Where Shall We Go? A Road Trip to South Padre Island
As the 2024 Thanksgiving season passed, I was reminded of a memorable road trip my husband and I took a few years ago, right before the holiday weekend. We had just wrapped up a volunteer building project with a few hundred friends, and to say we were exhausted would be an understatement.
David was the chairman of the local building committee, overseeing key decisions for the project. Meanwhile, my role in food service began when the property’s excavation started and carried through to the building's dedication. This wonderfully grueling experience spanned about three months, and by the end, we both felt we had earned a vacation.
Many of our friends were planning post-project getaways—some to Jamaica, others to the Bahamas. While we also decided on an island escape, our destination was closer to home: South Padre Island, Texas. It wasn’t quite what I had in mind, as our friends shared their island travel plans, but I was pleasantly surprised once we arrived.
Starting from southwest Missouri, we planned an easy drive, with our first stop in Dallas around dinnertime. In Missouri, there's a friendly rivalry between Kansas City-style BBQ and St. Louis-style BBQ, and we were curious to see how Texas-style would measure up. Our choice? Terry Black’s Barbecue at 3025 Main St., Dallas. With a menu featuring ribs, brisket, turkey, sausages, sandwiches, and a variety of sides and desserts, it was the perfect introduction to Texas-style BBQ. If you’re ever in Dallas, I highly recommend giving it a try.
The next morning, we continued to Austin, just three hours away. Known for its vibrant culture and pedestrian-friendly vibe, Austin left a lasting impression. While we couldn’t explore everything, highlights like the murals at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, bike trails along Walnut Creek, and kayaking on Lady Bird Lake put Austin firmly on our list for a future road trip.
From Austin, we drove just over an hour to San Antonio, which we only glimpsed this time but plan to visit in-depth next trip. The city’s rich colonial heritage and attractions like the River Walk, a beautiful pedestrian promenade along the San Antonio River, make it a must-see for history enthusiasts like me.
We reached our VRBO in South Padre Island on Thanksgiving night. With no groceries yet, we ventured out and found a restaurant offering all-you-can-eat salmon—or so we thought. We arrived too late and settled for all-you-can-eat Oysters Rockefeller instead. Not quite what we had hoped for, but it was a start!
The next day, we explored this beautiful, mostly undeveloped barrier island. South Padre boasts a 34-mile stretch of white sandy beaches and clear emerald waters. While it was a bit too chilly for swimming, walking along the beach was a serene and picturesque experience.
After our Oysters Rockefeller misstep, we searched for better seafood options and struck gold at Pirates Landing Restaurant near the Port Isabel Lighthouse. Their $8 all-you-can-eat grouper (blackened, fried, or grilled) and $1 margaritas were unbeatable. We loved it so much we ate there daily! Though the margaritas are now $3 and the grouper deal is gone, the menu still offers plenty of delicious options in a charming, pirate-themed dining room. Be sure to stop here if you visit South Padre Island.
After a few days of sightseeing, relaxing, and indulging in great seafood, we felt refreshed and ready to head back to Missouri. For variety, we returned via Texarkana and Little Rock, enjoying a change of scenery.
If you’re a road trip enthusiast like us, I have a small tip: add a Drive Time® Power Fresh Throw N’ Go Air Freshener under your seat. The “Knock-Out Punch” fragrance—a blend of bergamot, citrus, herbs, moss, sandalwood, and orris—is my personal favorite. It’s a perfect finishing touch for your journey.
Our trip to South Padre Island may not have been as exotic as the Bahamas or Jamaica, but it was filled with unexpected joys, scenic beauty, and memories we’ll cherish forever. If you’re considering a road trip, this Texan gem might just surprise you, too.
Retailers can purchase Drive Time® products from our Faire online market or directly from AERONDriveTime.com.
Lori Herr for Drive Time® Brand