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Island Events
Spring Break and other Seasons of South PadreSouth Padre Island is Truly a Beach for All Seasons
South Padre Island is perhaps the best known Texas beach resort. South Padre’s
primary claim to fame, of course, is Spring Break. And, plenty of people know
about the bounty of summer activities on the Island. However, not everyone
realizes South Padre is truly a beach destination for all seasons and all
types of activities. In fact, SPI was recently named as one of the nation's
Top 10 destinations for water sport activities by Good Morning America and
it's Laguna Madre Nature Trail was named as one of the state's Top 10 nature
trails by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Spring - As mentioned above, the annual ode to partying known as Spring Break dominates the South Padre spring scene. This four-week party draws thousands of college students from across the nation - most of whom spend the better portion of a week on the Island. If you are planning a trip to South Padre during March, be warned, most of these visitors are not the modest type. While spring break is definitely not a family activity, there are other parts of the spring season that can enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Semana Santa, the Mexican "Holy Week," leads up to Easter Sunday and sees visitors from both nations descend on the Island. Traditional activities such as Easter egg hunts seem surreal when performed under palm trees. Spring is also the beginning of water sport season. Windsurfing dominates
the spring water sports scene, with windsurfers coming from across the nation
to enjoy South Padre unusually high winds.
Summer - What can't you do at the beach in the summer? South Padre Island is no different, with too many activities to list. However, high on most folks' lists are parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, fishing, sun tanning or spending the day at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. If you are looking to learn a new skill while on vacation, why not take sand castle building lessons? Local sand sculpting legend "sandy feet" is always available to pass on the tricks of her trade. Dolphin watches and amphibious cruises are always popular as well. And, if you are looking for something distinctly "South Padre," try a sunset cruise during the Friday night "Fireworks Over the Bay." During the summer, many visitors also choose to turn their trip into a "Two Nation Vacation" by visiting the many restaurants, bars and shops of nearby Matamoros, Mexico. Fall - Once the slowest time of year, the fall is now jam-packed with events. Fishing action during fall is world-class. Tarpon, snook, speckled trout, and redfish are just a few of the species anglers can expect to catch during their fall visit to South Padre. Another major draw during the fall is the Roar by the Shore. This annual Harley-Davidson rally finds motorcycle enthusiasts from across the nation cruising the Island, Port Isabel and into Matamoros, Mexico for four days of concerts and events. Also in October, the popular Port Isabel Market Day is held across the bridge in Port Isabel on the grounds of the historic Point Isabel Lighthouse. Winter -b] Believe it or not, the population of South Padre Island actually grows during the winter months. This is because many northern tourists choose to spend three to four months as "Winter Texans."p] One of the primary pursuits during the winter is birding. Bird watchers have long known South Padre is a prime winter birding destination. South Padre boasts a number of bird watching stations and knowledgeable local tour operators offer bird watch cruises. The annual
Longest Causeway Run is the most popular winter event. But, the Taste of
the Tropics fundraiser and SPICE (South Padre Island Chili Expo) are not far
behind.
Dining and Lodging - Regardless of what time you visit, you will need a place to stay and somewhere to eat. Luckily, South Padre offers plenty of top-notch hotels and restaurants. Dining options are seemingly limitless on South Padre Island. Of course, seafood is the top draw and the Sea Ranch (956-761-1314), Scampi's (956-761-7867), and Amberjack’s (956-761-7297) are among the best in the business. Due to South Padre's close proximity to Mexico, Tex-Mex cuisine is also in high demand. When it comes to Mexican food, Jesse's Cantina (956-761-4500) never disappoints. Getting There - Driving to South Padre is simple, but long. Simply put, from any major city in Texas, you must connect with US 77 South. Follow 77 South to the SPI/Highway 100 exit. Take Highway 100 east until it literally runs out some 24 miles later on SPI. A quicker option is flying. Visitors have the option of flying into Valley International Airport in Harlingen or Brownsville/SPI International Airport in Brownsville. Content borrowed From
Danno Wise, South Padre is the #1 U.S. Spring Break destination and is featured on the travel channel best beaches, Girls Gone Wild and E! TV Wild on Spring Break. Padre is just 30 miles north of the Mexico border, making it the only destination to party at 2 nations with one vacation! Padre is famous for hosting some of the hottest spring break parties, concerts and acts including; MTV, 50 Cent, Ludacris, D-12, Fat Joe, Hawaiian Tropic and Girls Gone Wild! Padre is your “someplace different,” located on the Gulf of Mexico, at the southernmost tip of Texas. Padre is fun, inexpensive and offers something for everyone! Why Choose South Padre Island for Spring Break?
South Padre Island
General Information South Padre Island is the # 1 U.S. Spring Break destination and the only one to offer 2 nations in 1 vacation! Located on the Southernmost tip of Texas, just 30 miles from the Mexican border, South Padre Island is ¸ mile wide and 7 miles long and sits on the Gulf of Mexico. South Padre has been a spring break hot spot for the Midwest students since the 1970's. , South Padre has become more popular each year and is well received as the best alternative to traveling to an international destination. Padre is your "someplace different". Because of its location, Padre attracts the largest variety of students then any other spring break destination. Students drive-in or fly-in from all over the country. Lodging in Padre ranges from 3 star hotels to 5 star motels. Padre is also the only spring break destination to offer a variety of condos that can hold up to 12 people and include full kitchens. Most packages are 7 nights, but you can select from 3, 4, 5 or 6 nights as well. Flights to Padre include scheduled air with Continental, American or Southwest airlines plus round-trip airport/hotel transfers. All Padre clients are informed of their departure day and flight times within 7 days of booking the reservation. The legal drinking age in Padre is 21, but most clubs allow entry at 18 yrs of age. The beaches are public and alcohol is legally allowed on the beach and this means there are KEG PARTIES with thousands of students partying all day long! You can BYOB and avoid paying $8 per drink to the hotel beach bar. This alone will add up to at least a $100pp saving in spending cash when compared to other destinations. Transportation is not a problem. The Island offers free trolley transportation to/from several locations from 7am - 8pm. There are also plenty of cabs available and the fare will never cost more then $4pp regardless of the distance driven (this will save you at least another $50pp in spending cash when compared to other destinations). Daytime activities include a variety of watersports, beach and pool parties and planned concerts and contests. At night, the nightclubs often offer the "must bus" a free transportation system that picks-up/drops-off students anywhere along the main strip. South Padre has a great nightlife and the most popular bars/clubs are Louie's, Tequila Frog's and Schlitterbahn. Dress can be as casual as you want or as dress-up as you want. Don't forget that the markets and nightclubs of Mexico are only 20 short minutes away! South Padre Island Entry Requirements If you are a Citizen of the United States: South Padre Island, Texas is located in the United States of America. If you are a current U.S. citizen, there are no requirements to travel in and/or out of Florida. HOWEVER - You will need a valid photo I.D. (i.e. valid driver's license, passport, etc.) to check into your hotel, get into a nightclub or board the plane (if flying) to South Padre Island, Texas. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is your responsibility to contact the nearest consulate to determine exactly what documentation you need to travel to Florida. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in denial of hotel check-in and denial of boarding the plane (if flying). Failure to present valid identification will forfeit your entire trip without a refund. It is your responsibility to obtain proper documentation, visas, etc. For Those Planning to Take a Day or Night Trip from South Padre to Mexico If you are a Citizen of the United States you must present either: 1. Two photo forms of ID. One must be a valid, state issued photo ID and the second ID can be a school or military ID. OR 2. A valid Passport. (Need a Passport fast? Call Travel Documents Express 202-785-3250) If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is your responsibility to contact the nearest consulate to determine exactly what documentation you need to travel abroad. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in denial of boarding and forfeiture of your entire trip without a refund. The phone number to the Mexico Consulate is 800-446-3942. It is your responsibility to obtain proper documentation, visas, etc.
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