Known for sprawling sandy beaches, glistening turquoise water, endless sunshine, and picturesque landscapes, South Padre Island is a perfect getaway for a tropical vacation. The gorgeous town, located off the southern coast of Texas, offers breathtaking vistas of Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Birders can enjoy bird-watching tours at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Marine reptiles of all species await animal lovers at Sea Turtle. Laguna Madre Nature Trail is where wildlife enthusiasts can spot alligators, diverse fauna, and more than 300 species of birds.
Head to Beach Park At Isla Blanca at night to enjoy high-end dining and relax after a long day of exploration. The beach town features many unique places to stay, ranging from upscale boutique hotels to laid-back holiday homes. Here are the top cool and unusual hotels in South Padre Island, Texas (in no particular order)...
1. Isla Grand Beach Resort – one of South Padre Island’s most popular beachfront resorts providing guests with a funky, classic and contemporary stay
Spanning 10 beachfront acres lined with palm trees, Isla Grand Beach Resort offers accommodation in genteel rooms equipped with all modern amenities, including minifridges, cable TV, and terraces or balconies. Book a two-bedroom condo to enjoy advanced amenities like separate kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms.
Guests can revel in mesmerizing water views from their balconies and enjoy a myriad of on-site amenities, including two outdoor pools, a hot tub, two restaurants, two ballrooms, three bars, a nightclub, and a cafe.
With Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park located just a mile away, Isla Grand Beach Resort is within walking distance of many local attractions.
Address: 500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
2. La Copa Inn Beach Hotel – a family-friendly, contemporary and tropical-chic hotel steps away from the ocean
A relaxed, beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms, a gym, an outdoor pool, a casual bar and grill, and a cozy cafe. Unassuming rooms at La Copa Inn Beach Hotel offer flat-screen TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, and mini-fridges. Suites come with extra bedrooms and whirlpool tubs.
Complimentary amenities include a free hot breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelets. Guests have access to a private beach area; umbrellas and beach chairs are provided for a fee.
Located a mile from Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, La Copa Inn Beach Hotel is a perfect, family-friendly destination with so much to do nearby.
Address: 350 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
3. Saida – a dog-friendly, beautiful and cool accommodation well equipped for a great family vacation
Located less than a mile from South Padre Island Beach, Saida offers a home-like stay with resort-like amenities. One- to two-bedroom apartments at Saida are outfitted with private balconies, seating areas, fully functional kitchenettes, living rooms, flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms with hot tubs.
Communal amenities include a picnic area, a garden, an outdoor dining area, a tennis court, and a year-round swimming pool. Guests can enjoy horse riding, snorkeling, windsurfing, mini golf, cycling, and many other activities nearby.
Address: 404 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
4. Upper Deck Hotel and Bar – Adults Only – a vibrant, tropical themed and unique accommodation featuring a pool, hot tub and two bars
An artless, adults-only hotel located on East Atol Street, a short walk from the beach and the exciting rides of Gravity Park. No-frills rooms at the hotel have a homey ambiance and offer all basic amenities. Some rooms have separate sitting areas with pull-out sofas.
Enjoy a freshly prepared meal at the on-site restaurant. Guests also have access to a deck with sun loungers, a hot tub, and an outdoor pool. This cool hotel in South Padre Island only welcomes guests aged 18 and older.
Address: 120 E Atol St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
5. Suites at Sunchase – an elegant, modern boutique accommodation within walking distance of restaurants and shopping
With a gorgeous location on the Gulf Coast, Suites at Sunchase offers a well-balanced combination of elegance and comfort. Streamlined suites at the 3-star hotel feature well-equipped kitchenettes, seating areas with pull-out sofas, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels.
The all-suite hotel offers a range of on-site amenities, including a casual cafe, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, free parking, and a business center. While staying at this beautiful boutique resort, you’ll be within a short drive from Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.
Address: 1004 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
6. Breathtaking Bay View, Beachfront resort, family-friendly, shared pools – an upscale, trendy and bright accommodation providing guests with spectacular views of the bay
Enjoy high-end amenities like two oversized pools at this stunning oceanfront property in South Padre Island. Offering picturesque views of the bay, the 8th-floor condo has a tasteful interior with modern furnishings.
With three bedrooms, a refined living room, an immaculate kitchen, and a furnished oceanfront patio, this property offers a splendid lodging experience. Located less than a mile from Andy Bowie Park, the property is close to some of South Padre Island’s famous attractions, including Sea Turtle Inc, Laguna Madre Nature Trail, and South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
7. Moon Dancer Condominiums – a charming, stylish and upscale accommodation with a private patio and BBQing facilities
A stylish condo with two thoughtfully appointed two-bedroom apartments, one of which has a separate living room with a sofa bed. Each unit comes with air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom.
The apartment without a living room has large double beds in both rooms and can sleep up to four people, while the apartment with a living room can sleep up to 6 people. Free Wi-Fi and flat-screens are available in both units.
Located less than a mile from South Padre Island Beach, Moon Dancer Condominiums provide easy access to Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.
8. Beach House #0229 – an Instagrammable, hip and fun accommodation in close proximity to popular attractions, perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
A colorful holiday home with four bedrooms, a well-appointed living room, a fully equipped kitchen, an adjoining dining area, three bathrooms, a laundry, a courtyard, a furnished terrace, and a patio. The pet-friendly property also has a swimming pool with a hot tub.
Each bedroom features either a large double bed or two single beds or both. Sleeping up to 9 people, Beach House #0229 is ideal for family vacations. It is less than two miles from South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, Sea Turtle Inc, and Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark.
9. Hibiscus Hideaway 208 – a bright, spacious and contemporary accommodation featuring a garden and private pool
A delightful propertyconveniently located less than a mile from South Padre Island Beach. There are beautifully appointed bedrooms with large double beds, three bathrooms, a spacious living room, a small kitchen with a breakfast bar, an adjoining dining room, and a furnished terrace.
Popular attractions near the holiday home include South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, Andy Bowie Park, and Sea Turtle Inc.
10. Cozy condo at the Tiki complex with private beach access – a cute, beautiful and pet-friendly accommodation perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway
An unfussy, two-bedroom holiday home with a minimalist vibe, located a few minutes from South Padre Island Beach. With double beds in both bedrooms, the property can accommodate up to 4 people.
There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a small living room, a dining area with seating for four, a furnished terrace, a bathroom, and a laundry.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center and Andie Bowie Park are within a short walk from the property.
Address: 6608 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.
