South Padre Island is home to some of the best beaches in the area. You can also find a variety of fishing and boating spots. You can also visit the South Padre Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1852 to guide ships through the Brazos Santiago Pass. The lighthouse is open to the public, and visitors can also visit the groundskeeper’s cottage.

The Sea Turtle Center is another great South Padre Island attraction. Here, visitors can learn about the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. The center was founded by Ila Fox Loetscher, a female aviator and the founder of Sea Turtle Inc. Loetscher discovered the endangered sea turtles on South Padre Island during the late 1950s. It was not long before she discovered that the animals were being killed in huge numbers. The turtles were being hunted for leather and for their eggs, which were used as aphrodisiaci. The meat and eggs were used in soups and dishes. To get learn more read the article

For the more adventurous, you can take a parasailing tour over South Padre Island and the surrounding natural landscape. Your guide will ensure that you have a safe takeoff and provide tips on the different animals you can spot in the area. You can choose from several different tours, including dolphin and eco-tours.

Another must-see attraction in South Padre Island is the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the US, which took 150 tons of river sand to construct. It has drawn the attention of millions of people and is testament to the sandcastle culture on South Padre Island. It is also home to several smaller pieces of sand art that are a popular attraction.

Dolphin Watch offers a wildlife boat tour that starts at Sea Ranch Marina and cruises past Boca Chica Beach and the U.S. Coast Guard Station. The boat is equipped with a wildlife-safe viewing net. Dolphin Watch also organizes snorkeling tours of the Laguna Madre Estuary. The clear waters provide a great backdrop for seeing dolphins.

Another must-do while on a South Padre Island tour is to take a walk along the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. This walk is free and offers some of the most spectacular views of the island. It’s also one of the best places for bird-watching on the island. Located on a 4-acre stretch of Laguna Madre Wetlands, this trail is a great way to experience the local nature.

For seafood lovers, Blackbeard’s Restaurant is a must-do. The restaurant has been serving seafood since 1978. A popular menu item here is the ginger teriyaki tuna steak. The menu also features burgers and vegetarian options. It’s worth a try if you’re craving seafood and want to sample the local cuisine.