Blackbeard’s is one of the largest restaurants on the Island and has become a must-visit when it comes to eating out. The spacious eatery offers a variety of seafood, Italian food and burgers. It doesn’t matter if your feet are still covered in sand or you’re hair still drips of salt water, the wait staff won’t mind and neither will the people around you. Dig in and enjoy the beach bum atmosphere.
For some reason burgers off the grill taste so much better when consumed after a game of beach volleyball or an awesome swim. There’s just something about the sand and water that make us all work up a hefty appetite – one that is usually satiated with fajitas, hotdogs or a nice cold beer.
As a kid, going to the beach wasn’t just all about getting in the water. There were also other cool things I got to do that became ten times better at the beach. One of those things was taking advantage of the endless bike trails across the Island. Rollerblading on the sidewalks of Isla Blanca Park was my favorite thing to do. And if you get tired, you can always snap off your skates and cool off by belly-flopping into the warm waters nearby.
There’s really nothing like the Island’s jetties. The large rocks are often occupied by fisherman looking for their next big catch; however, they’re also a great place to find a bevy of cool sea creatures, such as sea urchins and star fish. The thin strip of rocks is also the perfect location to lounge on and watch the boats sail by.
If you aren’t in the mood for the mobs of local twentysomethings partying along the bayside bars like Louie’s and Mooncusser’s, drive south to Club Pelican West. The hotspot often attracts a more mature crowd and its décor gives the club an upscale feel. With a balcony area that overlooks the dance floor, you can lounge and people-watch as you sip on any of the island cocktails served.
This is not SPI, but you get the idea right?
If you don’t want to do the usual touristy thing at the various hotels, parks and boardwalks on South Padre Island, get down and dirty with your F-150 and let your wheels meet the sand. Beach Access No. 5, at the north end of the island allows beachgoers to drive onto the Island with their vehicles. There’s nothing like finding the perfect spot to turn up your speakers for an impromptu beach party. You won’t have to worry about hiking back to the parking lot because you forgot your sunscreen. Lugging your heavy ice-chest is not a worry anymore. The only downside is you may get stuck in the sand, so make sure you’ve got a backup plan just in case.
The Island has several Dolphin Watch boat tours, but whichever one you chose to take guarantees at least a glimpse of the beautiful creatures leaping from the warm gulf waters. But even if you don’t get to see some dolphin action, the boat ride alone provides you with a view of the Island you probably haven’t seen before. Snacks and drinks are sold on the boat and most tours allow you to bring your own snacks.
While SPI is mostly known for being the quintessential Spring Break destination, you shouldn’t forget it’s an educational one as well. The SPI Birding Center is heaven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers with its beautiful views of some of South Texas’ most exotic species. You might even catch the resident gator which can sometimes be seen off the boardwalk. But by evening, the center transforms into one of the island’s most romantic destinations. Couples will want to spend an evening watching the gorgeous sunset from the birding center’s boardwalk.
In honor of Memorial Day, the International Idiots Club will be meeting at Boomerang Billy’s Beach Bar (behind the Surf Motel) for the annual Idiots Boot Camp. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., participants will be competing in military games, such as obstacle courses and water gun marksmanship (and usually alcohol is involved).
At 2 p.m., the Commemorative Air Force will send planes to fly over the location to the tunes of traditional military songs.
For more information, or to become a member of the International Idiots Club, visit www.internationalidiotsclub.org.
>>Boomerang Billy’s Beach Bar
2612 Gulf Blvd., South Padre Island
(956) 761-2420
Watching the fireworks over the Laguna Madre Bay is a tradition for many families in the RGV. We love to ooh and ahh as the colorful sparks explode in the big sky over the dark waters but if you stick around on the Island for the festivities, you might be battling traffic over the causeway to get home afterward.
Here’s a time-saving trick: beat the traffic over the bridge and park on the mainland. You’ll still get a good view from some of the parking lots near the water and the drive back to the expressway might be a bit faster.
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