About South Padre Island

In the early 1980s, South Padre Island was relatively unknown. The town's population was around 300 people and, on most maps, it was not listed. However, thanks to the recent population increase and a number of high profile awards, South Padre Island is becoming one of the most sought after coastal regions in the country, not only because of its friendly people and laid back atmosphere, but because SPI is perhaps the last affordable beach front community in the country that we'll see for some time.

The Texas Economic Development and Tourism Committee, an organization that promotes and markets the state of Texas, recently held a study to determine the most popular tourist attractions in the state. While the results appear to be the same for the past five to ten years, one thing is very surprising: South Padre Island has been climbing up the rankings for the past five years, about one higher spot per year, with this year being ranked fourth among most visited tourist spots in the state. Just ahead is The Alamo (ranked 1), San Marcos Outlet Malls (ranked 3) and the River Walk (ranked 2).

South Padre Island has received other awards in the past couple of years. Here's a list:

• MSN has labeled SPI as a "Top 10" beach in the country

• Field & Stream Magazine calls SPI the best fishing destination in the country

• Vacationhomes.com ranks SPI the #2 best place to own a vacation home in the nation

• The Travel Channel's well-traveled editors claim SPI as the third best beach in the country

Source: spireviews.com: Read more about South Padre Island

• A Short History of South Padre Island

• Four Wheelin' on South Padre Island

• Packing Tips for a South Padre Island Honeymoon