re: South Padre Island suggestions

Brother S hit on a lot of good spots

My in laws have a beach house in SPI so I can’t weigh-in much on hotels/resorts. There are also a ton of vacation rentals in houses or condos near or on the beach.

You gotta get breakfast tacos as well—don’t go to Denny’s. The best are at a cash only hole in the wall called Isabel’s Cafe in PI. On the island, I would go with Dona Carmen over El Chilango, but El Chilango is closer to hotels/resorts.

Also, check the schedules for fireworks on the bay near Louies. You don’t have to eat there, the city setup a nice grassy area nearby to watch the sunset and fireworks. Clayton’s down at the end of the island also does fireworks. If you grab a drink, you can go out on the pier.

If you go the condo route, definitely hit up HEB in Port Isabel on the way in because groceries on the island are expensive. Tortuga (i think that’s the name) in PI is a good fish market.

F&B is probably the fanciest and best food on the island, but there is no view and it’s a stale atmosphere. Nautico Grill is a good new spot near a lot of the action, but same with F&B on stale food/atmosphere. Yummies down by a lot of the hotels is really popular as well, but it’s more of an old person and basic white woman spot.

Cafe on the Beach is one of our favorite spots. It’s in a quaint little hotel on the beach and a cool vibe.