After a long winter, the first signs of spring are always greeted with happiness, no matter where you live, but if you are ready for a taste of summer in your cold climate hometown, you might want to start planning an Easter getaway to South Padre Island. Offering temperatures that may climb up to 85 degrees, the sun will be shining down, and your Franke Rentals holiday hideaway will be offering comfortable adventures that will make you forget all about the uncomfortable weather you’ve been experiencing during the winter months. This guide to planning your Easter on South Padre Island getaway will bring a little sunshine to your seasonal sadness, giving you a little something extra to look forward to!
Building the Perfect Easter Basket
If traveling with children, they may be worried that the Easter Bunny won’t be able to find them, but after you tell them you have an in with the bunny himself, their minds will be put at ease. Of course, that is when your responsibilities begin, but don’t start worrying about packing a basket in your luggage; there are plenty of places you can pick up a basket, and all the goodies, during your South Padre Island vacation. And because you probably won’t want to drag the basket back across the miles, Dollar General, 4400 Padre Boulevard, will certainly be offering baskets inexpensive enough that you won’t feel bad about tossing them after their job is done and many of the goodies with which you may want to fill the baskets.
Sunrise Moments
If you were to stay home for this holiday, a sunrise service at your local church might have been one of your traditions, and it is a tradition you can carry on during your Easter escapades with us. Many of our churches will offer their own sunrise services, and they welcome everyone; Texans sure are a friendly bunch, in case you haven’t already noticed.
But maybe this is the year you want to do it a little differently, and if that’s the case, a sunrise walk along our sandy beaches can make all the difference in your celebration. There is a quiet serenity found in these pre-dawn moments, that time when the sky is still inky black and the waves are gentle. You can feel the chaos you carry in your brain begin to dissipate and the tattered edges of your soul begin to mend. All things are possible when the sun is rising over our South Padre Island beaches and the joy you feel at this moment may lead you into thinking Easter on SPI may be a new family tradition!
Hop on Back to the Beach
Although you may head back to your holiday hideaway for a couple more hours of sleep after the sun rises, warm temperatures, sunny skies, and your beach dreams will encourage you to come back for a day of fun and frolic in the surf. You don’t need us to tell you how to spend your time on the beach, you’ve been dreaming about this for so long that you probably have every minute planned out, but if you want to stick with some sort of Easter theme, we suggest packing ham sandwiches in the cooler you bring down from your rental.
Easter Brunch
There are some holiday traditions that are just too delicious to skip, which means you may be looking for Easter brunch, if you don’t want to prepare it yourself, that is! Many South Padre Island restaurants are going to be open, and many will be serving a holiday meal, including F&B SPI. For $55 per person, guests will enjoy a menu filled with fruit, bagels, omelets, pancakes and even a kids’ menu filled with THEIR favorite dishes. Delicious, filling, and expertly prepared, we look forward to Easter brunch at F&B and we know that it will be a highlight of your vacation experience as well.
Find Your Joy at Home with Franke Rentals
Our vacation rentals are designed to be an integral part of your South Padre Island experience, and as such, everything you do at home, you can do at home with us. Fully equipped kitchens are spacious and bright and will add joy to your cooking activities, and dining rooms will offer large tables, ensuring that all the goodies you fix will have space on the table with your plates and your people. State of the art televisions may rarely be turned on, but those holiday movies you love can be watched at any time, and even our smaller rentals will offer plenty of room for the Easter Bunny to hide those eggs. Reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today and enjoy an Easter that will shine brighter than all others!
If you have ever underestimated the costs attached to a vacation, being forced to sacrifice some of the items on your must see list simply due to lack of funds, you will understand the importance of budgeting correctly for travel journeys. Budgeting can be difficult, however, especially if you have never visited before, unaware of fees, admittance costs, and even some of the costs associated with top attractions. Fortunately, you have found your way to our Franke Rentals page and this guide to enjoying a South Padre vacation on a budget, helping prepare you for the expenses and the wonders that your Texas journey will bring you.
Naturally Beautiful
The beauty of South Padre Island’s natural side deserves to be celebrated and there are quite a few places that not just celebrate the wildlife and nature, but conserve and protect, charging minimal fees and utilizing the money they take in to help protect even better.
Sea Turtle, Inc, 6617 Padre Boulevard
Founded by a contemporary of Amelia Earhart, pilot Ila Fox Loetscher fell in love with sea turtles during a Mexican visit and dedicated her life to saving as many as she could, with Sea Turtle, Inc. being the end result. Costing $10 per person for adults 18+, $6 for Seniors and Military, $4 for children 5-17, and free for the tiniest travelers who are 4 and under, this worthy establishment will bring some of your most treasured memories.
South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary, 6801 Padre Boulevard
Built to protect the flora, fauna, and natural landscape of South Padre Island, this fantastic center educates the public as it protects nature’s most vulnerable creatures, and yes, that includes alligators. Open daily from 8 AM until 5 PM, ticket prices are similar to Sea Turtle, Inc, with adults paying $10 per person, students/military/seniors paying $8, and Children 4-12 paying $5. Also offering an adventure package that allows purchasers to take a photo with a baby gator and snake and binoculars can be rented for an additional $3 per set.
Water Adventures
The waters that surround our island home are maybe our biggest attraction and visitors often are reluctant to stray far from the sandy beaches, making these water adventures popular ones.
SPI Sessions, (956) 455-5238
When you dream about hanging ten on your South Padre Island vacation, SPI Sessions is the first place we recommend offering private lessons for $60 per person. If you already know how to surf, but didn’t bring your board, they also rent surfboards for $35.
The Original Dolphin Watch, (956) 761-4243
Dolphins are the friendliest creatures of the sea and watching them frolic is a year round activity that ranges in cost from $16.63 to $18.48 per person.
American Diving, 33256 State Park Road 100 #104
Ariel fans understand that life under the sea is a fascinating one, and when you want a closer peek, diving is the best way to do so. American Diving is a full-service dive center, offering training, certifications, and dive trips that will take enthusiasts to sunken ships and other artificial reefs. Costs for training start at $900.
Time to Dine
Now that you have explored a bit of what to expect during your stay on SPI, it is time to enjoy a taste of what we offer in our restaurants. The fully equipped kitchens in our Franke Rentals retreats will help you cut back on meal costs, but we encourage you to explore the epicurean landscape as well.
Cheap eats can be delicious with a visit to Coconut Jack’s, located at 2301 Laguna Boulevard and offering an extensive menu of seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and more, all falling into the $10 to $20 price range. Have a special occasion to celebrate? This is one time you don’t want skimp on good taste and Liam’s Steak House & Oyster Bar, located at 202 W Tarpon Street offers the perfect way to celebrate, just not an inexpensive way. Steaks, oysters, and a variety of other delicious dishes come with a price tag that ranges between $50 and $100 but trust us; you won’t regret the extra cost.
On Average
What we have shown you here is just a sample of the adventures you can enjoy during your South Padre Island journey, but the best is yet to come. We are, of course, talking about the comfortable adventures you will enjoy when you come home to Franke Rentals every night, perhaps even saving more money there as well. We’ve already discussed saving money by eating in a few times during your stay, especially as dining out can be the most expensive part of any vacation.
But did you know it is entirely possible that you can spend less on one of our SPI sanctuaries than you might on a hotel room? Offering comfort, luxury, style, and surprisingly reasonable rates, our properties will be the best part of your South Padre Island journey. Reserve your favorite today!
When it comes to the perfect coastal getaway, you cannot go wrong with a trip to South Padre Island. Our southern Texas locale is the amazing location you have been looking for all year long. You can expect a variety of exciting activities and attractions that can only be found here. Since we are on the coast, you can expect a rainy day or two anytime of the year. When that happens, fear not, as South Padre Island has plenty to check out indoors. Take a look at our favorite rainy day activities on South Padre Island:
Visit Sea Turtle Inc.
When it comes to checking out local critters who are known to visit South Padre Island, you cannot go wrong with a stop in Sea Turtle Inc. Specifically, this local organization rehabilitates hurt sea turtles before they are released back into the wild. Sea Turtle Inc. features a variety of interactive exhibits that will help you understand the work they are doing to help out the local sea turtles. These indoor exhibits are perfect to help you escape a rainy day and stay dry. Sea Turtle Inc. has recently expanded their exhibits to showcase more than ever before. Come visit this local attraction to learn all about the education, rehabilitation, and conservation of local sea turtles. Sea Turtle Inc. can be found at 6617 Padre Blvd and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ticket prices start at just $10 per adult, $6 per senior or military member, and $4 per child.
Visit the University of Texas – Pan American Coastal Studies Lab
Another great place where you can hide indoors on a rainy day while learning more about the coastal sea life is at the University of Texas – Pan American Coastal Studies Lab. This local attraction is the perfect spot for all ages as they get to see some incredible sea critters up close and personal. Educators on staff will be able to provide personal tours of the facility where you can see and touch incredible sea critters. This hidden gem is often not busy as it is newer to the area but still has plenty to offer. Check out the incredible sea creature bones or live displays of sea cucumber and hermit crabs. The University of Texas Pan American Coastal Studies Lab is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM and can be found at 100 Marine Lab Dr.
Spend a Day at the Spa
When it comes to relaxation, there is nothing better than a rainy day on South Padre Island. Our coastal destination features many different spas that can help you unwind and feel relaxed again. Massage Therapy and Healing Arts Center Day Spa is a local favorite that will help you feel at ease. Enjoy a variety of activities such as a couple’s massage, hot stones therapy, and much more. Extra attention will be placed in all the areas of need so you can feel relaxed on a cloudy day. Another great option for a day spa treatment is over at Sapphire Spa. This local spa also features a variety of massage and facial treatments that will have you feeling like yourself again. Both of these spas can have you easily spend hours indoors as you wait out the rain to pass through. Don’t forget about a spa treatment day when staying in South Padre Island!
Catch a Movie at Island Cinema
If you and the family are needing something to occupy your time during a rainy day, there is no better cure than a movie. After a long year, movie theatres are back up and running, so make sure you stop by Island Cinema right here on South Padre Island. This local movie theatre is playing all of the new movies you have been looking forward to seeing over the past year. Enjoy treats such as popcorn and candy as you sit in the A/C in front of the big screen. Island Cinema is ready to host your next movie outing and can be found at 4700 Padre Blvd. Take a look at what movies are on the schedule during your next stay on the island.
Hit the Shopping Center
South Padre Island is also full of indoor shopping centers where you can shop from local vendors for unique gifts. Local shopping centers such as 410 Market Place and Ocean Palm Shopping Center are the best bets for unique shopping found nowhere else in the area. You can’t go wrong with some vacation shopping when staying on South Padre Island!
Plan Your Visit to South Padre Island
As you can see, there are plenty of options for your next stay on South Padre Island. Book a stay at one of our vacation rentals for the best experience yet!
When thinking of South Padre Island, your thoughts may not initially jump to the winter season. South Padre Island has always been a spring break or summer destination but offers just as many exciting adventures when you visit during the winter. Expect incredible temperatures and access to activities that many destinations can’t offer during winter. Take a look at the South Padre activities this winter you can enjoy:
Enjoy the Cool Weather
The winter season is short and dry here in South Padre Island. While winter may continue on for the season in other parts of the country, it will only last a few short months here. Expect daily high temperatures to be around 70 degrees. Yes, you read that right; winter in South Padre Island features what can be considered summer temperatures for some. This means you can pack light and still enjoy all of the outdoor activities on the island. South Padre Island will often see an influx of “winter Texans” who are the equivalent of snowbirds who often head to Arizona or Florida from the Midwest during the winter. Make sure to bring a jacket as the evening temperatures can drop in the high 50s.
Relax at the Beach
While relaxing on a beach may not sound adventurous, you will have more than your fair share of fun here on South Padre Island. All of the local beaches remain open during the winter so you can kick back and relax. A variety of county beach access points features nice, clean beaches where you can easily set up a beach chair and umbrella and listen to the sound of the waves. You can take to the water for a swim or grab a SUP (stand up paddleboard) or kayak and explore the shoreline on your own.
See the Migrating Birds
During the winter season over 300 different types of birds will migrate to South Padre Island to escape the cold. Some truly unique birds such as the Great Kiskadee and Green Jay can be spotted around the island. Avid birdwatchers know this fun detail and often spend their winters here on South Padre Island with us. Several different bird sanctuaries can be found nearby where you can enjoy a birding tour, including Fins to Feathers and SPI Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary.
Enjoy the Unique Holiday Decorations
Everyone loves seeing the holiday decorations put up at their winter destinations and South Padre Island is no different. Here you will find festive decorations mixed in with tropical attire such as Hawaiian shirts and golf carts, especially when you hit up nearby golf courses. Don’t miss out on the Lighted Boat Parade that takes place in early December if you make the early visit!
Take the Polar Bear Dip
You have probably heard of the Polar Bear Plunge, an annual event where contestants will jump into extremely cold areas of water to bring in the new year. Here in South Padre Island, you can join in on the festivities with the Polar Bear Dip found at our local bar, Clayton’s Beach Bar. As the name suggests, Clayton’s is located right on the beach where you can grab your favorite tropical beverage and relax on the sand. On New Year’s Day, join them starting at 10:00 AM for the Polar Bear Dip. Yes, the water will be very cold, but you will be enjoying this annual tradition with the locals of South Padre Island.
Spend the Day in Mexico
Visitors to South Padre Island will be excited to hear that Mexico is just a short drive away. South Padre Island is found at the southernmost tip of Texas, making it an extremely easy drive to reach the border. Head over to Mexico to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine along with the tourist shops set up for daily travelers. You can now say you are an international traveler!
Visit Our Local Restaurants for Fresh Seafood
South Padre Island is located right off the Gulf of Mexico, where much of our country’s seafood is caught. Local restaurants have early access to the freshest seafood for a delicious meal. Check out local restaurants such as Sea Ranch for an incredible fine dining experience. More casual restaurants such as Blackbeards’ and Daddy’s Seafood & Cajun Kitchen continue to offer dine-in and takeout services so you can grab your meal anyway you like.
South Padre Activities Are Waiting for You
As you can see, there is plenty to enjoy here in the winter in South Padre Island. Reserve one of our exclusive vacation rentals that can keep you just steps away from the beach. There is no better place for a winter journey than South Padre Island!
Check out our North Padre Island Accommodations here!