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.

Article

When to visit South Padre Island

South Padre Island in July
Estimated package price
$61
2 travelers
Flight to South Padre Island
3 nights at hotel
South Padre Island in July
Estimated package price
$61
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 21 miles from South Padre Island. Harlingen Valley Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from San Antonio and takes around 3h 55m.

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 American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from San Antonio and takes around 3h 55m.

Airlines serving South Padre Island

Lufthansa
Good (7,981 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,511 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,952 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,458 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,212 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,693 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,572 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,728 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,002 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,342 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (1,207 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,517 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,582 reviews)
Gulf Air
Good (232 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (1,033 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (334 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,667 reviews)
WestJet
Good (3,332 reviews)
Breeze Airways
Excellent (283 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Excellent (640 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Padre Island

Average rates range from around $248 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $175 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Palms Resort 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 (9.3, 151 reviews)
$116+
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 4364 reviews)
$97+
Sand Rose Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 3688 reviews)
$96+
Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1376 reviews)
$148+
Isla Grand Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1369 reviews)
$90+
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, 2898 reviews)
$153+

Renting a car in South Padre Island

Renting a car in South Padre Island costs $67 per day, on average, or $202 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 8% cheaper than airport locations in South Padre Island.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. 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 $67 per day, on average, or $202 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 8% cheaper than airport locations in South Padre Island.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. 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.