Escape Snow and Ice on This Fun, Exciting Island
As flurries fly and temperatures dip, I crave two things: the sun kissing my pasty skin and tasty food.
Once winter hits, I know I can’t be the only one.
For Canadians hankering to trade shivering and shoveling for melting in a friendly tropical embrace, South Padre Island, Texas is a welcome cocktail of warmth and relaxation. Picture this: the Gulf of Mexico lapping soothingly at 34 miles of sun-soaked sand, tropical nature and delicious dining experiences.
We could thaw out strolling barefoot through the luxurious sand, collect shells sans mittens and become human rotisseries on comfy lounge chairs in nothing but our bathing suits.
Once we’ve emerged from soaking in the surf and sunshine all wrinkly and pink, it’s time to dust off the sand and explore what else South Padre Island has to offer. This is an island buzzing with fun activities, nature, art and mouthwatering food.
We can cast a rod in the glittering bay or in the deep waters offshore, hook something beautiful, and elevate our foodie experience by bringing it to one of the many restaurants on the island. They’ll cook our catch just how we like it. We’ll toast the cold we left behind with icy cocktails and relish the delicious taste of the island knowing how fresh and sustainably sourced the seafood is.
There’s no windchill to rush through, so we’ll saunter off the meal on the sea turtle art trail or sandcastle trail and enjoy some of the stunning art made by South Padre locals. Inspired to do some creating ourselves, we realize we’re in the Sandcastle Capital of the World. So, we meet one of the several master sculptors that offer lessons in the craft, and play in the soft, glowing sand, shaping something exquisitely impermanent.
That’s enough languid defrosting. Let’s revitalize our adventurous spirits and go parasailing, take scuba diving lessons in the deep open waters of the Texas Gulf Coast, surf or go horseback riding on the beach.
If there’s one thing about Texas’ only tropical island that puts it on my winter wish-list besides balmy temperatures and endless adventure, it’s the intriguing array of wildlife to see and natural experiences to be had.
South Padre Island is a treasured habitat for the rarest and most endangered sea turtle on earth, the Kemp’s Ridley turtle. Sea Turtle Inc is the islands sole facility dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation, so we’ll make a stop there and have an up-close look at these incredible creatures. Then we’ll linger at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, the islands best place to peep alligators and myriad butterfly and bird species.
Of course, no visit to a tropical paradise would be complete without at least one fin flap with the fishes. Or we’ll rent a glass bottomed kayak and launch it in the calm waters of Laguna Madre Bay. The spectacular marine life will have the kids glued to the hull in fascination.
If that doesn’t have everyone enthusing about our trip long after we’re back in toques and mittens, a dolphin watch tour will. Several pods of bottle nosed dolphins cruise the waters surrounding South Padre Island, and most tours guarantee sightings of these sleek, playful creatures.
Watching dolphins frolic while soaking in the sunshine would no doubt put the little umbrella on satiating this frigid Canadian’s mid-winter cravings. After a trip to the sun kissed shores of South Padre Island, I’d be ready to tackle all the ice and snow Old Man Winter could throw my way.
So, are you joining?
This article was sponsored by South Padre Island
South Padre Island is a tropical oasis located off the southern tip of Texas. This barrier island offers the unsurpassed beauty of the Laguna Madre Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and is the ideal year-round destination for visitors seeking a getaway from the daily grind.
