Area Attractions

More than just a beach, South Padre Island has plenty area attractions to keep you busy throughout your stay.

Cristo de los Pescadores, Christ of the Fishermen
Located at Wells Point in Isla Blanca Count Park is the Cristo de los Pescadores statue, a reminder and memorial of fisherman who've lost their lives at sea.

Dolphin and Nature Research Center
Providing an interactive look at sea creatures in order to teach people about Dolphins in the wild and other sea animals. This Center offers a hands on experience as well as teach about conservation. For more information on hours and price call (956) 761-7178

Fishbones Fishing Pier and Grill
A full service fishing center and restaurant that offers activities and dining. Also exhibits artwork by "lone Kro" and pictures of the famous "TIFT" fishing tournament. Menu items include crab legs, home-baked desserts, various shrimp styles, steaks and more. More amenities: full fishing services, pier, artwork, photo gallery, fishing trips, WIFI internet, palapa bar, wheelchair access, senior citizen discounts, credit cards, take outs, and nearby RV sites. Call (956) 761-7178.

Gladys Porter Zoo
The Gladys Porter Zoo is an oasis nestled in the center of Brownsville, Texas. With 26 acres of lush tropical plants and some 1,600 animals, the Gladys Porter Zoo is known for its successes in breeding endangered species of wildlife and is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) since 1978. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with extended summer hours.

Telephone (Information Recording): (956) 546-2177
Administrative Office: (956) 546-7187

Adults: $9.00
Children: (2-13 years): $6.00
Seniors: $7.50
Children under 2 years are admitted free

Gravity Park
Reverse bungee, sky coaster, the state's tallest bungee jump, wall climbing, trampoline, go-carts, kiddy go-carts and arcades.

Island Cinema North
4700 Padre Boulevard
South Padre Island, TX 78596
(956) 761-7828

Island Equestrian Center
Horseback riding appropriate for all riding levels! Children and first time riders welcome. No trail rides, all rides organized for each individual. Call for reservations (956) 761-4677 or visit www.horsesonthebeach.com for coupons.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Located along the Laguna Madre in deep South Texas, approximately 25 miles north of Brownsville, Laguna Atascosa's 45,000 acres are home to a variety of animals which can't be found in other refuges and state parks. Call for pricing (956) 748-3607.

Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Found on the north end of the downtown area, just beside the South Padre Island Convention Centre, is Laguna Madre Nature Trail, a lovely 1,500-foot boardwalk that leads across some four acres of wetlands. Containing informative signs about dune systems and bird species that frequent the area, the nature trail provides visitors with the opportunity to observe many species of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The trail is always open to the public.

Los Ebanos Preserve
Visit the Rio Grande Valley's new and unique 82-acre private nature park to view birds and butterflies and enjoy native plants and trees. This special property boasts butterfly-friendly gardens, trails and tropical landscaping, including many varieties of palms. Our lake is host to numerous species of water birds. Call for directions 800-418-3543 or www.losebanospreserve.com.

Matamoros, Mexico
Explore Matamoros' cultural shopping, dining, historical, heritage, tours and activities. Shopping can include curios, jewelry, boots, leathers, horns, clothes, hats, vanilla, cigarettes, liquor, beer, soda pop or soft drinks, medicines, blankets, pottery, and lots more. Excellent dining and service can include Mexican, seafood, steaks, chicken, or any combination to fit your tastes. Thirty minutes from the Island.

Port Isabel Lighthouse
Constructed in 1852 and decommissioned in 1905, The Port Isabel Lighthouse is an 1853-era lighthouse with panoramic views of the Laguna Madre bay. Admission: $3.00 Adults; Seniors (55 & over): $2.00; Students (K-College w/ID): $1.00. Operated by the City of Port Isabel. Call (956) 943-7602 or visit www.portisabellighthouse.com.

Rio Grande Valley Bird & Butterfly Paradise
Just 2 miles west of Los Fresnos, the RGV Bird and Butterfly paradise is a hotspot for nature and bird lovers. Features tropical gardens and trails. Call (956) 233-6402 for admission rates, group discounts and other information.

Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark
Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark provides a full day of fun in a tropical resort setting. Cruise the endless Rio Aventura and let it carry you from ride to ride without having to get out of the water! Blast uphill and down on four water coasters! Explore a giant sandcastle! Stroll down our boardwalk and onto the white sandy beaches. Surf the largest man-made wave in the USA. For more information, visit www.schlitterbahn.com. (956) 772-SURF

Sea Rocket SPI
The first sea rocket in Texas! Experience an adrenaline ride through the Laguna Madre or Gulf Of Mexico in Our USCG- approved 14 passenger Power Boat. Call or Visit Jims Pier the "Original" South Padre Island fishing guide company for more information on the sea rocket or contact us directly at (956)299-1451. www.searocketspi.com

30 minute ride $35 per Person
Children 6 & under $25
Private trips and Large party groups can be arranged for a negotiable price.
Please call for pricing There is a maximum of 14 people per boat ride.
We are located at Jim's Pier
209 W. Whiting
South Padre Island, TX 78579
956-761-2865

Sea Turtle, Inc
Established by Ila Loetscher 'The Turtle Lady', who dedicated her life to saving and rehabilitating sea turtles, including the endangered Kemps Ridley. Open 10am-4pm daily. Call for times. (956) 761-1720.

The Port Isabel Historical Museums
Exhibits include the history of the Laguna Madre area, Treasures of the Gulf Exhibit, Exhibit of Spanish Fleet of 1554 as well as Mexican War Exhibit. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for Seniors and $1 for students. Free for 4 and under. Open Tuesday-Sat. from 10am to 4pm. Closed Sunday & Monday. (956)943-7602

Three Flags Over Padre
Fun for the whole family is available at this amusement center that features a miniature golf course, go-carts, a ferris wheel, large arcade room, and a spaceball. (956) 761-1947

University of Texas-Pan American Coastal Studies Laboratory
Several aquariums containing sea life indigenous to the area, as well as an extensive shell collection. Located in Isla Blanca Park. Open Sunday through Friday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Free admission to the lab, but must pay $4 admission to the park. (956) 761-2644

Whaling Wall
Internationally-known environment artist, Wyland, picked the South Padre Island Convention Centre as his canvas for Whaling Wall No. 53. The giant mural featuring a pod of Orcas (commonly know as Killer Whales), covers three walls of the Convention Centre. The life-size whales are illustrated in full color and are accompanied by other local sea life. Wyland's purpose for painting giant murals of marine mammals is to raise awareness of the dangers facing these wonderful creatures. In addition to his "Whaling Wall," Wyland is recognized for his outstanding ability as a fine arts painter and sculptor. His art is collected all over the world.