Beaches
Nothing beats the beaches at South Padre Island. Aside from sunbathing or having a cocktail under an umbrella (there are bars serving beach-goers directly), there are kite-rental spots, bird-watching opportunities and horseback riding available. For those who prefer to head into the water, South Padre offers a number of possibilities, including surfing, dolphin-watching trips, scuba diving and jet skiing. Do keep in mind that South Padre Island is a popular spring break destination and the area gets crowded at times. The Sea Turtle Rescue Center operates right on the beach and offers visitors a chance to see baby turtles being released into the ocean.
Parrot Eyes Watersports
6101 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
(956) 761-9457
Sea Turtle Rescue Center
6617 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
(956) 761-4511
www.seaturtleinc.org
The Laguna Madre Nature Trail
The Laguna Madre nature trail is partly a boardwalk, crossing through a series of open natural spaces and offering the best birdwatching on the island. The marsh area is home to six species of rails, wren, sparrows and sea birds. Some of the birds are here only for the winter, so November to March are the best times to visit. The trail is 1,500 feet long, and the beginning of it (right at the city's Convention Centre) is wheelchair-accessible.
South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce
7355 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
(956) 761-4412
www.spichamber.com
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Open sunrise to sunset to both walkers and car drivers, the refuge is home to birds (such as sandhill cranes), mammals (especially ocelots and bobcats) and an impressive plant life. There are five main trails within the 45,000-acre park, with the shortest being the Kiskadee Trail (1/8 mile), which loops around a pond and returns to the visitors center. The other trails are all around one mile, with the Lakeside Trail being the best for wildflower views and the Mesquite Trail being ideal to spot coyotes and deer. Biking is allowed on the trails and on service roads.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 450
Rio Hondo, Texas 78583
www.stateparks.com/laguna_atascosa.html
