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When it involves Texas, vacationers are likely to hit up the massive cities deep into the guts of the Lone Star State.
While most vacationers in search of out seashore holidays goal Florida or California, the South is teeming with lesser-known coastlines able to wow you – Texas being one in every of them.
Well, so long as you skip Galveston’s Mississippi River-esque waters…
Sandwiched between Corpus Christi and the Mexican border lies a refreshingly welcoming hideaway whereas the world grapples with overtourism considerations.
In South Padre Island, you may discover pleasant locals, attractive seashores, and upscale resorts overlooking delicate sand and gleaming blue waters; therefore, it has been dubbed the ‘Cancun of Texas’, in keeping with Texas publication MySA.
Cancun Vibes In Texas?
There’s a cause, or dozens of them, why Cancun has change into Americans’ favourite seashore getaway.
To say there is a secret slice of Cancun inside Texas’ huge borders could be a shame to those that go to yr after yr, absorbing the solar in a world-renowned paradise.
But…that is to not say that this seashore city is not an superior spot to trip, particularly when in comparison with the aforementioned Galveston, the place the spotlight is the closest exit signal.
Unlike Cancun, you will not discover limitless resorts alongside the blinding white sand.
What you will see that is a choose few high-end resorts with far fewer crowds than Cancun’s resort swimming pools, elbow-to-elbow swim-up bars, and unpleasant retiree Speedos.
The excellent news is the meals scene remains to be nice, with a large scale starting from South-in-your-mouth barbecue to sinful Mexican eats, given South Padre’s close-to-the-border affect.
The seashores are really stunning too.
Just attempt to time your journey earlier than the Spring Break crowd takeover, which is probably the most aligned comparability to Cancun, together with plentiful enjoyable water excursions like dolphin tours.
Locals might let you know their seashores boast white sand. Again, it is Texas “white” beating out the Gulf’s infamous normal for subpar situations.
“Light” could be a greater description, however do not count on fairly what you see on a typical Cancun postcard.
South Padre’s Top Beachfront Hotels
Visiting South Padre Island with out reserving a pleasant resort, or on the very least a beachfront rental, is a disservice to the expertise right here.
Winter is a good time to plan a visit earlier than the spring crowds, and sure, South Padre does have an airport with connections from Houston and Dallas.
There are a number of acquainted names in South Padre’s cluster of upscale stays, amongst others you seemingly have not heard of earlier than however are nonetheless top-rated.
These are South Padres’ Top 5 beachfront accommodations, in keeping with TripAdvisor: (primarily based on ‘greatest worth’)
- Sand Rose Beach Resort (additionally a Travelers’ Choice favourite for 2024)
- Isla Grand Beach Resort
- Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
- Peninsula Island Resort & Spa
- My Sapphire South Padre
The surprises left off the checklist are a pair of unusual family names: Margaritaville and Holiday Inn, two of probably the most reasonably priced resorts you may discover.
You can rating Margaritaville charges below $100 this winter on Skyscanner – and do not forget to benefit from the resort’s unlimited coffee!
Sadly, the identical supply will not apply for margaritas. Time for a reputation change?
South Padre’s Newfound Fame
If South Padre has a declare to fame, it will be faculty children’ go-to Spring Break street journey vacation spot from quite a few faculty cities in Texas and neighboring states.
But as we flip the web page to 2025, South Padre has been hyped and awarded by quite a few publications, together with us, as an up-and-coming hotspot.
MySA additionally talked about South Padre was a four-time champ within the 2023 rendition of Texas Travel Awards, profitable the classes of:
- Destination of the Year
- Best ‘Small Market’ (Arts, Live Music, and Outdoor Activities)
- Best Beach
- Best Views (2024 winner too!)
More not too long ago, South Padre was additionally featured as one of the ‘charming Gulf Coast cities’ by World Atlas.
It might not fairly be Cancun-level, however South Padre has confirmed to be an superior trip for all ages and will not break the financial institution.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
