Budget-Friendly Things to Do in South Padre Island
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in South Padre Island
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in South Padre Island
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Traveler rating
Good for
35 places sorted by traveler favorites
Historic Walking Areas • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Piers & Boardwalks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours
Surfing & Windsurfing • Stand Up Paddleboarding
Waterskiing & Jetskiing • Gear Rentals
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours
Showing results 1-30 of 35
What travelers are saying
- Nancy C1 contributionI loved seeing what private enterprise and love of turtles has created here in SPI. I am a turtle lover after spending eleven years with the Share the Beach turtle program in the state of Alabama. They have done a terrific job here with the turtle hospital. It shows how one person who really cared made such a difference in the lives of many turtles and visitors alike.Written March 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wanda cmichigan53 contributionsYou can spend an hour or many hours here. Just depends on how much you enjoy checking out the many birds you will see here. We spend several hours walking around the area and saw lots of different birds. It was a peaceful relaxing day. I would go back as I am sure each time would see different birds and wildlife.Written March 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rob H2 contributionsThe boardwalk is right through the marshland and the gulf shore so you get to see all kinds of birds from pelicans to scissor tailed fly catchers. There are some strategically placed covered areas where you can sit and soak it in. In addition to birds of all kinds we also saw turtles, fish and an alligator. Great place to spend 2 -3 hours with binoculars or a telephoto lens camera. It is also free and can be accessed from the convention center parking lot.Written March 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- fmaldo0613Austin, TX6 contributionsWe went from 19th to 24th and totally missed the crowds. Last beach access was our preferred option. Beautiful and peaceful.Written April 27, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mimi DOverland Park, KS90 contributionsWished it was a bit bigger as it only took us about 10 minutes if even to walk along the path to view the sand sculptures. However, they were all very neat to see. Free event and they only ask for donations.Written March 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Linda P1 contributionI love this place for day visits to the beach. I am a little disappointed that as I Canadian Veteran who served alongside US Forces in Afghanistan, I am not provided the same discount as our American counterparts. We can fight and die together but can't get a discount at this park.Written March 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- romanpiekoszChicago, IL8,688 contributionsIt was very hot day. After the dinner we've decided to take a walk. We've picked the Pier because of great refreshing breeze coming off the water. It helped us "to stay alive" after really hot day. We saw many people with fishing sticks. There were also people cleaning big fish caught far off the shore. We had very nice time. We took a walk for an hour going from one end to the other of the pier.
I recommend this place.
RomanPWritten August 2, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Roberta BCibolo, TX138 contributionsIt’s a 3 sided mural of dolphins and killer whales. It’s part of the convention center. Park by the wall and take the nature trail to get a view of Laguna Madre. Both are free.Written June 11, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wanda cmichigan53 contributionsThis Beach is clean and even when it has lots of people on it very relaxing. They have so many unharmed shells no pits lots are even whole.Written March 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Melanie TWisner, NE15 contributionsVisited for SPI Market. Great venue--plenty of space. Nice nature trail adjacent to the facility, which was good since my husband was done going through the market an hour before anyone else in our group. Walking on the nature trail gave him something to do while he waited for everyone else.Written January 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Peachie59Waterloo, NY114 contributionsNice small group of vendors. It may be because it's still February. Everyone there was super nice and of coarse eager to sell to you. The only reason for 4 stars is that it's way to short, 11am to 1pm.Written February 24, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Terry C24 contributionsGreat place to learn about coastal biology in the area and the research that is being conducted there.Written March 7, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jamiebratberg1 contributionJeremiah was awesome! He was great teaching my kids how to build a sand castle. My kids had a great time!Written March 10, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lori A7 contributionsTook the sunset ride. Group consisted of a 44 yo, two 15 yo girls, and a 12 yo. All of us had a wonderful time. James and Alphonso were very friendly and made a point of making sure everyone was having good time. Would highly recommend for any level of rider.Written March 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BRWColoradoColorado2 contributionsJust got a wonderful relaxing massage from Marc. I’m planning on another before we leave SPI. Happy I found this place.Written February 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
