Things to Do in South Padre Island in January

See the beach from a different angle with a guided ride through the dunes and along the shore.

• 90-minute guided tour
• No experience necessary
• Minimum age 6
• Morning, sunset, and moonlight options

For a memorable winter outing, head to Island Adventure Park off South Padre Road 100. The road itself feels like a journey - sand dunes line both sides. Once you arrive, you are paired with a horse that matches your skill level. The ride lasts about 90 minutes and takes you along the quiet beach and up into the dunes. No prior riding experience is needed. Several local companies offer morning rides, sunset rides, and even moonlight rides. This is one of the top things to do in winter because the cooler temperatures make it comfortable for both rider and horse.

Head out onto the Laguna Madre for a cruise that almost guarantees dolphin sightings.

• Hundreds of bottlenose dolphins live in the bay
• Daily tours from Sea Ranch Marina
• 60-foot boat with refreshments and education
• Laguna Madre is one of six hypersaline lagoons

The Original Dolphin Watch operates daily tours from Sea Ranch Marina. Its 60-foot boat, the Double Sunshine, or the 50-foot Diver I, take you into the Laguna Madre where pods of bottle-nose and spinner dolphins live year-round. The crew gives an educational talk, and refreshments are included. Another option is Osprey Cruises, which also runs trips in the same waters. The Laguna Madre is one of just six hypersaline lagoons in the world, and its sheltered waters make for a smooth ride even in January.

Visit a rehabilitation center on the Laguna Madre that cares for injured sea turtles.

• Rescue, rehab, and release program
• See permanent residents with disabilities
• Protects eggs and releases hatchlings
• Kid-friendly and educational

Sea Turtle Inc. sits right on the Laguna Madre. It is a facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles. They also protect sea turtle eggs and release hatchlings into the wild. While you are there, you can see turtles currently in rehab and several permanent residents that cannot be released due to amputations or other disabilities. The center is open to visitors of all ages and is one of the most popular attractions on the island. It makes a great stop after a dolphin cruise or before heading to the nature trail.

Walk over 3,300 feet of boardwalk through wetlands and see rescued alligators.

• Five-story viewing tower with bay views
• Five bird blinds for close-ups
• Alligator sanctuary with Big Padre and Lady Laguna
• Guided boardwalk tours available

This nature center sits on the Laguna Madre and gives you access to over 3,300 feet of boardwalk. Five strategically placed bird blinds let you watch and photograph different species without disturbing them. A five-story viewing tower offers panoramic views of the bay and the island. Inside the alligator sanctuary, you can visit rescued juvenile alligators including the pair Big Padre and Lady Laguna. Naturalist educators lead guided morning tours through tidal wetlands and a freshwater oasis. Bird migration peaks in winter, so January is a prime time to spot species that stop along the Central Flyway.

Soar above the Laguna Madre for a different view of the island and the bay.

• Tandem or solo flights
• Views of the island and Gulf
• Moderate adrenaline level
• Winter winds are manageable

Parasailing on South Padre Island gives you a bird's-eye view of the coastline and the Laguna Madre. Most operators offer a tandem option, which many find more enjoyable than going solo because you share the experience. The flight lasts long enough to appreciate the scenery without feeling rushed. Winter weather is generally fine for parasailing - the winds are lighter than summer storms, and the cooler air makes the flight comfortable. It is a popular activity for anyone wanting a small adrenaline rush without full-on thrill seeking.