Your Island Adventure Starts Here

Things To Do In
South Padre Island

The complete guide to cruises, restaurants, adventure activities, nightlife, and attractions on Texas' tropical playground.

50+ Attractions
30+ Restaurants & Bars
365 Days of Sun
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Cruises & Boat Tours

Set sail on the Laguna Madre and Gulf of Mexico with South Padre Island's finest cruise companies

★ Featured
Osprey Cruises - South Padre Island cruise company since 1976
South Padre's Premier Cruise Company

Osprey Cruises

The longest-running cruise company in South Padre Island, operating since 1976. Choose from dolphin watch eco-tours, the legendary Black Dragon Pirate Ship, deep sea and bay fishing, sunset cruises, and private charters. A fleet of four vessels and nearly 50 years of experience on the water.

📍 501 E Maxan St, Port Isabel 📞 956-943-6283 ⭐ Since 1976 🚢 4-Boat Fleet
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Osprey Fleet
Black Dragon Pirate Ship Cruise - South Padre Island
Pirate Adventure

Black Dragon Pirate Ship

The only pirate ship cruise in South Padre Island! Family-friendly adventure with cannon firing, treasure hunts, and themed entertainment on the Laguna Madre.

📍 Port Isabel 👪 Family Friendly
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Osprey Fleet
Dolphin Watch Eco Tour - Laguna Madre
Eco Tour

Sea Life Dolphin Watch

See bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat on the Laguna Madre. Educational eco-tours perfect for all ages with experienced naturalist guides.

📍 Port Isabel 🌱 Eco-Friendly
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Restaurants & Dining

From fresh Gulf seafood to island-inspired cocktails, SPI's dining scene has something for every taste

Sea Ranch Restaurant - Seafood dining South Padre Island
Seafood & Fine Dining

Sea Ranch Restaurant

A South Padre Island institution for over 35 years. Premier dining featuring wild-caught Gulf seafood, steaks, and an award-winning wine list.

📍 1 Padre Blvd ⭐ 35+ Years
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Padre Island Brewing Co - Craft beer on South Padre Island
Brewpub

Padre Island Brewing Co.

The island's premier brewpub since 1995 and 2nd oldest in Texas. Award-winning hand-tossed pizza, baby-back ribs, and craft beers brewed on site.

📍 3400 Padre Blvd 🍺 Craft Beer
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Seaside SPI - Beachside dining
Beachside Dining

Seaside SPI

Premier beachside dining with unobstructed ocean views. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with delicious food and live music.

📍 Padre Blvd 🎶 Live Music
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F&B South Padre Island
Coastal American

F&B South Padre Island

Family-owned and operated, serving the freshest food on SPI. Modern American cuisine with a coastal flair and genuine hospitality.

📍 Padre Blvd 👪 Family-Owned
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Lobo Del Mar Cafe - Waterfront dining SPI
Waterfront Dining

Lobo Del Mar Café

Family-owned waterfront restaurant on the scenic Laguna Madre Bay, just off Palm St. Pet-friendly with outdoor seating and bay views.

📍 Off Palm St, SPI 🐶 Pet Friendly
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The Meatball Cafe - Italian food SPI
Italian

The Meatball Cafe

Homemade Italian meals with the freshest herbs and spices. Fun family atmosphere since 2015, bringing authentic Italian to the island.

📍 Padre Blvd 👪 Family Atmosphere
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Adventure & Activities

Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class water sports, skydiving, and island adventures

Must-Do
Skydive South Padre Island
Skydiving

Skydive South Padre Island

Jump from 11,000 feet and freefall at 120+ mph over the Gulf of Mexico! USPA certified with over 10,000 successful jumps since 2010. Land right on the beach.

📍 6900 Padre Blvd, SPI 📞 956-744-5867 💰 From $220
Book a Jump →
Island Adventure Park - Horseback riding on the beach
Adventure Park

Island Adventure Park

Horseback rides on the beach, parasailing over the Gulf, zip lines, banana boat rides, and a petting barn. The ultimate island activity hub.

📍 South Padre Island 🐎 Petting Barn 🌞 Sunset Rides
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SPI Excursions - Jet ski rentals South Padre Island
Water Sports

SPI Excursions

Jet ski rentals, parasailing, banana boat rides, and dolphin tours. Full-service water sports outfitter on the bay.

📍 South Padre Island 💦 Water Sports
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Sandy Feet Sand Castle Services - Kids building sandcastles on SPI beach
Sand Art

Sandy Feet Sand Castle Services

Learn to create amazing sandcastles with group or private lessons from professional sand sculptors. A unique SPI experience for all ages.

📍 Beach locations 👪 Groups Welcome
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🚀 SpaceX Launch Viewing

South Padre Island is the closest public viewing area to SpaceX's Starbase facility at Boca Chica. Check the launch schedule below and watch from the beach — or from the water.

Osprey Cruises offers private charters for launch viewing on the Laguna Madre. Check upcoming launch times, then give us a call to arrange your trip.

Check Launch Schedule →
Interested in a launch viewing charter? Call 956-943-6283
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Nightlife & Entertainment

From mega beach bars to chill bayfront lounges, SPI comes alive after dark

Iconic
Clayton's Beach Bar - Biggest beach bar in Texas
Beach Bar

Clayton's Beach Bar & Grill

The biggest beach bar in Texas! Live music, DJs, Turbo Piña Coladas, and beachfront vibes. Home to major concerts and Spring Break events.

📍 6900 Padre Blvd 🎶 Live Music
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Louie's Backyard nightclub SPI
Nightclub

Louie's Backyard

The largest bayfront nightclub on South Padre. Four distinct genres on two massive floors, plus a locals-only bar and karaoke lounge.

📍 Padre Blvd 🎶 4 Music Genres
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Wanna Wanna Beach Bar sunset drinks
Bar & Grill

Wanna Wanna Beach Bar

Laid-back vibes with island-inspired cocktails, fresh seafood, and live acoustic sets. A local favorite for sunset drinks.

📍 Padre Blvd 🌞 Sunset Spot
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Quarterdeck Lounge live music
Live Entertainment

The Quarterdeck Lounge

The live entertainment capital of SPI at Isla Grand Beach Resort. Open daily 11 AM to 2 AM with live music nightly.

📍 Isla Grand Resort 🎶 Nightly Music
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Attractions & Landmarks

Discover the history, wildlife, and natural beauty of South Padre Island and Port Isabel

Must-See
Sea Turtle Inc - Rescue and rehabilitation center
Wildlife Sanctuary

Sea Turtle Inc.

A world-class sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center with a brand-new 15,000 sq ft hospital opened in 2025. Self-guided tours, hourly Turtle Talks, and an inspiring conservation mission. Pet-friendly!

📍 6617 Padre Blvd, SPI 📞 956-761-4511 🕐 Tue-Sun 10AM-4PM
Plan Your Visit →
Port Isabel Lighthouse - Historic Texas landmark
Historic Landmark

Port Isabel Lighthouse

The last Texas lighthouse open to the public, built in 1852. Climb 75 stairs for panoramic views of SPI beaches and the Laguna Madre. A 3rd Order Fresnel Lens was restored in 2022.

📍 Port Isabel 📞 956-943-0735 💰 $5 Adults
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Beach Waterpark at Isla Blanca SPI - Aerial view
Waterpark

Beach Waterpark

Formerly Schlitterbahn, now Beach Waterpark at Isla Blanca. 15 acres of waterslides, wave pools, and a half-mile river system right on the Gulf Coast. Opens April 2026.

📍 Isla Blanca, SPI 📞 956-772-7873 💰 From $46.99
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SPI Birding and Nature Center - Boardwalk over wetlands
Nature Center

SPI Birding & Nature Center

One of only four such facilities in the USA. Extensive walkways over wetlands, alligator sanctuary, and some of the best birdwatching in North America.

📍 South Padre Island 🐦 300+ Species
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Port Isabel Historical Museum
History

Port Isabel Historical Museum

Explore the rich history of Port Isabel — the oldest settlement in Texas. Exhibits on battles, maritime history, and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks.

📍 317 E Railroad Ave, PI
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Fishing

World-class deep sea, bay, and pier fishing on the Texas Gulf Coast

Osprey Fleet
Osprey Fishing Trips - Deep sea fishing South Padre
Deep Sea & Bay Fishing

Osprey Fishing Trips

Deep sea fishing on the Osprey II and calm-water bay fishing on the Galloping Clam. Professional crews, all equipment included. Red snapper, kingfish, and more.

📍 Port Isabel 📞 956-943-6283 🚢 2 Fishing Vessels
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Jim's Pier - Fishing headquarters SPI
Pier & Bait Shop

Jim's Pier

South Padre Island's fishing headquarters on the bayfront. Great shaded patio, bait and tackle shop, boat rentals, and the best spot for casual pier fishing.

📍 SPI Bayfront 🎣 Bait & Tackle
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Outdoors & Water Sports

Kayaking, paddleboarding, kiteboarding, and more on the island's pristine waters

Bayside Water Rentals - Kayak and paddleboard
Kayak & Paddleboard

Bayside Water Rentals

Kayak and paddleboard rentals on the SPI bayfront at Jim's Pier. Explore the Laguna Madre at your own pace — great for families and beginners.

📍 Jim's Pier, SPI
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SPI Kiteboarding - Kite surfing South Padre Island
Kiteboarding

SPI Kiteboarding

Instruction in kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. SPI's consistent winds make it one of the best kiteboarding destinations in the US.

📍 South Padre Island 🌬 Perfect Winds
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South Padre Island Golf Club
Golf

South Padre Island Golf Club

One of the best public courses in south Texas. Challenging but fair, with beautiful coastal views. A hidden gem for island golfers.

📍 South Padre Island
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