Seaside atmosphere with accommodations, RV parks, shrimp boat fleet. Was supply base for Gen. Zachary Taylor's army in Brownsville during the Mexican War form 1846 - 49, port saw flow of gold seekers from the East, landing here to begin overland trek to California. South Padre Island, Texas was incorporated in 1973, small resort town is on southern tip of storied Padre Island just across Laguna Madre, the bay separating island from mainland. Access via free causeway on Park Road 100. Visitors find wide range of accommodations from campgrounds and family motels to high-rise luxury hotels and condo rentals, marinas and seaside cottages.
Restaurants feature fresh seafood harvested daily from the Gulf.
Other island activities include bicycling, tennis, shelling, and horseback riding on the beach. Inc. Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce. McAllen Economic Development Corporation.