South Padre Island Beaches, where the sands meet the sea under an endless Texas sky, have a rich history steeped in beauty and adventure. Located at the southern tip of Texas, these shores have long drawn adventurers, treasure seekers, explorers, and nature lovers.
Once the home of the indigenous Coahuiltecan people, South Padre Island’s beaches have witnessed thousands of years of human history. Spanish explorers arrived here in the 16th century, and pirates sought refuge in the island’s secluded coves.
Today, South Padre Island’s beaches are famous not only for their history but also for their breathtaking beauty. Step onto the powdery sand and let the soothing sound of the waves wash over you. Take a dip in the water or ride the surf. Spot a dolphin leaping playfully on the waves or a brown pelican swooping to catch fish. South Padre Island beaches invite all visitors to bask in the warm sun, explore the diverse wildlife, and create unforgettable memories.
How did we research this post? Most information in this article comes from our several visits to South Padre Island as well as information shared by our readers on social channels. Use the Table of Contents guide to navigate the post.
Best South Padre Island Beaches
South Padre Island is 34 miles long and has as many miles of coastline with spectacular beaches. The city beaches are located on the south side and have more amenities nearby while the county beaches are remote, on the northern end of the island – plus allow beach driving. All beaches north from Clayton’s Beach Bar are county beaches.
In my opinion, the island is, essentially, one long spectacular public beach that you can (mostly) walk on from end to end. Very few wet areas of the beach are private, providing uninterrupted access. Go to the very north and you will find a primitive sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes in all directions.
Additionally, South Padre Island has 25 named beach accesses located along Gulf Blvd which is parallel to Padre Blvd, the Main Street equivalent of the island. These are perfect for those who are looking for a short walk from the parking lot to the beach and wanting plenty of amenities like beach umbrellas and showers.
You can find a detailed map of all beach accesses along with photos here.
Playa Blanca Beach
Playa Blanca Beach, located within Isla Blanca Beach Park, on south end is the best beach on South Padre Island. It has pretty turquoise green water and soft pillowy white sand. The beach boardwalk is a perfect spot for taking a stroll while admiring views of the Gulf.
While we usually check out 2-3 beaches on the island on every visit, this is the beach we love to come back to every time!
The beach is known for its expansive stretches of sand, providing ample space for sunbathing, sandcastle building, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. Water sports are also a popular activity, with the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico providing an ideal environment for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Playa Blanca Beach is also an excellent location for bird-watching, often attracting various species of seagulls, pelicans, and terns. Facilities at Playa Blanca include picnic tables, restrooms, and outdoor showers for visitors’ convenience. The Cristo de Los Pescadores Statue located nearby is also worth a visit.
Andy Bowie County Park
Andy Bowie County Park, at County Beach Access #3, is one of the most popular beaches on South Padre Island. It is located across South Padre Island Convention Center. The beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and easy accessibility.
Parking is never a problem here with several parking lots within the park. Just in case, you arrive on a busy day – you can also park in the Convention center parking lot. The park is unique because it provides access to city beach as well as county beach. It is also the closest beach near SPI Birding and Nature Center.
This beach offers a mix of activities including swimming, sunbathing, driving on the beach, fishing, kayaking and even kiteboarding. This beach park is also popular for RV camping and even offers bayside fishing.
Sea Turtle Inc maintains a Sea Turtle Hatchery here and releases sea turtle hatchlings in the summer at the beach. Attending a sea turtle hatchling release is an incredible experience.
This park is a great place to go for stunning sunrises or sunsets. It also has picnic tables and restrooms available for visitors to use. The beach is well-maintained, making it a great spot for families with children. The park address is 7300 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597.
Edwin King Atwood Park Beach
Edwin King Atwood Park Beach is another great spot for visitors looking for a more secluded and peaceful beach experience. This scenic beach park is located near County Beach Access #5. This beach can be accessed by walking over the boardwalk entrance, biking, or driving on the sand.
Located in the northern part of South Padre Island, this beach offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The calm waters make it perfect for swimming and other water activities. The park is also popular for camping on the beach, right by the water’s edge.
The beach is also well-maintained, with clean sand and plenty of space to lounge or play games. This park also has a picnic tables, restrooms, and showers available for visitors to use. There’s also an ice-cream truck nearby, which is quite popular in the summer.
Overall, this beach is a great spot for a family outing on South Padre Island. You will also find that police frequently patrol this beach park at night – so be sure to follow all rules and laws.
Cameron County Beach Access #6
Cameron County Beach Access #6 is a hidden gem on South Padre Island, offering a less crowded and more secluded beach experience. It’s located at the northern tip of the island and is the last marked beach access. Visitors need to pay the access fee of $14 for this beach.
This beach is known for its beautiful views of the Gulf and its calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The sand here is also soft and clean, making it a great spot for lounging and building sandcastles.
You can drive on the sand but a 4WD truck is essential. We have seen several vehicles get stuck in the soft sand and needing to be towed away at an expensive rate. Also let some of the tire pressure out for the best traction.
Cameron County Beach Access #6 and the beach area up north is also great for fishing – you do need a fishing license though. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching, as many migratory birds make their way through the area.
Beach Access #4 – Beach Circle
Beach Access #4, also known as Beach Circle, is a popular spot for beachgoers looking for soft sand, seashells, and surf action. This beach can be accessed through the parking lot on Gulf Blvd. This beach access has limited parking, so it’s best to get there early in the day.
The soft sand is perfect for long walks or building sandcastles. The waves are also great for boogie boarding and surfing. You can even spot surfing classes in action here. You may even see some dolphins swimming by if you’re lucky!
Beach Access #6 Seaside Circle
Beach Access #6 Seaside Circle is another popular beach on South Padre Island. It’s a great spot for visitors to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.
This beach has easy access from the parking lot, making it convenient for families with young children or those with disabilities. The wide stretch of sand also offers plenty of space for activities like beach volleyball, frisbee, and sandcastle building.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also rent a jet ski or go parasailing at this beach. The calm waters make it perfect for these types of water sports.
There are also restrooms and outdoor showers available for visitors to use. This beach is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.
Beach Access #9 Bluewater Circle
Beach Access #9 Bluewater Circle is located at 3000 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597. This beach access point is nice to visit on a quiet weekend. This beach is popular for 1 reason – sandcastles!
Sandcastle Lessons by Andy Hancock are held on this beach access. These lessons are usually held early morning to avoid the crowds. These lessons are a great way to learn how to take your sandcastle-making skills to the next level.
The beach itself is also beautiful, with soft sand and calm waters. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing or just taking a walk on the beach to admire the scenery. There are also some picnic tables available for use.
Beach Access #16 – Neptune Circle
Beach Access #16, also known as Neptune Circle, is another hidden gem on South Padre Island. This beach offers a nice escape from the more crowded beaches on the island. While the beach is not the widest here, the views more than make up for it.
Another perk of this beach is its proximity to some great restaurants and shops on South Padre Island. So after a day of beach fun, you can head over to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.
This beach is located at the end of a cul-de-sac neighborhood and can be accessed by walking down a short set of stairs over the dunes. The location makes it perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. The beach is also great for swimming, with crystal clear water and gentle waves.
White Sands Street Beach Access
For visitors looking for a more lively and bustling beach experience, White Sands Street Beach Access is the place to go. This beach is located near the center of South Padre Island, making it easily accessible to many hotels and restaurants in the area.
Most famous South Padre restaurants such as Bar Louie, Clayton’s Beach Bar, and Barry’s Beach Bar are located here. This beach is also perfect to watch the fireworks at Clayton’s during the summer.
This beach offers something for everyone – from stunning views of the ocean and jet skis rides to parasailing and banana boat rides. There are also numerous beach volleyball courts, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The beach is well-maintained with clean sand and clear water perfect for swimming and other water activities. Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables are also available for visitors to use. This beach can get crowded during peak season, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot.
Additionally, this beach is also known for its lively atmosphere at night, with many beach bars and restaurants nearby offering live music and entertainment. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze after a fun day at the beach.
The beach has plenty of parking spots along White Sands St.
Fantasy Circle Beach Access
Fantasy Circle Beach , close to White Sands area, is my favorite underrated beach spot on South Padre Island. It has a few parking spots as well as a bike rack plus portable restrooms. You can see the green blue water from the access road itself, the white beach calling out, ‘Come, play!’
The beach here is wider than most on South Padre Island and perfect for kite flying. The winds are strong enough to get your kite soaring high in the sky. You can also try paddleboarding at this beach, with calm waters and beautiful scenery.
Fantasy Circle Beach is also a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset, as it offers unobstructed views of the horizon. The beach is usually less crowded, making it a peaceful and relaxing spot to spend the day.
Harbor Beach (Beach Access #1)
Harbor Beach, also known as Beach Access #1, is a great point to enter the beach. This beach offers calm waters perfect for families with children. It has a small parking lot with two open-air showers. The beach does not have bathrooms or picnic tables.
From the parking lot, you will take a wooden boardwalk walkway to the beach. There you will be greeted by a long stretch of fluffy soft sand and clean Gulf water. The location of this beach also makes it ideal for fishing and birdwatching.
Beach Access #3 – Gulf Circle
Gulf Circle Beach Access has everything – easy access, clean beach, free bathrooms and showers, plenty of umbrella rentals! The beach has 10-12 parking spots and is less crowded than most. The beach has a good amount of space to set up for the day without feeling too close to others.
This beach also offers some great views of the South Padre Island skyline. It’s a great spot for taking photos or simply admiring the beauty of the island. While swimming and lounging on the beach are popular activities here, you can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the calm waters.
County Beach Access #4
Beach Access 4 is another one of the must-visit beaches on South Padre Island. This beach in South Padre Island offers plenty of parking and easy access to the shoreline. It is located near South Padre Island Equestrian Centre, which offers horseback rides on the beach.
This beach is known for its crystal clear water, soft sand, and breathtaking views of the Gulf. Beach Access 4 is also known for its amazing sunsets, making it a popular spot for romantic walks on the beach. The beach is accessible via a boardwalk trail.
Related Post: 22 Romantic Things to do on South Padre Island, Texas
One unique feature of Beach Access 4 is the presence of sand dunes along the shoreline. These dunes provide a natural barrier and create a more secluded and private beach experience for visitors.
The dunes are also a sea turtle nesting habitat, so stay out of the dunes as well as keep an eye out for sea turtle eggs or hatchlings during the season and report if you see any. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatching, as many seabirds can be seen nesting in the area.
Treasure Island Circle Beach
Treasure Island Circle Beach or Beach Access 11 is our top favorite South Padre beach. The beach itself is beautiful and clean, with low crowds on weekdays and refreshing water. The walkway to the beach has matting to accommodate wheelchairs / strollers.
This beach access point offers a variety of amenities, including benches, a shower, covered picnic tables, and separate men and women’s bathrooms. There are also $20-30 beach umbrella rentals available nearby.
The only issue this beach has is the parking. Parking spots are limited so it is best to arrive early – if you arrive later in the day, you will need to drive around for a spot.
Surf Circle Beach Access #7
The Surf Circle Beach Access is located adjacent to the Coco Beach Hotel in the central part of the island. This beach is a great spot for those looking for a more relaxed and quieter beach experience.
This beach offers plenty of space to spread out, making it perfect for families with children. It also has clean restrooms and showers available for visitors to use. The water at this beach tends to be calmer, making it a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking.
UFO Beach
UFO Beach, fondly named due to its isolated location on north side of the island and uniquely shaped colorful structure resembling an UFO, is a hidden gem located on South Padre Island. Known for its untouched sand dunes and crystal-clear waters, it is a destination of choice for many beach lovers.
To reach UFO beach, from Padre Boulevard, you’ll need to head northbound towards mile marker 06. As the paved roads ends and gives way to sandy trails, continue for approximately another 8 miles, keeping an eye out for a large, UFO-shaped object — a distinctive landmark signaling you’ve arrived at your secluded paradise.
Off course, this is not an UFO – but a saucer shaped ocean buoy that washed up on the shore during a devastating hurricane. On it, you will find colorful graffiti as well as a sign proclaiming it’s a ‘Nude Beach’. Yes, these exist in Texas!
This beach in Cameron County is particularly noted as a clothing-optional beach, where visitors can embrace nature in its purest form. The seclusion and privacy offered here make it a perfect spot for those who prefer to sunbathe and swim sans attire. However, be mindful of others when visiting, and always respect individual comfort levels and personal space.
Sea Shell Beach
Sea Shell Beach, as the name suggests, is famous for its abundance of sea shells and is one of the most gorgeous beaches on South Padre Island. It’s located on the north side of the island near the majestic sand dunes, past South Padre Island Adventure Park.
Sea Shell Beach typically has low crowds, offering an ideal spot for those desiring a peaceful beach experience. This beach is good for families to spend a day and let the kids play on the sand. The water is also quite shallow, making it safe for all ages.
The shelling is quite excellent here, so make sure to bring a bucket and gather some souvenirs while enjoying the Gulf views. The sunsets here are also breathtaking, creating a perfect end to a day at Sea Shell Beach.
You will need to drive over the sand to reach this free beach. Or you can park at the end of the paved road and walk over dunes for 8 to 10 minutes to the beach.
Other popular South Padre beaches include Sea Island Circle (Beach Access #5), Thrive Beach on the north side, and Beach Access #2.
Stretching for miles along the coastline, the beaches of South Padre Island offer a memorable tropical vacation. Families build sandcastles and bask in the sun, beachcombers collect seashells, and anglers cast their lines from the surf. Kiteboarders and windsurfers harness the Gulf’s steady breezes for thrilling rides across the waves.
As the sun begins its descent, South Padre Island’s beaches transform into a canvas of vibrant colors. The sky ignites with shades of pink, orange, and purple, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It’s a daily spectacle of nature’s artistry that seldom leaves anyone unmoved.
What is your favorite South Padre Island beach? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!
More Things to do in South Padre Island
While the beaches are definitely a highlight of South Padre Island, there is more to do on this tropical paradise. Here are some other activities you can enjoy during your visit:
- Water sports: From jet skiing and parasailing to banana boat rides and stand-up paddleboarding, there are plenty of fun water activities to try out in South Padre Island.
- Dolphin watching: Take a boat tour and spot some of the playful dolphins that live in the waters around South Padre Island.
- Visit Sea Turtle, Inc.: This non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles. Visitors can tour their facilities and learn more about these amazing creatures.
- Explore South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center: Located just north of the Convention Center, this center offers an elevated boardwalk through a 50-acre nature preserve, allowing visitors to observe a variety of birds and wildlife.
- Check out the nightlife: South Padre Island has a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music venues to enjoy.
- Read our article on 40+ Beachy Things to Do in South Padre Island for more ideas and recommendations.
Best Texas Beaches and Beach Towns
South Padre Island is not the only beach destination in Texas. There are several other beautiful beaches and beach towns worth visiting, such as:
- Galveston: This coastal city boasts 32 miles of beaches and a charming historic district.
- Port Aransas: Located on Mustang Island, this laid-back beach town offers great fishing opportunities and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Corpus Christi: Known as the “sparkling city by the sea,” Corpus Christi has beautiful beaches, a lively marina, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
- Padre Island National Seashore: This undeveloped stretch of beach is a haven for wildlife and offers visitors a chance to experience nature in its purest form.
- Read our post on the 17 Best Texas Beaches for more information on these and other must-visit beach destinations in the Lone Star State.
So grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and head to South Padre Island for an unforgettable vacation full of sun, sand, and sea! And don’t forget to share your favorite moments with us using #EnchantingTexas on social media.