South Padre Boulevard is the island's main street and it's lined with quaint and quirky shops where you can seek shelter from the rain. Pick out a new swimsuit and sandals at Becky's Place, find the perfect souvenirs at Ocean Motion, or peruse the aisles of Paragraphs on Padre Boulevard, an independent bookstore that offers coffee and comfy chairs.
One of the best ways to escape the rain is to duck into one of South Padre Island's many excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Windjammer's Beachfront Café serves up Tex-Mex, steaks, and seafood and overlooks the Gulf. For a truly Texan experience, try sliders and margaritas at Smokey Tails BBQ. You will really get in the island mood at Pirate's Landing, a pirate-themed restaurant known for its seafood.
South Padre Island is home to many spas and salons. Unwind at Center Pivot Massage, get a facial at Sapphire Spa, or indulge in a mani-pedi at LaVina's Nail and Hair Salon.