Ultimate Guide to the South Padre Island Beaches

Grab a beach towel, tube of sunscreen and umbrella because the South Padre Island beaches are places you won't want to miss visiting! They have gorgeous sand and plenty of space for you and your family to make sandcastles. Check out our list of the best beaches in the area down below. 

Andy Bowie County Park

Address: 7300 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $12 parking fee
Distance from South Padre Island Escapes: 5-minute drive

The beach at Andy Bowie County Park is clean and pristine, making it a wonderful place to sun tan with your significant other. If you're looking for a beautiful backdrop to a photograph, camp overnight at the park and watch the sunset. The beach is dog-friendly. Some of the facilities at Andy Bowie County Park include:
  • Picnic pavilions
  • BBQ areas
  • Rental and food concessions
  • Fishing and swimming areas
  • Restrooms
  • Showers

"$12 entrance fee but well worth it for me and my family. We haven't been able to come to the beach for a long time since my mother is in a wheelchair, but this has great access AND was practically empty compared to other areas. We had so much fun and will definitely keep coming here from now on."
Crystal Vargas from Google Reviews

Edwin King Atwood Park

Address: 27159 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX
Hours: 24/7
Cost: $14 entry
Distance away: 10-minute drive

Dip into the cool, nice water of the Gulf of Mexico at Edwin King Atwood Park's beach. The clean beach has plenty of space for you and your children to play and make memories together. Bring lunch and have a picnic right on the beach or at the park's pavilion. Some of the facilities at Edwin King Atwood Park include:
  • Pavilion with picnic tables
  • Parking area
  • Restrooms
  • Boardwalk


"South Padre Island Beach is the most beautiful place! You can walk or drive the shoreline for miles and it's not over crowded! On South Padre Island the beaches are all open white sand and they run for miles and miles. It's just amazing and relaxing. The sunsets are so beautiful!"
Karen Furr from Google Reviews

Isla Blanca Beach

Address: Channel View Rd, South Padre Island, Texas
Hours: 24/7
Free: No
Distance from us: 10-minute drive

Isla Blanca Beach is one of the best beaches in South Padre Island to go kiteboarding, surfing and kayaking. Many people went to this beach to watch a SpaceX rocket get launched. At the end of the beach, you'll find an island tower that's a popular fishing spot. 

" I love this beach. My kids had so much fun playing in the soft sand. perfect for seeing and hearing the space x rockets! Black sea shells, dolphins and pelicans. Nice and clean!"
Britney Fuqua from Google Reviews

Thrive Beach

Address: 21040 Ocean Blvd, South Padre Island, TX
Hours: 24/7
Distance away: 15-minute drive

A popular beach for people to drive their cars across, Thrive Beach is a fun beach that people love to use to find sea shells. This beach is less visited compared to the other beaches.

" I love this beach. My kids had so much fun playing in the soft sand. perfect for seeing and hearing the space x rockets! Black sea shells, dolphins and pelicans. Nice and clean!"
Britney Fuqua from Google Reviews

Book your stay with one of our vacation rentals 

If you're looking for well-managed, large accommodations, then stay with South Padre Island Escapes. We're only a short drive away from the best beaches in South Padre Island, Texas. Book your stay with us today!
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