— By Kate Loweth —
Before I visited South Padre Island (SPI), I pictured nothing however wild spring break events and school youngsters in all places. But shock! This sunny barrier island off the southern coast of Texas has far more to supply — suppose sea turtle rescues, sundown horseback rides, and infinite seashore time that’s good for the entire household. Here’s the place to remain and all of the enjoyable issues you are able to do when visiting:
Things to Do on South Padre Island
Visit Sea Turtle Inc.
Sea Turtle Inc.
This sea turtle rehabilitation heart needs to be on the high of your exercise record when visiting SPI. Families will study all in regards to the group’s conservation and rehabilitation efforts via a self-guided tour that features loads of time peeping on the resident Kemp’s Ridley and loggerhead turtles who have been injured and unable to be returned to the wild. Join a “Turtle Talk” to study among the historical past of those animals, after which swing by the turtle hospital to see the work being finished to rehabilitate injured turtles.
Good to know: Thirteen sea turtle sculptures may be discovered alongside SPI’s Sea Turtle Art Trail.
Check Out the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary
South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary
SPI is a stopover level for migratory birds, making it a favourite spot for bird-watching. You can study all in regards to the birds that you simply may see on the island by stopping by this nature heart simply up the street from Sea Turtle Inc. Join a guided birding tour to stroll alongside the boardwalk and spot winged creatures in Laguna Madre Bay utilizing the offered binoculars.
Then, go to Big Padre and Lady Laguna on the alligator sanctuary, an expertise that may delight guests of all ages. The alligator-feeding present is stuffed with humor and pleasure because the alligator handler entices these big creatures out of the murky swamp to feed. You’ll study what to do in case you spot an alligator within the wild (the right reply: don’t feed it) and the way the character heart is rehabilitating these animals.
Satisfy Your Need for Speed at Sand Monsters
Sand Monsters
Families in search of some pleasant competitors and a day zipping round on an off-road automobile ought to plan a cease at Sand Monsters. Here, riders of all ages can deal with the twists and turns of the sand monitor, or head out on a guided sundown dune tour to see the realm because the solar descends under the horizon.
Even More Things to Do:
Where to Stay on South Padre Island
View from Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Families seeking to spend a number of days having fun with the sand and seafood of South Padre Island ought to ebook a room on the Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island. You’ll be lower than half-hour from the Brownsville airport, a straightforward journey from baggage pickup to sandcastle constructing.
Located proper on the seashore, the Margaritaville Beach Resort is the proper possibility when all the children need to do is spend time within the sand. Pick an ocean-view room on a excessive flooring and also you’ll have front-row seats for any SpaceX launches occurring throughout your keep. Spacious rooms have balconies and bathtubs, and also you’ll have your selection of heated swimming pools to select from once you want a break from the salt water. You may even ebook a condominium room with a full kitchen in order for you a bit extra space to unfold out.
While South Padre Island has loads of kid-friendly eating places to select from, typically it’s simply simpler to eat at your resort, and Margaritaville does it proper. Follow the Jimmy Buffet tunes to the LandShark Bar & Grill, positioned simply off the foyer. Here, you’ll discover Tex-Mex tacos, burgers, and all of the fresh-caught seafood you’re craving.
The swim-up Salty Rim Bar & Grill serves up poolside umbrella drinks and snacks for households who simply can’t tear themselves away from the cabana life. And, when the children wake you up manner too early for a trip day, head to Joe Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions for all these iced espresso drinks.
South Padre Island: Fun within the Sun
Families in search of a straightforward trip stuffed with animal encounters and loads of seashore time will get pleasure from South Padre Island.
Photos courtesy Kate Loweth
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About the Author: Kate Loweth is a author and editor residing within the San Francisco Bay Area along with her husband and three youngsters. Her writing focuses on household journey, parenting, solo journey, and journey for ages 50+. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, AAA, AARP, Business Insider, FamilyVacationist, Success Magazine, and Viator. Read extra of her work on kateloweth.com or discover her on Instagram @k8loweth.