What a Local Still Discovers in South Padre Island.

If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing beach escape, look no further than South Padre Island. Locals like me can’t wait for the crowds to disperse to indulge in the island’s landscapes, and enjoy nightlife under the moonlight.

Since buying our RV, we have planned an annual pilgrimage to Isla Blanca Park every April and October. We park by Jesus Christ. “El Cristo de los Pescadores” is a statue erected to remember fishermen who perished at sea. We call these trips pilgrimages because the sea, this Christ with arms wide open, and the names of the men who lost their lives at sea invite us to reflect on our lives and be grateful for His blessings.

October weather does not disappoint; even for locals, there is always something new to discover in SPI. The first day we walked on the beach, we discovered jellyfish we had never seen before. I believe they’re called Moon Jelly. We were told they don’t sting like the nasty man o’ war. The tides were high, so by the next day, the jellyfish had washed back into the Gulf of Mexico.

Inside Isla Blanca Park, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has its Coastal Studies Laboratory. It is free to the public and opens weekdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. It is a small place with so much on display! The laboratory opens our eyes to the amazing sea life among us. Visit their website for a list of educational activities ranging from beach ecology walks and fish printing to squid and shark dissection.

The boardwalk and pavilions at Isla Blanca Park are well-kept and beautiful, especially this time of the year when we have it almost to ourselves. On my way to my daily sunrise walk, I complimented the worker power washing the deck one morning. He looked up at me with surprise and a loss for words. He finally said, “Thank you for saying that. Have a good morning.” It is because of people like him who take pride in their work that visitors enjoy this beautiful spot in South Texas.

For those seeking the thrill of off-roading adventures or views of a secluded sand dunes beach, head north until Padre Boulevard ends. It had been some time since we had been here and discovered it is still a magical place. Horseback riding, a zip line, and helicopter tour venues are located that way, too. You can park your car on the side of the road and walk to the beach. Watch for ATVs; they go fast, and will disrupt your peaceful contemplation. An advantage of visiting during the week, is there are fewer of them.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the October SPI hotel rates available for weekdays. Most were under $100 plus tax and, in some cases, a resort fee. The rest of our family booked nights at the Isla Grand. I was thrilled because it was my father’s favorite place in the 1960s. The Sea Island Hilton, now Isla Grand, still delivers a great time.

Sea Island Hilton. I took this vintage photo of a photo at the Isla Grand Hotel.

The pool and hot tubs surrounded by tropical palm trees and a pool bar were all we needed for a good time. The Windjammer Cafe, with its incredible view of the pool area and beach, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I heard Friday’s seafood buffet is the best. I must mention the waiting staff because all of them were outstanding.

For incredibly good live music and dancing, we didn’t have to go far. The Quarterdeck Lounge had an excellent band. We had a blast at comedy night, with comedians visiting from Houston and Austin who also perform on cruises. I haven’t laughed that hard in a while, albeit with the off-color jokes. All adults in the room.

I write about Isla Grand because it is what I experienced, but I discovered many top-rated SPI hotels that offer low rates midweek in October and November. Check them out. October is still warm enough to enjoy the swimming pool and hot tub. Some hotels, like the Isla Grand, offer weekly and monthly rates because SPI is popular among retirees.

During all our trips, we check out the popular Clayton’s Beach Bar for live music, drinks, and close-to-the-ocean views. Visitors can find a seat on the new pier—you can’t get closer to the beach without getting wet, and nothing beats the sound of waves crashing ashore.

The Convention Center’s boardwalk is ideal for a pleasant sunset walk or birdwatching or both. It is free to the public and offers great views of the Laguna Madre and its famous sunsets. A varied list of bird species are found here especially during the fall and spring migration. It is here that we admired Whaling Wall #53, one of many murals by artist Wyland found across the country. Next door to the convention center is the beautiful SPI Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary for a deeper experience of the area’s natural wonders. Admission costs range from ten dollars for adults to five dollars for children. If you have the time, it is well worth the visit.

We discovered “Lobo del Mar,” a seafood restaurant on the bay – ideal for sunset photographs and live entertainment. We heard they feature musicians sounding their bagpipes in salutes to God and country and decided we had to see that. It was certainly a unique experience in addition to the country western band, young children dancing in cowboy attire, and belly dancers! It was a fun evening.

We met a dear friend at Yummies for lunch. The restaurant boasts great reviews and did not disappoint. It is one of the many restaurant options in South Padre Island that make it such a great destination.

My husband and I never miss the opportunity to visit Laguna Bob’s for an enjoyable time under the stars and by the bay. Hector Guzman was there with his guitar, serenading clientele with music to have a conversation over—we appreciate this. The evening was fantastic, the weather perfect. My husband even kept up with a baseball game on a TV screen in the back of the bar.

I stopped by artist Carol Plumb’s new art gallery. Her new space is light and ideal for appreciating her colorful collection of paintings. Her original pieces are for sale, she accepts commissions, gives private lessons, and sells prints and cards of her work. Carol is a pioneer of the arts movement in SPI. Plumb Studio & Gallery sits among several other galleries in this new development in SPI, which the local economic development office supports via grants. Carol, always a supporter of the arts, recommended I visit Ryan Henry’s Fine Arts Gallery next door. I am grateful for I discovered this new artist who was once the editor for the Brownsville Herald. The natural beauty of the island inspires Henry’s superb collection of paintings and I was delighted to meet him.

Our October pilgrimage would not be complete without morning beach walks glancing at a beautiful sunrise. I noticed something different this time around. The sunrise happened at around 7:24 am. People arrived at the park’s boardwalk slowly and quietly as if entering a church. Surfers waited for the sunrise every morning while studying the waves. Unlike watching people laughing out loud, taking many photos and selfies during the sunset hour, I noticed everybody submerged in awe as the sun came out. There was silence. Nobody was talked, and only a few took pictures. It was as if we were looking at God himself. In many ways, we were.

God had something else planned for me—something out of this world that gave me goosebumps, and made me shed tears of joy and disbelief. It happened on the morning of Sunday, October 13. More on that later because I’m still processing the experience.

I did not receive any payments or gifts for these endorsements. It is a story of a personal experience. I am a freelance writer and can be contracted to write original content for your business or destination.

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Happy travels!