South Padre Island beaches are open, and Mother’s Day is on its way. Time to get Mom out of the house for a day-trip, or a few days, to South Padre Island. If you feel safe enough to travel, here is what you need to know about visiting the beaches of South Padre Island.
About the Beach
Cameron County and the City of South Padre Island have issued the following restrictions at the Isla Blanca and Andy Bowie Parks, as well as City Public Beaches. You can read the entire press release here.
- Visitors must maintain a physical distance of 6 feet.
- No gatherings of more than 5 persons.
- Visitors must wear facial coverings or masks while in the park or on the beach. Masks will not be required while in the water.
- Fishing will be allowed on the Jetties and in the surf with social distancing of greater than 6 feet due to risk associated with casting and use of fishing rods.
- Umbrellas/Canopies must be at least 10 feet apart.
- Visitors must observe strict handwashing and hygiene requirements as recommended by the CDC.
- Visitors must dispose of their own waste properly.
If you plan on boating, you also need to know that “fishing may be done from watercraft with a maximum of two occupants unless members of the same household, in which maximum will be four occupants with facial coverings or masks.”
About Mother’s Day 2020 Heros
My family takes the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. All of us should; it is not over yet. My wife would be considered a person in the high-risk category. I have felt her quiet fears as this unprecedented event has unfolded. Her courage in the face of such potential human devastation has been nothing short of heroic. She has sewn and donated over 225 face masks. Ever thoughtful, she used an Oreo Cookies print to make my mask.
In my mind’s eye, I can see many, many mothers just like my wife. I am sure you can tell a similar story about your mother or wife -#mothersday2020heros. They deserve our attention this coming Mother’s Day. What better way to do that than a day at the beach. As long as we all commit to practicing social distancing when we are out in public, the beach will remain a beautiful, relaxing, and rejuvenating place for us to come together and enjoy life’s many blessings.
Activities at the Beach
Activities on South Padre Island are beginning to reopen as well. Primarily activities that can be done out in the open, on the water, with limited people safely distanced from one another. Local vendors we have been in contact with are doing everything they can to create a safe environment for visitors. Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Boogie Board Rentals
- Jet Ski Rentals
- Parasailing
- Banana Boat Rentals
- Surf Lessons
- Skim Board Rentals
- 9 hour Deep Sea Fishing trip (10 people or less)
- 4 Hour Bay Fishing (10 people or less)
- Shallow Sport Bay Fish ( Private )
- Water Bike Rental
- Golf Cart Rentals
- Bicycle Rentals
Any of these activities can be booked online at padreislandrentals.oncethere.com.
Getting Out Again
For many, just a trip to the grocery store can be a frightening experience. Yesterday I took my wife to buy more herbs for her herb garden. She was very hesitant. If your family is not ready to venture out, then stay home. This will pass with the development of treatments and vaccines.
If you are in need of an uplifting break from quarantine, the South Padre Island seashore accompanied by a few loved ones may just do the trick. Hopefully, this information helps. Happy Mother’s Day.
