Many vacationers look to head south when the temperatures begin to drop; and while tropical island getaways like the Caribbean offer spectacular retreats from winter’s chill, it may not always be easy to plan a getaway during peak tourist season. However, there are plenty of places in the Southern U.S. where visitors can experience all the perks of a tropical getaway without the crowds and without a passport—and Texas’ South Padre Island is one such place.
Chock-full of bucolic beachside beauty; fun winter activities and events; and plenty of sand, sun, and fun, South Padre Island is a unique Texas getaway perfect for vacationers looking to leave the wintry world behind.
10 Eating Out
South Padre Island’s location makes it an ideal spot to enjoy fresh, delicious seafood straight from the Gulf of Mexico all year round—and, during the off-season, catches of the day like oysters, kingfish, and red snapper are menu superstars.
Not a fan of seafood? South Padre Island also has its share of delish Tex-Mex flavors and traditional Texas faves, in addition to plenty of beer festivals where visitors can sip and sample the area’s best.
- Craft Beer Festival December 10, 2022
- Sea Ranch Restaurant & Bar
- Mahi Nic
- Liam’s Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
9 Holiday Celebrations
There is no shortage of fun ways to celebrate the holidays in South Padre Island.
And even with the area’s warmish winter weather, visitors will find a number of activities to get into the holly jolly spirit—even without the snowflakes.
- Holiday Sandcastle Village Open daily 10 AM-11 PM
- Holiday Light Show Through January 6, 2023
- SPI Christmas Parade December 2, 2022
- Lighted Boat Parade December 3, 2022
8 Beauty On The Beach
The off-season is South Padre Island still brings relatively warm temps and sunny skies, in addition to cool(er) breezes blowing in from the nearby ocean.
And with temperatures rarely going below 50 degrees (with highs in the 70s!), the winter months are the perfect time to visit—and ideal for those looking to enjoy some outdoor beachy fun without the summer crowds.
- Horseback Riding
- Surfing
- Island Adventure Park
- Shelling, Sandcastle Building, And Strolling
7 Winter Bird Migration
The winter months in South Padre Island aren’t just for celebrating the holiday season or basking in the mild temperatures on the area’s beautiful beaches.
Beginning in December, South Padre is the place to be for bird migrations—huge flocks of birds traveling south for the winter that bring visitors a unique opportunity to bring out their inner wildlife watcher.
- South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary
- South Padre Island Birdwatching Pier
- Isla County Park
6 Dolphin Watch & Eco Tours
South Padre is known for its amazing eco-tours and dolphin-watching opportunities—even in the relatively cool(er) winter months.
A great way to experience the island’s best scenic sights and a plethora of wildlife-watching opportunities, visitors will find fun both on and off the water during South Padre Island winters.
- The Original Dolphin Watch
- Sea Turtle Inc.
- South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary
5 Live The Resort Life
Even when summer ends, South Padre Island’s resorts and accommodations still offer the chance for visitors to live the luxe life in the off-season.
With plenty of scenic accommodations hosting a number of fun activities and amenities, SPI’s lovely lodgings have something for everyone—from stunning views to idyllic getaways, there’s no shortage of top-notch retreats for guests to enjoy all year round.
- Isla Grand Beach Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort SPI
- La Copa Inn
4 South Padre Island Winter Events
There are plenty of fun winter events to experience in South Padre Island—even after the last Christmas carol is sung, and the last holiday garland is taken down.
Beginning in January, SPI keeps the fun going with a plethora of annual events just waiting to wow visitors.
- 26th Annual SPI Market Days January 20-22 and February 24-26, 2023
- SPI Kite Fest February 2-4, 2023
- SPI WinterFest & Expo February 13-14, 2023
3 Go Fishing
If South Padre Island is most famous for its beaches, then undoubtedly its fishing comes in at a close second.
And, once summer ends, the opportunities for fab fishing exploits don’t diminish as there are still a number of ways to get out on the water and experience the distinctive beauty of SPI.
- SPI Cook Your Catch Program
- South Padre Offshore Fishing
- SPI Inshore Fishing Charters
2 See The Sights
Though South Padre Island is famed for its spectacular sandy stretches, the scenic Gulf of Mexico spot is home to a number of other fun attractions that are perfect for vacationers looking for a break from the beach.
From indoor fun to outdoor exploring, SPI has something special for every winter traveler.
- Nana’s 7D Cinema
- South Padre Art Trails
- Port Isabel Lighthouse
- Skate-A-Palooza Ice Rink (through December 17, 2022)
1 SpaceX Boca Chica
South Padre Island offers visitors a number of unique experiences, and none more so than with a front-row seat to space exploration.
Situated just across the bay from SPI is the SpaceX South Texas Launch Site, where space aficionados can check out rocket launches from afar that are visible from a number of scenic spots throughout the island, such as Isla Blanca Park, or nearby Highway 48.
Check out all of SPI's events on its official tourism website.