Beach

Nude sunbathing is not officially allowed on South Padre Island. But about 10 miles north up the beach from beach access 6 lies the county line between Cameron and Willacy county. Once you cross it, you are out of the jurisdiction of any law enforcement that patrols the beach. After you cross the line, some people do take their clothes off. You will know when you’ve reached the crossover point because it’s marked by some kind of homemade sign. It used to be a log with nude beach painted on it, but it’s currently an old lifeboat that’s been meticulously decorated with beach trash.

This old lifeboat is one of the hidden gems of South Padre Island. It’s an artistic endeavor that must have taken days to complete. Well worth the trip up the beach to stop and view it up close. Take your clothes off and dance naked around it.

Here’s what the inside looks like.

A very long way north up the beach (almost to the channel), a non-native species of tree can be found on South Padre Island. It’s called the hardhat tree. It’s amazing that people have the time and inclination to beach comb all these “washed up on the shore” hard hats and collect them all here.
They definitely earn SPI Cool Points!

Found today at the north end of the island
about ¼ mile from the bay channel.

It looked like someone had been beating
on it with a sledgehammer.

It still has a license plate.

If you’re wondering what the end of the island looks like, here it is. To reach it, you’ll have to drive north along the beach through some pretty rough terrain. Don’t get stuck like these people did!

A channel to the inner bay was built separating the Padre Island into North & South. There some giant riprap boulders there and it’s also a good fishing spot.

On the island, there’s a toll to access the public beaches and parks. If you’re going to be here for more than a few days, it’s best to purchase a 90 day or yearly pass.

Usage Fees:
1 Day – $4.00
90 Days – $18.00
Yearly – $38.00

There’s an additional $5.00 RFID chip fee with the extended passes. The chip automatically opens park gates.

Extended access passes can be acquired at 2 park offices. On the south end of the island, the Isla Blanca Park office is to the right coming off the causeway. The Andy Bowie Park office is on the north end of town across from the convention center.

Room with a view.

Riding in the surf is awesome and South Padre Island is a great place for it. ATV’s are not allowed on the beach, but as long as they are street legal, motorcycles can access the 40 miles of water front on the norththern end of the island.

The sand is slippery so make sure your bike is suited. Knobby tires are highly recommended.