4 p.m. La Copa Beach Hotel

Check in to La Copa Beach Hotel, your home base for the weekend. The resort’s pet-friendly, oceanfront guest rooms feature private balconies overlooking the pools, hot tub and sundeck. There’s a Starbucks Coffee in the lobby and a free breakfast buffet with a taco station, Belgian waffles, and made-to-order omelets. An onsite restaurant serves lunch, dinner and cocktails and allows dogs on its poolside patio. Just beyond the pool, a boardwalk extends over the dunes to the beach where Fido can make a splash as long as he is on a leash. After you drop your bags off, stretch your legs on the sand with your furry friend.

La Copa Beach Hotel welcomes two pets up to 50 lbs for an additional fee of $25 per pet for the first night, and $5 per pet for each additional night.

6 p.m. Island Style Surf Sports

Before heading out for dinner, stop by Island Style Surf Sports for some new beach gear. Fido is welcome to join you as you shop for new sandals, sunglasses, swimsuits, t-shirts, hats and other SPI essentials. Coolers and cups are also available if you left yours at home.

7 p.m. Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill

When hunger strikes, go to Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill for bayside, dog-friendly dock seating and enjoy dinner and live music. The casual restaurant serves a variety of fried seafood, chicken wings, burgers and Tex-Mex favorites like Baja fish tacos and blackened shrimp quesadillas. Pair your meal with something cold from the bar, and don’t forget to order Fido a grilled chicken breast to go with his provided bowl of water!

9 p.m. KIC’s Ice Cream

What’s a beach trip without an after-dinner ice cream cone? Hit up KIC’s Ice Cream, located in SPI’s Entertainment District, for a scoop at one of its colorful outdoor tables. KIC’s serves 16 varieties of Blue Bell Ice Cream in addition to milkshakes, floats and sundaes. Fido can sit outside and slurp up a free pup cup while you cool off and enjoy people watching.

8 a.m. Cafe on the Beach

As the name implies, when breaking the fast at Cafe on the Beach, you’ll be delighted by the sights and sounds of the sea. This beachfront restaurant’s breakfast menu includes the usual egg dishes, steel-cut oatmeal and malted pancakes in addition to coffee drinks, mimosas and bloody marys. Try the Giant Breakfast Taco or Crab Cake Benedict for a real treat! And speaking of treats, don’t forget to give your canine companion a slice of bacon.

10 a.m. Sea Turtle, Inc.

Spend the morning getting up close and personal with marine life at Sea Turtle, Inc., a nonprofit sea turtle rescue on the island. Well-behaved pups are invited to tag along as you visit the center’s permanent turtle residents, tour the museum, and browse the gift shop. Presentations are made throughout the day to educate visitors on the importance of protecting endangered sea life. Be sure to catch a ‘Turtle Talk’ in the education complex before stopping by the sea turtle hospital to observe the rehabilitation process.

12 p.m. Coconut Jack’s

For lunch, try out Coconut Jack’s. You and Fido can enjoy the ocean breeze while dining on the waterfront deck. Sample an appetizer like the Bacon Cheddar Tater Kegs before one of the main courses on offer like crisp salads, tacos, burgers, seafood and daily specials. Try one of the frozen specialty drinks from the bar or a soda to wash it all down. Dogs will be provided with a water bowl.

2 p.m. Captain Murphy’s Isla Tours

After lunch, take an educational and fun dolphin watch and eco-tour with Fido aboard Murphy’s Law with Captain Murphy’s Isla Tours. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on board as you look for dolphins or go on a fishing expedition. Contact Captain Murphy’s Isla Tours ahead of time to book and ensure dog availability.

6 p.m. The Meatball Cafe

After a long day in the sun, refuel with homemade Italian classics on the patio of The Meatball Cafe. Start with an antipasto platter, followed by main course options like spaghetti and meatballs or chicken parmesan paired with fresh-baked bread. All of pastas and bread are made in-house, so be prepared to indulge!

8 p.m. LongBoard Bar & Grill

Enjoy a nightcap and dessert while listening to live music at LongBoard Bar & Grill. The views are incredible from the outdoor dining area and Saturdays mean you’ll be treated to great classic and new rock/country music. Sip on an Island Colada or a Beer Rita as you groove to the tunes. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t pass up the chance to try LongBoard’s tres leches cake and flan!

8 a.m. Lobo Del Mar Cafe

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Lobo Del Mar Cafe. Sit with your pup under an umbrella on the patio overlooking Laguna Madre Bay while you dig into a hearty meal. Favorite dishes among regulars include steak and eggs, the country breakfast and chicken fried steak smothered in country gravy. Add a side of eggs, a sausage patty or bacon to your order for Fido!

9 a.m. Padre Island National Seashore

Spend the morning at Padre Island National Seashore, one of the best dog-friendly Gulf Coast beaches. This protected island allows you to experience the shoreline in its most unspoiled state. Dogs can explore most of the park but must be leashed at all times to protect the wildlife and natural habitat. If you need to wash up, pups and their people have access to restrooms and rinse-off showers near the pet access trail at the northern end of the Malaquite Pavilion parking area.

12 p.m. Rita’s Restaurant Bar

Savor your last meal in South Padre Island on the patio of Rita's Restaurant Bar. Spoil Fido with a bite from the Fur Kids dog menu while you chow down on fresh seafood, Tex-Mex meals or a burger. Try one of the restaurant’s signature margaritas like the Peachrita or Mangorita, all of which can be ordered with or without alcohol.

1 p.m. On The Beach and Depart South Padre Island With a Dog-Tired Fido

Make one last stop on the island before heading home. Pop into On The Beach, a surf shop that’s been selling surfwear to locals and tourists since 1976, and pick up souvenirs from your dog-friendly weekend in South Padre Island. From stylish leashes to durable bowls and life vests, you’ll find something “pawfect” for your furry travel companions to remember this special trip!