Spring Break on South Padre Island is a tradition that runs roughly the 5th of March through the 28th. The tradition began in the mid 1980’s when Texas was one of the last hold outs to move the drinking age to 21 from 19 years of age. This caused an influx of college students trying to enjoy the lower drinking age that continues.

Additionally, in the State of Texas grades K-12 break in mid March for a spring break week off from school. This makes for a real mix of college students as well as families coming down for vacation.

South Padre is a barrier island located just off the coast of mainland Texas connected by a 2.5 miles causeway (bridge) to the Island. Geographically located as far South as Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the weather in March is very favorable for travel and warm weather at a very affordable price.

The Island is very well known for shrimp and seafood, with several great “dive style” seafood restaurants to F&B for a more fine dining experience. Our condos and homes for guests have fully equipped kitchens for quick breakfast & lunch prep as well.

On spring break, our college guests gravitate to Clayton’s Beach Bar or Rockstar Beach Stage areas during “Texas Week” that are generally open the week before and after. Popular spring break bars include Louies Backyard, Tequila Sunsets, Clayton’s, and the Quarterdeck bar. Spring Break concert line ups are typically announced at some point in February 30 to 45 days prior to colleges letting out for the break.

Over the years, spring break has taken on a much different vibe that the “Animal House” older folks have in mind and is much more controlled. With that said, fun clubs, party cruises, and headliner concerts do exist for the student crowd, with properties that cater to them.

Families with children need not have a fear of spring break, as we can host them in many complexes and homes that do not allow rentals to those under 25 years of age where you would never know that a couple miles away there is a spring break pool party or concert occurring.

If you do want to fly to the Island, we have these recommendations:

Harlingen, Texas airport (45 mins away)
Delta, United, Southwest, Frontier, American, and Sun Country provides service

We recommend for registered college students to book Spring Break South Padre as a package deal considering using:

Brownsville, Texas airport (45 mins away)
United & American Airlines providing service as well as AeroMexico seasonally