South Padre Island

Thanks to the area’s mild temperatures, the beaches of South Padre Island right off the tip of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico are an ideal destination for some fun in the sun. The blue skies seem to stretch on for miles on this tropical barrier island, and recreational opportunities abound. The South Padre Island beaches feature magnificent white sand and bright blue waters. Many of the locations feature shallow areas, making them ideal for families with small children. Plus, there are over 20 access points, free parking is plentiful, and the island is very dog-friendly!

To get to South Padre Island, take State Park Road 100, also called the Queen Isabella Causeway, out of Port Isabel to head directly onto the island. Once across, State Park Road 100 continues through the length of the island as Padre Boulevard. From there, use one of the many side streets to get over to Gulf Boulevard which runs parallel to access the gorgeous beaches on the east side of the island. Check out the website for public access points.

Your dog is more than welcome to romp on any of the pawsome beaches with you, on leash of course! You can sunbathe, play in the sand and frolic in the ocean waves. If you want to spend time on the water, you can bring or rent kayaks, kiteboards, or paddleboards, and there's also fishing both on and offshore.

Looking for a quieter beach experience? Check out Andy Bowie Park at 7300 Park Rd 100 N, north of the public access beaches. This public park draws visitors with its pawsome gulf views, 20 miles of driveable beach, and RV park. Once you hop out of the car, you'll be greeted by two large picnic pavilions, food and beach rental concessions, a flagship hotel, and restrooms. Barbecue areas are also available, so be sure to pack delicious food to throw on the grill! To extend your outing, camp out in the dry camping sites or RV park, which is a short walk from the beach and a great spot to view the stars at night. It is recommended to reserve your spot in advance as campsites are limited, and range in price. Hours for the beach are from 8 AM to 5 PM, but campers can enter the park til 7 PM.

Whatever beach area you decide to chillax on, be sure to bring all the necessary gear for a fun and safe adventure. Water to share with your thirsty pup is a must, as are clean-up bags. Always stoop and scoop to help keep the beaches clean. Umbrellas or shade tents are also a puptastic way to keep cool in the hot Texas sun.

South Padre Island is incredibly pet-friendly. Many area hotels welcome dogs, including both budget and luxury locations. Some restaurants also allow you to bring your pooch inside or on outdoor patios, provided they remain on a leash and under control.

For a truly woofderful time on some of the most gorgeous beaches Texas has to offer, bring your pup to dog-friendly South Padre Island!