South Padre Island

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South Padre Island, Ameripass stop 12

A June 2003 trip to South Padre Island by kwadz

South Padre IslandMore Photos

South Padre Island was our twelfth stop on our 30-day Greyhound Ameripass trip. It was more desolate than we expected, but then again, we're from New Jersey, home of THE best shoreline in the country.

  • 6 reviews
  • 3 photos

South Padre Island, Ameripass stop 12Best of IgoUgo

Overview

South Padre Island
The beach was very much like Long Beach Island, NJ without a boardwalk and with a fairly small crowd on the beach. The water was warm (about 72 degrees, I think) and the waves were the size of LBI, but very frequent—enough that we were exhausted after a few hours. We swam and went for a walk from 3 until about 6 and then Aaron took a shower while I went in the hot tub and pool and called home and Christina. The next day, the beach was really nice, but still only as crowded as LBI. When we were talking to some kid from San Antonio, he said that this was the most crowded he’s ever seen it here, so I guess we’re just spoiled in NJ. It’s mostly just families other than during Spring Break. We were in the water for about 5 hours and we headed back to shower around 7pm.

Quick Tips:

The main observation about Texas, other than all the Mexican influence, is Dairy Queen and Chevron gas stations everywhere you turn. They also have a chain fast food called Whataburger.

Best Way To Get Around:

Days Inn South Padre IslandBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Days Inn"

Days Inn is disgusting, as we found ants and a rusty fridge in the room and a cockroach by the pool. They wanted $120 for the next night, so we found the Budget Host down the road for $90.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by kwadz on December 17, 2003

Days Inn South Padre Island
3913 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, Texas 78597
956-761-7831

Budget Host Flamingo MotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Budget Host"

We caught the shuttle to the Budget Host, where we were able to check in right away. This place is so much cleaner than Days Inn, which was nasty. As always, I went in the pool and hot tub while waiting for Aaron to shower. I ended up talking to a total Texan, Bobby White, and his cousins Britney and Lindsey. They had the strongest backwoods Texas accents and started telling me about Bobby’s second-degree sunburn at Galveston since he refuses to pay $6 for sunblock. I got his entire life story before showering.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by kwadz on December 17, 2003

Budget Host Flamingo Motel
3408 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, Texas 78597
(956) 761-3377

Bayside Bar and GrilleBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

South Padre Island
They had seats overlooking the bay, so we sat there and I ordered an oyster Po’ Boy. The Po' Boy was the best that I've ever had. While we ate, a singer/guitar player started playing and a very nice fireworks show started going off over the bay. We later found out that the fireworks display is a Friday night tradition in S. Padre. It was very fitting as a relaxing celebration of our trip.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by kwadz on December 17, 2003

Bayside Bar and Grille
202 W Whiting Street South Padre Island, Texas 78597
(956) 761-8481

Tom & Jerry's Beach Club Bar & GrillBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Tom & Jerry's Incorporated"

We tried Tom and Jerry’s, where I had a great, greasy patty melt. It was a generally young crowd with a fun atmosphere. If we weren't as tired, we would've hung out there all night long.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kwadz on December 17, 2003

Tom & Jerry's Beach Club Bar & Grill
3212 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, Texas 78597
(956) 761-8999

Jesse's Cantina & RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Jessie's Cantina"

After walking a few blocks, we found Jessie’s Cantina and had nachos, enchiladas and chalupas before getting changed for the beach. The food was very good and inexpensive and the service was fast. Plus, there was a beautiful blonde sitting at the table near us.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kwadz on December 17, 2003

Jesse's Cantina & Restaurant
2700 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, Texas 78597
(956) 761-4500

About the Writer

kwadz
kwadz
Merchantville, New Jersey

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