1. South Padre Island Beach
South Padre Island is Texas's premier beach destination, a 34-mile-long barrier island offering everything from spring break revelry to quiet eco-tourism. The island's east-facing beaches catch the morning sun and boast warm Gulf waters perfect for swimming, while the bay side offers world-class wind- and kite-surfing conditions. Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation is a local passion, with the Sea Turtle Inc. facility releasing rehabilitated turtles year-round. During March and April, the island transforms as thousands of college students descend for spring break, while fall and winter bring spectacular birding as the island lies along the Central Flyway migration route. Dolphins play in the bay and offshore waters, and seasonal whale sharks appear offshore. The nightlife scene rivals any beach town in Texas.
Best For: Spring break, Windsurfing, Sea turtles, Birding
Best Time to Visit: March for spring break; November-March for birding and fewer crowds
