Activities

Apart from baking in the sand of our fine sandy beaches, or dozing in a hammock in the shade, South Padre Island offers excellent opportunities for discovery and adventure, either by swimming, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing or simply touring by boat. South Padre Island boasts the perfect climate all year round for all your activity needs, and no matter how many times you visit, we promise the variety of South Padre Island activities that you and your family or guests can enjoy is nearly endless.

Top South Padre Island Activities:

A whole menu of complimentary fun activities below are available year round at South Padre Island.  Looking for dining suggestions?  Need suggestions for the best activities with young children, or to plan a romantic getaway? Let us help! Call or e-mail us today to start planning a great getaway to Padre Island.

GALADYS PORTER ZOO

One of the top 10 zoos in the nation.
The zoo is a 31 acre preserve with more than 1,800 mammals, birds, and reptiles. Ringgold and Sixth Streets,
Brownsville, 956-546-7187
Open daily:
from 9 a.m. to sundown.
Adults $9.00
Children $6.00

AREA CHURCHES

If you are staying on South Padre Island, or in Port Isabel, whether you are Presbryterian, Catholic, Methodist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Assembly of God, Baptist, non denominational, or an other Christian religion we are sure you will find a church that will welcome you. Come join us here on Sunday– You can hitdress codes. the beaches and go fishing after church services.

ISLA BLANCA PARK

RV camping, 2 picnic pavilions, jetty fishing. Sea Ranch Marina. 956-761-5493 Day use tee: per vehicle $5

ANDY BOWIE PARK

4 miles north of the Island. Picnic Pavilions, children’s play ground. 956-761-2639 Day use fee per vehicle $5

ISLAND CINEMA 4

Early shows on rainy days.
4700 Padre Blvd.
956-761-7828
Open daily

CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE/RIO GRANDE WING

Historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia located at Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport.
955 Minnesota, Brownsville
956-541-8585
Open daily: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
Adults $5
Children $4
Seniors $3
12 years and under free with adults

ISLAND EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Horse and pony rides on the beach. Guides and instruction available.
Andy Bowie County Park,
956-761-HOSS
1-800-761-HOSS (4677)
Open daily 8 a.m. to dark.

LAGUNA ATASCOSA REFUGE

A 45,000 acre federal preserve for wildlife and bird watching on mainland.
956-748-3608
Open daily: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
$4 per vehicle

LAGUNA MADRE NATURE WALK

The Laguna Madre Nature Walk is a 1500-ft. boardwalk that overlooks four acres of wetlands near the South Padre Island Convention Centre.
Visitors can observe many species of birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

LAGUNA STATION

Located on South Padre Island, Laguna Station offers a variety of exciting aquatics adventures to Boy Scout Troops and Co-ed Explorer Posts. Fishing, sailing, SCUBA and adventures round out the opportunities.
Laguna Station also offers off-season camping and programs to church youth groups and other groups.
For more information, please call Glenn Harrison, director of Laguna Station, at (956)423-0250,
or write: Laguna Station, Rio Grande Council, 1301 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen, TX 78550.

MATAMOROS MEXICO

Bargain shopping for silver, leather goods, and handicrafts at vibrant Mexican markets. Traditional dining, museums. Thirty minutes southwest of the Island. Escorted tours available.

PORT ISABEL HISTORIC MUSEUM

Opening in the famous “Champion Building” in the Spring of 1997, museum exhibits include visitor-friendly, push-button displays; audiovisual film interactive; and professionally crafted and lighted cases containing original artifacts, rare documents, and vintage photographs featuring all facets of the area’s rich history.

PORT ISABEL LIGHT HOUSE

1853 era lighthouse with panoramic views of the Laguna Madre Bay. Open daily 10-11:30 a.m., 1-5 p.m. Adults-$1, Children-50 cents,
Over 65-Free.

WHALING WALL

Internationally-known environmental artist Wyland picked South Padre Island to paint Whaling Wall #53, his only wall in Texas. Wyland is planning to paint 100 walls during his career to educate people on the importance of marine conservation.

SEA TURTLE INC

Home of the “Turtle Lady,” Ila Loetscher. Shows featuring endangered sea turtles.
5805 Gulf Blvd.
Tuesdays and Saturdays
$2 Donation required.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PAN AMERICAN COASTAL STUDIES LABORATORY

Aquarium and extensive shell collection.
Isla Blanca Park.956-761-2644.
Open Sun-Fri 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Free admission.