South Padre Live Surf Cam

South Padre Island Texas Information

The South Padre Island Real Live Surf Cam

South Padre Beach Fun

If a vacation or getaway on the beach is in your future, then you've come to the right place. South Padre Island is lined with 34 miles of beach where the two of you can romp in the surf, collect seashells, and play in the sand. Drive north of the community and you'll find that miles of this strip of sand are completely undeveloped, ready for exploration.

Most of South Padre Island's accommodations lie along this beachfront. Families or couples can select from various luxury hotels, condominiums, and inexpensive motels. Over 5000 guest rooms are available. Pick the Gulf side for a sunrise view or the lagoon side for a beautiful sunset. Why hassle with trying to find a room once you get to the island? Stop by the South Padre Island Hotel Guide on-line for help or just to pick up useful links and coupons. Here you can also pick up a schedule for "The Wave," the island's free trolley system. The trolley makes stops at attractions, shopping areas, and many of the islands many condominiums and resort complexes.

There is also a brand new South Padre shuttle service from the airport to the door of any hotel

Along that beach you will find a full range of activities, from adventurous to relaxing. Romp together in the surf, try you hand at building sandcastles, take the challenge of sail boarding and surfing at a site called "the Flats" on the north side of town, or enjoy a horseback ride down the beach.

OUTDOORS FUN

For those vacationers who'd like to try their hand at catching some of that marine life found just off the beaches, the Sea Ranch Fishing Pier offers fishing on the causeway. You'll find tackle and bait at this friendly fishing site, which includes a 2,000-square-foot observation deck that's a favorite with sunset watchers. The pier is open 24 hours daily.

And if one of you enjoys golf, you'll find a brand-new course just a few miles from the island. The 18-hole championship South Padre Island Golf Club offers beautiful views of the Laguna Madre; packages from South Padre Island hotels and condos are available as well a day passes for the course.

A day of sightseeing and salt air also works up anyone's appetite, and the toughest part of your South Padre Island stay may be choosing between the many excellent restaurants. Just about any type of cuisine you'd like is available here but don't miss the fresh seafood available at many fine eateries.

Once the sun goes down, you will still find plenty of shops open through the evening for the chance to bring home some souvenirs, from resort wear to shells to boogie boards.

NATURE

A stop that's both educational and fun is the home of the "Turtle Lady," Ila Loetscher. She focused the attention of the world on Kemp's Ridley sea turtles through her conservation efforts. Today volunteers run shows on Tuesday and Saturday at 10 a.m.

Another great new place is the South Padre Birding and Nature Center (see our live cam there now on line)

Just south of town, the University of Texas Coastal Studies Laboratory offers another chance to learn more Gulf marine life. Here research focuses on coastal ecosystems, including a study of the sea turtles and dolphins that live in the area. You can stop by the lab Sunday through Friday for a look at aquariums filled with marine life.

South Padre Island also offers visitors the chance to take a look at the area's feathered residents and visitors. Behind the Convention Center on the north end of town, the 1,500-foot boardwalk Laguna Madre Nature Trail covers four acres of wetland habitat that's rich with birdlife.
Just a short drive from the island, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for birders. This refuge has recorded more species than any other wildlife refuge in the nation. Start your visit with a stop at the Visitor Center to check the list of what's been spotted lately, then step over to the nearby photo blind for a chance to spot beautiful green jays. From the center, you can take several tour roads, walking trails, or bicycle trails.