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
$76
1 night at 3-star hotel
South Padre Island in November
Estimated hotel price
$76
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 American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Canada and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from Houston and takes around 1h 17m.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Padre Island, including Tornado Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From San Antonio, the bus ride to South Padre Island takes 245 miles and will cost you around $155. From Houston, the ticket costs about $120 for a journey of 332 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 American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Canada and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to South Padre Island departs from Houston and takes around 1h 17m.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to South Padre Island, including Tornado Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From San Antonio, the bus ride to South Padre Island takes 245 miles and will cost you around $155. From Houston, the ticket costs about $120 for a journey of 332 miles.

Airlines serving South Padre Island

Lufthansa
Good (4,688 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,574 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,607 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,598 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,113 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,953 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,441 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,925 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,716 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (487 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (813 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (775 reviews)
Gulf Air
Good (132 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (551 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (139 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (5,791 reviews)
Air New Zealand
Good (311 reviews)
WestJet
Good (1,945 reviews)
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Where to stay in South Padre Island

Average rates range from around $240 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $240 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Best Western Beachside Inn and Upper Deck Hotel and Bar - Adults Only.

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, 959 reviews)
$217+
Sand Rose Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 3671 reviews)
$178+
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 3570 reviews)
$155+
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 622 reviews)
$220+
Casa Rosa Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8, 755 reviews)
$77+
Port Isla Inn
2 stars
Good (7.7, 407 reviews)
$68+

Renting a car in South Padre Island

Renting a car in South Padre Island costs $87 per day, on average, or $173 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 12% more expensive than at Brownsville South Padre Is. Intl.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in South Padre Island is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in South Padre Island costs $87 per day, on average, or $173 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 12% more expensive than at Brownsville South Padre Is. Intl.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in South Padre Island is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.