The ‘Caribbean of Texas’ Has Crystal-Clear Waters, White Sand, and Warm Weather Year-Round

While you consider the Caribbean, there are seemingly a number of issues that come to thoughts. Crystal clear blue waters, powder delicate sand, and year-round heat temperatures, to call just some. Whereas these traits could also be synonymous with tropical locations just like the Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas, the U.S. has a number of locations that provide an identical expertise—and one in all them has even earned the moniker the “Caribbean of Texas.”

Situated on the Southern tip of the Lone Star State, South Padre Island is incessantly touted as one of many best beach towns in Texas and one of many best islands in the South. Though spring breakers do descend on the 34-mile-long coastal paradise in March, the remainder of the 12 months boasts a comparatively relaxed ambiance.

The Laguna Madre borders the inland aspect of South Padre Island, however the Caribbean parallel stems from the physique of water to the west. The nice and cozy, blue-green water and the pristine white seashores of the Gulf are what create South Padre Island’s Caribbean comparability. (Notably, the aforementioned nickname is usually utilized to North Padre Island, however the waters of South Padre Island are usually clearer and calmer.) To not point out, temperatures common round 74 levels 12 months a 12 months.

The sub-tropical local weather is formed by the island’s latitude in addition to its proximity to the Gulf, because the Gulf’s heat waters give option to milder climate, even throughout the winter. After all, December and January gained’t be fairly as sizzling as the center of summer time, however it’s nonetheless principally snug sufficient for swimming.

The most effective issues about South Padre Island is its number of actions. You’re actually welcome to swim and lounge on the seashore all day lengthy—Treasure Island Circle Seaside is a well-liked spot—however the island additionally has numerous methods to remain lively. If you wish to get out on the water, lease a paddle board or kayak from SPI Sessions Watersports. You might additionally go for a three-hour-long snorkeling tour within the Laguna Madre with Breakaway Cruises. To get the adrenaline actually pumping, there’s windsurfing with Windsurf Inc. and parasailing and jet snowboarding with Sonny’s Beach Service.

Should you’re the kind of traveler who likes to immerse themselves in nature whereas on trip, the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is likely to be extra up your alley. The group has naturalist-led birding tours, each day instructional “Gator Talks,” and “Snake Talks” all through the month. It’s the right complement to any South Padre Island seashore day, and it’s an exercise the entire household will take pleasure in.