does anyone recommen south padre island for a vacation (Spring: appointed, spring break)

[nickerman]

Never been there but it sounds nice. Any other suggestions in Texas where a person could vacation for a few weeks. An ocean front is a plus but not absolutely neccessary as I know that the desert envirement can be very enchanting. I lived in Tucson years ago and there was not water front but the desert was nice. But even the desert around Tucson is changing due to human habitation and it isn't what it used to be.

[CptnRn]

Depends on when you are going. The biggest attraction at SPI is the beach. Nicest, cleanest water on the Texas coast. But its a bit cold there this time of year, current 10 day forecast temperatures in the 50-60's each day. Water is too cold to swim in. Intellicast - South Padre Island Weather Report in Texas (78597) But if you have a 4WD you can drive a long ways North along the beach, which can be fun.

If you want to go to a great beach this time of year I recommend Puerto Rico or Cancun, a short flight away. We spent a week in Puerto Rico, near San Juan, New Years week with family and it was a fantastic break from winter in the states. Daily temperatures in the 70-80's all year round, warm water, you can actually enjoy the beach and swimming. Intellicast - San Juan Weather Report in Puerto Rico (00901) And Old San Juan is a lot of fun to visit as well as zip line rides in the rain forest. It is US Territory so no passport needed. You can drive there with no problem. Our hotel had a huge all you can eat breakfast buffet included with the room package each day so the only meal we paid for was dinner. Drinks on the beach add up but you can bring your own.

[ChristieP]

South Texas is not South Florida. It's a common misperception by folks new to Texas. The water at SPI is green, not turquoise blue, and the sand is brown, not white. As long as you go in with realistic expectations, you won't be disappointed.

[DSL_PWR]

In a word, No..

[hellpaso]

Originally Posted by DSL_PWR

In a word, No..

^^agreed. Not for more than a day unless you are a college kid on Spring Break or a wealthy Mexican National with your own condo & staff of servants.

[KathrynAragon]

I LOVE SPI! Not during spring break, but at other times. The water is nice and clear, the sand is fine, lots of good hotels, and there are lots of fun things to do during the day - parasailing, snorkeling, etc. Of course, my favorite thing to do during the day is drink big drinks with lots of fruit sticking out of them while I lay under an umbrella and listen to the waves...

I've been to a lot of beaches in my time and SPI is a good beach. Not the best in the world, but certainly no ghetto.

[lonestar2007]

I agree with Kathryn. I love SPI and we have a great time there.

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by KathrynAragon

I LOVE SPI! Not during spring break, but at other times. The water is nice and clear, the sand is fine, lots of good hotels, and there are lots of fun things to do during the day - parasailing, snorkeling, etc. Of course, my favorite thing to do during the day is drink big drinks with lots of fruit sticking out of them while I lay under an umbrella and listen to the waves...

I've been to a lot of beaches in my time and SPI is a good beach. Not the best in the world, but certainly no ghetto.

I concur. It ain't Hawaii, but it is still fun and nice.

[hellpaso]

It's interesting that the posters that like SPI are the ones that don't live nearby. Familiarity breeds contempt?

[Westerntraveler]

I prefer Corpus/Port A