South Padre Island in July is an awesome place to visit. But beyond the beaches, there are some hidden gems that a lot of tourists miss. Here are seven secret places to visit in South Padre Island in July 2024.
South Padre Island is a great place to visit anytime of year, but summer is a particularly great time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, the beaches are less crowded, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. July is a great time to visit because it’s just before the peak season, so you can still get good deals on hotels and activities.
If you’re looking for something to do off the beach, be sure to check out these seven secret places to visit in South Padre Island in July 2024.
1. The Queen Isabella Causeway
The Queen Isabella Causeway is a 2.5-mile-long causeway that connects South Padre Island to the mainland. The causeway is a great place to go for a walk, bike ride, or fishing. You can also stop at the observation deck to enjoy the views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Things to do on the Queen Isabella Causeway:
- Walk, bike, or fish on the causeway.
- Stop at the observation deck to enjoy the views.
- Have a picnic on the beach.
- Watch the sunset over the bay.
2. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is a 500-acre nature preserve that is home to a variety of birds, animals, and plants. The center has a number of trails that you can hike, as well as an observation tower where you can spot birds. The center also offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year.
Things to do at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center:
- Hike the trails.
- Climb the observation tower.
- Attend an educational program.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Watch the sunset over the bay.
3. The Isla Blanca Park
The Isla Blanca Park is a 100-acre park that is located on the north end of South Padre Island. The park has a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. The park also has a beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Things to do at the Isla Blanca Park:
- Play on the playground.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Fish off the pier.
- Swim, sunbathe, or fish on the beach.
- Watch the sunset over the bay.
4. The Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore is a 70-mile-long stretch of undeveloped coastline that is located on the southern tip of Texas. The seashore is a great place to go for hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. You can also swim, sunbathe, or fish on the beach.
Things to do at the Padre Island National Seashore:
- Hike or bike the trails.
- Camp in the park.
- Fish off the beach.
- Swim, sunbathe, or fish on the beach.
- Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
5. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark
The Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a 265-acre waterpark that is located on South Padre Island. The waterpark has a variety of water slides, pools, and other attractions. The waterpark is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.
Things to do at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark:
- Ride the water slides.
- Swim in the pools.
- Play in the waterpark’s other attractions.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Watch the sunset over the bay.
6. The Sea Turtle Inc.
The Sea Turtle Inc. is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the rehabilitation of sea turtles. The organization has a hospital where they care for sick and injured sea turtles. You can visit the hospital to learn more about sea turtles and watch them being rehabilitated.
Things to do at the Sea Turtle Inc.:
- Visit the hospital.
- Learn about sea turtles.
- Watch the sea turtles being rehabilitated.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Watch the sunset over the bay.
7. The South Padre Island Gulf Coast Poker Run
The South Padre Island Gulf Coast Poker Run is an annual event that takes place in July. The event is a poker run, which is a type of boat race where participants stop at different checkpoints to collect cards. The participant with the best hand at the end of the race wins.
Things to do at the South Padre Island Gulf Coast Poker Run:
- Participate in the poker run.
- Watch the boats race.
- Enjoy the live music.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Watch the sunset over the bay.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many secret places to visit on South Padre Island. If you’re looking for something to do off the beach, be sure to check out these hidden gems. You won’t be disappointed.
South Padre Island is a great place to visit any time of year, but summer is a particularly great time to visit. The weather is warm and sunny, the beaches are less crowded, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. July is a great time to visit because it’s just before the peak season, so you can still get good deals on hotels and activities.
Culture
The culture of South Padre Island is a mix of Mexican and American influences. The island was originally settled by Spanish and Mexican colonists, and many of the island’s traditions and customs reflect this heritage. However, the island has also been heavily influenced by American culture, and today the island is a popular tourist destination for Americans from all over the country.
Best Months to Visit
The best months to visit South Padre Island are April, May, and June. These months offer the best weather, with warm temperatures and low humidity. However, July is also a great time to visit, as the weather is still warm and sunny, and the beaches are less crowded.
Nearby Transportation
The closest airport to South Padre Island is Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO). The airport is located about 25 miles from the island, and there is a shuttle that runs between the airport and the island.
Local Food
The local food on South Padre Island is a mix of Mexican and American cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. There are also a number of restaurants on the island that serve American food, such as burgers, fries, and pizza.
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels on South Padre Island. Some of the most popular hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island, the Hampton Inn & Suites South Padre Island Beachfront, and the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island Beachfront.
