When you think of the Caribbean, there are likely a few things that come to mind. Crystal clear blue waters, powder soft sand, and year-round warm temperatures, to name just a few. While those characteristics may be synonymous with tropical destinations like the Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas, the U.S. has a few places that offer a similar experience—and one of them has even earned the moniker the “Caribbean of Texas.”
Located on the Southern tip of the Lone Star State, South Padre Island is frequently touted as one of the best beach towns in Texas and one of the best islands in the South. Although spring breakers do descend on the 34-mile-long coastal paradise in March, the rest of the year boasts a relatively relaxed atmosphere.
The Laguna Madre borders the inland side of South Padre Island, but the Caribbean parallel stems from the body of water to the west. The warm, blue-green water and the pristine white beaches of the Gulf are what create South Padre Island’s Caribbean comparison. (Notably, the aforementioned nickname is sometimes applied to North Padre Island, but the waters of South Padre Island tend to be clearer and calmer.) Not to mention, temperatures average around 74 degrees 12 months a year.
The sub-tropical climate is shaped by the island’s latitude as well as its proximity to the Gulf, as the Gulf’s warm waters give way to milder weather, even during the winter. Of course, December and January won’t be quite as hot as the middle of summer, but it’s still mostly comfortable enough for swimming.
One of the best things about South Padre Island is its variety of activities. You’re certainly welcome to swim and lounge on the beach all day long—Treasure Island Circle Beach is a popular spot—but the island also has a number of ways to stay active. If you want to get out on the water, rent a paddle board or kayak from SPI Sessions Watersports. You could also opt for a three-hour-long snorkeling excursion in the Laguna Madre with Breakaway Cruises. To get the adrenaline really pumping, there’s windsurfing with Windsurf Inc. and parasailing and jet skiing with Sonny’s Beach Service.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to immerse themselves in nature while on vacation, the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary might be more up your alley. The organization has naturalist-led birding tours, daily educational “Gator Talks,” and “Snake Talks” throughout the month. It’s the perfect complement to any South Padre Island beach day, and it’s an activity the whole family will enjoy.
