South Padre: A Texas-Style Paradise

The dunes of South Padre Island seem to go on forever. And for optimal viewing you can charter a sightseeing plane or, if you prefer to stay on the ground, you can climb to the top of Port Isabel Lighthouse.

Port Isabel Lighthouse, which is 150-years-old, is the only one of the 16 Texas coastline lighthouses that you can still go into. It is 74 steps to the top, and stands at 72 feet tall. The climb is worth it, though, as you will have access to a stunning view of South Padre Island.

When this lighthouse was built in the 1850s, the South Padre region's main industry was fishing and cattle ranching. Today, as The Early Show reports, the economy is fueled by fun in the sun.

Located at the southernmost tip of Texas, South Padre is the largest barrier island in North America. And despite being prone to hurricane damage, its coastline remains some of the most breathtaking in North America. The beaches are even considered a precious and protected natural resource.

Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre is prefect for anyone who plays a water sport. There is every aquatic activity under the sun. Kiteboarding, one of the most extreme and popular sports in the U.S., has its Texas epicenter in South Padre Island.

And if you don't want to go into the Gulf, but still want some wet fun, look no further than Schlitterbahn. This hi-tech water park is a trademark of South Padre.

So whether you're slip-sliding at the water park, riding a wave, or catching a tan, South Padre Island is a Texas-style piece of paradise.