One foot on South Padre Island and you know why it is becoming a preferred destination for Winter Texans from all across America. Things can't get any more tropical in Texas than on this 30-mile long barrier island just off the coast of the tip of Texas. With some of the most beautiful sunsets in America, South Padre Island offers a comfortable winter climate with temperatures rarely, if ever, reaching the freezing mark. Fishing, sailing, beach combing, long walks on a deserted beach - these are but a few of the favorite activities for winter visitors. Also noted for it's very active spring break season, South Padre offers a little bit of everything for just about everyone in the family. Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark offers a great watery theme park adventure for all ages. Also of interest is the new Beachcomber's Museum and the Dolphin Research Center, favorite stops for visitors to the island. With 33-miles of pristine beach, the Gulf side of the island offers plenty of water and water-related sports. Surfing, sailboarding, kiteboarding, parasailing, and wave running are just a few of the activities available along the beach. The Laguna Madre borders the western edge of the island and is also a pristine and unique ecologivcal zone that offers habitat to wildlife of every kind. From beach volleyball tournaments at Boomerang Billie's, to farkle tourneys at Louie's Backyard, there are plenty of activities for visitors year round. The island is home to the U.S. Coast Guard with a regional base located on the island's southern end. Pan American University also operates the Coastal Studies Laboratory on the island, a fully equiped research center for marine and coastal studies. The lab is open to the public select days of the week. Cameron County Parks Department operates a number of beach and park facilities on the island, some including public boat ramps. Isla Blanca County Park and Andy Bowie County Park are two of the local favorites. If angling is youtr thing, you'll find plenty of opportunity to wet a line on one of several public piers on the island. Most piers charge a nominal fee for useage. There are also plenty of bay fishing and off-shore fishing guides and charter services available all across the island and in nearby Port Isabel. The South Padre Island Golf Club is located nearby on the mainland in Laguna Vista offering a challenging 18-hole course for skilled golfers and beginners alike. Connect below to South Padre Island Resources for winter visitors and get to know this rare region - one of the best kept secrets in Texas!