When you think of South Padre Island, Texas, you might immediately conjure images of spring breakers and party scenes. (Or if you’re a New Englander like myself you might be learning for the first time that Texas has tropical white sand beaches, period.) However, this sun-soaked destination on the Gulf of Mexico offers so much more, especially for families seeking a crowd-pleasing blend of relaxation, adventure, and wildlife encounters. Recently I embarked on a press trip to this Texas Gulf Coast gem. Little did I know I was in for a wild ride–and no, I’m not talking about tequila shots and beach parties. If you’ve got a budding naturalist on your hands, it turns out it’s well worth adding to the top of your travel list.
A beachfront haven: Margaritaville Beach Resort
Our home base for a couple days of sun-soaked adventure was the Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island . Situated right on the beach and an easy 20ish minute ride from the Brownsville airport, it’s an ideal choice for families. The rooms are spacious with balconies to enjoy the ocean view and full bath tubs which are always a plus when traveling with kids in tow. On the property you’ll find multiple heated pools and rentable cabanas to relax in while keeping an eye on splashing littles.
The on-site restaurants offer a variety of options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making mealtimes a breeze. And for any parent who can’t start their day without coffee, don’t worry. Joe Merchant’s Coffee is situated right off the lobby, serving up the fancy (or not so fancy) caffeinated must-haves from 6:30am-10pm. (I am a picky espresso over ice drinker and must say, theirs was really good!)
The resort’s location also means that the sound of the ocean and the feel of sand between your toes are just steps away from your room. With 86 degree water, calm waves and plenty of shells to hunt, I could have spent the entire day parked right on my beach chair, dipping in and out as the sun blazed overhead.
Sea Turtle Inc: Where conservation meets education
One of the most inspiring stops on our trip was Sea Turtle Inc , a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of sea turtles. Here, you get to see firsthand the incredible work they’re doing to protect some of the world’s most endangered turtle species, including the rarest of all, the local Kemp’s Ridley…