Beach vacations? (esp South Padre Island)

**Early Bird** · 08-07-2005, 07:43 PM

We have decided on a beach vacation this year ... South Padre Island, TX.

Any tips for that particular location?

Any tips for beach vacations in general?

We'll be going just after prime season (mid-Sept), when the water is still warm, but the crowds are gone.

Great hotel rates at that time, BTW!

**Kimberlina** · 08-07-2005, 09:57 PM

We always go to the beach. My advice? Take lots and lots and lots of sunscreen and books. You should be using at least a shot glass full of sunscreen each time you apply, and apply frequently. I know it sounds like cliched advice, but my friends recently came on vacation with us for a couple days. They don't frequently go to the beach (as a matter of fact, the husband has never been) and I told them to wear their sunscreen, but he missed the backs of his legs on just one beach visit in the late day.

His legs were SO bad, that he had pitting edema and weeping, and he missed several days of work. So that is my very best advice for you. We take lotion, spray, stick, gel, whatever varieies we can get our hands on.

We take our own snacks and bottled water for the beach. It is really pricey otherwise.

Have fun!!!

**Mom23boys** · 08-08-2005, 09:31 AM

I don't know much about South Padre, so I can't really help you.

I could tell you lots about Galveston Island.

AND a little about Corpus Christi.

I hope you have a blast. Enjoy fun in the sun!

**Early Bird** · 08-08-2005, 10:23 AM

Anything about beach vacations at all will help! We live in the desert!

**daddys3chicks** · 08-08-2005, 10:43 AM

Well, since it is off season take something to collect shells and plenty of film! We love to go to the beach in Feb. - it is cool, but you can still walk the beach with a sweatshirt on. (You won't have that problem in Sept.) The beaches usually only have locals in the off season, so you have more privacy. The girls love to make sandcastles. Sunscreen is a must of course. Water shoes are a good idea if you intend to swim in the ocean. Make sure to shuffle in the sand on the way in - stingrays can bury in the sand and will sting if you step on them! They will scurry away if you shuffle and they hear or feel you coming.

**Mom23boys** · 08-08-2005, 05:51 PM

Originally posted by daddys3chicks
Make sure to shuffle in the sand on the way in - stingrays can bury in the sand and will sting if you step on them! They will scurry away if you shuffle and they hear or feel you coming.

Very good idea! We also do this because we knew someone who stepped on one.

Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen. I know at most of the beaches in Texas you can rent chairs and umbrellas on the beach, but they are usually $30 a day and up. You can bring your own or bring a large sheet and lay your towels on it for free. Make sure to stay off the sand dunes. They have been known to have snakes in them. I have yet to see one, but they usually have a sign posted to that effect. (This is Texas beaches.) The sand dunes are away from the water and the beach where you will sit so there shouldn't be any worries. We like to bring flashlights because at night we walk the beaches and watch the sand crabs scurry across the beach. We also like to take beach toys even though our boys are older, we all still have fun making sand castles.

**Jerseygirl** · 08-19-2005, 06:49 PM

Buy salt water taffy!!!
Think end of season sales with shops that will be closing at the end of season.
Bring a windbreaker and rain coat.
Fly a kite while you are there, that's dh's favorite thing to do.
ENJOY!!!