I don’t often associate the ocean with Texas, but there is a massive stretch of land along the Gulf Coast that I am always forgetting about! We spent Labor Day weekend in South Padre Island with the pups and my family, and we all had such a lovely time! South Padre Island is located at the very bottom tip of the state, just a mere twenty-ish miles from the Mexican border. This resort town is a popular Spring Break destination on the bayside but is also very popular for families along the ocean side.

pups 1st time in the ocean

We stayed on the ocean side, and I was SO impressed with how clean and lovely the beach was (I’m told it’s among the nicest of Texas beaches, especially compared to Galveston)! I kept forgetting that I was in Texas! It felt like I was back in San Diego with the smell of the ocean and the sand between my toes. However, unlike the Pacific Ocean, where the water can be a bit chilly, the water along the Gulf Coast was 87 DEGREES! Even with the gross humidity and high heat, there was a constant breeze that made walking along the beach incredibly pleasant.

It was the first time our boys had ever been in the ocean (ocean basin or gulf if you want to get technical), and they LOVED IT!!! Kenobi was trying to jump over waves, and Koufax kept wanting to go farther into the water or just lay down as the waves splashed over him. It was ADORABLE.

‘80s Time capsule

When we first drove across the bridge onto the island, the very first thing I noticed were the dozens of massive novelty and souvenir shops that made the main road seem like it was stuck in the ’80s. Think old Las Vegas cheesiness with a Venice Beach attitude. Honestly, it felt like what Spring Break in the ’80s would have felt like, with all sorts of bright colors and windows full of tie-dye shirts with things like “Drunk Bitches Love Me” or “Come At Me Bro” in neon airbrushing. Need an ashtray in the shape of a marijuana leaf? They got you. Want a coffee mug in the shape of boobies? There are plenty. Need a t-shirt for you and your group that says “White Girl Wasted” and “White Boy Wasted”? You know they’re there.

Adding to the vintage vibes, there were so many novelty “sculptures” decorating the front of businesses that looked like they hadn’t been updated in several decades. There was even a giant shark in front of a souvenir shop that brought in all sorts of tourists for selfies because…it’s unique.

so much to explore

Aside from the stoner Lisa Frank aesthetic, the island is a really fascinating little place. There were a surprising amount of things I wanted to do, but it was way too hot (or not an option) to bring the pups with us, so we spent most of our time relaxing with the family. I’m normally someone who has a long to-do list when on vacation, but it was a nice change of pace to just take it easy. There is a Nature Center with birds and an alligator sanctuary, the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, a Sea Turtle rescue center, and a historic lighthouse that I want to experience whenever we go back again.

There are a ton of other options for adventures and entertainment on the island. For lovers of water sports (I am not part of that demographic), there were loads of options for parasailing, sailing, jet-skiing, and snorkeling. For fun on land, there are sand dunes at the end of the road with ATV options, sandcastle building lessons, and horseback riding! Of course, there is always the option for relaxing on the beach and just living on island time.

pier 19 restaurant

We heard that Pier 19 was a must-go place to eat with a breakfast cinnamon roll the size of a plate that can feed six people. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it out early enough for the rolls, but we did go for an early dinner with the whole family! There is a great view of the bay and the bridge and a little Tiki Bar called Hooker’s where you could grab a drink while you wait.

brews and daiquiris

Mr. San Diego really wanted to check out the local brewery, so we went to Padre Island Brewing Co. for a quick bite to eat and some brews! They have a full-service restaurant and a bar-top if you just want drinks. The drinks weren’t bad (I rather enjoyed my Raptor Radler), and Mr. San Diego added one more shirt to his very large brewery t-shirt collection! We also ran into Island Daiquiris 2 Go, which sells 1/2 gallon bags of daiquiris. Yes, BAGS. It was worth the $20 to see my brother-in-law drink it straight from the container.

it was a great weekend

Spending the weekend with my family at the beach was worth the ten-hour drive from Fort Worth! It was such a cool place to experience, and I would definitely go back again, just maybe not when it’s 100 degrees with 85% humidity.

Here are some bonus pictures of an impromptu photoshoot I did of my step-sister and her husband! How cute are they?! My sister is such a cutie and she rocks that baby belly! I can’t wait for my little niece to join us on our next family vacation!

South Padre Island | Family Summer Vacation