South Padre Island, Beach resort town in Cameron County, Texas, United States
South Padre Island is a narrow barrier island off the Texas coast that stretches for six miles along the Gulf of Mexico and is separated from the mainland by the Laguna Madre. The entire eastern side consists of continuous sandy beach, while the western side forms calm bays and canals where boats and kayaks move through.
Priest Jose Nicolas Balli established a cattle ranch here in the early 1800s, giving the island its name and operating until the mid-century. The settlement developed into a beach resort only after World War II, when the bridge to the mainland made access easier.
During winter months, retirees from northern states arrive to spend warmer weeks here, and many local businesses adjust their hours to welcome these seasonal visitors. These Winter Texans shape island life from November through March, when the population temporarily doubles.
The Queen Isabella Causeway connects the island to Port Isabel on the mainland and serves as the only road link visitors use to arrive. Parking spots along the beach sections fill quickly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early helps.
The Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark sits right on the beach and combines classic water slides with access to the ocean, allowing visitors to move between pools and waves. The subtropical climate permits operation during most of the year.
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