South Padre Island Beaches
Your Guide to Sun, Sand and Surf
Welcome to South Padre Island (SPI), home to some of the best beaches in Texas. SPI has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure or looking for a more tranquil family getaway. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about beach access, activities, and amenities for your next coastal getaway.
South Padre Island Beach Access
SPI has miles of coastline, ideal for watersports, swimming, or relaxing on the beach. With numerous public access points, enjoying the beach is accessible and affordable. Some of the best South Padre Island beach access points include:
Sea Island Circle Beach Access #4
- Parking with ADA compliance
- Bike racks
- Portable restrooms
- South Padre Island public beach
Gulf Circle Beach Access #3
- Parking with ADA compliance
- Permanent restrooms
- Showers
- Mobi-mat
- Paved
Treasure Island Circle Beach Access #11
- Parking with ADA compliance
- Picnic tables
- Permanent restrooms
- Showers
- Sidewalk
- Paved
Adventures on South Padre Island Beaches
In addition to spending time on the beach, SPI offers a wide variety of fun-in-the-sun activities, from deep sea fishing to birding shoreside to renting kayaks and paddle boards. Check out some of our favorites below.
Fishing: Looking for the perfect guide for your next fishing expedition? Take a look at our most vetted fishing guides for your next adventure.
Birding: Get in touch with nature the SPI way! Explore our many trails, which are covered in birding hotspots. Check out our complete page for birding hotspots in SPI.
Water Rentals: Feeling adventurous? Rent a paddle board or kayak and explore the scenic waters at your own pace. Book your water rental today!
Check out our complete list of SPI adventures, including riding a horse on the beach or going on beach ziplines.
South Padre Island Seasonal Activities
The fun is year-round in SPI, ranging from fireworks on the beach during summer nights to holiday events in winter. We especially love:
Spring Break Fun: From college trips to family-friendly getaways, SPI has Spring Break covered. Take a well-deserved break from school and embrace the warm weather and sunshine that comes with a Texas spring.
Summer Fireworks: South Padre Island is known as the “Fireworks Capital of Texas.” So, you’ll definitely want to catch a fireworks show. Fireworks are scheduled every Thursday and Friday night over the Laguna Madre Bay and every Friday and Saturday night over the Gulf of Mexico during the summer months.
Fall Migrations: SPI is on the route of many birds flying south for the winter. More than 200 species of migratory birds stop here each year during spring and fall migrations, making South Padre one of the best birding locations in the Western Hemisphere.
Winter Attractions on South Padre Island: Check out our list for winter fun in the sun. Activities range from a holiday lights show to the fantastic holiday sandcastle village. Dolphin watches and sandcastle lessons are always a favorite too!
Accessibility Information
The City of South Padre Island is committed to establishing and maintaining an accessible community. Our goal is to ensure that all programs, services, activities, and facilities offered to the public are accessible as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The City of South Padre Island offers Mobi-Chairs, amphibious wheelchairs that can be used on the beach and in the water. After purchasing Mobi-Chairs, Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson declared South Padre Island beaches the most accessible in Texas. To get a Mobi-Chair, please contact the South Padre Island Fire Department at 956-761-3040.
SPI also has handicapped-accessible transportation. All of the WAVE’s buses meet ADA requirements and are equipped with wheelchair lifts to accommodate. The WAVE also offers the Paratransit service, which permits the handicapped passenger to be picked up and transported to any of our beach accesses.
Family-Friendly Beaches
SPI has something for every age! There are a variety of fun activities and kid-friendly beaches in the area. Here are some of the best attractions and beaches for families with little ones:
Treasure Island Circle Beach
- Easy access and parking
- Small shade pavilion is great for naps in the shade or covered picnic.
- Close to shops and restaurants if you need to pop out of the sun.
- Considered by some to be the best South Padre beach
Harbor Beach
- Shallow shorelines and calm waters are perfect for the littlest of beach goers!
- Picturesque views are a favorite for family Christmas card pictures!
- Live events year-round
Beach Waterpark
- #1 Kid-Friendly attraction by Texas Family Magazine
- Open daily
- 25 acres of waterpark paradise
- More details here.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
We welcome your furry besties here at SPI! All dogs are allowed on beaches, provided they are leashed and owners pick up after them. Explore our guide to pet-friendly beaches before you and your pup’s stay.
Events and Weddings on the Beach
There is a reason why couples flock to South Padre Island each year as a top destination for beach weddings. Plan your dream wedding with ease using our SPI Wedding Guide. Here, you can find contact info for everything from event planners, churches, and venues to photographers, officiants, and marriage license info. Looking to enjoy a romantic anniversary trip or memorable couples getaway? Check out our upcoming events for a complete calendar list of events in SPI.
Plan Your Visit
With more than 300 sunny days a year, SPI is a favorite destination for beach lovers looking to soak in the sun. As the only tropical island in Texas, SPI is a must-go vacation spot for locals and visitors alike. With a variety of hotels, restaurants, and other activities, you are sure to have a memorable beach vacation. We can’t wait to share our coastal beauty with you! Check out our live webcams to see what’s happening on South Padre Island beaches right now, and Plan Your Visit today!
