South Padre Island travel guide

South Padre Island Tourism | South Padre Island Guide

You're Going to Love South Padre Island

With a population of 2,884, South Padre Island is a must-see destination in Texas, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 5 days in order to fully appreciate everything South Padre Island has to offer.

When to visit South Padre Island

South Padre Island in November
Estimated hotel price
$139
1 night at 3-star hotel
South Padre Island in November
Estimated hotel price
$139
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to South Padre Island in July, when the average temperature is 29 °C, and the highest can go up to 32 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 12 °C, with an average temperature of 16 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in September, when precipitation is around 112 mm. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in South Padre Island, with an average rainfall of 31 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to South Padre Island

Plane

Although South Padre Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Brownsville South Padre Is. Intl (BRO), which is located 21 miles from South Padre Island.

Bus

You can travel by bus to South Padre Island using Tornado Bus or FlixBus. From Houston, the bus ride to South Padre Island takes 360 miles and will cost you around $200. From Austin, the ticket costs about $283 for a journey of 365 miles.

Plane

Although South Padre Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Brownsville South Padre Is. Intl (BRO), which is located 21 miles from South Padre Island.

Bus

You can travel by bus to South Padre Island using Tornado Bus or FlixBus. From Houston, the bus ride to South Padre Island takes 360 miles and will cost you around $200. From Austin, the ticket costs about $283 for a journey of 365 miles.

Airlines serving South Padre Island

Lufthansa
Good (4,679 reviews)
KLM
Good (857 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,510 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,610 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,565 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,943 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,133 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,815 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,612 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (469 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (815 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (776 reviews)
Gulf Air
Good (132 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (549 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (5,790 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (135 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Good (309 reviews)
WestJet
Good (1,929 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in South Padre Island

Average rates range from around $350 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $360 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Best Western Beachside Inn and Sand Rose Beach Resort.

Where to stay in popular areas of South Padre Island

Most booked hotels in South Padre Island

Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$311+
Sand Rose Beach Resort
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$254+
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$257+
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$361+
Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island
3 stars
Good (7.6, Good reviews)
$108+
Peninsula Island Resort & Spa - Beachfront Property at South Padre Island
3 stars
Good (7.1, Good reviews)
$263+

Hiring a car in South Padre Island

Expect to pay $1.73 per litre in South Padre Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $20.76 and $27.67. Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in South Padre Island, while also 69% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay $1.73 per litre in South Padre Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $20.76 and $27.67. Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in South Padre Island, while also 69% cheaper than other types, on average.