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Things to do in South Padre Island: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in South Padre Island, Texas: family and scenic. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

FamilyScenic
Family trip

Family Fun & Wildlife Explorer

5 stops · about 6 hr 45 min of stops · ~$232 per person

Enjoy a perfect family day on South Padre Island, driving from south to north to experience scenic nature, rescued marine life, and child-approved beachfront dining.

  1. 1

    Yummies Bistro

    700 Padre Blvd Ste K, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Yummies Bistro, South Padre Island

    Arrive early to snag a table on the outdoor patio and try the delicious French toast or kid's pancakes.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$45 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Sea Turtle, Inc.

    6617 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Sea Turtle, Inc., South Padre Island

    Catch one of the daily 'Turtle Talks' and meet Allison, the famous resident turtle who uses a prosthetic rudder to swim.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$38 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center

    6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center, South Padre Island

    Rent a cup of food at the entrance to feed the rescued tortoises and juvenile gators from the safe boardwalk platforms.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$34 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Wanna Wanna Inn Beach Bar & Grill

    5100 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Wanna Wanna Inn Beach Bar & Grill, South Padre Island

    An easy beachfront stop where the kids can play on the sand right next to your table while you enjoy fresh fried shrimp basket.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$50 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Lobo Del Mar Cafe

    204 Palm St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Lobo Del Mar Cafe, South Padre Island

    Enjoy a casual, family-friendly dinner on the bay while watching the sunset; they often feature live music or a bagpipe player.

    ★ 4.3 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$65 per person · Directions
Scenic trip

Coastal Views, Scenic Drives

5 stops · about 6 hr 30 min of stops · ~$93 per person

Experience the ultimate scenic day in South Padre Island with panoramic coastal drives, close-up wildlife encounters, and oceanfront dining from sunrise to sunset.

  1. 1

    Yummies Bistro

    700 Padre Blvd Ste K, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Yummies Bistro, South Padre Island

    Try their famous gourmet eggs benedict and specialty coffee to kickstart your day.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$18 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Edwin King Atwood Park

    27159 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Edwin King Atwood Park, South Padre Island

    Cruise north past the city limits where high-rises melt into a beautiful, untouched desert-like landscape of pristine white sand dunes.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 45 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Sea Turtle, Inc.

    6617 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Sea Turtle, Inc., South Padre Island

    Explore the newly opened state-of-the-art indoor sea turtle hospital and meet the resident rescue turtles.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$15 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Cafe On The Beach

    3616 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Cafe On The Beach, South Padre Island

    Grab an open-air table right on the dunes for casual beachfront bites and unmatched Gulf views.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$25 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Lobo Del Mar Cafe

    204 Palm St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
    Lobo Del Mar Cafe, South Padre Island

    End your day on the bayside dock to catch a stunning sunset accompanied by live music and their signature bagpipe performance.

    ★ 4.3 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$35 per person · Directions

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