The Best Kept Secret In Texas
"With 34 miles of beautiful white sand and clear emerald water, South Padre Island is one of the world's most exquisite barrier islands – and the only tropical Island in Texas. Calm weather and water and more than 300 days of sunshine make South Padre Island a great place to live and visit all year."
-SoPadre.com
-SoPadre.com
20 Interesting Facts About South Padre Island
1. There's a “no tie” ordinance on the island. Declaring that ties are “detrimental to the welfare of the island,” the City Council officially decreed in 1997 that they be “banished from our land and waters forever.”
2. With thirty-four miles of beautiful white sand and clear emerald water, South Padre Island is one of the world's most exquisite barrier islands – and the only tropical Island in Texas. Calm weather and water and more than 300 days of sunshine make South Padre Island a great place to live and visit all year.
3. South Padre Island holds the title of the Longest Undeveloped Barrier Island seashore in the World.
4. South Padre Island is located just north of the Laguna Madre Bay, one of six hyper-saline bays in the entire world. The salt content in the water is unusually higher than what is typically found and increases buoyancy, meaning you will float a lot better. Aquatic sea life such as sea turtles and dolphins migrate here, giving you more opportunities for wildlife watching.
5. The Port Isabel Lighthouse, located near the island, is the only lighthouse on the Texas Gulf Coast that is open to the public. You can explore the smallest state park in Texas when you visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse. While the park might be small, you can go up into the lighthouse here; that cannot be said for most of these structures across the country!
7. The island is a popular spot for birdwatchers. Over 300 species of birds have been spotted on the island. Reddish egrets, brown pelicans, peregrine falcons, white-tailed hawks, and both piping and snowy plovers call the bay home.
8. The island is home to the largest outdoor sandcastle competition in the United States.
9. The island’s waters are home to many species of dolphins, including the bottlenose dolphin.
10. The island is a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
11. Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States!
12. Several shipwrecks have occurred on South Padre Island since the 1500s, with some expeditions exporting resources to Spain from Mexico. When these ships struck the island and sank to the bottom of the sea, millions of dollars’ worth of silver sunk with them. Treasure hunters from across the country still make their way to South Padre Island each year with hopes of finding this lost treasure. Unfortunately, any treasure you do find must be turned over to the state.
13. South Padre Island has always had the support of the Coast Guard. The original Coast Guard station was built in 1924 and it is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a station worker who was originally stationed there. It’s nice to know that the Coast Guard is always watching over you, even from beyond.
14. Here is something you may not know about South Padre Island: it has thousands of sea turtles swim by its sandy shores each year, with many needing to be rescued. You can adopt a turtle through Sea Turtle, Inc. that will ensure one of these majestic creatures finds the help it needs.
15. South Padre Island is famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches.
16. During the roaring 20’s, South Padre Island was popular with the rich and famous. The Port Isabel Yacht Club provided a premier yachting destination during the time of prohibition. It’s said to have been frequented by Amelia Earhart, Al Capone, President Eisenhower, and Charles Lindberg. The Yacht Club is still open as a hotel and restaurant.
17. It’s a tropical Island! Never been to South Padre Island? Need a point of reference? South Padre island latitude (26.111) is roughly the same as Nassau, Bahamas (25.048). Average daily temperature in November is approximately 78 degrees.
18. Throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are weekly firework displays on both the ocean side and bay side!
19. The island was inhabited by various Native American tribes for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. The Karankawa and Coahuiltecan tribes were among the most prominent, and artifacts from their cultures can still be found on the island today.
20. Connecting the island to the mainland, the Queen Isabella Causeway spans two miles and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding waters.
2. With thirty-four miles of beautiful white sand and clear emerald water, South Padre Island is one of the world's most exquisite barrier islands – and the only tropical Island in Texas. Calm weather and water and more than 300 days of sunshine make South Padre Island a great place to live and visit all year.
3. South Padre Island holds the title of the Longest Undeveloped Barrier Island seashore in the World.
4. South Padre Island is located just north of the Laguna Madre Bay, one of six hyper-saline bays in the entire world. The salt content in the water is unusually higher than what is typically found and increases buoyancy, meaning you will float a lot better. Aquatic sea life such as sea turtles and dolphins migrate here, giving you more opportunities for wildlife watching.
5. The Port Isabel Lighthouse, located near the island, is the only lighthouse on the Texas Gulf Coast that is open to the public. You can explore the smallest state park in Texas when you visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse. While the park might be small, you can go up into the lighthouse here; that cannot be said for most of these structures across the country!
7. The island is a popular spot for birdwatchers. Over 300 species of birds have been spotted on the island. Reddish egrets, brown pelicans, peregrine falcons, white-tailed hawks, and both piping and snowy plovers call the bay home.
8. The island is home to the largest outdoor sandcastle competition in the United States.
9. The island’s waters are home to many species of dolphins, including the bottlenose dolphin.
10. The island is a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
11. Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States!
12. Several shipwrecks have occurred on South Padre Island since the 1500s, with some expeditions exporting resources to Spain from Mexico. When these ships struck the island and sank to the bottom of the sea, millions of dollars’ worth of silver sunk with them. Treasure hunters from across the country still make their way to South Padre Island each year with hopes of finding this lost treasure. Unfortunately, any treasure you do find must be turned over to the state.
13. South Padre Island has always had the support of the Coast Guard. The original Coast Guard station was built in 1924 and it is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a station worker who was originally stationed there. It’s nice to know that the Coast Guard is always watching over you, even from beyond.
14. Here is something you may not know about South Padre Island: it has thousands of sea turtles swim by its sandy shores each year, with many needing to be rescued. You can adopt a turtle through Sea Turtle, Inc. that will ensure one of these majestic creatures finds the help it needs.
15. South Padre Island is famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches.
16. During the roaring 20’s, South Padre Island was popular with the rich and famous. The Port Isabel Yacht Club provided a premier yachting destination during the time of prohibition. It’s said to have been frequented by Amelia Earhart, Al Capone, President Eisenhower, and Charles Lindberg. The Yacht Club is still open as a hotel and restaurant.
17. It’s a tropical Island! Never been to South Padre Island? Need a point of reference? South Padre island latitude (26.111) is roughly the same as Nassau, Bahamas (25.048). Average daily temperature in November is approximately 78 degrees.
18. Throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are weekly firework displays on both the ocean side and bay side!
19. The island was inhabited by various Native American tribes for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. The Karankawa and Coahuiltecan tribes were among the most prominent, and artifacts from their cultures can still be found on the island today.
20. Connecting the island to the mainland, the Queen Isabella Causeway spans two miles and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding waters.
South Padre Island is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, thrilling activities, and vibrant culture. Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, exciting water sports, or close encounters with diverse wildlife, South Padre Island has something for everyone. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and a wide array of attractions, this enchanting island continues to enthrall visitors from around the world. From family-friendly adventures to romantic getaways, South Padre Island promises unforgettable experiences and cherished memories for all who venture to its shores.
