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

Family Spring Break Rental Information

If you are a family considering visiting South Padre Island in March, we encourage you to email us info@southpadretrips.com or call our office (956) 242-0904 so we can cover your family’s needs in detail. A family with a baby vs. a family with grade school children vs. a family with a Senior in High School can have quite different needs – let us assure you with have spring break rentals that can cater direct to your needs for fun vs. kid friendly vs. quiet.

Most families choose properties where the primary guest must be 25 years of age or older to reserve & stay, though some families with high school aged teens may want a mix of students and families to mix into the fun a bit more. Simply inquire, we are here to help.

College Spring Break Rental Information

We do accept reservations from guests under the age of 25 with some additional requirements

A refundable $500 damage deposit prior to check in.
Copy of each person’s photo ID staying in the condo or house.
One time fee of $50 for our damage coverage protection plan.
A signed rental agreement by every person staying.
1 real credit card (no debit) with a copy of the card front & back, as well as a signed credit card authorization to bill form to hold on file in case of excessive damages.

It is important to note these rules for our student guests in March:

Hosting of “house parties” “pre parties” or “after bars” are not allowed. We are not talking about you and your immediate roommates having a couple of drinks yourself we are realistic.
We follow a realistic philosophy that you are adults & a “hear no evil, see no evil” policy. If we hear about it or see it, we must evict.
Loud noises are never allowed at our properties. Our properties all have quiet hours after 11 pm. Unregistered guests are the most common eviction reason as is having more than the indicated maximum occupancy.
We do have max cars permitted at our places. 1 car per one bedroom / 2 cars per two or three bedroom condos / houses please inquire for exact space available.
Smoking of anything is not allowed inside nor on property.
Check out time is 11 am / check in time is 3 pm. Many of our young guests are not aware of these customary check in times in the Hospitality industry.

We welcome student guests with open arms, as long as these simple guidelines are followed.