Looking for the best places to take pictures on South Padre Island?
Texas’ only tropical island is packed with beautiful sandy beaches and whimsical, colorful public art perfect for
Whether you want to find a great place for an engagement shoot or fill up your social media with colorful, Instagrammable spots, some of these South Padre photography locations are for you!
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South Padre Island Welcome Sign
As soon as you cross over the causeway to the island, you’ll be greeted by this colorful welcome sign.
There’s an easily accessible pull-off between two sections of the median and a paved path that will lead you directly to the front of the sign.
This is an easy place to stop for photos to commemorate the start of your trip to one of the best beach towns in Texas!
The Beach
Of course, no list of the most Innstagrammable places in South Padre Island would be complete without mentioning the stunning beach.
For excellent light, consider pulling yourself out of bed for the beautiful sunrises for an amazing experience.
If you’re staying at a beachfront hotel, an oceanfront room that allows you to admire the beach from above is also a fantastic South Padre photoshoot opportunity.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Taking a horseback ride along the island’s incredibly long, wide beach is the perfect opportunity to take some of your most memorable South Padre photos!
We actually did this to celebrate our first wedding anniversary years ago, and it’s an experience we’ve never forgotten.
Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Set on a series of boardwalks that make their way to the bay, the Laguna Madre Nature trail is short and peaceful, with great birdwatching.
It’s also a fantastic place to watch–and snap photos of–the sunset on South Padre Island.
Pier 19
One of the most popular restaurants in South Padre, Pier 19 is known for its fried fish and the fact that you can dine directly over the bay.
Come at sunset to experience one of the most Instagrammable South Padre photo spots at its best!
Kitschy Souvenir Shops
Without a doubt, SPI is home to some truly tacky, colorful, over-the-top souvenir shops.
They also happen to make for excellent (and memorable) Instagram photo spots on South Padre Island.
SPI Convention Center Murals
The South Padre Island Convention Center, located right next door to the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, is home to some truly charming murals of sea life.
There are a few other interesting pieces of artwork to photograph as well, like the colorful sea turtle pictured at the top of this blog post.
You’ll find plenty of photography locations on South Padre Island by strolling around the grounds.
Parasailing (or Skydiving)
Want to admire SPI from a hard-to-reach angle?
One of the best places to take pictures on South Padre Island is above it, on a parasailing or–for the most adventurous souls–skydiving trip.
Port Isabel Lighthouse
Unlike the rest of these Instagrammable places in South Padre Island, this one isn’t technically on the island at all–but you can reach Port Isabel with a quick drive across the Queen Isabella Causeway.
However, a quick climb up the 19th-century Port Isabel Lighthouse will give you a great view of the bay and South Padre beyond that!
As one of the best lighthouses in Texas to visit, the building itself is also well worth snapping a few pictures of.
Dolphin Watching
Heading out to admire wild dolphins in their natural habitat will give you a chance to get some truly unique photos while visiting South Padre Island.
And, the experience itself is simply incredible!
If you’re looking for memorable places to take pictures on South Padre Island, you can’t beat a dolphin-watching trip.
Gravity Park
Kitschy Gravity Park is located right on the bay and features a Ferris wheel, a go-kart course, an arcade, and more.
If you’re looking for the perfect place for old-fashioned, Americana-style photos on South Padre Island, Gravity Park has you covered.
Want to get an excellent view of the whole island?
Consider heading up on the giant swing to snap some memorable South Padre Island photos from above!
