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 one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. South Padre Island deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

When to visit South Padre Island

South Padre Island in November
Estimated hotel price
$83
1 night at 3-star hotel
South Padre Island in November
Estimated hotel price
$83
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to South Padre Island in July, when the average temperature is 84.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 89.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 53.6 °F, with an average temperature of 60.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in September, when precipitation is around 4.4″. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in South Padre Island, with an average rainfall of 1.2″.

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. Harlingen Valley Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Delta, Sun Country Air, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from Denver and takes around 4h 25m.

Bus

Tornado Bus operates bus routes to South Padre Island. From San Antonio, the bus ride to South Padre Island takes 210 miles and will cost you around $150. From Austin, the ticket costs about $165 for a journey of 320 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. Harlingen Valley Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Delta, Sun Country Air, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from Denver and takes around 4h 25m.

Bus

Tornado Bus operates bus routes to South Padre Island. From San Antonio, the bus ride to South Padre Island takes 210 miles and will cost you around $150. From Austin, the ticket costs about $165 for a journey of 320 miles.

Airlines serving South Padre Island

Lufthansa
Good (4,634 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,470 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,603 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,553 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,937 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,123 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,483 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,753 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,536 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (462 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (815 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (770 reviews)
Gulf Air
Good (134 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (542 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (5,787 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (137 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (307 reviews)
WestJet
Good (1,919 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in South Padre Island

Average rates range from around $207 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $215 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, 985 reviews)
$178+
Sand Rose Beach Resort
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 3692 reviews)
$153+
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 3635 reviews)
$150+
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 596 reviews)
$212+
Casa Rosa Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8, 749 reviews)
$61+
Port Isla Inn
2 stars
Good (7.7, 416 reviews)
$57+

Renting a car in South Padre Island

Renting a car in South Padre Island costs $53 per day, on average, or $107 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 62% cheaper than airport locations in South Padre Island.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in South Padre Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in South Padre Island is Standard (Toyota Prius or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 17% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in South Padre Island costs $53 per day, on average, or $107 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 62% cheaper than airport locations in South Padre Island.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in South Padre Island (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in South Padre Island is Standard (Toyota Prius or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 17% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.