Discover Texas’ top rated beaches

When you think of Texas, many think of cowboys and old western movies, but with over 600 miles of coastline boasting beautiful beaches, it is the perfect destination for a beach getaway and this year South Padre Island has been rated 21 on the ‘Top 25 Beaches in the United States’ by Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice 2011 Awards. 

Located on the tropical tip of Texas, South Padre Island is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay; the busy Gulf side boasts stunning ocean views, whilst the peaceful Laguna Madre side has gorgeous sunsets.  Offering year-round sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters it is the perfect choice for a beach holiday, whether you are looking to relax on the beach or participate in one of the many activities on offer.  The island enjoys a sub-tropical environment with warm breezy summers and mild dry winters, with an average summer temperature of 82 degrees, an average winter temperature of 65 degrees and around 253 days of sunshine each year. 

For the more active, the island’s waves are a great for kiteboarding, surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts and it’s also popular for fishing.  As the days wind down, the restaurants and night clubs come alive and many restaurants will even cook your catch.

Ecotourism is vibrant with dolphin boat trips, birding and sea turtles.  The Dolphin and Nature Research Center provides a hands-on encounter with the Gulf's inhabitants and highlights the significance of conservation.  With more than 306 recorded bird species, the island has become one of the premier birding locations in the Western Hemisphere. 

For those who love to shop, tours are available from the island to the dynamic border town of Matamoros, only a short drive away it offers great shopping with some of the best bargains around and an array of native crafts.  No matter what your interests are, South Padre Island offers something for everyone. 

America As You Like It offer a seven night holiday to South Padre Island from £889 per person.  Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Brownsville / South Padre Island on Continental Airlines, via Houston; seven days economy car hire and seven nights’ accommodation at the Comfort Suites on a bed and breakfast basis.  Price is based on two people sharing.  For further details please visit  - americaasyoulikeit.com.

For further information on Texas please visit traveltex.com.