
From private beach access to swim-up bars, this is what dream vacations are made of.
Located less than 400 miles south of Houston, South Padre Island is the ultimate beach vacation. Some have called it “the Hamptons of Texas.” Between its gorgeous resorts, endless activities, wildlife viewing and great restaurants, South Padre Island is well worth the trip.
Since it’s not exactly a hop, skip and a jump from H-Town (or other major cities in Texas), you’ll definitely want to book a stay at a South Padre Island resort where you can enjoy your downtime. The only conundrum will be which one to select. From pristine swimming pools to private beach access to super fun activities for the kids, here are seven South Padre Island resorts that offer stellar amenities to make your next getaway great.

Isla Grand Beach Resort
Three words: private beach access. Isla Grand Beach Resort is 10 acres of paradise located at the southern section of the island. The pet-friendly resort has two swimming pools, hot tubs, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a fitness center and an outdoor burger grill, plus a coffee shop and evening entertainment with high-spirited performers in the Quarterdeck Lounge.
This family-friendly beachfront resort also has crab races every Wednesday night. Head to the Quarterdeck Lounge to cheer on the hermit crabs as they cross the finish line. And from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there’s no shortage of activities to keep kids splashing and smiling: water games, arts and crafts, volleyball, sand castle building and movies are all on tap.
You won’t find traditional rooms here—that’s because there are three types of cabana rooms (beachfront, beach view or pool and garden view) and two-bedroom high rise condominiums that accommodate up to six people.
Find it: Isla Grand Beach Resort, 500 Padre Blvd. South, South Padre Island, TX 78597; 800-292-7704
Sports | Jose Altuve to make long-awaited return to Astros this weekend
News | Texas House passes property tax bill despite GOP infighting
Culture | Houston’s Koelsch Gallery is a haven for art and fashion
Food | Inside the final mad days of Pappas at Houston’s Hobby Airport
Space | Scientists find eerie sound in the atmosphere they can’t explain
Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
This resort will put you in a Margaritaville state of mind when it opens this spring. The Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island will be another beachfront resort on South Padre Island that offers rest and relaxation.
On-site amenities include the St. Somewhere Spa, private balconies and dining and bar options such as Salty Rim Bar & Grill, a swim-up poolside bar that serves chill margaritas, draft brews, light bites and more. The resort is also pet-friendly, making it a perfect getaway when bringing Fido along for the trip.
Find it: Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island, 310 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597; 956-761-6551
Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island – Beach Front
The newly renovated guest rooms at the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island – Beach Front are nice and comfortable, but this South Padre Island resort’s top amenities are its swimming options. In addition to direct beach access to the Gulf of Mexico, one of the three pools has a swim-up bar and another one is heated.
Then there’s the fitness center, live entertainment, poolside movies, a cocktail lounge, on-site activities for kids and fresh seaside meals at the Seaside Bar & Grill to make your stay here even more memorable.
Find it: Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island – Beach Front, 100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597; 956-426-9066

Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island
Saltwater pool, anyone? At the Courtyard South Padre Island, you can take a dip in the saltwater pool or visit the fitness center to burn off the calories consumed from enjoying signature martinis at the resort’s popular beachfront hotspot Bar Louie.
Find it: Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island , 6700 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597; 956-433-0590
Peninsula Island Resort & Spa
Whether you stay at a deluxe, studio, one- two- or three-bedroom condo, the Peninsula Island Resort & Spa offers 10-foot ceilings, Brazilian furniture, large windows and partial Gulf views from each private balcony. But it’s the infinity pool that really makes this place shine.
Guest can also enjoy private beach access, an on-site restaurant, spa and wellness center.
Find it: Peninsula Island Resort & Spa, 340 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597; 956-761-2514

My Sapphire South Padre
For another condo option with cool amenities, consider My Sapphire, which offers units with beach and bay views. Other amenities include a teen game room, private wine room, movie theater, a day spa, fitness center with Cybex equipment, two large private swimming pools and private bungalows by the pools.
Find it: My Sapphire South Padre, 310A Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597; 956-761-2836

Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
Looking for a resort with great views? The Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront overlooks the Gulf and is also pet-friendly. The hotel offers beach access and an outdoor pool, plus a fitness center and On the Border, an on-site restaurant known for its Tex-Mex cuisine.
Some room rates include on-site food and beverages, making this an all-inclusive South Padre Island resort.
Find it: Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront, 7010 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597; 956-761-8700
Source: https://www.chron.com/life/travel/article/south-padre-island-resorts-17854013.php
Full credits to the owner of this article and photos.
Leave a Reply