"Winter Texans” as we like to call them in Texas, flock to all parts of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Many choose to stay on South Padre Island. These temporary residents, mostly retirees, choose South Padre Island because of the warm, subtropical climate.

As you can imagine, these Winter Visitors have a significant impact on the area and the economy. As South Padre Island becomes more and more popular as a haven for Winter Texans, the community works harder and harder to make their stay as fun as possible. Special events and activities have been created specifically for them. Winter Texans have many choices when it comes to lodging. The Island has a large number of hotels/ motels with kitchens, condos, beach houses and RV parks.

South Padre Island has the privilege of having not one, but two of the largest and best RV parks in the Rio Grande Valley. Cameron County Parks System’s Isla Blanca Park has over 300 RV spots, as well as tent camping and cabanas. South Padre KOA has 210 RV spots, 4 condos and 8 waterfront lodges. They also have a swimming pool, children playground (for when the grandkids come to visit) and an entertainment area.

The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts the Winter Texan Golf Tournament in January, and the Winter Texan Snowbird Extravaganza and the Winter Texan Adopt-A-Beach in February. The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Taste of the Island and more in January and the Port Isabel Rotary Club hosts a fish fry in February.

Club Padre provides a great opportunity for winter visitors to meet locals and other Winter Texans. Created in 1989, Club Padre was established to promote friendship among Island residents and visitors through social, recreation, cultural and educational programs. The Club’s membership includes a large number of Winter Texans. For more information call (956) 761-CLUB. For more information about Winter Texan events call (956) 761-6433, or 1-800-SO-PADRE (767-2373).