Top 10 Photography Spots on South Padre Island, Tx

YES, you read that right! I am sharing my latest TOP 10 spots that I personally love to take my clients too. These locations are all beautiful in there own way, but again it’s not the spot that makes the photo. It’s the artist behind the camera which creates those spots worth raving about later on to other photog friends. A little background about yours truly, I have been photographing on South Padre Island, Texas for about 6.5 years now and absolutely LOVE IT! Everyone carries a very relaxed vibe and welcomes you with opens arms. Some locations below are either open to the public, private property or they have a small session fee. PLEASE  ask for permission before taking photos and stepping foot onto anyones property. Basically use your manners that the good lord gave you, lol.

*Again these are just Iliasis Muniz Photography’s favorite spots, enjoy*

 

The Shores 

Franke, Realtors 8605 Padre ~ South Padre Island, TX 78597

1-956-761-2606

(Call and ask for permission)

Ah, this place is where a lot of photographers love to take their clients. It’s an all white little gazebo with a beautiful walkway out to the ocean. This location is at the end of the island and owned by the Franke Realtors. They have gorgeous shore houses all around the gazebo for rent and is mainly used for families, weddings, and couples. This location is private property, so be sure to ask for permission before taking your clients here.

 

Schlitterbahn Water Park

33261 State Park Rd 100, South Padre Island, TX 78597

956.772.7873

Free (Open to Public/seasonal)

I love Schlitterbahn Waterpark! This place is very friendly and has views that you will never forget. This location will be full of people during the summer and only recommend during the fall for photos. Of course, be sure to check ahead with the front desk. I mainly take my clients to the Shrimp Haus Restaurant where they have restrooms for changing.

Hilton Garden Inn 

7010 Padre blvd, South Padre Island, Tx, 78597

Free (Call and ask for permission)

This location is outstanding because of it’s beautiful dark brown bridge leading off towards the beach. It resides next to Clayton’s Bar and Grill which at times can be heavy with traffic. It’s landscape is a tropical paradise and really makes you feel like you are a island getaway. Great location for engagement or bridal shots.

Namar Event Center

8505 Padre Boulevard South Padre Island, TX 78597
956-761-2350

(Call and ask for permission)

The Namar building is a perfect location for bridal, wedding, senior, family, and pretty much any kind of photo shoot. The Namar location has tons of big beautiful windows that surround the building. Be sure to ask for permission before stepping foot on premises for photos. Did I mention this place has free parking? Well, it does and it offers a spectacular view to the bay!

 

Beach Access 4

Past the SPI Convention Center on 3rd right

Free (Open to public)

Beach access 4 is one of my ultimate favorite locations on the island! There are so many beach access on the island that it’s hard to choose one, but this is the best for me. They recently just added a brand new bridge/wheelchair accessible where you don’t have to walk on the sand anymore. This location is beautiful in so many ways. It has a great area with greenery, lots of pretty purple flowers, and of course the ocean! Below is one of my fave images taken here.

 

 

SPI Convetion Center

7355 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

Free (Open to the public)

I love the SPI convention center! There are so many little spots hidden in this area that it’ll take you a long while to find them all. This bridge is one of my favorite spots because it not only has a ton of beautiful greenery, but it also over looks the bay. The sun sets right behind the walkway so makes for perfect lighting. The convention center also has a ton of unique painted walls. Be sure to check out the big hibiscus flower that was just added this year!

Birding and Nature Center

      6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

(956) 761-6801

Free (In the front) Fee for the inside – Back area which has a boardwalk

The Birding Center is a peaceful location. It has many free features in the front of the property for photo ops. They have a beautiful long white bridge, a smaller bridge with a waterfall and a lots of nice green grass. This location does have free parking and more hidden spots in the back of the building. Once you enter the building and into the back there is a small fee for adults and children. It leads out to the bay and will make for stunning sunset portraits.

Casa Mariposa Venue

112 W Corral St, South Padre Island, TX 78597

(956) 433-3005

Fee (Call for pricing)

Casa Mariposa has a very rustic and boho feel to it. The building is bright burnt orange with lots of beautiful plants and adorable refurbished wood. It sits in the middle of the island on Corral st, so it’s a bit hidden from the main road. It’s outdoor feel gives it enough space to take photos with the sky right above you. This location is all outdoors and has a few rooms where you can even rent. Perfect place for an outdoor wedding!

Isla Blanca Park / Jetties

Address – 33174 State Park Road 100 South Padre Island, TX 78597

Cell – 956-761-5494

Fee – $10 per car

The Isla Blanca Park is a pretty large with lots of parking. They do have a $10 fee per car before entering. You have many options here with rocks, the beach, and even a hidden little bay section. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes early to scope out the many hidden treasures before shooting. They have bathrooms for clients to change and a few stands that sell water.

 

 Bay

Behind the convention center / they also have a beautiful greenery area

Free

The bay area is located right behind the convention center on spi. It’s pretty large area where you can choose to drive your car on the sand if its not high tide or you can park and just walk to the water. The sun sets on the bay side, so it makes for breathtaking photos! The photo below was a recent session I did for a client and I simply added the sky to make it have a pink hue. Make sure to check the tide reports the night before to ensure you can either drive on the sand.

Winners of our beach family photo shoot goes too…. AMY ALVARADO!!!