South Padre Island
Campground
South Padre Island KOA Holiday
This is a very popular destination and they really pack 'em in. We had two work-campers spotting us as we twisted into our spot. Nice hot-tub and pool, well-stocked workout area, on-site musical entertainment, and GREAT access to the beach. Just south of here is a large county campground that is also very popular. Mark played Christmas music for an overflow audience and hosted a karaoke New Year's Eve event.
Things to see
Birding and Nature Center
We went on a guided tour with a very knowledgeable guide. I certainly can't remember the names of all the birds we saw, but he sure could!
Holiday Sand Sculpture Village
Some of the most incredible sand sculptures you'll ever see are right here. There are others in front of various businesses around SPI.
Private Fishing Charter
We opted for a more personal experience, as opposed to a large boat with dozens of people throwing out lines. We had a GREAT time with friends Lisa & Mark and caught several meals worth of fish.
Sea Turtle, Inc.
This was a very interesting sanctuary and healing area for sea turtles. They have tanks with viewing ports - quite fun to watch them swim around. We hit feeding time too.
The beach!
There are many access points to the very long beach. Do yourself a favor and drive all the way to the north end of the road (State Park Rd 100), which is about 5 miles north of the South Padre Island city limits. You can just park along the road and walk for MILES! Or be adventurous and drive right out onto the beach (get a county park pass).
The Original Dolphin Watch
Some people at the resort set up an excursion to go through the shipyards near Brownsville. The main thing they do at the shipyard is de-construct large military vessels. Due to security concerns, we were not allowed to take pictures or video. Some people did even though they were told multiple times not to.
Food and Drink
Blackbeard's
We ate here a couple of times. The first time was after our "private fishing charter" adventure. Blackbeard's, like several restaurants in this area, has a "you hook 'em, we cook 'em" feature. They cooked our catch three different ways and it was SO good.
Clayton's
"The Largest Beach Bar in Texas" and they are not lying. We went here with our WI friends Tom and Pat. They had some live music going on which was decent. The day, itself, wasn't great for sitting at the beach. All of South Padre Island is a great destination for Spring Breakers and Clayton's feeds into that. They posted their whole list of big name acts that were coming in for that week.
Coconut Jack's
A great little place right on the bay side where we went for a little happy hour enjoyment.
Lobo Del Mar Cafe
They had a live band and a little dance floor. Every night at sunset, bagpipers parade through paying tribute to God and country.
Senor Donkey
A nice little mexican restaurant with really good margaritas. As you know, we've been learning Spanish so when the Spanish-only speaking waitress seated us, they didn't bother giving us an English speaking one. We loved it!
Yummies
A great little breakfast cafe that we went to a couple times. The grapefruit pie was interesting!
To make a long story short ...
Kristine Sink
We met Kristine because she was also in an RV at the KOA. She has quite a sad and scary story to tell about the abuse she endured as a prison guard. She is a very strong woman who will likely have PTSD for the rest of her life. I could not do her story justice. Here is a link to one of many articles you might find referring to this case.