South Padre Island Trip

[d strokes]

I am going to South Padre Island for a few days this weekend, looking for pointers.

I've been several times before, but since it seems that violence is an increasing issue in the border towns, so I would like some advice.

Are there any areas or places that I should avoid? I don't plan on going clubbing or anything, but we usually go to a few restaurants while we are there. Normally we just chill on the beach or at the condo. Are there any things to look out for in particular in South Padre? I know that some of the population down there like to cruise the streets doing generally nothing but drinking and blaring music, I try to stay away from them.

Last time I was there, there were so many people that you couldn't even drive down the street and the bridge (only way off the island) was packed. We decided to walk to the restaurant and since I thought I might have a drink or two , I decided not to carry (did bring my knife though). That would be mistake number 1

As we were walking to find a restaurant, it quickly became apparent that there were waaayy to many people just standing around and looking like they were up to no good.
We even had someone follow us for a block, but when I started walking backwards to watch them (2 of them, 3 of us), they decided to back off. My friends realized what was going on once I turned around, and asked if I was carrying (wish I could say I was)

I really wish I was carrying, and at that point I had only had my chl for a few months, so I didn't carry everywhere. I should have gone back to the hotel and strapped at that point.

I'm not doing that again! I carried everywhere else for the rest of that trip, including the beach.

Anyway, please share any comments or opinions you have on the town/subject and also, let me know about some of the good restaurants down there!



Edit to add: Also, is there anywhere down there that I can't carry (besides the normal places)? Like any laws specific to the island?

[Dragonfighter]

I am going to South Padre Island for a few days this weekend, looking for pointers.

I've been several times before, but since it seems that violence is an increasing issue in the border towns, so I would like some advice.

Are there any areas or places that I should avoid?

You mean like south Padre? How about taking the same drive time and going to Pensacola. Sugar white sand, turquoise water, National Museum of Naval Aviation, Forts Barancas, Pickens and the Redoubt. Good to go traveling with your weapon and once you get there.

[CWOOD]

I am going to South Padre Island for a few days this weekend, looking for pointers.

I've been several times before, but since it seems that violence is an increasing issue in the border towns.

I know that some of the population down there like to cruise the streets doing generally nothing but drinking and blaring music, I try to stay away from them.

Last time I was there, there were so many people that you couldn't even drive down the street and the bridge

As we were walking to find a restaurant, it quickly became apparent that there were waaayy to many people just standing around and looking like they were up to no good.

We even had someone follow us for a block, but when I started walking backwards to watch them (2 of them, 3 of us), they decided to back off.

I really wish I was carrying, and at that point I had only had my chl for a few months, so I didn't carry everywhere. I should have gone back to the hotel and strapped at that point.

I'm not doing that again!

I'm sorry,but please explain why we are going there again?

EDITED TO ADD: I don't mean to sound rude or confrontational, I guess more curious why one would want to subject themselves to that on a VACATION, for goodness sake. What ever you decide I hope you have a wonderful and refreshing time...safely.

[ScottDLS]

I am going to South Padre Island for a few days this weekend, looking for pointers.

I've been several times before, but since it seems that violence is an increasing issue in the border towns, so I would like some advice.

Are there any areas or places that I should avoid?

You mean like south Padre? How about taking the same drive time and going to Pensacola. Sugar white sand, turquoise water, National Museum of Naval Aviation, Forts Barancas, Pickens and the Redoubt. Good to go traveling with your weapon and once you get there.

Same drive time from Austin to Pensacola as to South Padre...I think you're leaving out Louisiana, Mississippi, and (teeny portion of)Alabama. If only...

Anyway, I second your recommendation of the Navy Flight Museum if only because on of my NROTC buddies is now retired Navy Aviator and the director of the museum.

Back to original question...There are no special carry restrictions in SPI, TX, because Texas law preempts cities/counties from regulating carry.

[Dragonfighter]

I am going to South Padre Island for a few days this weekend, looking for pointers.

I've been several times before, but since it seems that violence is an increasing issue in the border towns, so I would like some advice.

Are there any areas or places that I should avoid?

You mean like south Padre? How about taking the same drive time and going to Pensacola. Sugar white sand, turquoise water, National Museum of Naval Aviation, Forts Barancas, Pickens and the Redoubt. Good to go traveling with your weapon and once you get there.

Same drive time from Austin to Pensacola as to South Padre...I think you're leaving out Louisiana, Mississippi, and (teeny portion of)Alabama. If only...

Anyway, I second your recommendation of the Navy Flight Museum if only because on of my NROTC buddies is now retired Navy Aviator and the director of the museum.

Back to original question...There are no special carry restrictions in SPI, TX, because Texas law preempts cities/counties from regulating carry.

Yeah well Okay, how about the same from where I'm at (North of Fort Worth) to Pensacola as from Austin to Pensacola...sheesh didn't think anyone might be somewhere else in Texas

[joe817]

I was born in Ft.Worth in 1947. I've been to many places in Texas. From the Piney Woods of East Texas to Laredo. From Amarillo to Galveston. To Corpus Christi to Lubbock. But I've never been to El Paso or South Padre....2 places I hope to get to before I get to meet the Great RSO.

I applaud d stokes for going to an absolute paradise right here in Texas. And I say "d stokes, go ahead on and go!" You've got a Texas CHL and you have the absolute RIGHT to carry where ever you want to. You are after all, in Texas!

If you are concerned call the local PD, the local tourist bureau and get tips. But do not let what you've heard hamper or curtail your vacation there. After all, it's a more southern point than the Florida Keys, right?

[d strokes]

I'm sorry,but please explain why we are going there again?

EDITED TO ADD: I don't mean to sound rude or confrontational, I guess more curious why one would want to subject themselves to that on a VACATION, for goodness sake. What ever you decide I hope you have a wonderful and refreshing time...safely.

Other than that almost-incident, I actually really enjoyed the trip. Lots of sun and some good lookin' ladies!

The drive there and back is half the fun too, at least for me.

Oh, and if anyone has never been, it's definitely worth a trip sometime. No, the water is not clear, but there are a lot of other great aspects.

As for my original question, I just want to make sure I don't accidentally walk down any certain street that is full of gang members or whatnot. Most of the city is fine, and in fact the local police are bright enough to get TONS of extra support for the spring break weeks. There are lots of LEOs down there from other agencies, and of course our friends from the DHS, ICE, and border patrol.

[joe817]

Well I might have to retract what I said in my prior post. I don't know if you'll be going to any border towns, but DPS has issued a traveler's advisory, advising spring breaker's to avoid them:

"The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging all Texas Spring Breakers to avoid traveling to border cities in Mexico."

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_s ... 030410.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They are taking this seriously, and advise you to do the same. Stay safe and alert at all times.

[d strokes]

Well I might have to retract what I said in my prior post. I don't know if you'll be going to any border towns, but DPS has issued a traveler's advisory, advising spring breaker's to avoid them:

"The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging all Texas Spring Breakers to avoid traveling to border cities in Mexico."

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_s ... 030410.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They are taking this seriously, and advise you to do the same. Stay safe and alert at all times.

I don't plan on going into Mexico, thanks for the info though

[StewNTexas]

I think that your most important part of this trip should be your drive. Be VERY aware of the posted speed limits. On highways 77 and 281 they change and vary often. This entire section of S. Texas is closely watched. Lots of illegal traffic going both ways. Dope and illegals usually going North, cash and stolen items/cars going South. There have been lots of stories about traffic stops being made for odd and obscure reasons.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

[3dfxMM]

After all, it's a more southern point than the Florida Keys, right?

Key West is 80+ miles south of the southern tip of Texas which is about 15 miles south of the southern tip of South Padre Island.

[jguzman75]

I would not worry about your trip to much, it is expected to be pretty crazy here for the next few weeks with all of the college kids. SPI is only about 45 min from me and my family and I visit there pretty often all year but never during Spring Break....just too crazy. My advice would be to carry when you can and don't venture to Mexico!! This is where all of the NEWS is happening, a lot of talk about border violence is correct but in Mexico not the US.

[rosebud99]

jguzman75 makes a good point... enjoy and carry the problems in mexico dont even really effect even brownsville except when they close down the bridges for some reasons...then its just backed up traffic..when you go to the island make sure you try Blackbeards....good food Dirt Al's is pretty good also......

[jguzman75]

Blackbeards and Dirty Als are okay but too pricey. If you want serious food and great prices try Daddy's Seafood on the island side and Pirates Landing in Port Isabel. You will not believe the amount of GREAT food for the price!!! I guarantee you will not be disappointed just make sure you call ahead. This week being Texas week no matter where you eat you are going to wait, it is going to be bumper to bumper everywhere!!

[Dutch]

Going to be a crazy weekend to go. I don't know about the colleges, but several school districts have spring break starting this weekend.