South Padre Island - Tourist Attractions / Parks

Like many vacation sites, South Padre Island is a mixture of the old and the new, the natural and the manmade. A massive sand castle sits whimsically next to the visitors center and there's sand enough for sand castles here. This is, after all, a true beach community with water in every direction. The Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark takes advantage of the seascape to create a ocean-fun experience. Preserves for turtles and birds alike scatter the island and the mainland. Don't forget the history, though. Visit the Port Isabel Lighthouse for a little taste of the past.