When riding in South Texas, you can’t miss planning a trip from Brownsville to South Padre Island. It’s a beautiful trip from the Gulf city on the Mexican border over the Queen Isabella Causeway to the island, where you can spend all day swimming at the beach, visiting fishing piers, hiking beach trails, and eating seafood at waterfront restaurants.
The Route
Take I-69 E north out of Brownsville. Exit at 10A to TX-550 Frontage Road. Turn left onto Paredes Line Road to TX-100 E in Los Fresnos. Take the 100 over the causeway to the island. Make a right on Padre Boulevard to head south to the jetty or take a left to head north toward restaurants, shopping, beaches, and more.
The Sights
See historical landmarks, wind farms, the causeway, and beaches on this ride from Brownsville to South Padre Island. Watch people on the slingshot ride at Gravity Park or stop for photos at the Port Isabel Lighthouse. With so much to see, the hour drive could easily become two hours—or a full day!—as you enjoy all that South Padre Island has to offer.
The Attractions
Before arriving on the island, stop at the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park on Paredes Line Road. The visitor center offers tours, and the grounds feature walking tours with posted informational plaques around the park.
The Port Isabel Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the Texas coast still open to the public for climbing. The 75 stairs can be daunting, but the views are well worth the climb. Stop by to stretch your legs for a bit.
Over the bridge and on the island, the attractions include art galleries, shopping, parks, historical landmarks, and more. Visit the South Padre Island Visitors Center for area maps and tourist guides.
If you have the kids or grandkids with you, visit the Beach Park at Isla Blanca for a cool day at the water park. The rides include slides, lazy river, wave rides, and more.
You might also want to visit Gravity Park with older kids or just enjoy the rides yourself. The park offers a giant reverse-bungee rider slingshot called The Rocket, the Skycoaster, a multi-level go-kart track, mini-golf, arcade, and a 60-foot Ferris Wheel, among others.
Don’t miss the sandcastles and sand art at the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the USA, next to South Padre Surf Shuttle.
The Eats
You’re sure to get hungry after a day in the sun at the beach. For breakfast or brunch, don’t miss a visit to Yummies Bistro. Get all your breakfast classics, from fluffy eggs and mimosas to chicken and waffles.
Stop by the Seaside Bar & Grill on The Beach at the Holiday Inn Resort. Get delicious tacos, burgers, shrimp cocktails, and beach cocktails.
For coffee, ice cream, breakfast, and sandwiches, visit Café Karma. This cute coffee shop offers an assortment of custom coffee drinks, hearty sandwiches, and delicious pastries.
Finally, don’t miss a visit to the Padre Island Brewing Co. restaurant. Pair one of their lagers or ales with a burger, pizza, appetizers, or seafood. Don’t miss out on their desserts!
Call Our Motorcycle Lawyers at Law Tigers for Motorcycle Law in South Texas
You can’t miss a trip from Brownsville to South Padre Island the next time you’re in South Texas. Although the ride isn’t long, the sights and attractions make planning a day on the island well worth the detour. Just be sure to pack your swimsuit and extra sunblock.
If you need help with motorcycle law after a bike accident, call us at Law Tigers. We’re attorneys who ride, and we represent bikers across the U.S. to help fight for appropriate compensation for injuries. Call 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation with us at Law Tigers.
