The parks of South Padre Island provide access to some of the best beaches along the Texas coast.
At the southernmost tip of Padre Island, the world’s longest barrier island, Isla Blanca Park is the crown jewel of the Cameron County Parks system. The county has built two new large beachside pavilions that have boardwalks, concessions, and much-appreciated shade. Within the park is a large RV park and campground, an amphitheatre, jetty, boat ramp, and the fisherman’s memorial, Cristo de los Pescadores. This is one of the best places on the island to watch SpaceX rocket launches on the mainland. There are several restaurants just outside the park’s perimeter.
There is an admission charge to access the miles of beach at all the county parks.
On the north side of town across the road from the birding center and convention center, Andy Bowie Park is a popular access point to the beach. The large parking lot next to the covered pavilion, showers, and restrooms doubles as a RV park (with hookups) and campground.
The first place you can access the 20 miles of beach in your vehicle – you can drive on most beaches in Texas – is at E.K. Atwood Park (County Beach Access No. 5). Many locals walk to the beach from the parking lot at the restrooms and seaside covered pavilion.
And if you want the beach to (nearly) yourself, keep driving five miles past Andy Bowie Park to County Beach Access No. 6.
In addition to patrolling the beaches and emptying garbage cans, the county has worked with Texas A&M scientists to maintain the sand dunes. Part of your park admission fee goes to help sustain this sensitive ecosystem.
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This article appears in May 7 • 2021.
