Vacation Rentals in South Padre Island

Whether you're flying in for Spring Break or planning a tranquil family vacation by the sea, you'll find no shortage of beach house options on South Padre Island. Most of these coastal properties feature direct access to the beach, along with spacious terraces, barbecue areas, car ports, and essentials like ironing boards, washing machines, and wi-fi internet.

If you don't need the space provided by a beach house, there are also plenty of smaller vacation rental options in South Padre Island. For instance, you'll find beach condos with roomy apartments and access to pools, as well as apartments near the coast which feature amenities like gyms, large flat-screen TVs, and balconies with gorgeous views of the Gulf.

Famous for its Spring Break celebrations, South Padre Island is a magnet for sun-seekers on the Texas coast. A long barrier island which stretches for miles along the Gulf Coast, Padre Island is fringed with sandy coast and enjoys months of solid sunshine every year.

As the name suggests, the actual resort of South Padre Island is located right at the southern tip of the island, which is mainly protected as a State Park. The vacation rental properties in town are strung out along the shore and sea coast of the island, and none will be more than a few hundred meters from the sea.

The closest major airport is Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. After you touch down in Brownsville, just drive or take a shuttle across the Queen Isabella Causeway to reach the resort.

South Padre Island has become a famous beach resort in recent years thanks to its endless beaches and fine weather. There aren't many better places on the Texan Gulf Coast to sunbathe, swim or enjoy water sports.

While Spring Break is easily the busiest couple of weeks every year, South Padre Island has great nightlife almost all year round. Bars like Clayton's or Coral Reef Lounge are always great places to unwind by the Gulf.

If ocean fishing is your scene, South Padre Island is a fine place to head. Explore the Laguna Madre with a charter captain, or head into the open water to catch some monsters to show off on dry land.

One of Texas' finest conservation organizations, Sea Turtle Inc. lets visitors get up close and personal to the area's sea turtles. And you might even see baby turtles being released into the wild at some times of year.

While all of South Padre Island boasts fine beaches, Isla Blanca is probably the best of all. Presided over by the “Christ of the Fishermen” statue, it's a great place to swim, snorkel or hire a jet ski.

South Padre's “Old Town”, Port Isabel is full of attractions, including its lighthouse and the Historical Museum, which has plenty of artifacts from the Mexican War.

Definitely the premier family attraction in town, Schlitterbahn is packed with chutes, has an exciting surfing pool, along with sandcastle making areas and a hot-tub bar – the ideal place to relax while the kids let off steam.

Tracing the coast of the Laguna Madre on the coastal side of the island, this trail is a nature lovers dream, particular bird fans as the island hosts around 300 separate species.

South Padre Island is the kind of place where timing your visit matters. If you want to party, spring is the time to go, but if you want peace and quiet, try to avoid March or April. High summer can be a little too hot for some people, but May and June are great times to visit. Storms can hit in August and September, but with lighted boat parades and other celebrations, Christmas can be a good time to visit.

South Padre Island isn't short of attractive events to attend. The International Music Festival in late October and November is a regular highlight, featuring everything from salsa to ska and country music. The Sandcastle Days in October are also a great family event.