View from Here
South Texas' favorite summer beach town is a must-visit winter destination
Nov 27, 2018 | 10:21 am
Deep in the heart of South Texas exists one of the state's great natural treasures. South Padre Island is often thought of as a spring and summer destination, with its abundance of outdoor activities, warm temperatures, and excellent swimming water. However, it is the fall and winter seasons that offer a unique and beautiful perspective of “the island.” --- Getting cabin fever on the island? Head back across the Queen Isabella Causeway and check out the famous Port Isabel lighthouse.
Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- Deep in the heart of South Texas exists one of the state's great natural treasures. South Padre Island is often thought of as a spring and summer destination, with its abundance of outdoor activities, warm temperatures, and excellent swimming water. However, it is the fall and winter seasons that offer a unique and beautiful perspective of “the island.” --- Getting cabin fever on the island? Head back across the Queen Isabella Causeway and check out the famous Port Isabel lighthouse.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- South Padre Island is located anywhere from 2.5 to 4 miles off the coast of Texas.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- The fall and winter seasons are often thought as dreary, but South Padre Island offers many sunny days from November through February.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- At 2.5 miles long, the Queen Isabella Causeway spans the Lower Laguna Madre, and offers the island’s only point of automotive entry.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- Winter Texans (folks from colder climates that migrate south for the winter) are a valuable asset to an island that struggles economically in the down season. Jim Rockford of Bemidji, Minnesota, has been cruising the island streets for over a decade.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- Long gone are the umbrellas and chairs of summer, but the beaches of South Padre Island still serve as an excellent landscape for sea-gazing and an afternoon stroll.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- When the weather cooperates, shirtless beachgoers can be found strolling the shorelines of the Gulf of Mexico.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- The water of the Lower Laguna Madre is home to some of Texas’ best saltwater fishing. Contrary to popular opinion, fishing in the fall is one of the best times to catch trout, redfish, flounder, or snook.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- Gulls become more active in the fall and winter as they feed over the bay waters.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- Sea Turtle Inc., a nonprofit sea turtle rehabilitation center, is quite busy this part of the year as cold snaps stun the turtles, requiring STI to step in and help. Executive director Jeff George can often be found leading an educational lecture for visitors.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- Unlike the busy spring and summer months, restaurant waits are almost nonexistent in the fall and winter.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- Nightlife options are not as plentiful with the bayside bars usually closed on cold evenings, but you can always count on some quality karaoke at the Coral Reef Lounge.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
- It’s a Texas crime to miss a South Padre Island sunset.Photo by Daniel Cavazos
Deep in the heart of South Texas exists one of the state's great natural treasures. South Padre Island is often thought of as a spring and summer destination, with its abundance of outdoor activities, warm temperatures, and excellent swimming water. However, it is the fall and winter seasons that offer a unique and beautiful perspective of “the island.”
