South Padre Island Wikipedia (2024)

FAQs

Why is South Padre Island famous? ›

South Padre Island is a tropical oasis located off the southern tip of Texas. This barrier island offers the unsurpassed beauty of the Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and is the ideal year-round destination for visitors seeking a getaway from the daily grind.

A Tale of Two Islands

The national seashore is located on [North] Padre Island near the city of Corpus Christi, Texas. The City of South Padre Island is a resort community with numerous hotels, clubs, and souvenir shops. The city is located on South Padre Island near the city of Brownsville, Texas.

Fun Facts. – South Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world. – The island is home to many species of sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle. – The island's sand dunes can reach heights of up to 50 feet.

Padre Island was under ownership by the Republic of Texas until its territory was acquired by the United States, following the War with Mexico of 1845-1848. Throughout these times, the island has been known by several names, with Padre Island being only the most recent.

The best time to visit South Padre Island is from September to February. Unless you are planning to join in on the spring break fun – rowdy partying at all hours of the day – you'll find this tiny town rather unbearable in March.

Declaring that ties are “detrimental to the welfare of the island,” the City Council officially decreed in 1997 that they be “banished from our land and waters forever.” This is all in good fun, of course – the “no tie” ordinance has yet to be enforced – but it's in keeping with the island's laid-back, informal ...

Walking: It costs 25 cents to walk to Mexico and 35 cents to return to the US. The Market: Is a couple of miles from the bridge. There are free buses, 35 cent maxi taxis or cabs that will take you there. Negotiate with the cabbie BEFORE you get in.

South Padre Island, Texas's cost of living is 3% lower than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary based on factors such as your career, its average salary and the real estate market of that area.

Beaches in South Padre Island are objectively more scenic and isolated than those on the North end of the Padre Island National Seashore. Gulf waters are tested annually and South Padre Island regularly rates among the safest, cleanest water.

South Padre Island has a population of approximately 2,881 people, making the violent crime rate 1,804 per 100,000 people. According to the FBI, SPI had 52 known violent crimes in 2017, 0 murders, 16 rapes, 8 robberies, 28 aggravated assaults, 416 property crimes, 33 burglaries, 369 thefts, and 14 motor vehicle thefts.

Are there alligators or crocodiles in South Padre Island? ›

Yes there are alligators!

2001 causeway collapse

Eight people were killed as their cars fell 85 feet (26 m) into the water. Five vehicles were recovered from the water along with three survivors. The collapse had a significant economic impact on the region since the causeway is the only road connecting the island to the mainland.

South Padre Island is a town in Texas with a population of 2,386. South Padre Island is in Cameron County. Living in South Padre Island offers residents an urban feel and most residents own their homes. In South Padre Island there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks.

The first five miles of South Beach, between beach mile marker 0 to 5, is open to primitive beach camping.

Between 1850 and 2001 CE, South Padre Island was migrating cross-shore at an average rate of −2.7 m yr⁻¹, and has continued to retreat at a cross-shore rate of −2.5 m yr⁻¹ over the past several decades (Table 1).

Learn Why South Padre is the #1 Destination Along the Texas Gulf Coast & Padre Island National Seashore! The Texas Gulf Coast is known for having some of the best beaches in the country, endless water sports and ocean attractions, a bustling nightlife scene and 350 miles of natural beauty and wildlife.

South Padre Island is a town in Texas with a population of 2,386. South Padre Island is in Cameron County.

A 34-mile long tropical paradise located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, South Padre Island is consistently ranked as a top beach destination by travelers across the globe.