South Padre Island is a popular resort town in Texas. It is part of Brownsville and is a barrier island on the tropical tip of Texas along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay. The island is 34 miles long and only a ½ mile at its widest point. The island is accessible by the causeway from the town of Port Isabel. The Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge is 2 ½ miles long. The island was named for Joe Nicolas Balli, Padre Balli, a Catholic Priest and settler in the area. There are only 5,000 people that call the island home, but it has more than 1million visitors per year.
Of course South Padre Island is known as a Spring Break destination for college students from around the world in March. However, outside of that time it is a great destination spot for you and your friends, or a family vacation destination. This island is all about relaxation. It’s a perfect place to don your flip flops and your most outrageous Hawaiian gear. The island passed a proclamation in 1997 that there should be no representation of seriousness. The main culprit of this proclamation is the tie. It is a symbol of work, conformity, and conservatism. The tie has been banished on the island, if caught wearing one the offender will first be given a warning and a complimentary South Padre Island t shirt. For a second offense you are charged the cost of a silk tie. This proclamation even holds true at the convention center located on the island. All attendees are encouraged to wear relaxed attire.
The island offers a plethora of things to do. There are many water sporting activities to partake in, and there are rentals of jet skis and kite boards all around the island. Another favorite pastime of the island is fishing. The Texas International Fishing Tournament is held annually in the late part of summer. There are also a few other fishing tournaments that take place here annually. Want to explore? There are horseback riding adventures on the beach and ecological tours of the Padre Island National Seashore. The island also offers plenty of dining options, and what better way to end your day then with a meal on a beautiful patio as you watch the sunset over the bay. There are even restaurants that will cook what you caught for the day. The main point of you traveling to this island is to relax, and they’re going to make sure that you do exactly that, and nothing else.
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