South Padre Island is what you would call a college tourist town, but we decided to make it the destination for our summer family vacation. It is a wonderfully romantic and exciting place to visit. The must-see—the beach. It is very nice and clean and the water is cool but not hot. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and reapply often. YOU WILL BURN! I most liked the fact that you can go for a swim and then just throw on a shirt and shorts to eat, shop, or explore. Everyone is very casual.
Quick Tips:
Be sure to bring plenty of high-SPF sunscreen, no matter how used to the sun you are.
It is very expensive, so, especially for large groups, try renting a beach house. They are nice, with plenty of room, and you have a kitchen if you decide to cook a few meals. Plus, you can split the bill and be right across from the beach.
If you have any children, especially blond ones, keep a very close eye on them. Trust me, you can lose your child easily. Do not take them across the border to Mexico. Just please take my word for it.Best Way To Get Around:
The best way to get around basically is by driving. There is really no problem with people riding in the back in town; just be careful. When you are uptown, park somewhere and walk, but be careful of the traffic, as it can be very thick at times.