[5] The island is only accessible via the Queen Isabella Causeway and has become a popular tourist destination for both the spring, summer and for winter Texans.

[6] It features many activities such as fishing, snorkeling, Beach Park at Isla Blanca (formerly Schlitterbahn), parasailing, surfing and horse back riding.

[10] South Padre Island is renowned for its diverse range of tourism activities, making it a popular destination for visitors.

[13] Surfing: The continental shelf drops steeply offshore of South Padre Island, creating the kind of waves not typically seen in the shallow Gulf.

[16] Amusement Parks: Attractions like Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark provide family-friendly entertainment and fun water rides.

The port handles a diverse range of cargo, including petroleum, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, which are essential to the region's trade activities.

The economic impact of the port extends to various sectors, including shipping, logistics, and transportation, creating a robust industrial network that supports the local community.

Infrastructure projects associated with the port, such as channel deepening and dock expansions, further enhance its capacity and efficiency, leading to increased economic activity in the area.

Efforts are made to mitigate the impact of maritime activities on the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring the protection of local wildlife and marine habitats.

These measures include pollution control initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and adherence to environmental regulations.

While the industrial operations are concentrated in specific areas, the overall economic benefits from the port contribute to the island's development, enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting visitors.

Other favorites are horseback riding adventures on the beach, visiting the Sea Turtle sanctuary,[22] the Birding Center [23] and other ecological tours that explore the Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico.

Every summer, the Texas International Fishing Tournament is held the first weekend of August,[24][25] with winnings totaling almost a quarter million dollars.

The Queen Isabella Causeway is the only road access to the mainland; it leads 2.5 miles (4.0 km) across Laguna Madre to the city of Port Isabel.

Due to the fact that South Padre Island is surrounded by water, precipitation is a little higher than cities farther inland in the Rio Grande Valley.

The island even ranked #1 in Best Spring Break Destinations by U.S. News & World Report As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,066 people, 1,477 households, and 892 families residing in the town.