15 Best Beaches in South Padre Island, TX (Ratings plus Reviews)

Beach (0) in South Padre Island, TX

The coastline of South Padre Island, TX is a trove of sandy shores and picturesque views. So, it can be tough to determine which among the many South Padre Island, TX beaches is the “best”. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 most popular beaches in South Padre Island, TX, based on ratings and reviews from various online sources. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the ocean or some exciting waves to surf, this list has got you covered. Let’s take a look!

Beach (2) in South Padre Island, TX
Beach (2) in South Padre Island, TX

Best Beach in South Padre Island, TX

Beach Park At Isla Blanca

  • Address: 33261 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (2984)
  • Phone: +1 956-772-7873
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

What People Are Saying: 5 Customer Reviews

  1. Spent the entire day here and was a good time. The rides are fun. The endless river is fun to float around in, but gets a little crowded with people in some spots. Had a good drink at the float-in bar but they thought my ID wasn’t real and that was a little embarrassing🥲

  2. Excellent family environment. Tickets are a little more than $50 for adults and $40 for younger kids. You can buy online. If you get there early; you can always find a picnic table to set up your ice chest and rest between water rides. They do charge extra for taking in an ice chest, but it’s well worth it. However, you must have someone watch over your belongings while you are in the water. Otherwise, they have lockers. They charge $25 for the entire day. You can bring all kinds of food except glass containers and/or alcohol. We’ve been here a few times this summer, and we have a blast every time. I recommend staying on the river if the lines are too long for the wild slides. Otherwise, you and your companion might get fussy by waiting times. We waited a little more than one hour on one of those rides. The river has a drop that entertains every age, so there is no need to wait on those lines.

  3. Came across this place because it was next to our Airbnb. Parking is limited. I recommend purchasing tickets online to speed up the process of getting your access bracelets.
    We booked a cabana. It came with a safe, 4 person tableset, two lounge chairs, 2 chairs, a cooler table, and a server. The food and drink menu offered with the cabana is okay and $$. If you don’t mind walking, there is a food and drink court.
    There is a food spot immediately to the right as soon as you enter the park. The turkey legs 🍗 are tender and flavorful; they have loaded mac-n-cheese (chopped brisket on top).
    There’s a dippin’ dots and a few other bars that served different drinks.
    The kids had fun and the staff was great for us.

  4. Beach Park at Isla Blanca was a must do for our vacation. I felt that if we did not do this, it would be regretted later. The overall atmosphere of the waterpark was great and accommodated for kids and adults of all ages. I would most definitely go back again, but once my kids are older and stronger swimmers. The only issue we had was waiting for the rafts that accommodated parents with smaller children. The park had plenty of the rafts, but it seemed that there was no regard to ensuring that those rafts were used as intended. I understand that it is hard to control all situations, but when you see adults and kids using these rafts as single rafts not as intended and there are plenty of other single rafts available it is frustrating to stand and wait for 30 minutes to try to get a raft to go for a ride with your kids, as you watch all the ones that accommodate your needs being improperly used. Overall, though, the sandcastle splash pad, the wave pool, and the Lilly pad landing accommodated well for my families needs. Definitely had a great time overall, just a mild frustration waiting for the rafts. The food selection and drink selection were great. The pulled pork bbq mac and cheese was delicious, as were the tropical redbull strawberry daiquiris. Would love to come back to this waterpark when my kids are bigger!

  5. Loved this place! You are able to bring in your own food and drinks at $12 a cooler.. there are restaurants in case you don’t..
    discounts for tickets are available at Juniors and the visitors guide.. lazy river takes you to slides.. kids area.. surfing area.. kids had an amazing time will definitely go again.. no parking fee

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Sunbathing Safely: Healthy Tips for Enjoying the Sun Responsibly

Sunbathing can be enjoyable and provide some health benefits, but it’s essential to do it safely to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here are some healthy tips for sunbathing:

  1. Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 before going out in the sun. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
  2. Choose the right time: Avoid sunbathing during peak hours when the sun’s rays are strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Instead, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.
  3. Seek shade: Take breaks from direct sunlight by spending some time in the shade. This will help reduce your overall UV exposure and give your skin a chance to cool down.
  4. Stay hydrated: Sunbathing can cause dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sunbathing session.
  5. Wear protective clothing: Consider wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin. This can provide an extra layer of protection against the sun’s rays.
  6. Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
  7. Gradual exposure: If you’re not used to being in the sun for extended periods, start with short exposure times and gradually increase over several days to allow your skin to acclimate.
  8. Don’t forget your lips: Apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sunburn.
  9. Avoid tanning beds: Artificial tanning devices can also emit harmful UV rays, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
  10. Know your skin type: People with fair skin are more susceptible to sunburn, so take extra precautions if you have fair or sensitive skin.
  11. Listen to your body: If you start to feel overheated, dizzy, or unwell, it’s time to get out of the sun and cool down.
  12. Post-sun care: After sunbathing, soothe your skin with aloe vera gel or an after-sun lotion to moisturize and help alleviate any redness or irritation.

Remember, it’s possible to get the benefits of sunlight while minimizing the risks of overexposure. Being responsible and taking precautions will allow you to enjoy the sun safely and maintain healthy skin.

Top 15 Most Beautiful Beaches in South Padre Island, TX

Beach (3) in South Padre Island, TX
Beach (3) in South Padre Island, TX

Beach Access #11 Treasure Island Circle

  • Address: Treasure Island Cir, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (366)
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Open 24 hours
    Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    Thursday: Open 24 hours
    Friday: Open 24 hours
    Saturday: Open 24 hours
    Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Reviews:
    Christopher Din✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    This beach access is fantastic! It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling crowds, with pristine cleanliness and ample space for setting up canopies. We had a blast playing spikeball and indulging in delicious meals. The highlight is definitely the availability of clean restrooms and refreshing showers. Highly recommended!
    Amanda Mata✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    Ok…so, this is my go to spot! Parking is limited and fill up quickly so arrive early! This location offers shower, covered picnic tables, and separate men and women’s bathrooms.
    Armando Mancilla✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Nice place to take a walk. It was cold when I was there but I guess It is a place to stay there for a couple of hours and feel relax. Bathrooms on the spot and very clean.
    John Vines✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    Has restrooms and picnic tables, shower to wash the sand off.
    Claudia Hernandez✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    This used to be my favorite spot but too many people found it and it is now too packed sometimes. I like the beach at this access when it is not to packed. There is a bathroom available and some showers outside. It is an overall great spot.

Beach Access #16 – Neptune Circle

  • Address: South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (280)
  • Phone: +1 956-761-6456
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Open 24 hours
    Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    Thursday: Open 24 hours
    Friday: Open 24 hours
    Saturday: Open 24 hours
    Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Reviews:
    Joe G✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    This beach access location is well kept and has a port-a-potty. The parking lot is small with only 12 spaces, additional street parking is available. The beach access walkway is elevated over the dunes with about 10 stairs on each side. If you have a wheelchair, stroller or wagon you will need assistance getting over the stairs. The beach is small on this part of the island with about 100 feet of sand between the dunes and water when the tide is at its normal high point. With the small area of beach spots to plant yourself can fill up fast on busy weekends.

    Recommend for: those who arrive early, people without strollers or wagons.

    Pros: port-a-potty, clean

    Cons: small parking lot, stairs over the dunes.

    David Hughes✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Free parking, restrooms 🚻 (portable). Close beach access. ⛱️ I enjoyed 😉 my day here.
    Lone Road✭✭
    a year ago
    Hard to park! Pretty much the only thing u can do here it’s walk around! The neighborhood own the beach! Keep it quiet like u wasn’t there! And u will have fun!
    But go farther North! And welcome to the jungle
    VeJo✭✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    We had a wonderful time here! Everyone minded their business and no drama! Family friendly and clean! The water was not deep , but I was still afraid to go out there tho lol! My youngest daughters first time at a beach and she had an awesome time! We even caught a marriage proposal and everything!
    J Monty✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    Our 1st time at this location, and our 1st time as adults with kids to S. Padre Island. We didn’t even know they had public parking, so close to the beach.
    This was in between 2 housing/apt/condo buildings. You couldn’t even tell that this was a parking lot for the beach.
    We were thinking we were gonna get towed away.
    Overall, it was a pleasant surprise to find out we didn’t have to pay for parking and/or worry about getting towed.
    They do have showers outdoors, but if it is a busy day expect to wait a long long time, for the people that bring all of their “bathing supplies and shampoos” to “rinse off.”
    The restrooms as you can imagine are tight and limited and also long waits for people to “change” after they bathe.
    Walking towards the beach front, there is a “covering” cover the sand that you need shoes for.
    Once you get to the beach portion, it is ok, and as clean as a beach can be.
    We had some fun and even brought the family pups along and it too was their first time.
    Regular beach patrols by the Lifeguards was cool and they were pretty mobile.
    Warning signs for the waves and water were present and visible.
    Apparently there are “nicer” parts of South Padre, so we will be coming back to find them.
    Dolphin Tours, Fishing Boat Excursions, and other tours are available for a nominal fee.

Isla Blanca Beach

  • Address: Isla Blanca Beach, Texas 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (236)

Beach Access #13 Moonlight Circle

  • Address: Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (193)

Beach Access #1 Harbor

  • Address: Harbor St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (190)

Beach Access #3 – Gulf Circle

  • Address: 1900 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (162)

Beach Access #6 Seaside Circle

  • Address: 2412 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (134)

Beach Access #4 – Beach Circle

  • Address: 2100 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (60)

Beach Access #23 Sapphire

  • Address: 5901 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (47)

Clayton’s Beach Pier

  • Address: 6900 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (14)

Beach Access #22 Fantasy Circle

  • Address: Fantasy Cir, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.1 (8)

Beach Access #24 Sunset

  • Address: 132 E Sunset Dr, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (6)

Beach Marker #1 Harbor

  • Address: Beach Marker, 1 Harbor St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (4)

County Beach Access 4

  • Address: Beach Access 4, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (3)

White Sands Street Beach Access

  • Address: 129-143 White Sands St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (3)

That’s it for our list of the best beaches in South Padre Island, TX! If you have any arguments or additional information, please leave a comment. We love to hear from our readers. And don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on our blog for more travel inspiration. Happy beachcombing!

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