Hello Chitown!

Wow, what a drive. MO is still very far from Corpus Christi, and even further from SPI. However, SPI is just 3-4 hours from Corpus Christi. Is it worth the drive from Corpus? Well, it depends on how long you plan to stay in South Texas.

Some tips: South Padre Island IS the best of the two. It has better beaches, better accomodations, better restuarants and, in my opinion, friendlier people. However, I love both towns!

Corpus is closer to the major cities and more things to do, but SPI....it's just in the smack middle of nowhere. It's an island's, island. To get there, you need to first bypass the nation's largest ranch...over 75 miles of nothing but cattle and mesquite trees. Not the most scenic drive, but it is unspoiled land that is easy to relax to.

If you have any questions, let me know. I live 10 miles south of SPI. Email is: skunker@gmail.com

Good luck.

P.S> If you want peace and tranquility, you need to avoid the months of March - April. That is Spring Break week down here.

Dear ChiTown,

While it's true that SPI has a fabulous beach and is lined with hotels, you may not find the extra driving time worthwhile. Corpus Christi has easy access to both Padre and Mustang Island beaches as well as Corpus Christi beach. If you are a surfer you would benefit from driving on to SPI as the surfing is definitely better there, however, there are distinct advantages, in my opinion, to visiting Corpus Christi. For example, there is horseback riding on the beach at Mustang island, parasailing at Port Aransas, Dolphin boats and birding excursions at Rockport, the endangered whooping cranes at Austwell on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the Texas state aquarium, the Lexington aircraft carrier museum, sailing yacht charters, the replica Columbus fleet,pedal cars along the seawall, deep sea fishing, lagoon fishing, the King Ranch nearby and, of course, lots of good seafood and fabulous Tex-Mex food. For economical family lodging right on the beach I would recommend the Villa Del Sol Hotel. If you want the best Corpus Christi has to offer in lodging stay at The George Blucher House Bed and Breakfast Inn-see their website or view their recommendations on Tripadvisor.

Have a safe trip, wherever you choose to go in Texas!

UHIT

Thank you guys very much. I think I will stick to Corpus. I don't like the fact that S. Padre is in the middle of nowhere, coming from Chicago and all. I like to be around people and buildings and more of a metropolitan area. I am glad that their is alot to do there as well.

Thanks again yall.

Good decision. Lets sum it up like this:

-If you are going just for the ISLAND and the solitude, then SPI is the best of the two.

-If you are going for the island AND things to see and do (museums, proximity to metro cities, etc) then Corpus is the place.

Both towns are very laid back, can't go wrong if you need to relax.

Yes! It is worth driving to South Padre Island, Texas!!!! No, they don't even compare!! You do not want to go to Corpus Christi, Texas. Not only is the water filthy, it is filled with jellyfish! I have family who lives there and that's the only reason I go there. Now SPI, Texas is beautiful!!! The water is perfect to swim in and there are tons of seashells and plenty of places to shop!! I highly recommend it!!!

My family and I are driving to SPI next week from St Louis MO. Yes, it's a very long drive, but well worth it! There is a lot to do there including horseback riding on the beach, fishing charters, dune buggy rentals, great restaurants and beautiful beaches. There is also plenty of nightlife. Mexico is less than an hour away and tours are available....I like the shopping, myself. This will be our 3rd trip there. What's and extra 3 1/2 hours? Life is short......live it to the fullest!

Midwesttravler, you hit the nail on the head. Good post.

I have never heard anyone complain about SPI. Worth the drive.

No offense, but I think you're nuts for driving from Missouri to ANY beach in Texas. The Gulf of Mexico along the Texas coast is filthy, nobody in their right mind swims in it, especially from Oct-March when it is COLD. The only good thing about the Gulf is the bay and deep-sea fishing, especially around Port Aransas (Corpus Christi area). I'm pretty familiar with the Michigan side of Lake Michigan and the beaches, dunes, etc. are ALL FAR superior to any beach in Texas. You will be very disappointed in the beaches down here. Save the time and expense and explore around the lake you live near or go the Florida panhandle.

Obviously someone has only been to Galveston:)

It's a long boring drive from Corpus to South Padre. While the beaches are nice, that's about all there is...beaches and hotels. If it's warm and you plan to lay out on the beach, then south padre is nice - otherwise, I'd save the drive and hang out in CC. There's plenty to do including the state aquarium, museums, fishing excursions, the USS Lexington museum, lots of restaurants and great seafood, shopping. Also, just a short drive up Mustang Island from Corpus is Port Aransas, a small charming beach town comparable (better, I think) to south padre and not near as far.

Have a fun and safe trip!