How to Vacation South Padre Island

South Padre Island, Texas is located 18 miles east of Brownsville. SPI shares the same latitude as South Beach Miami and is commonly referred to as the Texas Keys. The city is a paradisaical playground with white sand beaches on the gulf side and gin clear waters of the lower Laguna Madre on the west. One can watch the boats come back from a day on the water while enjoying a beverage at the world renowned Louie’s Backyard or simply sit on the beach at Isla Blanca and watch summer days lazily drift away. SPI is a fun and economical vacation destination for the family that likes to relax and play together. Drop on down and check on things on the border.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Credit Card
• Budget
• Willingness to have a great time

How To Get There

1. Call your travel agent or log on to your favorite online booking agency to book your flight. The two most common airlines to SPI are Southwest and Continental. However, instead of asking for a flight to SPI, the nearest maor airport is Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas.
2. Rent a car or hire a shuttle. Both are relatively cheap alternatives. However, beware if you do rent a car, mind the towns of Los Fresnos and Bayside. Radar-wielding cops are easy to come by.
3. By car from VIA, take 77 South to Highway 100 East and follow the signs and traffic.

Once You Are There

4. Stop by the SPI Visitors Bureau at 7355 Padre Island Boulevard or call prior to your trip for local information and special events.
5. Visit Sea Turtle, Inc. and get up close and personal with a few rescued sea turtles rehabilitating before being released back into the wild. The "Turtle Lady" is world-renowned and you and your children will enjoy the experience.
6. Visit Old Brownsville and Fort Brown to fulfill the history portion of your vacation.
7. Enjoy the rich and colorful Hispanic accents the border has to offer.
8. Watch the sun duck down behind Port Isabel with your family while enjoying a quiet dinner at one of the many exquisite bay side restaurants.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for cheap flights into Harlingen's Valley International Airport.
• For all activities, check for weather, hurricane and cancellation policies.
• Sunblock
• Watch for speed traps if you decide to drive
• Families Avoid March and April