Hotels in South Padre Island

Book your cheap hotel in South Padre Island

Located on the island of the same name, the settlement of South Padre Island is a resort town in Texas sitting on the Gulf of Mexico. It is accessible via the 2.5-mile-long Queen Isabella Causeway, located across Laguna Madre from Port Isabel. It has a standing population of under 3,000 residents but generally hosts over 10,000 visitors. Having plenty of activities to do in and out of the water, it's a popular destination for spring break and a good choice for sunny seaside family vacations.

As a resort town, there is plenty of vacation accommodation. If you're traveling with the whole family, look for cheap hotels in South Padre Island's popular areas.

Neighborhoods of South Padre Island

SPI is a barrier island and the only tropical island in Texas. The town occupies the island's south end, covering an area of less than 2.5 square miles. The north end of the island remains uninhabited, and it's a place of dunes, beaches, and the ocean.

What to see and do in South Padre Island

A vacation of sun-drenched beaches, watersports, water parks, and nature conservancies awaits. Some of the city's main attractions include:

  • Isla Blanca Beach: The mile-long beach is the most popular family beach on the island.
  • Barracuda Beach: This secluded beach is often empty but great for sunbathing and shell hunting.
  • Dolphin Cove Beach: A lovely beach for sunbathing, and it is popular with anglers and jet skiers.
  • Port Mansfield Beach: At the north end of SPI is a great surfing beach (without any amenities).
  • Watersports: The lagoon and the ocean are a veritable playground, and the beaches along its length are the basis for boating, fishing, surfing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, and safe swimming. Local guides will inform you about the best beaches for each activity.
  • Isla Blanca Water Park: Enjoy pools with unique slides, experience underwater thrills, and see the marine creatures in Sea Trek.
  • Sea Turtle Inc.: This reserve is home to the endangered Kemp's ridley turtle. Visitors can see them here in their natural habitat.
  • Gravity Park: All ages can let off steam at this adventure and amusement park. The fun and games include the giant Skycoaster sling, go-karts, the reverse Rocket bungee, and mini-golf.
  • Birding & Nature Center: The boardwalks and spotting towers in the dunes of this 50-acre reserve provide for easy viewing of birds and wildlife.

What to eat in South Padre Island

The eateries spread around town, while its beaches and piers offer a diverse range of cuisines. Tex-Mex dishes are incredibly trendy since, after all, this is South Texas! For local food, you can't beat eating fresh-caught seafood outdoors while overlooking the ocean. Some local foods are:

  • Fresh Fish: Marlin, kingfish, red snapper, and flounder are abundant in the island's water. Fresh fish comes prepared in various ways, including Ceviche (fish cured in citrus juices).
  • Gulf Oysters: Best eaten when they're in season, and even better while watching the dolphins play.
  • King Crab: Local restaurants have multiple ways of serving this delicious seafood.

Typical events and festivals in South Padre Island

Several hotels, restaurants, and bars host events throughout the year. There are also some annual events, including:

  • Fireworks on the Pier: A fireworks display, music, food stalls, and family-friendly entertainment happens every Friday and Saturday between Easter and October. You can enjoy more fireworks on Memorial Day, The 4th of July, and Labor Day.
  • Sandcastle Days: Building sandcastles becomes an art form, and the sand sculptures line the beach in October.
  • Texas International Fishing Tournament: The biggest saltwater fishing contest happens in Texas over the last weekend.

How to move around in South Padre Island

The best way to get around South Padre Town is by using the free shuttle buses. It runs along some of the island's length, giving access to the northern beaches and the mainland's Port Isabel. The roads are good on the island, and there are also numerous taxis and car rentals available. A car is the best option if you want to visit the more remote beaches on the island's northern end. A fun way to get around town is in the miniature Scootcoupe cars.

The climate in South Padre Island

The sub-tropical climate gives the island a long, warm season. The average daily temperature reaches highs in the mid-80°s F. The average yearly low doesn't fall below 50° F. SPI boasts 300 days of sunshine every year, but the hottest months experience high humidity. Any time of year is a good time for a family holiday, but if you want to avoid the spring-break rush known as "hullabaloo," avoid planning a visit in March.

South Padre Island today 66°F
68°F | 64°F

In South Padre Island we will have soft rain, light clothing is recommended as the temperatures will be warm throughout the day.

    • Wednesday
    • 72°F | 66°F
    • Thursday
    • 81°F | 70°F
    • Friday
    • 84°F | 70°F

Locations near South Padre Island

130 Accommodations in South Padre Island

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Margaritaville South Padre Island Resort
Tortuga Bay Home

Tortuga Bay Home

1.2 mi from city centre
Motel Flamingo Inn

Motel Flamingo Inn

241 yd from city centre
Motel Coco Beach

Motel Coco Beach

1,061 yd from city centre

Frequently asked questions about Hotels in South Padre Island

The most centrally located hotels in South Padre Island with the best ratings are: Hotel Best Western Beachside Inn, Hotel Super 8 By Wyndham South Padre Island and Hotel Ramada Limited South Padre Island.

If you need a hotel with disabled access in South Padre Island, we recommend Hotel La Copa Inn Beach, Hotel Ramada Limited South Padre Island and Motel Econo Lodge South Padre Island.

According to our clients, if you´re travelling with children, the best hotels in South Padre Island are Motel Econo Lodge South Padre Island, Peninsula Island Resort & Spa and Resort Padre South On The Beach.

If you want to save time, the hotel in South Padre Island with express check-in and check-out is Hotel Holiday Inn Express And Suites South Padre Island.

Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in South Padre Island are Hotel Best Western Beachside Inn, Hotel Ramada By Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island and Hotel Super 8 By Wyndham South Padre Island.

If you're bringing a vehicle, we recommend that you book a hotel with parking in South Padre Island, like Hotel La Copa Inn Beach, Hotel Holiday Inn Express And Suites South Padre Island or Hotel Royale Beach And Tennis Club By Vri Resort.