Fishing
Available from beach, piers and jetties where catches may include redfish, speckled and sand trout, sheepshead, flounder, croakers, skipjack, and drum. Group boats provide bay and deep-sea fishing for full or half days; charter cruisers available for individual or small-party offshore sport. Offshore species may include tarpon, snailfish, marlin, kingfish, mackerel, ling, pompano, bonito, red snapper, warsaw, and wahoo. Marinas provide fuel, bait, tackle, launching ramps, and boat rentals. Small boats with guides available for bay fishing. Map
Island Equestrian Center
Horses on the Beach
Scenic horseback rides along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre on South Padre Island. Open year-round with horses suited for riders of all experience levels, ages 6 and up. Groups are welcome. Check out their site for coupon savings.Telephone #: 956/761-4677; Web Page: www.horsesonthebeach.com | Map
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge of 45,187 acres is located on the lower Gulf Coast about 25 miles east of Harlingen, Texas. It is the southernmost waterfowl refuge in the United States. It also provides habitat for 10 federally endangered or threatened species and has the most bird species documented (411 species) of any national wildlife refuge. Address: Rio Hondo, Texas; Telephone #: 956/748-3607
Web Page:
www.fws.gov/southwest/REFUGES/texas/laguna.html | Map
Lone Star Sculpture
South Padre Island, the sandcastle capital of the world - provides you and your family with an opportunity to play at the only permanent professional sand sculpture arena in Texas. They offer sand sculpture classes and sandcastle building lessons at the South Padre KOA every Saturday night Memorial day through Labor Day. Telephone #: 956/433-9948
Web Page: http://www.lonestarsculpture.com/
Museums of Port Isabel
The Museum of Port Isabel is a complex consisting of three diverse facilities, the Port Isabel Historic Museum, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, and the Point Isabel Lighthouse. All three are within walking distance of each other and are open year around to the public.
Treasures of the Gulf Museum puts the spotlight on three Spanish shipwrecks. Meeting their fate in 1554, just 30 miles north of Port Isabel, and brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. Also featured is a Children's Discovery Lab, Ship Theatre and Nautical Gift Shop.
Port Isabel Historical Museum is a state-of-the-art facility is located in the Champion Building. Built in 1899 as a dry goods store and residence, it now houses two exhibit levels, a theater, a gift shop and one of the largest collections of Mexican artifacts from the U.S. - Mexican War. The facade 'features the famous fish mural' painted in 1906 by a local fisherman.
The Point Isabel Lighthouse, Constructed in 1852, was built to protect and guide ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier islands. In 1952, the Lighthouse was opened as a State Park and remains the only lighthouse on the Texas coast open to the public. The Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage which is on the grounds of the lighthouse, houses the Chamber of Commerce. The Keepers Cottage is open to the public. FREE history of the lighthouse display & local information.
Located at 317 E. Railroad Ave. in Port Isabel. Telephone #: 956/943.7602
Padre Island
The long, narrow sand island sweeps in a golden arc north some 110 miles to Corpus Christi. Modern hotels and motels edge several miles of the Gulf at the island's southern tip. Farther north, the island is entirely natural sand dunes, sea oats, and beach morning glory. (There is no bridge or ferry between South and North Padre.) Beautiful, gently sloping beaches are perfect for swimming and surf fishing. Beachcombers will find bright shells, perhaps floats from the West Indies, driftwood, and occasionally flint points of Karankawa Indians who roamed area. Map
Parks
Isla Blanca Park, on the southernmost tip of the island, features more than a mile of clean, white beach along the Gulf of Mexico, for waterfront recreational facilities. The park includes picnic and playground areas, two beachfront pavilions, fishing jetty, restaurants and clubs, a full-service marina with daily charters, a water park, a 1,000-foot sea walk, and boat ramp. Park hours: 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Andy Bowie Park, just north of the city limits, features beachfront picnic pavilions, children's playground, and a ranger station. Park hours: 7:30 a.m. - half an hour before sunset. Map
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
Texas' most innovative waterpark is nestled between the dunes and wetlands on South Padre Island. Splash into more than a dozen water attractions, including slides, tube chutes, uphill water coasters. Free parking, free use of inner tubes, and guests are welcome to bring in their own picnic basket and cooler into the park. Open weekends beginning April 22; open daily May 19 - Aug. 20; open weekends Aug. 26 - Sept. 17. Call or visit the website for full schedule and admission fees. Address: 90 Park Road Hwy. 100; Telephone #: 956/772-7873
Sea Turtle, Inc.
Living museum of the "Turtle Lady," Ila Loetscher. Educational shows featuring endangered sea turtles given year-round 10 a.m. and visitors are given the opportunity to feed the turtles. NEW* Adopt a sea turtle nest program, check theor site for details. Note: call before attending a show to confirm that they are open. Donations are welcome. Address: 6617 Padre Blvd.; Telephone #: 956/761-1720
Web Page: www.seaturtleinc.com | Map
South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sealife Center
Discover the spectacular diversity of nature that South Padre Island has to offer. Learn about dolphins in the wild and sea life. Experience hands on marine life with various touch tanks and aquariums. Hold starfish, urchins, live snails, and other creatures. Help feed the octopus, moray eels, hermit crabs, sea horses and many more! Daily presentations.
Address: Lighthouse Square in Port Isabel at
110 North Garcia by Pirate's Landing
Golf Course Details - South Padre Island Golf Club is considered the finest golf course in the Rio Grande Valley.
Address: 1 Golf House Rd in Laguna Vista. Telephone #: 956/943-5678
University of Texas - Pan American Coastal Studies Laboratory
Marine life and representative examples of the region, both from the Gulf and Laguna Madre; fish, mollusks, plants; extensive seashell collection. In Isla Blanca Park at south tip of Padre Island. Open Sun. - Fri. 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sat. and major holidays
*** Additional activities and fun for the whole family here on South Padre Island include:
* Amphibous Cruises
* BBQ Cruises
* Biking
* Boating
* Dolphin Watching
* Dune Buggy Riding
* Eco Tours
* Fireworks Cruises
* Fishing Charters
* Jet Skiing
* Kayaking
* Kite boarding
* Parasailing
* Private Cruises
* Scuba diving
* Snorkeling
* SPI Nightlife
* Sunset Cruises
* Surfing
* Wave riding
* Windsurfing.... the list goes on and on.
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July
Dates: 07/01/09 - 08/31/09
Host: Pirates Landing Restaurant
Event: Pirates Landing Pirate Show
Location: Port Isabel (to the left after the bridge from the island) | (956) 943-3663
Description: Daily Pirate Show with real live pirates, cannons and pirate ship. Family fun. Two restaurants, pirate store, cannon bar, large covered patio, kids’ activities, near the historic lighthouse and plenty of free parking.
Date: 07/04/2009
Host: South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau | (956) 761-6433
Event: Fourth of July Fireworks
Location: Bayside between Marlin and Red
Description: fireworks display celebrating the birth of our nation
Dates: 07/25/2009 - 07/26/2009
Host: Harlingen Art Forum | (956) 761-3000
Event: Beachcombers Art Show
Location: SPI Convention Centre
Description: Exceptional artists and affordable original art brought to the Valley. Come join us for our Gala 50th Anniversary Event. Over 100 artists from the US and Mexico will display and sell their art at the oldest running Texas Fine Art Show. Admission is a $3 donation at the door.
Dates: 07/29/2009 - 08/02/2009
Host: Texas International Fishing Tournament Organization | 956-943-8438
Event: 70th Texas International Fishing Tournament
Location: South Padre Island and Port Isabel waters
Description: Fishing divisions include bay, offshore and tarpon. TIFT is open to anglers of all ages and is the largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas. Register/SPI Convention Centre
August
Dates: 08/01/09 - 08/31/09
Host: Pirates Landing Restaurant | (956) 943-3663
Event: Pirates Landing Pirate Show
Location: Port Isabel (to the left after the bridge from the island)
Description: Daily Pirate Show with real live pirates, cannons and pirate ship. Fun for the entire family. Two restaurants, pirate store, cannon bar, large covered patio, kids’ activities, near the historic lighthouse and plenty of free parking.
Dates: 08/07/2009 - 08/09/2009
Host: SPI Chamber of Commerce | (956) 761-4412
Event: 28th annual Ladies Kingfish Tournament
Location: South Padre Island and Port Isabel waters
Description: 250+ competitors. Bay and Offshore Divisions. Register Shrimp Haus at Schlitterbahn.
Dates: 08/22/2009 - 08/22/2009
Host: Unlimited Sports Adventures
Event: USA Surf 'n' Turf Adventure Race
Location: South Padre Island and local waters
Description: Adventure race consisting of biking, running and some water paddling (no kayaking). Mystery events also included. Teams of two. Lots of fun for beginners & experienced adventure racers! Register at www.unlimitedsportsadventures.com
September
Dates: 09/05/2009 - 09/06/2009
Host: Ruff Riders Organization
Event: Ruff Rider Regatta 2009
Location: Sand Flats North of the Convention Centre
Description: Annual race for catamarans! Friday 5-8pm registration at Louie's Backyard. Sat. (Race Day) Skipper's Meeting on the Flats at 10 AM.
Date: 09/05/2009
Host: Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau | (956) 761-6433
Event: Labor Day Fireworks
Location: Fireworks will be ignited in the bay between Marlin and Red Snapper St.
Description: Annual holiday recognition.
Dates: 09/05/2009 - 09/06/2009
Host: Surf Hotel | Contact Erin at (956) 761-2420
Event: SPI Beach Volleyball / Labor Day Tournament
Location: Boomerang Billy’s Beach (at the Surf Hotel)
Description: Cash prizes. Two-person open, men’s & women’s division, and co-ed division.
Dates: 09/19/2009 - 09/21/2009
Host: Roger Soler's Sports & SPI CVB | (210) 695-6430 | email: patti@rogersoler.com
Event: SPI Triathlon and Kids Beach Ball Triathlon
Location: Louie's Backyard
Description: Swim, bike and run event. Starting and finishing line will be at Louie’s. Check-in time is 6:30 AM. Additional detail: www.rogersoler.com
Date: 09/26/2009
Host: Texas General Land Office | contact Monica: 956-761-5494
Event: 23rd Annual Fall Adopt a Beach Cleanup
Location: Two locations to be announced.
Description: Annual trash pick-up from 9 AM to 12 PM to beautify our beach. Bags and gloves will be provided to those who come out to support this event.
Dates: 10/02/2009 - 10/04/2009
Host: Upperdeck Hotel and Bar
Event: South Padre Island SPLASH
Location:
Description: Biannual gay pride party that lasts four days with its biggest celebration on Saturday.
Thursday Check - in and Welcome Party at the Upper Deck Hotel & Bar 5PM-2AM. No Cover
Friday, Pool Party & Volleyball at the Upper Deck 5PM-2AM and Wonderland @ Louie's Backyard 10PM-2AM
Saturday - Pool Party at the Upper Deck 12 PM - 2 AM. And Beach Party at the end of Atol St 12 PM – 6PM
Free Shuttle from the Upper Deck 9pm - 2:00am | Admission $10 Over 21 and $15 Under 21 | 18+ Welcome | Limited VIP $20.
Avoid the lines Reserve tickets at www.splashpadreisland.com, or purchase at Upperdeck Hotel and Bar
Dates: 10/02/2009 - 10/03/2009
Host: Unlimited Sports Adventures | www.unlimitedsportsadventures.com
Event: SPI Half Marathon Beach Run
Location: South Padre Island Beach
Description: 13.1 mile marathon. Single runners or relay teams of 4 participants.
Dates: 10/08/2009 - 10/11/2009
Host: SPI Bikefest, Inc. | (956) 668-7484 | www.spibikefest.com
Event: SPI Bikefest 2009
Location: South Padre Island Convention Centre
Description: 16th anniversary open rally, all brands are welcome. Registration Rally Package - $50 - Includes wristband, pin, souvenir dog tag and concert admission. $15 - Day Passes. ALL concerts included with $15 Day Pass. - children (5-11) admission is $5 - children (4 & under) admission is FREE. 2009 Harley-Davidson® Softail CROSS BONES™ raffle ticket - $10. Early Registration extras! FREE rally t-shirt.
VIP Experience Rally Registration Package: $300 includes - VIP ID badge, event t-shirt, dog tag & rally pin, ride in the front of the parade, prime VIP seating at the saturday night concert, one raffle bike ticket, private VIP room at the SPI Convention Centre, several VIP receptions with food and drink, internet access, massage therapist, VIP games, and men or women's VIP gift.
Dates: 10/16/2009 - 10/18/2009
Host: Sandcastle Days, Inc. | (956) 761-6433 | www.sandcastledays.com
Event: Sandcastle Days
Location: Isla Blanca Park
Description: Master sand sculpture competition. Amateur competition for all ages and groups on Saturday! Admission: County park gate fee. Arts and crafts vendors welcome.
November
Date: 11/08/2009
Host: Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce | (956) 943-2262 | www.portisabel.org
Event: World Championship Shrimp Cook-Off
Location: Port Isabel old Wal-Mart parking lot
Description: Local teams compete for the title of Champ in this annual cook-off.
Date: 11/27/2009
Host: SPI Convention & Visitors Bureau | (800) 657-2373
Event: Lighting of the Island
Location: SPI Visitors Center, 600 Padre Blvd.
Description: At 6 PM, Join Santa Claus for the official lighting of the Island, refreshments and Christmas carols. Free admission.
Dates: 11/27/2009 - 11/28/2009
Host: SPI CVB | (888) 774-8587
Event: SPI Invitational Division I Basketball Tournament
Location: South Padre Island Convention Centre
Description: Div. I Basketball teams from around the nation come together to compete.
Date: 11/28/2009
Host: SPI Chamber of Commerce | (956)761-2626 | Email: spimercado@yahoo.com
Event: Christmas Mercado
Location: Adjacent to Louie’s Backyard
Description: Artists, craftsmen & local businesses will have their wares in an open market setting! Music, food & fun! 10AM-4PM. Vender Opportunities.
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