Keith Donley

Padre Island Area Guide

Sitting on the southernmost tip of Texas is South Padre Island, the longest Barrier Island in the world and the largest piece of undeveloped ocean beach in North America. Just 30 miles north of Mexico, Padre Island is linked to the mainland by the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway that stretches two and a half miles long. The Town of South Padre Island is home to an estimated 5,000 people but receives over one million visitors every year, a hot spot for retirees from the cold regions of the north seeking refuge in the sun during the winter months. Throughout the Rio Grande Valley, they are affectionately known as “Winter Texans,” welcomed every year by residents, to share the island and the sunshine with them.

Attractions and Activities

Sea Turtle Inc.
The mission of Sea Turtle, Inc. is to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured sea turtles, educate the public and assist with conservation efforts for all marine turtle species. Come for a tour and support a great cause! To learn more, visit: http://www.seaturtleinc.org/

Gladys Porter Zoo
An oasis for 1,600 animals and tropical plants, the zoo covers 26 acres and is known for its successful program of breeding endangered animals to save them from extinction. Come for a visit and see everything it has to offer from beautiful wildlife to exotic plants. For more information, visit: http://www.gpz.org/

Museums of Port Isabel
Not just one, but three museums comprise the Museums of Port Isabel, including the Port Isabel Lighthouse, built in 1852, the Port Isabel Historical Museum which began life in 1899 as a dry goods store and Treasures of the Gulf Museum that spotlights three 1554 Spanish shipwrecks. Take a fascinating trip back in time as your tour these historic places, enjoying hands on activities as well as gift shops and discovery labs. To learn more, visit: http://portisabelmuseums.com/mopi/

South Padre Fishing
Enjoy a day out on the water with chartered fishing available for any kind of fishing you want to do with one of the many charters available to residents and visitors alike.
For more information, visit: http://www.spadre.com/fishing.htm

South Padre Nightlife
Whether you love the vibrations of a live band, a cool deejay or karaoke, South Padre offers something for everyone, all you have to do is bring you fun and your dancing shoes! To learn more, visit: http://www.spadre.com/nightlife.htm

South Padre Island Restaurants
Everything from delicious seafood to great cheeseburgers wait at South Padre. You can have a leisurely lunch or dinner by the water on the patio or enjoy a lovely evening inside. No matter your choice, you’ll love the restaurant’s offerings! For more information, visit: http://www.spadre.com/restaurants.htm

Dolphin and Nature Research Center
Dedicated to the preservation of marine life, birds and wild dolphins, the South Padre Dolphin Research and Sea Life offers a dolphin encounter of the wild kind! Meet the dolphins personally and get to know them in a way not everyone has the opportunity to To learn more, visit: http://www.spinaturecenter.com/