Posted this on the travel board but thought you folks might be able to help as well.

My plan to go to Miami might be falling through but would love to go to South Padre. Two of the years I went there I camped, one year I stayed at a chain hotel, and this year I'd like to try something a bit different.

Right off Gulf Blvd I remember there are tons of houses the length of the road that often got rented out during Spring Break. Now, I've never been during the summer, but I think the location of these in relation to the beach would be a good reason to take a look into them. I feel that most of these are owned privately so I'm sort of wondering where to go to shop for rates on these houses/duplexes/etc off Gulf blvd.

Any ideas?

ive used www.vrbo.com and it worked out pretty good. we got a 2b/2b for 3 nights cheap...

Great place to be during the summer

Thanks for the suggestions, we are reviewing options now.

Next question: Is Matamoras safe or would we be destined to get kidnapped and forced to be drug mules?

eh I would say Matamoros is safe during the daylight hours and just 1 or 2 blocks south of the border but STAY ON THE MAIN DRAG!!

Eat lunch, buy some souvenirs, have some cocktails, but when you are done - get back across the border well before night.

If I were you, I would make the trek to Progresso if you want a good "Mexico experience" without having to constantly worry. They are heavily populated during the day with tourists and that town is nothing but a tourist trap so they take care of making sure their cash cows are safe. But don't make yourself complacent when I say its "safe" as it is a Mexico border town and another country.

You will be fine as long as you do your thing and get back across to the US. Common sense is your friend!

I would visit Progreso if you have the time to make the drive.

sounds good, thx

When we were growing up we used to always get a condo at the Sangria. They aren'ts stand alone condos but its still a nice building. Relatively small number of condos and kept very nicely.

Yea I would rent a house through VRBO if you can afford it. Get one on the surf side and bring a wagon or something to haul your stuff every day.