South Padre Island named top travel destination in Texas for 2022 The beach city won six awards
A couple pick up trash along the beach as they walk their dogs, Monday, July 27, 2020, in South Padre Island, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (Eric Gay, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
One of Texas’ most popular beach cities beat out all other destinations in a recent ranking.
The Texas Travel Awards gave South Padre Island the titles of destination of the year and best destination for families.
In addition to those titles, specific places in South Padre Island were crowned winners in individual categories:
Brewery - The Padre Island Brewing Company
Instagrammable Spot (Small Market) - SPI Beach Chairs
Live Music Venue (Small Market) - LongBoard Bar & Grill
Outdoor Activity (Small Market) - Surfing
The Texas Travel Awards looked at four categories — arts and culture, families, foodies and outdoor adventures.
People were asked to submit their favorite destinations for each, and then a panel of judges, including KSAT’s David Elder, decided on the winners.
“The Texas Travel Awards shine a spotlight on the most exciting, innovative, and inviting places around the state. The 2022 winners represent uniquely Texas places and experiences worthy of any traveler’s itinerary,” its website states.
Click here for the full list.
Read also:
Copyright 2022 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Author Rebecca Salinas headshot
Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025 ▶ 0:56
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run ▶ 0:32
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio ▶ 1:26
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim ▶ 1:03
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community ▶ 1:52
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road ▶ 0:57
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest ▶ 1:03
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon ▶ 1:55
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin ▶ 2:07
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing? ▶ 2:20
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing?
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says ▶ 1:05
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin ▶ 1:03
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request ▶ 1:13
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’ ▶ 1:08
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect ▶ 0:29
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is ▶ 1:18
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers ▶ 0:32
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium ▶ 1:04
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium
1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US Senate ▶ 0:41
1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US Senate
James Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas ▶ 1:48
James Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim ▶ 1:29
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim
David Elder tries the Tres Leches Strawberry Matcha Latte from La Panaderia ▶ 0:54
David Elder tries the Tres Leches Strawberry Matcha Latte from La Panaderia
David Elder tries Snow Island in San Antonio ▶ 2:51
David Elder tries Snow Island in San Antonio
Surf & Turf at Sea Island Shrimp House ▶ 0:39
Surf & Turf at Sea Island Shrimp House
Previous photo Next photo