South Padre Island (SPI) Guidebook
Activities
Things to do while visiting.
Sea turtle refuge with viewing tanks and informative presentations.
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Sea Turtle, Inc.
6617 Padre BlvdSea turtle refuge with viewing tanks and informative presentations.
Sprawling pier trail over the bay with multiple bird blinds.
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South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
6801 Padre BlvdSprawling pier trail over the bay with multiple bird blinds.
Walk up the spiral staircase of the Port Isabel lighthouse and enjoy views of SPI and more. Surrounded by free parking, unique shops, fishing pier and restaurants.
Weather permitting, hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m. Tickets may only be purchased through at the Keeper’s Cottage Visitors Center with a credit or debit card.
Tours of the Lighthouse will be self-guided, will be limited to 15 minutes.
Groups no larger than 6 persons may tour at one time.
TICKETS: Ticket prices are $5.00 (adults); $4.00 (seniors 55+); $3.00 (children* under 5.) Purchase tickets at the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center. (956-943-2262)
• Children must be 4 years old and 38” tall to tour the lighthouse. A child may not be carried by an adult.
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I-Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park
421 E Queen Isabella BlvdWalk up the spiral staircase of the Port Isabel lighthouse and enjoy views of SPI and more. Surrounded by free parking, unique shops, fishing pier and restaurants.
Weather permitting, hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m. Tickets may only be purchased through at the Keeper’s Cottage Visitors Center with a credit or debit card.
Tours of the Lighthouse will be self-guided, will be limited to 15 minutes.
Groups no larger than 6 persons may tour at one time.
TICKETS: Ticket prices are $5.00 (adults); $4.00 (seniors 55+); $3.00 (children* under 5.) Purchase tickets at the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center. (956-943-2262)
• Children must be 4 years old and 38” tall to tour the lighthouse. A child may not be carried by an adult.
Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier
501 E Maxan StOpen 24/7
Beach Access
Free and paid places to park and access the beach.
Nice outdoor seating with showers, jungle gym, RV accommodations and beach access. (paid)
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Andy Bowie Park
7300 State Park Rd 100Nice outdoor seating with showers, jungle gym, RV accommodations and beach access. (paid)
Beach Access #11 Treasure Island Circle
Treasure Island CircleFree lot/street parking at every public beach access.
10 minute walk to public beach access. Get there faster by taking a shortcut through the Ramada Hotel parking lot (see map/photo). There is also free street parking right by this access.
Beach Access #24 Sunset
132 East Sunset Drive10 minute walk to public beach access. Get there faster by taking a shortcut through the Ramada Hotel parking lot (see map/photo). There is also free street parking right by this access.
Waterfront Bar
Places to grab a drink or meal with water views.
Lots of space at this beach side bar w/Covered and uncovered outdoor seating.
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Clayton's Beach Bar & Event Venue
6900 Padre BlvdLots of space at this beach side bar w/Covered and uncovered outdoor seating.
Wanna Wanna Inn Beach Bar & Grill
5100 Gulf BlvdLobo Del Mar Cafe
204 Palm StGreat for sunset watching.
Places to Eat
List of restaurants in SPI/Port Isabel that haven’t disappointed me.
The Grapevine Cafe & Coffeehouse
100 Swordfish St
Ceviche Ceviche
1004 Padre BlvdLocally owned ceviche restaurant with limited seating.
Pizza Hut
1905 Padre BlvdSome Pizza Huts have disappointed me. This one has not.
Seafood Restaurant -
Caldo de Mariscos (Friday & Saturday only)
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Los Tortugo's Seafood Market
Seafood Restaurant -
Caldo de Mariscos (Friday & Saturday only)
Izeluleko zedolobha
Izindlela zokonga
Grocery/Food
Consider purchasing any groceries at the H-E-B or Walmart in Port Isabel. Prices on the Island tend to be a bit higher.