Discerning holidaymakers know to look deeper when deciding where to take their next trip. Florida is lovely, but it is by no means the only place in the United States to have an incredible beach vacation. South Padre Island offers visitors something special.
Videos by TravelAwaits
Being on the Texas side of the U.S./Mexico border, many guests take advantage of the location to take short jaunts south. The Gulf waters are as warm and placid as they are anywhere else, and watersports are very popular.
There’s large selection of things to do and see on South Padre Island. The vast majority of the island consists of scenic protected areas. Only the southern tip is developed, meaning there’s lots of unspoiled nature to see. The area is especially popular with birders, but wildlife is plentiful in the water as well, with dolphins being a common sight.
Big attractions include the Gravity Park amusement park and countless smaller venues and experiences popular with children as well as adults. Traffic on the roads is usually quite high, but many visitors enjoy driving on the beaches outside of the southern tip. That said, bringing or renting a car isn’t necessary. Most of the town is walkable or bikeable and a free shuttle gets guests wherever they need to go.
If this sounds like an unmissable getaway experience, check out these 10 Vrbo vacation rentals on South Padre Island. The nature of the island means every property is close to the beach, but that isn’t the only thing these homes have going for them!
Palm Paradise$1,000/nightly avg
If you think this massive home one block away from the beach is magnificent, you are not alone. It made quite the splash when it was featured on HGTV. If you’re planning a big beachy vacation for a very large group, this is not to be overlooked. There’s so much for people (especially the little ones) to enjoy, including an indoor slide with a secret entrance, a “portal to Narnia” (you’ll have to visit to find out what that means) water slide, a home cinema, and a game room.
There are four comfy king bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a large room for the kids, and several others. Many rooms have balconies with ocean views. Almost any amenity you can think of can be found on the property. Several restaurants and shops are within walking distance of this great location.
Key West-Style Vacation Home$276/nightly avg
Enjoy excellent beach views from every room in this stunning two-story oceanfront house. Both of the bedrooms have private balcony access and plenty of light. One is a king, while the other has two twins, making the home great for a small family or even just a couple.
The interior, with its marble baths, granite countertops, and Travertine floors, is just as likely to trigger envy as the location (beach access is just an easy walk across the street).
Endless Summer$882/nightly avg
Located near the northern limits of the developed part of SPI (which is generally quieter than more southerly areas), this three-bedroom home is a great base for families exploring the unique wonders of the island. Wonderful and near though the beach may be (it’s just a short walk over dunes to get to the water), visitors would be remiss to not spend some time in the backyard swimming pool. The pool house and outdoor showers are a great way to clean up after a day on the beach.
The home is in a gated community with tennis courts and larger public shared pools.
Blue Beach House Of Stars$250/nightly avg
South Padre Island offers fun for the whole family. And this house has room for the whole family — and then some! Children will appreciate the game room (complete with foosball, billiard table, and ping pong) and the kids’ room which has two bunk beds and a Murphy bed. If that’s not enough to keep them occupied, there’s a trampoline out back and Gravity Park is a short walk away.
There are three upstairs bedrooms for the adults as well as a poker table and grill. The kitchen is fully stocked and the location (just three houses down from the beach) is nothing to shake your head at. On the whole, this is a cozy family home, great for a larger, multi-generational group looking to have some fun on South Padre Island.
Texas-Sized Beach House$575/nightly avg
Beach houses don’t have to be small cottages, at least not in Texas where, as they say, everything is bigger. This house certainly supports the claim, in any case! Enjoy every comfort of Middle American suburbia in a subtropical climate. The home has a front yard with a lawn and a backyard swimming pool and grill area and provides easy access to the ocean. The hosts have supplied everything you need for a fun day on the beach. Just make the short walk to the water and you’re sure to have a good day.
For the rest of your time on the island, the house has shuffleboard, darts, and other games to keep everyone occupied. There are eight bedrooms, so there’s no need to keep the guest list short.
Beach House With Backyard Oasis$440/nightly avg
This charming single-family home is another great option for a larger group bound for South Padre Island. Whether you’re new to the island or not, you’re sure to appreciate the private pool and hot tub in the backyard. No sterile swimming pit, the entirety of the pool and patio area is constructed with a pleasant mishmash of stone slabs.
Twelve guests fit comfortably across four bedrooms but smaller parties will obviously enjoy more privacy. The beach, restaurants, and more are easily reached on foot. As an added bonus, the owners grant guests use of their six-seater golf cart to more easily move about the island.
Beachfront Home In Shores Neighborhood$865/nightly avg
Take in the sea breeze and enjoy exquisite views of the Gulf from this sublime South Padre home. It’s located in a gated community on the north end of the inhabited part of the island. Enjoy the community’s many amenities (which include pickleball, pools, and more) while maintaining a private home (away from home) life.
The property has a beautiful tropical garden in the front and a pristine lawn in the back, which directly abuts the dunes. With three king bedrooms, everyone staying will live like royalty. As an added bonus, the island’s farmers market is held just down the road every Sunday.
Pet-Friendly Viento Vista$325/nightly avg
Just two blocks from the Gulf of Mexico, this two-story three-bedroom home is great for those looking to have fun on the water. If you’re planning on going kite or windsurfing while on the island, this is a particularly good pick given its proximity to several of the island’s rental locations. Parrot Eyes, an establishment offering food, drinks, and every kind of watersport rental you can imagine, is also just two blocks away.
The fenced-in backyard is suitable for dogs, which are most welcome to stay. The house as a whole is homey, with a spacious kitchen featuring a large island. There are plenty of beds so large groups can be easily accommodated.
Sapphire Bungalow$750/nightly avg
A beachside bungalow between the coastal high rises, this Vrbo rental on South Padre Island is a fine place to enjoy the timeless pleasure of relishing the beach from a homey accommodation — with all the perks of staying at a resort. The condo has three levels, reachable via the stairs or private elevator. Enjoy ocean views from the living room and private deck (complete with hot tub). Guests have access to the Sapphire resort’s pools, other facilities, and private beach access.
There is a bedroom on each floor for added privacy, with two on the third floor. These top-level rooms have unoccluded views of the ocean, best enjoyed from the balcony or jacuzzi tub.
The Starfish Beach House$180/nightly avg
This charming wooden house on stilts is a reminder of how beach towns like South Padre Island used to be: simpler and more rustic, focused on sand and sun rather than ornate luxury. Development has served South Padre well but sometimes it’s best to keep it simple.
This cozy duplex has everything except for frills. It’s got a full kitchen, outdoor area, balcony, and two rooms, each with two beds. Best of all, it’s right on (not near!) the beach and welcomes pets.
To discover the best things to do while on South Padre Island, check out: