When to Visit South Padre Island, TX
South Padre Island benefits from its location in the Gulf of Mexico in many ways. First, the island regularly enjoys fine weather, blue skies, and nearly year-round warmth. The ideal timing of your stay really depends on what you plan to do during your visit. Sunbathers can sprawl on the beach anytime from March into early fall, around October. However, swimmers might best enjoy a dip in the surf during the peak summer months. You can expect more rain in the spring, and fall's hurricane season sometimes brings winds and rain that can interrupt beach time. Smart and spontaneous travelers can check the forecast and splurge on a last-minute beach escape — often at quite a discount.
If you don't like crowds or prefer a more family-oriented atmosphere, steer away from visiting the island during March, which is when the raucous spring break parties take over and an estimated 25,000 additional people flood into South Padre Island. Then again, if you are looking to party, this is the place to be and the time to come!
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in South Padre Island, TX:
South Padre Island by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in South Padre Island, TX. You can use these line graphs to determine the least expensive dates to book in South Padre Island for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in South Padre Island, TX
4 Star Average Prices: £154.08
If you're looking for a luxury resort experience, check into My Sapphire South Padre Island. The 4-star oceanfront condo lies close to the University of Texas Pan American Coastal Studies Laboratory and Isla Blanca Park. A conference center and meeting rooms make it a great place to stay if you're in town for a quiet business or academic retreat. My Sapphire also offers wedding services for an easy-to-plan yet beautiful destination wedding.
Eighteen guestrooms are carefully and individually decorated, complimented by a complete kitchen equipped with a refrigerator and stovetop. Catch the breeze from your own private balcony or patio, then head outdoors to one of the two on-site pools and two spa tubs. Families will love the water park, which you can visit for a small surcharge. The spa facility offers massages and body treatments, drawing rave reviews as the place to go to treat your skin after a day of surf, sand, and sun. Room service is also available to guests, and there are two restaurants at the condos.
If you're seeking sport as well as sun, you'll find both diversions at the luxurious Sea Vista by South Padre Condo Rentals. Bring your racket and spend some time on Sea Vista's outdoor tennis courts, then head to the private beach to lounge under an umbrella in the condo's beach sun loungers. Six guestrooms offer intimacy, quiet, and the convenience of your own in-room kitchen and washers/dryers.
Affordable Hotel Options in South Padre Island, TX
3 Star Average Prices: £108.03
Those looking for an affordable hotel that's close to the natural wonders of South Padre Island should consider the Windwater Hotel in South Padre Island. It's close to the bay and is also convenient to Andy Bowie Park and the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. You can make yourself completely at home in your guestroom's cozy space, which is outfitted with LED televisions, a microwave, and wireless internet access. Spend some time in the pool, and be sure to check out the free breakfast. Local calls are also free — just another example of the Windwater Hotel's great value.
The hotel welcomes pets, too, for a nominal deposit. Be aware that there is a $200 spring break room deposit, but the policy is actually designed to discourage too much revelry in the guestrooms. In fact, only hotel guests are able to access the rooms. This makes the Windwater Hotel a solid choice for those who are looking for a quiet vacation, not a party scene.
Spring breakers and families who want an affordable beachfront hotel will love the Ramada Inn South Padre Island TX. It's very spacious, with 147 guestrooms, and offers everything guests could want for a great rate. In-room, you'll find refrigerators and microwaves for convenience, plus wireless internet, satellite programming, and safes for valuables. On the grounds, you can settle into the cozy loungers next to the outdoor pool and spa tub. Drop into the hotel shop for some sunscreen or any other essentials you might need. The hotel restaurant serves up a delicious meals all day, and guests can partake in a complimentary breakfast daily.
2 Star Average Prices: £84.07
Best South Padre Island, TX Hotel Discounts
You can definitely score some great hotel discounts in South Padre Island. AAA Members, AARP members, and government and military personnel will all benefit from discounted rates at select properties in the area. Many hotels and resorts in South Padre Island also offer longer stay discounts, making it even more enticing to linger for a while.
The Super 8 Motel South Padre Island TX offers discounts for AAA, AARP, military members, and seniors. It's not only affordable, but also cozy and well-situated next to the ocean. Additionally, Super 8 lies near family-friendly points of interest like Sea Turtle Inc, Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Andy Bowie Park, and Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. The motel makes for a great home base, as the rooms are equipped with fridges, microwaves, and wireless Internet, plus flat-screen televisions and cable programming. The kids will also love the arcade/game room and outdoor pool. The Super 8 Motel's free breakfast stretches the savings even further.
You'll discover similar discounts at Comfort Suites Beachside in South Padre Island, plus a great location near Queen Isabella State Fishing Pier and the local waterpark. Since comfort is integral the brand, Comfort Suites excels in both affordable rates and cozy accommodations. The suites include coffee and tea makers, plus sofa beds so the whole family can sleep comfortably in spacious quarters. Guests can also avail themselves of the on site fitness center, outdoor pool, free newspapers, and complimentary breakfast buffet.
Best Value Options in South Padre Island, TX
The Inn at South Padre places you right in the center of the Island, close to the action. It's a great all-around hotel that's large enough to welcome big groups and wedding parties. The 91 guestrooms come with the essentials like air-conditioning and wireless Internet access, plus daily housekeeping and free toiletries. A pool and spa tub on site add to the property's appeal. Complimentary breakfast is served daily as well, making the Inn at South Padre a solid value.
Beachfront hotel deals can also be found in South Padre, like the Padre South Hotel On the Beach. Its convenience factor, paired with a host of fun amenities, makes a stay at this hotel fun for the whole family. Light meals and snacks can be stored in your room's fridge or heated in the microwave for a quick and cost-effective mid-day meal. Alternatively, you can cook out in the evenings on the hotel's barbecue grills.
The Padre South Hotel on the Beach also boasts a dedicated children's pool so kids can splash and play in their own space. Be sure to bring your fishing gear for an excursion to the nearby Queen Isabella State Fishing Pier. You can spend any rainy days perusing the hotel's library or playing a few games in the hotel billiard room.
South Padre Island: Spring Break USA
For over fifteen years, South Padre Island has been known as one of the top spring break destinations in the nation. There are, of course, other activities to do, such as taking surfing lessons or embarking on a sunset cruise — but a good party is never far away during spring break at South Padre Island. The island welcomes collegiate travelers with all kinds of inclusive resort deals and on-site entertainment.
During a stay in South Padre Island in March, you'll experience an unforgettable array of entertainment, from bikini contests and cabana parties to wild games and live concerts. The annual beach bash draws A-list entertainers to the stage for a party that goes on all day and all night on the beachfront. Stay at the notorious La Isla Grand Beach Resort if you don't want to miss a thing, since much of the action unfolds on the beach directly in front of the resort.
If you would rather get some rest, you might wish to stay a little further away from the festivities, in the center of the island. There are many other package details on hotels and condos throughout South Padre Island that offer special discounts for large groups and extended stays. Savvy travelers will snap up the some of the discount card packages, which grant discounted entry into the island's hottest party spots and bars, plus discounts at area restaurants.
South Padre Island, TX summarized
South Padre Island is one of Texas' most popular vacation destinations. The island is composed of two opposite identities. For the rest of the year, South Padre Island assumes a quiet stature. The resort hotels and rental homes welcome Texan tourists who're in the city for some outdoor activities and serene beaches. During Spring Break, South Padre Island loses its calm in trade for a youthful, almost reckless energy bent only on one thing - partying. March is typified by skyrocketing prices and almost impossible noise, but then as soon as the partygoers surrender into the morning, the town assumes its usual desolate calm. South Padre Island's best attractions are of course its range of sun, sand, and surf - but if the weather becomes ugly, or the partying scene becomes intolerable, head to Port Ysabel. South Padre Island also boasts of a chlorinated water relief, away from the crazy nightlife scene. The Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark boasts of the nation's largest surfing machine and a gigantic sandcastle play area. Of course, all types of beach activity can be found on South Padre Island. The town has everything a visitor is looking for, pristine waters, breaking surf, and breezy winds.
FAQs about hotels in South Padre Island
Recent traveler guest reviews of South Padre Island, TX
Below are reviews of the city of South Padre Island, TX from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Love the area!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love the area!
Jan S., from 02-Dec-2024
"Love the area!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love the area!
Jan S., from 02-Dec-2024
"Love the area!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love the area!
Jan S., from 02-Dec-2024
"The Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The weather and the beach!!!
Roel Z., from 06-Oct-2024
"Beautiful and breathtaking area."
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful and breathtaking area.
Juan B., from 20-Aug-2024
"Excellent Hotel & Staff"
Score
5.0 / 5
Excellent hotel and everyone was helpful.
Michael R., from 11-Aug-2024
"Relaxing on the beach!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach is so relaxing. People are super friendly. Weather was awesome
Vianey H., from 22-Jul-2024
"Very Good Restaurants & Clean Beaches"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beach was clean and the restaurants were very good.
Wade C., from 24-Jun-2024
"Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beach!
Debra S., from 20-Jun-2024
"Ocean! Food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Ocean and Food
Juan C., from 17-Jun-2024
"Fabulous Restaurant"
Score
5.0 / 5
Fab restaurant was fabulous!
Bonnie M., from 07-Jun-2024
"Beach!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beach!
Troy H., from 07-Jun-2024
"Lots of Fun Stuff!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Lots of fun places to visit and fun things to do.
Frances D., from 06-Jun-2024
"Eco-Dolfin Tour!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Eco-Dolfin tour with Captain Murphys was excellent, saw pods of dolfins and enjoyed the candor and educational crew members.
Mary Q., from 03-Jun-2024
"The service and staff were absolutely wonderful."
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean, well-kept island
Hector M., from 03-May-2024
"Everything at Your Fingertips!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Everything at your fingertips!
Leticia E., from 02-May-2024
"The Beach & Music at Longboard!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beach and music at Longboard!
Carlos P., from 08-Mar-2024
"The Ocean!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Ocean!
Salvador P., from 02-Mar-2024
"The Ocean!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Ocean!
Salvador P., from 28-Feb-2024
"Highly Recommend!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Visited restaurants (KRACKEN)and shopping areas too. I recommend you come and stay overnight and experience it for yourself!
Roland G., from 26-Feb-2024
"Fabulous beaches and restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Fabulous beaches and restaurants!
David L., from 26-Feb-2024
"The Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Visited Blackbeards, Clatons and the beach of course.
Mary M., from 22-Feb-2024
"Tops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The places to eat, shops for gifts and places to worship are tops!!
Ronald K., from 18-Feb-2024
"Just Like Home!"
Score
4.0 / 5
It is just like being at home!
Ronald K., from 18-Feb-2024
"The Gulf"
Score
5.0 / 5
The gulf!
Charles J., from 10-Feb-2024
"Close to Eateries & Beaches!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I like that it has a small town feel! It is also close to many places to eat and beaches are nearby!
Jeanne B., from 03-Feb-2024
"Close to Eateries & Beaches"
Score
4.0 / 5
I like that it has a small town feel! It is also close to many places to eat and beaches are nearby!
Jeanne B., from 24-Jan-2024
"Clayton's is great and restaurants were good."
Score
5.0 / 5
Clayton's is great and restaurants were good.
Dawn S., from 14-Jan-2024
"Best Music Scene & Entertainment!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love Padre Island. Have had a condo there for 15 years!!!! Best music scene from 1:00pm on! Florida can't hold a candle to South Padre for daily entertainment; much right out of Austin!!!
Lois C., from 05-Jan-2024
"Always Great!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Been there before. Always great visiting SPI!
Cipriano C., from 18-Dec-2023
"Clean Beaches & Good Restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beaches are clean and well maintained with a safety patrol. Access is easy and enjoyable. Restaurants such as the Brewing Company and Yummies were savored for their flavorful foods.
Rick T., from 04-Nov-2023
"Beautiful & Relaxing Place!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The island is beautiful and so relaxing in the Fall.
Dori P., from 22-Oct-2023
"All The Amenities One Would Need!"
Score
4.0 / 5
South Padre Island is a destination with all the amenities one would need!
Lynn S., from 17-Oct-2023
"Great Destination!"
Score
5.0 / 5
South Padre Island is a destination with all the amenities one would need.
Lynn S., from 17-Oct-2023
"Great Food & Music!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great food and music!
Shawn C., from 08-Oct-2023
"Great Restaurnts & Bars"
Score
4.0 / 5
Logos del Mar has great food. Clayton's Bar & Grill - great time and good music.
Shawn C., from 08-Oct-2023
"Quiet!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Quiet!
Camdy I., from 27-Aug-2023
"The Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
All the activities in the city and love the beach!
Gonzalina E., from 27-Jul-2023
"Numerous places to get awesome fresh seafood!!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Ease of getting around the island by car. Numerous places to get awesome fresh seafood!!!
Laurey J., from 26-Jul-2023
"Perfect Place to Stay!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love it. The whole atmosphere is beach. Everything is close. Shopping. Restaurants. Perfect!
John M., from 17-Jul-2023
"The beach and souvenir stores!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach and souvenir stores!
Robin H., from 07-Jun-2023
"The Beach & the Parks!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I love the beach and the parks we visited!
Marisa C., from 04-Jun-2023
"Fun Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
South Padre Island is always a fun place to visit! Experience on the island was great.
Micaela M., from 01-Jun-2023
"Great Restaurants!"
Score
4.0 / 5
There are many restaurants with great food.
Rene Z., from 11-May-2023
"Nice!"
Score
4.0 / 5
It was nice!
Rosemary G., from 05-May-2023
"Near Beach & Restaurants"
Score
5.0 / 5
Proximity of the beach and restaurants!
Jorge N., from 25-Apr-2023
"Sea Turtle INC & the Jetty!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Sea Turtle INC and the jetty. A must experience!
Mark W., from 10-Apr-2023
"The Beach"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach!
Warren G., from 20-Mar-2023
"Fair Prices"
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel was fairly priced.
Steven L., from 12-Mar-2023
"Good Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very easy to get around. Restaurants were close and clean.
Dennis K., from 07-Mar-2023
"Great View!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Friendly and loved the gulf view everywhere!
Karren P., from 17-Feb-2023
"Would Stay Again! "
Score
4.0 / 5
First time there and really liked it, would go back.
Joe L., from 17-Feb-2023
"The Beach and Space X"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beach and proximity to Space X.
Dell A., from 30-Jan-2023
"Great places to eat and shop and gather with friends!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great places to eat and shop and gather with friends. Small enough to meet people and make friends.
Dale A., from 22-Jan-2023
"Excellent Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Many things to do and excellent restaurants!
Wayne W., from 21-Jan-2023
"The Beach & Food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach and the food!
Roberta M., from 15-Jan-2023
"Rooms very clean and staff very friendly."
Score
4.0 / 5
Rooms very clean and staff very friendly. Love SPI! The beautiful beach and numerous food and shopping establishments. Love it all!
Maria R., from 13-Dec-2022
"Clean, comfortable and the staff is very nice."
Score
5.0 / 5
Clean, comfortable and the staff is very nice. Love SPI! The beautiful beach and numerous food and shopping establishments. Love it all!
Maria R., from 13-Dec-2022
"Accessible & Beautiful"
Score
5.0 / 5
Accessible and beautiful hotel.
Jesse G., from 18-Nov-2022
"Great food and the ocean!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The ocean and the beach was clean and the restaurants like Yummy's and The Border plus the breakfast was great!!!!!!!!
Linda M., from 30-Oct-2022
"Very RELAXING Place!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Stress reliever place.
Maria M., from 30-Aug-2022
"Golf Carts! Great Restaurants! Warm Water Temps!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Golf carts are a blast, great restaurants, warm water temps!
Kelly T., from 30-Aug-2022
"Beautiful, relaxing, clean hotel!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful, relaxing, clean hotel and so many things to do while you are there.
Gerard G., from 21-Aug-2022
"Beach Access & Free Parking"
Score
4.0 / 5
A lot of places within walking distance, which is nice. A lot of free parking with beach excess, the souvenir stores are reasonable.
Fernando M., from 15-Aug-2022
"Beautiful Beach"
Score
5.0 / 5
The beach was beautiful and clean and we also enjoyed the food.
Maria V., from 08-Aug-2022
"Good Fishing"
Score
5.0 / 5
The fishing was good. I would recommend the island .
Edward S., from 24-Jul-2022
"Beach Access"
Score
4.0 / 5
Many shopping places. Beach access.
Toney F., from 17-Jul-2022
"Beach!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The beach! The staff ladies treated us really good!
Eddie G., from 12-Jul-2022
"Dining!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Dining!
Martin C., from 26-Jun-2022
"Amazing Ocean View!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The view is amazing and the beach by the hotel, super convenient.
Claudia A., from 12-Jun-2022
"Located by the beach! Amazing view!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The view is amazing and the beach is by the hotel, super convenient.
Claudia A., from 10-Jun-2022
"Good vibes and great weekend!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good vibes and great weekend!
Robert L., from 31-May-2022
"So much to do in South Padre Island!"
Score
4.0 / 5
This is my third adult visit to South Padre Island and I love it! The water is beautiful, the people are friendly, and there's lots of stuff to do right there on the island.
Carl F., from 15-May-2022
"Great Place to Stay"
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean hotel, easy to get around. Wonderful places to eat and very friendly people.
David S., from 31-Jan-2022
"Had a great time!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great; had a good time. Was so cold. Norther came in. Still walked on beach. Good restaurants. Went next door to Courtyard Marriott dancing last night there and had great time there.
Alice G., from 22-Jan-2022
"Beautiful area with lots to see and do."
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful area with lots to see and do.
William T., from 22-Jan-2022
"So Much Fun!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Free transportation, so much fun in a consolidated area.
Susan M., from 17-Jan-2022
"Aye...We Loved the Pirate Ship!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Our experience was GREAT. It was our first time there and would LOVE to return! We went on a pirate ship and would highly recommend it to everyone, people from birth to 99!
Debbie B., from 23-Oct-2021
"Near the beach"
Score
5.0 / 5
the beach
Russell S., from 30-Aug-2019
"Great Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Enjoyable area and everything you needed was there.
Jerry B., from 30-Jan-2018
"The Beaches"
Score
4.0 / 5
My favorite by far, enjoyed the beach.
Josilyn H., from 21-Mar-2016
"South Padre Island"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Sea Ranch restaurant. And South Padre Island a very pleasant and welcoming seaside destination.
Mary E., from 13-May-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of South Padre Island, TX shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 82 reviews