iVacation.com - Properties for Rent and for Sale

Area:

2.607sq km (1.62 sq mi)

Population:

1,906

Ethnic Composition:

Whites 75.3%, blacks 11.9%, Asians & Pacific Islanders 1.9%, Native Americans 0.4%, mixed 10.6%.

History:

Alonso Alvarez de Pineda sailed from Jamaica in late March, 1519, with four ships and 270 men. This voyage was about six weeks after Cortes had sailed from Cuba on the expedition that led to the conquest of Mexico. Pineda and his men were the first Europeans to explore and map the Gulf of Mexico between the areas previously explored by Juan Ponce De Leon and Diego Velazquez. Pineda's voyage ended when he encountered Hernan Cortes, who viewed Pineda as a rival, and arrested the messengers he sent ashore near Cortes' base at Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz on the bay of Campeche. Alvarez de Pineda then withdrew back up the Mexican coast to the Rio Panuco, where he established a settlement of his own near the site of the future city of Tampico. It was during this time that Alfonso Alvarez de Pineda discovered and charted Padre Island on behalf of Governor Garay of Jamaica. The island was originally named "Las Islas Blancas", which means the White Islands. The Island became infamous as a ship's graveyard; during a hurricane in 1553, most of a Spanish treasure fleet of 20 ships broke up on the island. In 1800, the Island was renamed after Padre Nicholas Balli who founded the Santa Cruz Ranch and raised cattle on the Island. There are more than 350 kinds of birds living on the Island -- some endangered -- as well as many small animals, reptiles, and various marine life.

Overview:

Padre Island is a low, sandy island characterized by large, irregular sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and a strong prevailing wind off the Gulf of Mexico. It is a barrier island off the coast of southern Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico, and extends south from Corpus Christi Bay to Brazos Santiago Pass, and is separated from the mainland by Laguna Madre. Padre Island is a much-desired resort with excellent fishing and abundant bird life. The island receives an average of 900,000 visitors per year, the majority being from the regional area.

Transportation:

International flights, trains, buses, taxis, and car rentals.

Language:

100% English.

Religion:

Mostly Baptists, then Roman Catholics, Methodists, Pentecostals and Lutherans.

Literacy:

100%.

Life Expectancy:

76 Years.

Per Capita Income:

$21,450.

Currency:

U.S. Dollar.

Time Zone:

Central Time Zone, United States.

Temperature Range:

Average temperature 70 degrees.

Phone Code:

956

Electricity:

110 volts AC, 60 Mz.

Measurements:

British Imperial.

Business Hours:

Shops are generally open seven days a week, from 8 or 9 AM to 5 or 6 PM.

Banking Info:

Banks are generally open from 9 AM to 5 or 6 PM, Monday thru Friday.

Holiday Chart:

HOLIDAY CHART

JAN	FEB	MAR
January 1st; New Year's Day January 15th, Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.	February 19th; George Washington's Birthday	(no national holiday)
APR	MAY	JUN
(no national holiday)	May 28th; Memorial Day	(no national holiday)
JUL	AUG	SEP
July 4th; Independence Day	(no national holiday)	September 3rd; Labor Day
OCT	NOV	DEC
October 8th; Columbus Day	November 12th; Veteran's Day November 22nd; Thanksgiving	December 25th; Christmas Day

Activities:

South Padre Island is loaded with things to do and things to see. Hit the beautiful beaches for a day of sun and relaxation. Too hot? Then cool off at one of the refreshing water parks in the state. Or hire a fishing boat and go out on the Gulf of Mexico and catch the big one. Or play golf on one of the championship courses in the state. Or maybe you're into biking, camping, hiking, surfing, swimming, sailing, or wind surfing. You can also go horseback riding along the beach or on some pretty neat trails. Whatever your pleasure, you're sure to find it on South Padre Island.

Shopping:

The state of Texas is a shopper's paradise, especially if you're into western wear. You'll find shops, boutiques, antique stores, mini-malls, and large department stores. You'll find many brand- names represented in jewelry, perfume, crystal, china, and designer accessories. You'll also discover a treasure trove of hand-crafted leather and art items, straw goods, tees, statues, dresses, shoes and boots, and plenty of souvenirs to keep as memories of your wonderful trip.

Nightlife:

There are a number of options available to you on South Padre Island. You can bar-hop the nightclubs on the Island where you can dance, watch the entertainment, or simply listen to the music. Or you can take in a movie, go bowling, or rack the balls on a pool table at one of the local pubs. If all else fails, you can always drive across the bridge and find some additional entertainment to sooth your soul.

Dining:

You'll have a fantastic dining experience in Texas where there are thousands of restaurants of every type, and for every taste bud. There are delicious steak houses, barbecue pits, good country cooking, and plenty of choices such as Indian, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Polynesian, British, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Jewish, and international dishes of all varieties. And don't forget that fresh Texas Longhorn steak grown on a local ranch. Whatever your palate desires, you'll find your culinary delight in the great state of Texas.

Beverages:

You'll find most international beverages served in Texas.

Taxes:

You'll find a 6% sales tax in the State of Texas.

Tipping & Bargaining:

Tipping is generally 10% to 15%.