If being on the beach building sandcastles or watching the waves roll in from your hotel balcony sounds like the perfect family vacation to you, you’re in the right spot! South Padre Island, Texas is a popular destination for families looking for a sunny, yet affordable getaway and these South Padre Island hotels are the top family-friendly picks!
South Padre Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico located off the southern coast of Texas. It’s known for its sandy beaches, subtropical climate and ocean views. Families tend to enjoy the area because of the calm waters and cheap hotels–South Padre Island hotels are typically priced at around $100! If that’s not enough to get your bags packed, there are also plenty of free or inexpensive family-friendly activities you can enjoy around the island during your stay like a visit to the Beach Park at Isla Blanca (previously known as Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark), Laguna Madre Nature trail or Sea Turtle, Inc.
We’ve gathered a list of the most family-friendly hotels on South Padre Island and categorized them by their features helping you find hotels with fab pools, space for large families and hotel rooms that allow you to bring the dog too. Some of these hotels also offer other perks like games rooms, South Padre Island beach access and fully equipped kitchens making mealtime a breeze!
South Padre Island Hotels with Great Pools
Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
7010 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX 78597
SheBuysTravel Editor-in-Chief Cindy Richards recently stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island during her trip and loves that “It’s just a short walk along a lovely boardwalk to the beach and the pool is huge and inviting.” It also has lots of comfy chairs that surround the pool if you just want to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between a standard room or a suite with up to 2 queen beds –enough space for up to 6 people!
- The beautiful pool is within walking distance of the beach and offers plenty of outdoor seating.
- Kids will love the onsite games room!
- Family-friendly perks include free wifi and free parking.
Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island
6700 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Does your dream vacation include relaxing in a water-immersed pool lounge chair? Are you looking forward to watching your kids’ excitement as they play in a poolside splash pad or swim under a sprinkling pool waterfall? The Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island pool has it all and then some!
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between a standard room or a larger suite with up to 2 queen beds and 2 sleeper sofas–enough space for up to 8 people!
- Some guest rooms have a private outdoor balcony–great for parents who like to stay up and chat after they’ve put the kids to bed.
- Families who love the water can enjoy a beautiful saltwater pool and beachfront access.
- Kid-friendly dining available on-site! There is both a Bar Louis with a kids menu and a Bistro available.
SheBuysTravel Tip: This is a Marriott property, so join the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty club before you book to get the best deals and accumulate points for perks on future stays.
Beach Resort at S Padre Island, an IHG hotel
100 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
For families who love the water, the Beach Resort at S Padre Island has both oceanfront views and a great swimming pool–actually three great swimming pools! Plus the family suites can accommodate up to 6 guests and offer free wifi, so posting all your awesome pool pics will be a breeze!
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between a standard room or a suite with space for up to 6 people.
- Your family can enjoy three outdoor swimming pools, including a heated pool!
- Family-friendly perks include free wifi and free parking.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Join the IHG Rewards loyalty program before you book. It’s free to join and being a member gives you the guaranteed lowest rate on your room.
Best South Padre Island Hotels for Large Families
Isla Grand Beach Resort
500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Looking for a hotel with kitchen space to make family meals? Families who check-in to the larger High-Rise Condo rooms at the Isla Grand Beach Resort will have their own full-sized kitchen! Plus, this Winner Of The 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award offers tons of family-friendly amenities like outdoor sports facilities, two swimming pools and kid’s activities.
Why It Works for Families:
- Active families can enjoy the hotel’s two swimming pools, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard and fitness center.
- Kids can participate in seasonal activities such as Water Games, Arts & Crafts, Kids Night Out, Volleyball, Movies and Sandcastle Building.
- Families can book either a “Beachfront Cabana” standard room with space for up to 4 people or opt for a “High-Rise Condominium” that can accommodate up to 6 people and come with a full-size kitchen.
- Pet-friendly with an additional fee.
La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
350 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX 78597
The La Copa Inn Beach Hotel offers families who may want to “eat-in” a full-sized fridge and stovetop in the room. This beachfront hotel also offers oceanfront private balconies, an outdoor pool and family-friendly activities you can book on the beach. Anyone curious to learn how to build a professional sandcastle?
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between standard guest rooms or larger Family Suites with up to three bedrooms and up to two bathrooms!
- Family Suites include a kitchenette and full-sized refrigerator and stovetop for easy family meals.
- Oceanfront guest rooms have a private outdoor balcony–great for parents who like to stay up and chat after they’ve put the kids to bed.
- You can enjoy the outdoor pool with a view of the beach!
- Looking for some family fun? The concierge desk can help arrange family-friendly activities like jet skiing, parasailing, dolphin watches, eco-tours, or a visit to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Isla Blanca Park.
- Family-friendly perks include free wifi and free breakfast.
- Pet-friendly with an additional fee.
Pearl South Padre Resort
310 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX 78597
If you’re ready to wake up to the view of the water, The Pearl South Padre Resort is an oceanfront resort that has all ocean-front rooms! It’s great for larger families because it offers family suites or condos with kitchen space, plus two or three bedrooms to sleep up to six guests. Families can also book a private sandcastle-building lesson on the beach or enjoy other onsite family-friendly activities, like beach volleyball.
Why It Works for Families:
- Families can choose between standard guest rooms or larger suites with up to three bedrooms and up to two bathrooms!
- Oceanfront guest rooms have a private outdoor balcony–great for parents who like to stay up and chat after they’ve put the kids to bed.
- Suites/Condos include either a kitchenette or a fully-equipped kitchen for easy family meals.
Best Pet-Friendly South Padre Island Hotels
Comfort Suites South Padre Island
912 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
There’s space for the whole family at Comfort Suites South Padre Island–even the dog! Families can enjoy private beach access, a heated outdoor pool and private balconies for taking in the gorgeous SPI views!
Why It Works for Families:
- Larger families can book a suite with 1 king bed and 2 queen beds–enough room for up to 8 people!
- Some guest rooms have a private outdoor balcony–great for parents who like to stay up and chat after they’ve put the kids to bed.
- Families who love the water will enjoy the private beach access, heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
- Family-friendly perks include free breakfast, free wifi and free coffee.
- Pet-friendly with an additional fee.
The Palms Resort
3616 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
If you’re looking for island vibes, The Palms Resort is where you want to be. This pet-friendly hotel offers tropical vacation style rooms with kitchenette space, beach access and an outdoor heated pool.
Why It Works for Families:
- Smaller families can book a queen suite with a kitchenette and space for up to 3 people.
- Families who love the water will enjoy the direct private beach access and heated outdoor pool.
- Family-friendly perks include free wifi and free parking.
- Pet-friendly with an additional fee.
Other Hotel and Vacation Rentals Near SPI
Looking for other kid-friendly South Padre Island hotels or vacation rentals? Consider these other top star rating hotels:
- Best Western Beachside Inn
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites South Padre Island, an IHG hotel
- Ramada by Wyndham & Suites South Padre Island
You can also use this interactive map to help you find the right accommodations for your family!
Booking.com
Leave a Reply