South Padre Getaway

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Palm trees. Tropical breezes. Miles of endless beach.

This exotic getaway lies in the far southern reaches of Texas. This is the South Padre Island, a destination for lovers that offers all the ingredients to make your vacation a success: surf, sand, sun, and so much more. Whether you are looking for a weekend romp filled with sandcastle building and seafood dinners, a vacation with a south-of-the-border excitement and shopping, or a quiet getaway and a chance to enjoy one of the most wildlife-filled regions in the nation, you'll find it here in the southernmost tip of Texas.

BEACH FUN

If vacation equals beach in your book, then you've come to the right place. South Padre Island is lined with 34 miles of beach where the two of you can romp in the surf, collect seashells, and play in the sand. Drive north of the community and you'll find that miles of this strip of sand are completely undeveloped, ready for exploration.

Most of South Padre Island's accommodations lie along this beachfront. Couples can select from luxury hotels, condominiums, and inexpensive motels. Over 5500 guest rooms are available. Pick the Gulf side for a sunrise view or the lagoon side for a beautiful sunset. Need help getting a room once you get to the island? Stop by the South Padre Island Visitors Center at 600 Padre Boulevard for help or just to pick up maps and brochures. Here you can also pick up a schedule for "The Wave," the island's free trolley system. The trolley makes stops at attractions, shopping areas, and many of the island's many condominiums and resort complexes.

Along that beach you will find a full range of activities, from adventurous to relaxing. Romp together in the surf, try you hand at building sandcastles, take the challenge of sailboarding and surfing at a site called "the Flats" on the north side of town, or enjoy a horseback ride down the beach.

OUTDOORS FUN

For those vacationers who'd like to try their hand at catching some of that marine life found just off the beaches, the Sea Ranch Fishing Pier offers fishing on the causeway. You'll find tackle and bait at this friendly fishing site, which includes a 2,000-square-foot observation deck that's a favorite with sunset watchers. The pier is open 24 hours daily.

And if one of you enjoys golf, you'll find a brand-new course just a few miles from the island. The 18-hole championship South Padre Island Golf Club offers beautiful views of the Laguna Madre; packages from South Padre Island hotels and condos are available as well a day passes for the course.

A day of sightseeing and salt air also works up anyone's appetite, and the toughest part of your South Padre Island stay may be choosing between the many excellent restaurants. Just about any type of cuisine you'd like is available here but don't miss the fresh seafood available at many fine eateries.

Once the sun goes down, you will still find plenty of shops open through the evening for the chance to bring home some souvenirs, from resort wear to shells to boogie boards.

NATURE

A stop that's both educational and fun is the home of the "Turtle Lady," Ila Loetscher. She focused the attention of the world on Kemp's Ridley sea turtles through her conservation efforts. Today volunteers run shows on Tuesday and Saturday at 10 a.m.

Just south of town, the University of Texas Coastal Studies Laboratory offers another chance to learn more Gulf marine life. Here research focuses on coastal ecosystems, including a study of the sea turtles and dolphins that live in the area. You can stop by the lab Sunday through Friday for a look at aquariums filled with marine life.

South Padre Island also offers visitors the chance to take a look at the area's feathered residents and visitors. Behind the Convention Center on the north end of town, the 1,500-foot boardwalk Laguna Madre Nature Trail covers four acres of wetland habitat that's rich with birdlife.
Just a short drive from the island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for birders. This refuge has recorded more species than any other wildlife refuge in the nation. Start your visit with a stop at the Visitor Center to check the list of what's been spotted lately, then step over to the nearby photo blind for a chance to spot beautiful green jays. From the center, you can take several tour roads, walking trails, or bicycle trails.

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

A visit to South Padre can also include a "Two Nation Vacation," a chance to cross the international border into Mexico located 25 minutes away and introduce children to the culture and vitality of Mexico.

In Brownsville, follow TX 48 downtown to the convention center and park at the free municipal lot, then take a quick five-minute walk across the International Bridge to Matamoros, Mexico. After crossing the bridge, a short taxi ride will transport you to the mercado to bargain for silver jewelry, leather goods, glassware, blankets, serapes, and onyx creations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information, call the South Padre Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) SO-PADRE or online at http://www.sopadre.com.

Copyright Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Photo courtesy South Padre Convention and Visitors Bureau