About South Padre Island: Located on the Gulf of Mexico at the tip of the Texas tail, South Padre is

About South Padre Island: Located on the Gulf of Mexico at the tip of the Texas tail, South Padre is 7 miles long, 1/2 mile wide, at roughly the same latitude as Miami.
Things to do: In addition to lounging by the pool or playing in the sand, activities include water sports, bird-watching, fishing trips, dolphin tours and jaunts to nearby Mexico. For details, click on the links for attractions and recreation at the Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site, www.sopadre.com, or call (800) SOPADRE.
Getting there: Harlingen's Valley International Airport (www.iflyharlingen.com) is about 40 minutes from the island. Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (www.flybrownsville.com) is about a half-hour away. Both Web sites have maps and information about car rentals and shuttle services. Drivers can take Interstate 37 south from San Antonio to U.S. 77, then head east on Texas 100.
Getting around: "The Wave" is a free shuttle that circles the island every half hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Nightlife options are within walking distance of most hotels, and there are taxis. However, the island is fairly compact and traffic can be at a standstill during spring break.
Trips across the border: The U.S. Department of State has a travel warning for northern Mexico due to gang violence, so visitors are advised to go with groups and stick with well-known bars, restaurants, and shopping districts. For guided trips for an evening, a day or longer, contact Inertia Tours, www.inertiatours.com, Go . . . With Jo! (www.gowithjo.com), Leisure Tours International (www.leisuretours.com), Valley Transit Co., (866) WEGO-VTC, or Original Tour Company, (888) 296-3522. A driver's license will suffice for trips just across the border.
Tip: Many a spring-breaker has gotten a ticket for failing to slow down while driving through small towns on the way to South Padre Island.