A Shore on South Padre Island 1

Popular with spring breakers and winter Texans, South Padre Island on the eastern coast is a sun and sand destination. Situated between Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico, the island is a paradise for beach combing, sunbathing and other water sports. With Andy Bowie Park located on the north end, Isla Blanca Park on the south and numerous beaches scattered in between, visitors can enjoy activities such as picnicking, fishing, surfing, kite boarding and birdwatching. This 34 mi (55 km) long island is also located 30 mi (48 km) north of the Mexican border, making it a gateway for daytrips to Mexico.

Originally named Isla Blanca, Spanish for white island, South Padre Island was first explored by Alonso Alvarez de Pineda in 1519. Settlement did not begin until 1804 when a missionary priest named Padre Jose Nicholas Balli began raising horses and cattle. After his death in 1829, the island's name was changed to South Padre Island in honor of the priest. Today, the island is a year-round destination that sees thousands of visitors each year.

USEFUL ACCOMMODATION LINKS

WorldWeb.com Travel Guide can help vacationers make informed decisions when finding suitable lodging in South Padre Island with these useful accommodation links:

1.Accommodation Directory - This is a complete accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their type of trip and their personal preferences.
2.Secure Room Reservations - A convenient online room search and reservation page, this link allows the user to check for room availability and then make a secure online reservation. Although this is a useful feature anytime of year, the online Secure Room Reservations page is particularly helpful during busy peak seasons.
3.Maps - The South Padre Island map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

	Sunset on a Moor 2

TRANSPORTATION

The airports nearest to South Padre Island are the Valley International Airport located in the city of Harlingen, and the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport found in the city of Brownsville. From there, visitors will need to make their way toward Port Isabel in order to access the Queen Isabella Causeway (also known as Texas 100). This 2.5-mi (3.5-km) bridge, which brings visitors to the southwestern side of South Padre Island, crosses Laguna Madre Bay and is the only access road available.

A free shuttle bus service, called the Wave, is available during the summer months for travel to the island from Port Isabel. The service also provides numerous stops within South Padre Island. Otherwise, the best way to get around is to rent a car, either on South Padre or nearby Port Isabel, Brownsville or Harlingen. Cycling is also a great option.

CLIMATE

South Padre Island provides its visitors and residents with a sub-tropical climate year-round. Summers on the island are warm and sunny with temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C). Winters, with an average of 65°F (18°C), are usually mild and dry with the occasional cool north wind. November winds also make it an ideal time for windsurfers. Sunblock and hats are a necessity when visiting the island, no matter what time of the year.

HOTELS AND MOTELS

	Palm Trees and Condos 3

Hotels and motels on South Padre Island are often located on the waterfront or within walking distance to the beach, making them the most popular and economical choice for spring breakers. Located near Andy Bowie Park, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel is also within easy access to the South Padre Island Golf Course, as well as near activities such as dining, shopping and horseback riding.This also makes it a great choice for the business traveler.

Other properties include the Bayview Hotel on Laguna Madre Bay, the Travelodge on the northern end of the island, the centrally located Island Inn on the Beach and the Howard Johnson Inn and Resort in the south. Among other things, amenities at these options include outdoor pools, hot tubs and air-conditioned rooms.

CONDOMINIUMS

South Padre Island offers an extensive selection of condominium properties throughout the island. These fully furnished units come complete with full kitchens and laundry facilities, and are usually available for extended periods of time, making them ideal for a long family vacation. Many of these options are also able to accommodate up to eight guests in one condo units. The majority also feature swimming pools, private patios or balconies and security services. Waterfront properties such as Las Brisas Condominium and Sunset on the Bay Condominiums also offer private boat launching areas and private, lighted piers.

Those looking for condo accommodations on the north end of the island near Andy Bowie Park may opt to stay in properties such as the Tiki Condominiums on the Beach, while those looking to stay near the south may chose complexes such as South Padre Bonita Isla Rentals.

	Pool at South Padre Island KOA 4

CAMPGROUNDS

A popular choice with winter Texans, South Padre Island offers a few campground options. Cameron County Isla Blanca Park is a state owned campground found on the southern tip of South Padre Island and within Isla Blanca Park. With its white sand beaches, waterfront facilities and proximity to various attractions, this 600-unit RV park is an extremely popular accommodation choice. The RV park is also located within easy access of the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, the Sea Ranch Marina and numerous restaurants and shops.

The South Padre Island KOA Kampground, located just outside the Isla Blanca Park limits, features its own seven hundred-foot-long (213 m) pier. The campground, which provides RV lots as well as fully equipped condominiums, is also near the waterpark and many of South Padre Island's amenities.