March 29, 2010

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX — Located on the tropical tip of Texas, South Padre Island is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay, and its only link to the mainland is the 2 1/2 mile Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge. The 34 mile-long barrier reef is about a 1/2 mile at its widest point.

Streets are bustling with retail shops, resort hotels, condominium towers, restaurants and recreational activities. The Island receives an annual average of 253 days of picturesque sunshine.

The nightlife on South Padre Island is one of the most exciting and popular in the country. There are lots of nightclubs and some of them are gigantic, often having more than one club under one roof. As attractions they have entertainment such as dance clubs, karaoke bars, live bands, and even tattoo parlors inside the club.

Set amidst palm trees, Coconuts Bar & Grill is a quirky, open-air joint that takes the nightlife thing and gives it a South Padre twist, thanks to live bands most nights and parasailing and wave-runner rentals during the day. Billed as one of the island's first palapa bars (courtesy of its open-sided, thatched-roof structure), Coconuts overlooks Laguna Madre, making it an ideal place to enjoy the sunset over a few cervezas. Adding to the resort-inspired scene are the music selection and Caribbean-heavy menu, both of which add touches of spice to the place.

Although its tropical pink facade is more SoBe than Lone Star, Louie's Backyard is a busy and huge baysider that earns high marks as a laid-back place to enjoy delicious local-inspired fare, play a few games of shuffleboard, and share cervezas or cocktails with amigos. Indeed, Louie's Sports Bar is a popular gathering place – one that features 64 TVs with satellite feeds, complimentary hors d'oeuvres at happy hour, and a mind-boggling selection of domestic and international brews. Frequent live bands ensure great crowds. Louie's overlooks Laguna Madre.

Little more than a waterside shack, the Tequlia Sunset Bar & Grill is a local favorite for live music, food, drinks, and sunsets. The laid-back bar is located next door to Coconuts. Friendly bartenders and locals make this beach bar one worth returning to. The fruity cocktails and relaxed atmosphere will melt away the hours.

The 2010 Carl Spackler Open Championship will begin play in 15 days. There are 51 or 52 participants expected for the 10th annual birthday party. South Padre Island Golf Club will host the 54-hole golf tournament starting April 15.