Top 15 Things to Do in Padre Island, Texas

Thing to do (0) in Padre Island, Texas

If you’re seeking the best activities to make the most of your time in Padre Island, Texas, USA, you’re in for a treat! Our carefully curated list of the top 15 things to do will guide you through the most remarkable attractions and entertainment spots. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm of Padre Island, Texas, USA!

Thing to do (2) in Padre Island, Texas
Thing to do (2) in Padre Island, Texas

The Best Thing To Do in Padre Island, Texas

Beach Park At Isla Blanca

  • Address: 33261 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (2999)
  • 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

Comments are closed.

Making the Most of Outdoor Activities in Texas

Texas offers a wide range of outdoor activities due to its diverse landscape, from beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico to scenic hill country, vast plains, and picturesque state parks. To make the most of your outdoor adventures in Texas, consider the following tips:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Texas can get hot, especially during the summer months. Always carry plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, whether you’re hiking, biking, or enjoying any outdoor activity.
  2. Check the Weather: Texas weather can be unpredictable, so check the weather forecast before heading out. Be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, rain, or storms.
  3. Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Texas sun. It’s essential to prevent sunburns and reduce the risk of skin damage.
  4. Appropriate Clothing: Dress in lightweight and breathable clothing during hot months and layer up during cooler times. Proper clothing ensures you stay comfortable during your outdoor activities.
  5. Bug Repellent: In some regions of Texas, especially near water bodies or in rural areas, insects can be bothersome. Use bug repellent to avoid bites.
  6. Explore State Parks: Texas boasts numerous state parks with hiking trails, camping facilities, and stunning natural beauty. Consider exploring parks like Big Bend, Enchanted Rock, or Palo Duro Canyon for an immersive outdoor experience.
  7. Water Activities: If you’re near the coast or any of the lakes in Texas, take advantage of water activities such as swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing.
  8. Wildlife Viewing: Texas is home to diverse wildlife. Enjoy birdwatching or keep an eye out for unique animals while hiking or camping.
  9. Food and Drinks: Texas is famous for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Embrace the local flavors and try some authentic Texas food during your outdoor adventures.
  10. Respect Nature and Regulations: While enjoying outdoor activities, be mindful of the environment. Follow park rules, leave no trace, and respect wildlife.
  11. Plan for Crowds: Some popular outdoor destinations in Texas can get crowded, especially during holidays and weekends. Consider visiting during off-peak times if you prefer a quieter experience.
  12. Bring Essentials: Depending on the activity, bring essentials like a first aid kit, a map or GPS, a camera to capture memories, and any specific equipment needed for your chosen activity.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the most of your outdoor activities in Texas and create unforgettable experiences in the Lone Star State.

Top 15 Fun Things To Do in Padre Island, Texas

Thing to do (3) in Padre Island, Texas
Thing to do (3) in Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center

  • Address: 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (1960)
  • Phone: +1 956-761-6801
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Lisa Boyett✭✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    It wasn’t worth the walk down the long paths in the heat with 2 kids to not really see anything special.Not that they can control the birds. It’s not that expensive so that was nice. And we had fun feeding the tortoise and Gators. The staff was nice . And they had a free wheel chair for my aunt to use. One bag of gator food is plenty just FYI. Definitely feed the tortoise.
    Nadia Nabulsi✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Not a whole lot to see. Fun place though. Tortoises, butterfly, birds, and gators. 10$ entry unless you are a certain age. 8$ for 65+. $3.00 to feed either. 10$ adventure package where you can hold a baby gator and non-venomous snake. Good place to bring family. There is also a nice gift shop.
    Lisa Valera✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    This is a lovely establishment for nature lovers!
    Although it can get a bit pricey fairly quickly, if the money goes back to improving the property then I think most would agree it’s worth it.
    I would recommend going early in the morning before the scorching sun makes an appearance. The birds and animals are much like us and seek shade when it’s too hot out, so plan accordingly.
    Kiki kiki✭✭✭✭✭
    4 months ago
    We had a great experience here today! The man giving the talk about alligators was informative and very sweet. Lots of interesting facts and stories about gators. We fed both the alligators and the tortoises. There also are options for holding snakes and alligators, but we didn’t do that.
    Kainee Burruss✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    What an incredible experience! Enjoy the long boardwalk along the wetlands seeing all of the tropical birds and the fish down below you. Gator talks everyday & a gator pool where you can buy food for 3$

Padre Island National Seashore

  • Address: Texas, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (1691)
  • Phone: +1 361-949-8068
  • 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:
    Sebastian Alvarez✭✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    Don’t let the negative comments discourage you from coming to this place. The ones that are complaining about this place, are the ones not prepared to take on nature and not doing their part and helping clean up the beach and/or cleaning after themselves. The ones crying about the conditions of this beach are softer than the sand itself. Boom roasted.

    If come prepared you will enjoy your time here. Tread lightly and help preserve the beach.

    Carla Megan Gonzalez✭✭✭✭✭
    in the last week
    One of the most peaceful beaches I’ve been too, plenty of space to camp.
    They have the beach patrol that come and drive by ever so often to check on the marine life such as turtles.
    At night when the moon goes down there’s nothing but stars in the sky, it’s so clear you can see the ISS pass by and shooting stars.
    You might have visitors (coyotes) if you stay over night and cook as long as your in a tent, or camper you’ll be fine.
    It’s nature so if your not used to it, don’t go but it’s beautiful, peaceful, quiet and perfect for enjoying it with family and friends.
    No service, just sand, wind and waves. 🤙🏾
    Beto✭✭✭✭✭
    10 months ago
    Best place to disconnect and isolate, with 50 plus miles of beach to drive on ; 4×4 with clearance only after a few miles. Dark sky at night with no moon if you camp. Don’t underestimate how much water you might need in the summer, especially if drinking adult Bev’s. Good vibes stay safe
    Tristan✭✭✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    What a good time here! Prior military gets free admission! You don’t have to have four-wheel-drive for the first part of the park. It has a place to park where you can go and pedestrian the Beach. Keep on going and you’ll find an access road to the beach were four-wheel-drive. Vehicles with high clearance are recommended. It really depends on the time of the year. Sometimes you’ll go down there and it’s super loose sand and I would say yeah you better have a four-wheel-drive but other times of the year it’s hard packed and you could take a Toyota Tercel down that beach. The beach goes for about 60 miles very private very remote and relaxing.
    Brock Hardcastle✭✭✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    So glad we visited! There is tons of shaded seating areas near the visitors center and a water bottle refill station inside. The beach was great, the sand is soft fine and soft. We saw one Portuguese Man of War that had washed onto shore, so watch out for those! But there is a sting treatment kit in the visitors center if anything happens

Gravity Park

  • Address: 106 W Marlin St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (1492)

Andy Bowie County Park

  • Address: 7300 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (1146)

Edwin King Atwood Park

  • Address: 27159 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (1015)

South Padre Island Welcome Sign

  • Address: South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (564)

Jesus Christ of the Fisherman Statue

  • Address: South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (401)

Packery Channel Park

  • Address: Packary Channel Park, 14218 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (315)

Water Tower Park

  • Address: Laguna Blvd & W. Huisache Street, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (212)

Laguna Madre Nature Trail

  • Address: 7355 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (182)

Sandcastle Lessons – South Padre Island Activities

  • Address: 3000 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (145)

SPI Activities

  • Address: 4309 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (58)

Clayton’s Beach Pier

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

The pilings

  • Address: S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (14)

Beach Access #12 Bay Dream

  • Address: 3700 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (2)

In conclusion, Padre Island, Texas offers an array of unforgettable experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests. So, if you’re planning a trip to Padre Island, Texas, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the top

South Padre Island Birding And Nature Center

  • Address: 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (1960)
  • Phone: +1 956-761-6801
  • Website: Link
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Lisa Boyett✭✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    It wasn’t worth the walk down the long paths in the heat with 2 kids to not really see anything special.Not that they can control the birds. It’s not that expensive so that was nice. And we had fun feeding the tortoise and Gators. The staff was nice . And they had a free wheel chair for my aunt to use. One bag of gator food is plenty just FYI. Definitely feed the tortoise.
    Nadia Nabulsi✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Not a whole lot to see. Fun place though. Tortoises, butterfly, birds, and gators. 10$ entry unless you are a certain age. 8$ for 65+. $3.00 to feed either. 10$ adventure package where you can hold a baby gator and non-venomous snake. Good place to bring family. There is also a nice gift shop.
    Lisa Valera✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    This is a lovely establishment for nature lovers!
    Although it can get a bit pricey fairly quickly, if the money goes back to improving the property then I think most would agree it’s worth it.
    I would recommend going early in the morning before the scorching sun makes an appearance. The birds and animals are much like us and seek shade when it’s too hot out, so plan accordingly.
    Kiki kiki✭✭✭✭✭
    4 months ago
    We had a great experience here today! The man giving the talk about alligators was informative and very sweet. Lots of interesting facts and stories about gators. We fed both the alligators and the tortoises. There also are options for holding snakes and alligators, but we didn’t do that.
    Kainee Burruss✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    What an incredible experience! Enjoy the long boardwalk along the wetlands seeing all of the tropical birds and the fish down below you. Gator talks everyday & a gator pool where you can buy food for 3$

Padre Island National Seashore

  • Address: Texas, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (1691)
  • Phone: +1 361-949-8068
  • 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:
    Sebastian Alvarez✭✭✭✭✭
    a week ago
    Don’t let the negative comments discourage you from coming to this place. The ones that are complaining about this place, are the ones not prepared to take on nature and not doing their part and helping clean up the beach and/or cleaning after themselves. The ones crying about the conditions of this beach are softer than the sand itself. Boom roasted.

    If come prepared you will enjoy your time here. Tread lightly and help preserve the beach.

    Carla Megan Gonzalez✭✭✭✭✭
    in the last week
    One of the most peaceful beaches I’ve been too, plenty of space to camp.
    They have the beach patrol that come and drive by ever so often to check on the marine life such as turtles.
    At night when the moon goes down there’s nothing but stars in the sky, it’s so clear you can see the ISS pass by and shooting stars.
    You might have visitors (coyotes) if you stay over night and cook as long as your in a tent, or camper you’ll be fine.
    It’s nature so if your not used to it, don’t go but it’s beautiful, peaceful, quiet and perfect for enjoying it with family and friends.
    No service, just sand, wind and waves. 🤙🏾
    Beto✭✭✭✭✭
    10 months ago
    Best place to disconnect and isolate, with 50 plus miles of beach to drive on ; 4×4 with clearance only after a few miles. Dark sky at night with no moon if you camp. Don’t underestimate how much water you might need in the summer, especially if drinking adult Bev’s. Good vibes stay safe
    Tristan✭✭✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    What a good time here! Prior military gets free admission! You don’t have to have four-wheel-drive for the first part of the park. It has a place to park where you can go and pedestrian the Beach. Keep on going and you’ll find an access road to the beach were four-wheel-drive. Vehicles with high clearance are recommended. It really depends on the time of the year. Sometimes you’ll go down there and it’s super loose sand and I would say yeah you better have a four-wheel-drive but other times of the year it’s hard packed and you could take a Toyota Tercel down that beach. The beach goes for about 60 miles very private very remote and relaxing.
    Brock Hardcastle✭✭✭✭✭
    3 months ago
    So glad we visited! There is tons of shaded seating areas near the visitors center and a water bottle refill station inside. The beach was great, the sand is soft fine and soft. We saw one Portuguese Man of War that had washed onto shore, so watch out for those! But there is a sting treatment kit in the visitors center if anything happens

Gravity Park

  • Address: 106 W Marlin St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (1492)

Andy Bowie County Park

  • Address: 7300 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (1146)

Edwin King Atwood Park

  • Address: 27159 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (1015)

South Padre Island Welcome Sign

  • Address: South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.8 (564)

Jesus Christ of the Fisherman Statue

  • Address: South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (401)

Packery Channel Park

  • Address: Packary Channel Park, 14218 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (315)

Water Tower Park

  • Address: Laguna Blvd & W. Huisache Street, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (212)

Laguna Madre Nature Trail

  • Address: 7355 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (182)

Sandcastle Lessons – South Padre Island Activities

  • Address: 3000 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (145)

SPI Activities

  • Address: 4309 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (58)

Clayton’s Beach Pier

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

The pilings

  • Address: S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (14)

Beach Access #12 Bay Dream

  • Address: 3700 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 5 (2)

best things to do and make your visit truly memorable. Also, be sure to explore some of the other articles on our Depkes.org for further travel inspiration.

Your journey to Padre Island, Texas, USA promises to be a fascinating and enriching experience, filled with cherished memories that will linger long after you’ve returned home.

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