Local Attractions

Around Port Isabel & South Padre Island

Port Isabel and South Padre Island offer endless opportunities for fun and adventure! Go shopping in the quaint local shops, or cast your line and try your hand at fishing. Spend your days enjoying beach activities, or marvel at the stunning birds as you go bird watching. Be sure to visit the turtle rescue center, and explore the many parks and natural wonders around the area. And when it’s time to refuel, you’ll find a wide variety of great restaurants that offer delicious food and warm hospitality. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable and fun-filled stay at Port Isabel and South Padre Island.

South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center

The South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating the public about the rich and diverse birdlife of South Padre Island and its surrounding areas. Their mission is to promote awareness and conservation of the natural environment, with a focus on the flora, fauna, and wildlife that call this beautiful place home. They offer a variety of educational programs and events that are designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and help you better understand and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Go visit us and discover the wonders of South Padre Island and its unique ecosystem!

Sea Turtle Inc

Dive into the unique world of sea turtle conservation! Sea Turtle, Inc. is open year-round for visitors to meet our rehabilitating patients and non-releasable residents. Self-guide through our rehabilitation and education facilities to learn all about sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy our daily presentations and turtle feedings.

Isla Blanca Park

Isla Blanca Park is located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island and is the crown jewel of the Parks system. Located within the park, there is over a mile of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico that offers an abundance of water-front recreational facilities. Our beachfront facilities make the clear gulf waters accessible to all. Isla Blanca Park offers two large beachfront pavilions with onsite food and beach rental concessions, ample parking, walking trail, jetties and surf fishing, a jetties bait stand, a boat ramp, numerous restroom/shower facilities and shaded picnic areas.

Edwin King Atwood Park

E.K. Atwood Park (Beach Access 5) is located on the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 1.6 miles north of Andy Bowie Park. E.K. Atwood is open seven days a week and provides vehicular beach access. The park also provides parking area, a beach side covered pavilion with picnic tables, restrooms and a boardwalk accessing the beach.

Address: 27159 State Park Rd. 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Jaime J. Zapata Memorial Boat Ramp & Kayak Launch Area

Located adjacent to the Brownsville Ship Channel, on Highway 48 between Port Isabel and the Port of Brownsville, the Jaime J. Zapata Memorial Boat Ramp offers more than just a public boat launching facility. Other amenities include; a lighted fishing pier, two picnic pavilions and a kayak launch ramp. This unique site offers fisherman, boaters, bird watchers, nature enthusiasts and kayaker’s quick access to San Martin Lake and the Brownsville Ship Channel.

Address: 44270 State HWY 48, Brownsville, TX 78521

Sand Castle Days

he City of South Padre Island, Clayton’s, and Sandcastle Days founders Walter McDonald and Lucinda Wierenga are proud to welcome you to the annual Sandcastle Days.