This beach community makes for one heck of a day trip (even longer if you’ve got the time).  Yes, there are lots of condos, beach shops, and bars to keep the college kids busy, but the rest of the year, South Padre Island is a relaxing oasis that rivals the best beach towns in America.  So, here’s what to do.

Sun and sand lovers have lots of options.  I would start by taking a sand castle lesson from Dennis Barrett, the Sand Slave himself.  CLICK HERE to set up a lesson.  On the beach side of S. Padre, I also recommend a surf lesson from South Padre Surf Company.  Turns out you don’t have to go to Cali to catch some waves.  On the bay side, take a snorkeling trip on the Southern Wave Catamaran.  You’ll be amazed how clear the water is, and you might even see a stingray.  If you prefer the wildlife above the water, check out the South Padre Birding and Nature Center.

When hungry, head to Pier 19 for breakfast.  Their shrimp omelette is one of the greatest breakfasts I’ve ever put in my mouth.  A more traditional, yet still delicious breakfast is at Ted’s.  For fried seafood, look no further than the island stalwart Dirty Al’s.  And when you need some food, drinks, and relaxation on the beach, Clayton’s is the place and boasts the “biggest beach bar in Texas.”

As the nightfalls, if you have an strength (and courage) left, head to the Gravity Adventure Park which bungee jumping, go-carts for adults and kids, as well as my favorite – the REVERSE bungee.  You gotta try it to believe it.

HOTELS OF CHOICE – Clayton’s Resort for a vintage beach front hotel and Inverness for a beach-front, family friendly condo with kitchen and lots of sleeping room.

Snorkeling Trip – Li’l Cap’n Travis “Twilight on Sometimes Island (SoulQuest 17)  WEBSITE  ITUNES

Sea Turtle Rescue Center – Leatherbag “On Down the Line” WEBSITE  ITUNES

Sea Turtle Rescue Center – Wiretree “Travelin’ On” WEBSITE  ITUNES

Clayton’s Beach Bar – Gary P. Nunn “Adios Amigo”  WEBSITE  ITUNES

Gravity Adventure Park – David Garza “Dead French Dudes”  WEBSITE  ITUNES

SHSU: Kyle Bennett Band “The Road” (Fort Worth, TX)  WEBSITE  ITUNES

Homestead on 19th: Cindy Cashdollar “Slide Show” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Wrap Up: Wiretree “Back in Town” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Zimmerhanzel’s BBQ: Dale Watson “Down Down Down Down Down” (Austin, TX) MYSPACE  ITUNES

Zimmerhanzel’s BBQ: One Black Lung “Racin’ the Rain” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE

Smithville Town: Whiskey Shivers “Old Home Place” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Murphy’s Steakhouse: James Hand “Baby, Baby, Don’t Tell Me That” WEBSITE  ITUNES

Winchester Depot: Hot Club of Cowtown “What’s the Matter with the Mill” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Wrap-Up: Craig Marshall “One Face in the Crowd” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE

SPOTIFY Playlist – CLICK HERE

Horseback Ride:  Hot Club of Cowtown “Devil Ain’t Lazy” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Wrap-Up: Ali Dee “World’s Gone Crazy” (Fort Worth, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Ola Podrida “The Closest We Will Ever Be” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Odd Duck/Gordough’s – Wiretree “Rail” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Broken Spoke – Asleep at the Wheel “Miles and Miles of Texas” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Cypress Valley Canopy Tour – Canopy “The Listener” (Austin, TX) MYSPACE  ITUNES

Opie’s BBQ – The Weary Boys “Jumpin’ Jolie” and “Lost Bayou Ramble” (Austin, TX) MYSPACE  ITUNES

Muleshoe Bend Mountain Biking – Centro-Matic “Iso-Residue” (Denton, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Wrap-Up – Lee Simmons “Doniphan Nights” (Austin, TX) MYSPACE

SPOTIFY Playlist – CLICK HERE

Downtown Goliad:  Cowboy & Indian “Ledbellies (Hurt My Pride)” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

Goliad Massacre:  My Education “Sunset” (Austin, TX) WEBSITE  ITUNES

La Bahia Restaurant:  Charanga Cakewalk “La Miga Hormiga” (Austin, TX) MYSPACE  ITUNES

SPOTIFY Playlist – CLICK HERE