Hi Ellen, One of the first buildings constructed at Tarpon Beach in 1908, (Today’s Isla Blanca Park) the Casino Hotel (AKA the Gulf side Hotel) was only open for a short period before disaster struck.

The central part of the island is preserved in a natural wild state as Padre Island National Seashore and part of the lower island is protected as part of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Since 1964, the island has been divided by the artificial Port Mansfield Channel.

The town is located on South Padre Island, a barrier island along the Texas Gulf Coast accessible via the Queen Isabella Causeway from the town of Port Isabel. South Padre Island is named after José Nicolás Ballí (Padre Ballí), a Catholic priest and settler.

Padre Island, barrier island, 113 miles (182 km) long and up to 3 miles (5 km) wide, lying in the Gulf of Mexico along the southeastern coast of Texas, U.S. It extends south from Corpus Christi to Port Isabel, just north of the Mexican border, and is separated from the mainland by Laguna Madre (part of the Intracoastal …

Gulf waters are tested annually and South Padre Island regularly rates among the safest, cleanest water. The water is clearer, warmer, and calmer than other beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Labeled among “the cleanest water in the country.” All of South Padre Island’s city beaches are easily accessible on foot.

South Padre Island is definitely one of those destinations. After spending four days there, I concluded that not only is it a great destination for people who love the heat and the outdoors, but it’s also a year-round destination that can appeal to everyone from Spring Breakers to families with kids.

Why Go To South Padre Island But there’s more to SPI than beach revelry. That’s because South Padre, or SPI, delivers with wide sandy beaches, sparkling blue water and a mixture of fun activities for kids of all ages.