This resort community is located on Park Road 100 at the southernmost tip of Padre Island.

- What are the ways to get there?

South Padre Island is easily accessible by road, sea and air.

- How can I get to South Padre Island by road?

Driving from San Antonio, take interstate Highway 37 south to U.S. highway 77, then east on Texas Park Road 100.

- And from air?

There are 3 American airports nearby South Padre Island and one Mexican airport. Fly either to Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (the closer), McAllen Miller International Airport, Harlingen's Valley International Airport, or from Matamoros Airport (MAM) closer to the new Veteran's International Bridge to Brownsville

- Which carriers fly to South Padre Island?

Continental Airways and Southwest Airlines have regular flights to this region.

- Where can I check the flights scheduled?

Visiting the carriers websites or calling:

Continental Airlines, Tel. 1-800-525-0280, www.continental.com

Southwest Airlines, Tel.1-800-435-9792, www.southwest.com

Otherwise check directly the airports' timetables:

Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport: http://www.flybrownsville.com

Valley International Airport, Harlingen: http://www.iflyharlingen.com

Mc Allen Miller International Airport: http://www.mcallenairport.com

Matamoros Airport Mexico, Aeropuerto Internacional Gral. Servando Canales: www.matamoros.gob.mx/english/default.asp

- Is there any transportation facility from the airports to South Padre Island?

Yes, from Brownsville Airport there is a $2 shuttle to South Padre Island running every half hour, in addition to other transportation facilities. For further information call to the following services:

Airport Shuttle (Valley Transit) Tel. (956) 423-5467, 1-866-934-6882

Go w/Jo Transportation Services Tel. (956) 421-2262, 1-800-962-8497

Original Tours Co. Tel. (956) 761-6663 , (956) 943-3128 , 1-888-296-3522

- How far from Brownsville is South Padre Island located?

Visiting the island from Brownsville is really easy because it is only eighteen miles southwest.

- I have never heard about South Padre, is this a new resort?

Yes and no. The resort area dates back from the mid-19th century, but it was not until the 1950s when the actual resort complex was developed, since until then the only way to reach Padre Island was by ferry.

- I have heard that South Padre Island is a spring break only destination, is this true?

In fact, the area is very popular for college students nationwide, but particularly those taking classes in the state of Texas, however, the island is a tourist destination open to everybody disregard age, race or nationality.

- Someone said that the island is privately owned, do I need a membership to enter?

No but a rumor probably because the island is home to one of the most famous waterparks in America, the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, and also a popular destination for people from Matamoros, Monterrey and the wealthy Monterrey's suburb San Pedro Garza García. In fact, it is estimated that over 50% of South Padre's residential real estate is property of people from Monterrey.

- How is the weather in South Padre Island?

Moderate weather with tropical influence, such as major world-class cities located at the same latitude as South Padre Island, such as Hawaii, La Paz Baja California Mexico, Canary Islands Spain, Luxor Egypt, Karachi Pakistan, Riyadh Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong China or Taipei Taiwan.

- How is South Padre Island beach?

Padre Island's is a soft, white sandy beach with pristine water. In South Padre, the beach is also wide and clean, because unlike other beaches in Texas, local regulations does not allow vehicles on the beach. There are no private beaches so people can pack their beach bag and make their choice on-site.

- What does the Sand Castle Days mean?

Since 19 years ago, the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel and Condominiums organized an annual contest in October committed to helping people enjoy the beach with free sand castle lessons and competitions among the Master Sand Sculptors and novices.

- Did you say Sheraton? So only guest can participate, huh?

No, Sheraton's event is a not-for-profit event showcasing and encouraging sand sculpture as another manifestation of art, helping both amateurs and professionals to show off their talents. The event and lessons are free.

- Anyone can participate in the Sand Castle Days competitions?

Yes, but while lessons and attendance are free, the Master of the Sand Competition requires a registration fee ranging from $10 to $20 for the different categories including Texas State Championship, Business Challenge and Family. Youth 13-16 and children 12 and under can participate for free and there are prizes for everybody.

- If they charge for participation, why did you say it is a non-profit event?

The funds collected with this annual event are donated to nature efforts including Sea Turtle Inc. and other organizations committed to preserve the integrity of the Texan coastal environment.

- Where can I get more information on South Padre Island and upcoming events?

Calling the island's Visitors Center at (956) 772-1777 or emailing to info@southpadreinformation.com.