A beautiful beach in South Texas. Yep you might have heard it because it’s the most popular beach resort in Texas. I prefer to visit this beauty in every other month but March. I love the off season when I can catch the best deals, and avoid the crowds. It’s as South as you can get in Texas so it stays pretty warm for most of the year. I’d like to share with you a few of my favorite places you absolutely cannot go wrong with.

Getting there: If you want to fly in, you have the options of flying in to Brownsville/SPI International Airport, or Valley International Airport in Harlingen. If you’d rather drive, it’s simple but long. From anywhere in Texas connect to US 77 South, to the SPI/Hwy 100 Exit. Driving through Port Isabel you can smell the ocean air as you come upon the Causeway that leads into South Padre Island. The ocean is all shades of blue. It’s lovely. 

Where the locals hang:

Wanna-Wanna Beach Bar is the ultimate local dive bar. It is one of two beach bars still in existence on the island. This is my favorite by far. I don’t recommend staying at their Inn accommodations but their restaurant/bar is the perfect padre beach scene.  It is right on the beach. Enjoy a cold beverage, and order a fried shrimp basket. Heaven. Your backdrop are waves and beach volleyball. Enough said.

5100 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Where to stay:

The Casa de Siesta Bed and Breakfast atmosphere transports you to a quiet mexican style retreat. It’s rustic-rich decor with all modern amenities mixed in with stunning stained glass windows and saltillo tile is a centrally located breath of fresh air. Serious relaxation is in full-effect. There are no children allowed. But you can bring your family dog. It is the perfect place to unwind. It’s one block from the bay and the beach. 

4610 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Where to shop:

Isla World Headquarters is my favorite chic island attire shop. Forget the shops that sell 5 t-shirts for $5 dollars. Isla has quality stuff. I am from Harlingen, and I use to love and get their annual t-shirt editions. 

2805 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Where to eat:

Isabel’s Cafe is in Port Isabel. I’m sure there are great places to eat ON the island, but trust me on this one. This is a tasty place to stop and eat on your way to SPI. It is right before the Causeway. This restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but this delicious tex-mex is legendary. Homemade authentic everything. Their breakfast is amazing, the carne guisada is to die for. Open for breakfast and lunch. Do it.

Highway 100 & Prt Rd, Port Isabel, TX 78578

**Sorry for the lack of links, but that’s how off the beaten path these places are.

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