As we drive north toward San Antonio our short South Padre Island adventure comes to a close. The photo collection that captures the spirit, wildlife, and scenic beauty of this Gulf Coast gem is available online. From tranquil beach mornings and mangrove herons to cross-border day trips and lighthouse views, each image tells a story of discovery and serenity.
📷 View the full collection here: https://wirestock.io/collection/65618
Today was a day of discovery, history, and relaxation as we ventured beyond South Padre Island to explore the vibrant culture of Nuevo Progreso, Mexico.
We began our morning by crossing the Progreso International Bridge, stepping into the colorful streets of Nuevo Progreso. The crowded streets were surrounded by shops filled with handcrafted goods, local art, and vendors sharing their wares. After browsing through the bustling stores and booths we stopped for lunch at the Red Snapper, a local favorite known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. The food was delicious.
On our way back to South Padre, we made a stop in Port Isabel, where we visited the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site. We climbed to the top for panoramic views of the bay and the Queen Isabella Causeway stretching toward South Padre Island. Just a short walk away, we explored the Port Isabel Museums, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the region’s maritime history and cultural heritage.
As the sun began to set, we returned to Margaritaville Beach Resort, our home base for the trip. After dinner, we took one last evening stroll along the beach, soaking in the golden hues of the sky and the gentle rhythm of the waves. The day ended poolside, surrounded by glowing palm trees and the relaxed vibe that Margaritaville is known for.
From international adventures to coastal charm, Day 3 was a perfect blend of exploration and serenity.
Our second day on South Padre Island was packed with wildlife, sunshine, and a bit of sandy artistry.
We kicked off the morning at Sea Turtle Inc., where we met some of the island’s most beloved residents. From temporary rescuees to permanent resident sea turtles, the center offered a fascinating look at conservation in action. It was inspiring to see how much care goes into protecting these creatures of the sea — and the educational exhibits made it easy to appreciate the challenges they face.
Lunch was a breezy affair at Tequila Sunset, where we grabbed a table on the deck overlooking the water. It’s hard to beat good food with a view like that.
In the early afternoon, we wandered through the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. The boardwalks took us through marshes and mangroves teeming with life — herons, coots, and even a Roseate Spoonbill. The center also host some resident alligators that became to habituated to human areas on the island.
Then came one of the day’s highlights: sandcastle lessons with Anubis Morrison at Sandy Feet Sandcastles. With expert guidance, we learned the secrets of stacking, carving, and detailing — and by the end, we had a good idea of how to create our own sand “art”. It’s amazing how a pile of sand can become something magical with the right tools and a little know-how.
To wrap up the day, we visited the South Padre Island Sand Castle Village, where Anubis’ own masterpiece stood among a collection of stunning sculptures. Each castle was a work of art, full of whimsy and intricate detail. It was the perfect way to end a day that celebrated creativity and nature in equal measure.
After a long drive, we finally arrived at Margaritaville South Padre Island Resort just in time for dinner and a sunset stroll on the beach. The warm welcome of the resort and the salty breeze from the Gulf of Mexico instantly melted away the fatigue of the road.
Dinner at Land Shark included fish tacos and a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly matched the island vibe. As the sky began to shift into shades of orange and pink, we made our way down to the beach for a sunset stroll.
The shoreline was quiet and peaceful, with gentle waves lapping at the sand and the sky reflecting in the wet surface. We wandered past grassy dunes, wildflowers, and soft clouds drifting overhead, soaking in the natural beauty of South Padre Island.
It was the perfect start to our island getaway—serene, scenic, and full of promise for the days ahead.
We hit the road around noon, leaving San Antonio behind and heading south toward the coast for a much-needed escape. With bags packed and an audiobook queued, we head to island time—because nothing says “vacation mode” like the promise of sun, surf, sand, and relaxation.
Our destination? Margaritaville South Padre Island, where the beach meets laid-back island vibes. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and soak in the coastal beauty of Texas. Whether it’s morning walks on the beach, sunset views over the Gulf, or simply lounging with a cold drink in hand, we’re ready to embrace every moment.
Stay tuned as we share highlights from our tropical timeout—#SouthPadre2025 is just getting started!
