Last week was beach week! Sad that it’s over! No, really sad – I grew up practically on a beach! I remember the drives to Panama City Beach! We’d go for the day! Can’t do that here! Well, I can’t drive to any beach for the day here! Anyway – We were looking forward to our beach vacation for a while! I made reservations for a condo, last January! JANUARY! Do you see that – JANUARY! For a condo that we’ve never stayed in, never seen, never had a recommendation. Call me crazy! Yes, that’s how much we were thinking about vacation! I did a search for South Padre Island beach condos – a lot popped up! And I don’t remember how I narrowed down the list, but it came down to just one! Marisol Condominiums! I found a few reviews – good and bad. That’s ok, everyone’s not going to agree… Where I don’t care if the ceiling is peeling, there’s bugs, etc… Because, it’s the beach and believe it or not – there will be bugs and more than not the ceiling will peel. No big deal! But – we had no bugs! Not a one!
Ok – so we (me, Stephen, Raye and her two friends) were packed and ready to go on Saturday morning! We hit the road early – arriving in SPI at 2:30pm. It is a long six hour drive from Austin. I know – six hours in one car with three 14 year old girls! It was awesome! The girls had pillows, blankets, snacks, drinks, iPhones, headphones, and iPads! It was better than a car load of toddlers! I remember 13 hour drives with my own little ones – it sucked! I love them, but, it sucked!
Southbound – hello south Texas!
Driscoll, Texas – I spotted this as we pulled up to the light…it’s one of our favorite photos of the whole trip!
Welcome to South Padre Island! Finally! We made it! Bring on the vacation!
Our beach view – breathe in – feel the warmth and smell the beach! Yeah, wish I was still there!
We got to check in early (check in was 3pm)…with no issues! When I made the reservation back in January, I only put the deposit down. We had to change the date – Marisol said ok! We didn’t need to send another deposit, no extra fee was charged! No first child born needed! Thank god, cause, well…he’s 21. I checked us in, paid the balance and signed the receipt. I never once had to give my car tag unlike EVERY hotel, beach house, and condo east of here – :::cough::: Gulf Shores! The condo was unlocked and the keys were on the table! Oh I forget to mention – Marisol is a gated community, too! I felt so comfortable here, it’s safe and friendly!
Marisol from the beach – it may not look like a million dollar condo on the Florida panhandle, and that’s ok, it didn’t have the million dollar rental price either! We’ve rented several beach houses in Gulf Shores, this was by far the best deal not to mention the drive is much shorter! Oh, and it’s not crowded either! South Padre Island reminds me of Panama City Beach – in the 70′s! There’s nothing wrong with that! That’s what gives South Padre Island it’s charm – it keeps my family coming back!
Even with major construction going on – no bugs! Yes, Marisol was going through major outside maintenance – removing brick and replacing all balconies! My only complaint – we couldn’t use our balcony! How can you be upset about that – I’m happy they take care of these condos! And we got to see it happen. Our ceiling was peeling, by the balcony door – each condo has a private owner. So, I’m guessing the owner is responsible for inside painting and repairs. No biggie!
It was much easier than a hotel – we reserved a two bedroom, one bath. The condo had a full kitchen, with a regular size fridge! That was awesome! No elevators on property, no spring breakers allowed! Again – Awesome! Our condo was on the third floor – the stairs were never an issue! We could all use a little exercise on vacation! And we got a lot of exercise, up and down the stairs several times a day and to and from the beach several times a day! The walk to the beach, through the hot sand was rough, even harder with flip flops! I’m sure many people behind me just assumed I was medicated or hungover – neither was true. I struggled with the walk to the beach and back to the condo! Seriously…I can’t walk in flip flops through sand! I cried everyday! Maybe.
Our first night – we ate at one of our favorite restaurants – The best fried shrimp on the island! Dirty Al’s
Grocery shopping – because it’s not a vacation without Bluebell ice cream!
We took the girls out for gelato and t-shirts – we’ll never marry them off – haha
Beach fun –
Sand Dunes –
We ate at The Big Donkey (Mexican – chicken and beef fajitas) – and Cap’n Roy’s (Seafood – raw oysters and peel and eat shrimp) – both were delicious!
At Cap’n Roy’s – the girls decided they would try raw oysters – that is… Except for Raye! Ha
We enjoyed our South Padre Island vacation! Here’s a few extras from our trip – morning sun, toes, heart, and a rescue!
Good-bye Marisol!
I’m a professional iPhone photographer – you’re laughing, I’m dead serious! All photography is property of Beach House View – please give credit back if you share! Thanks!
The girls look like they were just DRAGGED there and you had to force them to have a good time!! lol Love the pics – looks like a great vacation!
Thanks! We really enjoyed it! I’m ready to go again! Ha
Looks like the girls had a blast! I loved the pictures! My BIL lives very near SPI, and if I ever get within 6 hours of you…you better plan on coming for a visit!
They loved it! And yes – just let me know!