Shell Isle South Padre Island is a home away from home for anyone who wants a great time in Texas! These dolphin tours are unlike your standard commercial tourist traps and carry just six or fewer tourists at a time. So, where should you stay on South Padre Island? The beach is just a short walk from the town center and all its amenities. Pearl South Padre Photo Source: Pearl South Padre Resort. It sounded like it might work for our needs, so we chose it. Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best national parks in Texas. There are a number of amenities on-site. The nearest airport is Corpus Christi International Airport, 25.5 miles from the apartment. The buoy, or whatever it is, says nude beach with an arrow. The center also has a touch tank and marine exhibits to educate visitors on marine conservation. Stay fit, relax, or get pampered with therapies including massages, wraps, and more. We recommend horseback riding, as if you get lucky, you might spot bottlenose dolphins or other marine life while cantering along the waters edge. (547 reviews) from $ 16.00. The park is a brilliant day out for families and lone adults alike. Parking is complimentary, and if you need to get a workout in, there is a gym on-site. (Seasonal). The rooms and suites are spacious and come with views of either the Gulf of Mexico, Laguna Madre Bay, or the pool. On the north end of the island, Island Adventure Park occupies forty acres of land spanning the Gulf to the Laguna Madre Bay. If you don't want to leave your dog home, pets are also welcome at this hotel. The sand is white, fine, and soft, fit for childrens games and castle building. Amenities include a free breakfast with a made-to-order omelette station and Belgian waffles. See The Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the US, 13. There are 70 units, and most of them are the above-mentioned apartments. Big Shell Beach | Corpus Christi, TX Thanks for any input you have! When you stay with us, youll always get great amenities like the following: Interested in learning about the benefits of renting your property with Padre Getaways? Sea Shell Isle South Padre Island | Padre Getaways I began to despair of ever finding a place to stay. Sea Ranch is another recommendation for our foodies. Explore. enjoy the warm and colorful winter scenes on South Padre Island. Osprey Cruises are a popular option and operate all-year-round tours. Written by Carri Wilbanks and Becca Blond Updated Mar 15, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Take a dip in one of two swimming pools, or relax in one of the hot tubs. Theres nothing for it but to drive across the bridge and explore South Padre Island. The ocean itself seems restless, the breaks are bigger, the fog is thicker and we are alone. The museum whisks visitors back to the Mexican-American War with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Its covered and decorated with shells and smashed beer cans. It includes all the tools to create beautiful sandcastles that can be used throughout your stay. Can anyone tell me what are the best places to shell-either by snorkling (weather permitting) or beach combing?? It has all the resort amenities you could wish for. Visiting Sea Turtle Inc. is one of the most wholesome ways to spend a couple of hours especially since the charity is entirely funded by visitors and donations. Went out fishing Frady and Jose, from Brownsville, Tx. WebBest Western Beachside Inn. In addition to that, early in the morning or late in the evening, there are good chances to see the local fauna, including sea turtles. I was at the end of my trip though andcouldn't make it. We want to make the most of our shelling/beach time. Birdwatch on the bayside. There is a swimming pool with a spa tub, surrounded by sun loungers and gazebos. If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Port Isabel Historical Museum also delves into the local areas history, covering Laguna Madres experience of the war and its early maritime beginnings. WebWe just returned from SPI, stayed at the La Quinta, and there were a plethora of sea shells on the beach by the hotel, large ones and small ones, almost too many, it was hard to It is a bucket list-worthy experience. Now that weve covered all the best things to do on South Padre Island, lets look at some common frequently asked questions. Get a workout in at the fitness center, or let yourself be pampered at the spa, which offers a full range of treatments, including couples' massages. We could make it across if we wanted to but several trucks were at the jetty fishing. Climbing 120 steps to the top offers a birds eye view of the bay. You can book this parasailing excursion in advance. Avalid Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required for this excursion. Can anyone tell me what are the best places From the first time I spoke to them on the phone, to the day we left, I can honestly say that these were some of the nicest, most welcoming people weve ever met. It has a good location on a quiet section of beach and is near the popular Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Youll have low rainfall and soaring temperatures; it is just up to you to decide whether that is worth the extra crowds. WebWe want to make the most of our shelling/beach time. Map. Many fishermen like to come to South Packery Channel Beach since this place offers opportunities for easy fishing and a big catch of various fish species, including grouper, trout, kingfish, and tarpon. A Local's Guide to Snorkeling at South Padre Island: Conditions, Yes, there are literally hundreds of RV Parks to choose from and no they will not all fit your needs and neither will they be financially prudent. Copyright 2023 South Padre Island Vacation Rentals. Bathing is allowed though the Gulf waters are brownish. It is my experience after going there for 20 plus years, that you never can tell. Try to go at low tide or really early in the morning before they You can also book this 8-hour golf cart rental for an easy, no-hassle way to get around the 5-mile (8km) long island. One of the most unique things to do on South Padre Island is to take a sand castle lesson. South Padre Island Shop for hidden gems at specialty shops and boutiques. WebThanks to all of our sponsors and all of you that came out and absolutely delivered! Winter in South Padre Island TX: 7 Fun Reasons to Visit Tropical Looking wistfully over the bay toward South Padre Island from the boat dock. shelling - South Padre Island Message Board - Tripadvisor Sea Ranch is located right on the harbor and edge of Laguna Madre Bay.