The snow may still be falling where you live right now and the temperatures might be in the frozen zone, so of course, it makes sense to start thinking about your summer vacation on South Padre Island. Your daydreams may not make summer arrive any sooner, but as you sit and think about beach days and the hot Texas sun beating down on your shoulders, your mind wanderings may bring a spark of warmth to your icy existence. We at Franke Rentals want to help warm you up even more with this guide to the top South Padre summer activities and a peek into the comforts and luxuries you will find in our seasonal sanctuaries!
First Things First
The white sand beaches of South Padre Island have been haunting your dreams ever since the first thoughts of visiting in the summer entered your head, so of course the first thing on your vacation itinerary, and the most popular thing to do in the summer, is the beach. Pristine white sands feel soft and tickly against bare feet and cool blue waters will be a welcome relief from the summer heat. Stake your claim on a section of the sand, spreading out beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas to mark your territory and then the world is your oyster.
If you do nothing more than soak in the rays and the serenity of the sea, you can consider this the most successful of vacations, but don’t forget, the thrill seekers in your traveling group may want to check out the jet ski rentals or parasailing opportunities at Coconuts Parasailing and Jet Ski Rentals, 2301 Laguna Boulevard. SPI Sessions Watersports, 5717 Padre Boulevard, also rents jet skis, and also provides canoes and SUP gear for those seeking a less high octane beachy experience.
Stocking Your Pantry and Refrigerator
Now that you have had the chance to bury your toes in the sand, it is time to start thinking about the kitchen of your Franke Rentals summer escape. You may not want to cook every meal, but it is nice to know you could if you wanted to, and stocking the pantry and refrigerator can be fun with a visit to the South Padre Island Farmers Market, located at 8605 Padre Boulevard and open on Sundays only from 11 AM until 1 PM.
Strolling along the aisles, stopping at the tables and exploring the produce, baked goods, even gift items that can be found there really could be considered a Zen experience, even as others are doing the same. The sun will be shining, the sea may be heard in the distance and the foods you will be sampling will entice you to perhaps overfill your cabinets and refrigerator!
Fun for the Whole Family
South Padre Island Adventure Park, located at 21040 Ocean Boulevard offers an exciting and fun adventure for the entire family. Spend your day at the park riding horses on the beach, ziplining across the skies, or bouncing across the waters while astride the banana boats that really are as fun as they sound. The park offers a petting barn for your tiniest travelers, featuring pigs, cows, goats, and ponies and for an additional fee, pony rides are also available.
This part of the park has a children’s play area certain to delight your kiddos and is often used as a birthday event venue. Families traveling with older children will love the Island Fun Park, offering miniature golf and go karts and the Bucket List allows visitors to participate in ALL of the activities listed above for just one reasonable fee.
A Peek into History
Summer is meant to be lived outside, but there are exceptions to every rule and the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site may be the activity that convinces you to break the rules of summer. This is the only remaining Texas lighthouse still open to the public and as you climb the 75 stairs to where sweeping views await, you might hear the whispers of those who have walked these stairs before you. This experience is not for children younger than 5 years of age and if you are visiting with older children, they must be able to climb the stairs on their own; no carrying kiddos up or down the steep flight of steps.
Hanging Out at Home with Franke Rentals
Perhaps the most popular activity on South Padre Island, no matter what the season, is staying home and relaxing in the luxurious and comfortable spaces of our Franke Rentals retreats. Choose a beachfront condo and watch the sun set from the balcony every evening of your stay, chill by the pool (community or private, depending on the property you choose), and enjoy the best night’s sleep of your life when you choose Franke Rentals. Reserve your favorite today!