If you’re craving a charming vacation on the coast filled with leisure, you might consider opting for a condo on Padre Island for accommodations. There are tons of reasons why a condo on The Island makes for an excellent stay, but the close proximity to the beach is key, and the privacy and extra space a condo provides make resting even easier.

 

Morning

For breakfast, head over to Six Points for a classic diner breakfast at Price’s Chef. This local mainstay has been serving up homestyle breakfast since 1940. The food is of the best quality and made from scratch daily with only the freshest ingredients; Texan-sized meals are served with a side of southern hospitality and are sure to hit the spot.

The next item on the agenda for this charmed coast trip calls for exploration, and there’s no better place than the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center to do just that. The 182-acre property offers visitors a front-row seat to Coastal Bend wildlife discoveries. Stroll through the Brennecke Nature Trail and the Oso Loop Trail for spectacular bird sightings and a breath of fresh air. This is one of the best ways to experience the “Birdiest City in America,” and will provide you with the perfect location to spot a few of the more than 300 bird species migrating through the area in the year. The property is optimally located along Oso Creek, creating the ultimate place to take in the beauty of the wild.

Midday

After all that walking, you’re sure to have built your appetite back up, and with the day’s presumably perfect weather, there’s no way we’re headed indoors just yet. Spending the afternoon on Sunset Island at Marker 37 is an ideal way to take in the scenery and enjoy a laid-back lunch. Newly renovated, the boardwalk attraction features a tiki bar, food options, a fishing pier, live music, and so much more. Grab a bite to eat and a cold drink to pair with it while you kick your feet back and soak up the sun. If a laid-back afternoon looks more like a cruise through 16 miles of canals located in North Padre Island, book a captained boat tour with CC Party Boat. With the pickup location being the Marker 37 Marina, you’re in just the right spot for a lovely afternoon adventure.

 

Afternoon

Touring historic landmarks in the city you’re visiting always makes for a great vacation pastime, and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay does not disappoint. Commissioned in 1943, the World War II-vintage Essex Class aircraft carrier is quite literally a floating museum. Schedule a guided tour of the ship or take your time and leisurely make your way through any or all of the five different tour routes covering 100,000 square feet and 11 decks.

Evening

A quick drive back over the Harbor Bridge will put you in close proximity to enjoy a relaxing evening aboard a sailing charter, complete with sunset views along the bayfront. SV Seraphim is a 45-foot sailing vessel ready to take you on a cruise you won’t forget. For this time of day, opt for the Sunset Cruise which features unobstructed water views.

Another sunset activity is Horses on the Beach, a unique gem allowing you to take a horseback ride down the beach just as the sun begins to set on your ideal Gulf Coast Capital day. Located on Padre Island, just south of Padre Balli Park, this local business welcomes all skill levels to hop on the saddle for a scheduled one-hour sunset horseback ride. Mount a beautiful horse, take in the view around you and reflect back on the idyllic day you just had.