South Padre Island is perhaps the best-known Beach destination in Texas. Although it is a favorite for college students during spring break, the Town of South Padre also offers plenty of family-based activities and attractions year round. Fishing, boating, bird watching, shopping and a trendy nightlife are all found in this beach community of approximately 5,000 inhabitants. Kids (and adults) can take sandcastle building lessons from several sandcastle artists. Flying kites is also a prime activity among locals, and several stores in South Padre offer a large selection of kites for beginners and experts. Take a beach horseback ride on the northern edge of the city, or splash at the beach water park, which has slides, tubes and water coasters. Dining options are abundant, with everything from bagel shops to elegant seafood restaurants.

South Padre Island is a true resort town, with about 3,000 year-round residents, and an influx of several thousand more when the winter chill sends northerners south in search of sunshine and warmth. Water sports are a major draw, from power boating, sailing, and windsurfing to bay, surf, and deep-sea fishing. And some of us simply want to relax on the beach, allowing the gentle murmur of the water to soothe our senses and wash away the stress of this hectic modern world. More energetic visitors can also bicycle, play tennis and golf, and go horseback riding. Birding is as popular here as in other areas of South Texas, with more than 300 species.

The sunsets are grand, reflecting in the water of the Laguna Madre, and many restaurants capitalize on their location with outdoor seating. Set your taste buds to enjoy fresh seafood of all kinds prepared in a variety of seasonings -- Italian to Mexican, broiled to deep-fried. And if you catch your own, some restaurants will be happy to cook it for you (the ones that do advertise it).

The town of South Padre Island stretches along 25 miles of sand on the southern tip of Padre Island just across the Laguna Madre from the mainland, and the small town of Port Isabel. Easily accessible by plane into nearby cities, it has become a favored place for conventions. Conventions here are usually small affairs and don't really cause the traveler any inconvenience.