With soft sand, plenty of beach bars and the best ceviche, there's arguably only one beach worth going to in Texas—South Padre Island. Show You might know this beach as a college student's spring break hotspot, but really, it's the Rio Grande Valley's most secret gem. From someone who has been going to "the island" every year since before I could walk, here's a guide to the best SPI has to offer. WeatherFirst thing's first, don't underestimate how hot South Texas is. Be ready with plenty of sunscreen. If you thought Austin was hot, you're in for a treat as high humidity will make the Valley feel scorching. Luckily, the water offers some reprieve from the sun's rays—still, be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat. Getting thereDriving in: From Austin, you can expect almost a six hour drive. Your navigation will take you either around San Antonio (which is a plus for most people) or through San Antonio, funneling to U.S. 77 until you reach Valley grounds in Harlingen.
Still, no matter which route you take, you'll go through Port Isabel before crossing the 2-mile bridge to South Padre. During peak times, such as early afternoon, expect to sit in traffic. Better times to travel are in the early morning. Flying in: For the people that read a six-hour drive with wide eyes, there is a nearby airport in Brownville, a 40-minute drive from SPI, as well as the Valley International Airport in Harlingen, a 1-hour drive away. Be ready to spend $250-$400 a person. Sights and soundsGetting to the RGV, you'll be welcomed with palm trees well before you've made it to the beach. And just before crossing the bridge from Port Isabel to South Padre, you'll see a sign that may be blinking, indicating to watch out for pelicans. As you drive over that bridge, your passengers will want to get their phones out and take the classic video of the the water, boats and parasailers in the bay. It's the best way to let everyone know you're on vacation! And don't forget to roll down your window to take in the salty smell of the gulf of Mexico. LodgingResorts: For beach access and the fun amenities that come with that, places like The Pearl, The Palm and The Saphire are where you'll get a resort-style feel. Affordable: You can still find a Holiday Inn, Ramada and La Quinta along the beach bars. Airbnb is always an option where you can rent out condos, but you'll want to make sure to book in advance as options may be limited in peak summer. The beachThere are at least 25 access points to the beach, which is on the east edge of the island. Some you can only get to if you're a hotel guest. Here are the most popular ways to reach the sand. Walking to the beach: Between the bars and hotels, you'll find free access points where you get to just park and walk right onto the beach. You're likely to still find umbrellas and chairs you can rent out. Beach bar access: Some of the most popular places for beach entry are those that come with a nearby bar. But don't worry, all ages are welcome. You'll want to check these bars' social media pages in the evenings if you're looking for live music.
*Tip: If you're not trying to take your own chairs and umbrella, don't worry, you'll see umbrellas and chairs set up on a first-come, first-serve basis, where you'll pay about $35 to use the umbrella and two chairs for the day. And don't worry about paying before, just sit down and a beach worker will come collect your cash. Driving on the beach: If you want to try your four-wheel drive on the sand, you can! Access points #5 and #6 allow you to pay a small fee to take your vehicle out there. Click here to see
how you might prepare your vehicle for the sand. If you choose to go with this option, you'll want to make sure to pack appropriately as there are no rentals or bars nearby. More funIf you're trying to make the most of your South Padre getaway, we have you covered with things for the whole family as well as the nightlife scene.
FoodYou can't leave the island before eating ceviche and fried shrimp. And you can't go wrong by eating at the already mentioned beach bars and bay bars. But here are some other notable places to visit:
From Your Site Articles
Can you drive on the beach at Padre Island?South Beach begins where the main park paved road ends. From that point, the park has 60 miles of beach open to driving. South Beach (and driving) ends at the Port Mansfield Channel, a man-made waterway cut through the island. It is not possible to drive all the way down to South Padre Island due to this waterway.
Can you drive a golf cart on the beach in South Padre Island?The golf carts are only allowed on the streets and must follow all of the same rules/laws as any other motor vehicle (including seatbelts, blinkers, etc).
What beaches in Texas can you drive on?Bolivar Peninsula encompasses 27 miles of Beach Shoreline on the Upper Texas Gulf Coast. The beach in Crystal Beach Texas and on Bolivar Peninsula is one of a kind, and the last of its kind. Vehicles are allowed to drive on, park and enjoy all 27 miles of coastal waters.
How far down on Padre Island Can you drive?Depending on current beach conditions, two-wheel drive vehicles may safely drive down on the first five miles of South Beach. After that, four-wheel drive is necessary as there are frequent pockets of soft sand. Even with a four-wheel drive vehicle, you cannot reach South Padre Island from here.
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