Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything South Padre Island has to offer.

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When to visit South Padre Island

South Padre Island in July
Estimated package price
$53
2 travelers
Flight to South Padre Island
3 nights at hotel
South Padre Island in July
Estimated package price
$53
2 travelers
Flight to South Padre Island
3 nights at 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 34 km from South Padre Island. Harlingen Valley Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from Houston and takes around 1h 18m.

Plane

Although South Padre Island doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Brownsville South Padre Is. Intl (BRO), which is located 34 km from South Padre Island. Harlingen Valley Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from Houston and takes around 1h 18m.

Airlines serving South Padre Island

Lufthansa
Good (8,086 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,530 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,064 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,425 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,248 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,874 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,593 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,244 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,562 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,485 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,251 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,568 reviews)
GOL
Good (1,238 reviews)
Gulf Air
Good (234 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (1,048 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (329 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,744 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (293 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (645 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Padre Island

Average rates range from around $287 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $185 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Palms Resort & Cafe on the Beach and Best Western Beachside Inn.

Where to stay in popular areas of South Padre Island

Most booked hotels in South Padre Island

The Lighthouse Boutique Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9.4, 151 reviews)
$145+
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 4368 reviews)
$131+
Isla Grand Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1377 reviews)
$137+
Sand Rose Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 3699 reviews)
$136+
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 2888 reviews)
$194+
Casa Rosa Inn
2 stars
Good (7.6, 846 reviews)
$82+

Renting a car in South Padre Island

Renting a car in South Padre Island costs $69 per day, on average, or $208 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 2% more expensive than at Brownsville South Padre Is. Intl.

Expect to pay $4.47 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 $53.60 and $71.47. The most frequently booked car type in South Padre Island is Standard (Ford Edge or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in South Padre Island costs $69 per day, on average, or $208 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 2% more expensive than at Brownsville South Padre Is. Intl.

Expect to pay $4.47 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 $53.60 and $71.47. The most frequently booked car type in South Padre Island is Standard (Ford Edge or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.