Experience the ultimate beachfront retreat at this Beautiful Beachfront Home, where you can unwind in a hot tub and take in breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy comfortable outdoor furnishings, fully equipped kitchen, STRONG WIFI , Smart TVs throughout and luxury linens.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 62300 sq ft
Popular amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Home on the Beach! Portofino!
Portofino Beachfront Home | Private Retreat in The Shores Enjoy privacy, comfort, and unforgettable coastal views at this beautiful Three-level Beachfront home located within the Exclusive Gated Shores Subdivision on South Padre Island. Designed for relaxation and convenience, this charming retreat offers stunning Gulf and Bay Views, Multiple Balconies, and access to Resort-Style Community Amenities—all in a secure, peaceful setting. The home features a thoughtful layout with garage and entry on the first level, an open-concept living, kitchen, dining area and guest bedroom on the second level, and the primary suite plus an additional bedroom on the third level. With ocean breezes, comfortable furnishings, and plenty of space to unwind, this home is perfect for families or groups looking for a relaxing beachfront escape.
Balconies & Views Beach-Facing Balconies: Living room Primary (master) bedroom Perfect for sunrise views and listening to the waves
Bay-Facing Balconies: Second bedroom Third bedroom Ideal for sunset views and peaceful evening relaxation
Indoor Amenities Fully equipped kitchen with cookware and essentials Smart TV in the living room Smart TVs in all bedrooms Strong, high-speed Wi-Fi Washer and dryer Luxury linens throughout Blender Concierge services available
Outdoor Amenities (Private) Private hot tub Gas grill Comfortable outdoor furniture Outdoor shower—perfect after beach days Incredible beachfront and Gulf of Mexico views
Shared Community Amenities – The Shores Direct beach access via dune walkover with seating and outdoor shower Gated community with security patrol Community swimming pool Children's pool Community park Tennis courts Pickleball courts Half-court basketball Boat slip rentals available (additional fee) Known for the cleanest beach on the island
Additional Information No smoking / No pets Minimum age to reserve: 30 years old City of South Padre Island STR License #: 2023-1154
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Pool/Spa
Communal pool
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Entertainment
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Housekeeping on request
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the bay
Near the ocean
Things to do
Tennis
Water park
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located on the beach, this holiday home is in North End, a neighbourhood in South Padre Island. Treasures of the Gulf Museum and Port Isabel Historical Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Whaling Wall and Jesus Christ of the Fisherman Statue. Beach Park at Isla Blanca and Sea Turtle Inc are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby. Visit our South Padre Island travel guide
Brownsville, TX (BRO-Brownsville-South Padre Island Intl.)
52 min drive
Restaurants
Whataburger
6 min drive
Clayton's Beach Bar And Grill
3 min drive
Tom And Jerry's
6 min drive
Bar Louie
20 min walk
Laguna Bob
7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Home on the Beach! Portofino! pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Home on the Beach! Portofino!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Home on the Beach! Portofino!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Home on the Beach! Portofino!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Home on the Beach! Portofino! located?
Nestled on the beach, this North End holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of South Padre Island Farmers' Market and South Padre Island Beach. South Padre Bayside Beach and Andy Bowie Park are also within 15 minutes.
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Home on the Beach! Portofino! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The location was perfect. We loved the view, the jacuzzi, the house had all the kitchen equipment I needed to cook every meal during our stay. I would highly recommend this home and we would absolutely stay there again.
Our stay at Portofino was perfect. We enjoyed every minute we were there. The location of this home is fantastic. Quiet neighborhood and steps from the beach. The house itself had everything we needed and was quite comfortable. We loved all of the balconies. Sunrise and sunset! The hot tub is in a really great location. Obviously, lovely at night. But, surprisingly enjoyable during the day, when you can also enjoy the sun while you're in there. Franke was great. Easy to deal with and very friendly. We are definitely looking forward to another stay in Portofino.
This was an absolute beautiful location. Beach is right out of your door. While South Padre can be crowded this is a location that is much more isolated. Bay is a 1/4 mile walk. Pickle ball courts are near by.
Great place overall. Stairs are very slick and potentially dangerous if you are wet.
Kitchen is sparsely stocked. Nothing unlike most rentals. Bring a sharp knife and plastic glasses.
A few cabinets are in need of repair. Nothing that would keep us from returning.
We had a great time during Spring Break. Home is in a lovely neighborhood away from the crowds. Beach was nice and isolated with easy walk over. The hot tub takes a while to warm up, but other than that everything was perfect. Would stay again!
Meredith N.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified
6/10 Okay
Jules R.
9 Sept 2021
Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Location is the only upside
Pros
- Location and proximity to the beach
- Private Beach access
- Quiet (mostly)
Cons
- mattresses were beyond rock hard, lots of pain from sleeping on them and no option to make it better
- lots of property damage, wear & tear
- rust and mold everywhere
- AC was not working correctly and there was so much condensation, even keeping temp at 75 that it was dripping from the ceiling onto our belongings
- damaged and unusable kitchen cookware, very limited items to cook with in general; had to go out and buy our own
- was not cleaned well at all, especially cookware; we had to rewash everything
- broken curtain rods and missing curtains in the entire master suite
- paint on walls, baseboards and banisters were peeling and scuffed up everywhere
- tiles and ceilings cracking, it's clear the house is older and not maintained well
- missing fire alarms in some bedrooms
- TVs randomly shut off at various intervals, never figured out why; one was actually cracked down the middle
- old furniture, highly outdated and uncomfortable
- doors were difficult to lock/unlock and open; master suite door to balcony was completely unusable
Overall thoughts: For the price point you're only paying for the views and beach access. I'm really unimpressed with the quality of the property and amenities within. Glad I only had to stay there with a party of 6 for a short weekend, I don't think any of us could have tolerated sleeping on those mattresses any longer than that. Invest in better furniture and amenities for your guests. Fix up the house and get it to standards with other 4+ star options. You may be going for location, but you should be able to comfortably enjoy the place you're staying at as well. I would not return to this property, despite how wonderful South Padre waters and beach is.
What a way to wake up every morning! Highly recommend if you want total relaxation. House itself could use some work but with the beach at your door who cares!
Excellent stay in every way: comfortable and roomy house, wonderful views and balcony hangouts and surprising low crowd (Covid?). Would stay here again and that says a lot!
A few nitpicks - the 2 sets of stairs Could be an issue for some, as is the slick tile throughout the house. The disposal seemed rusted or bent and died on our last day. The top oven start button has to be pressed hard to work and the water filter system at kitchen sink is old and we did not use, buying jugs for drinking.
But the worst thing was the mosquitos!
I’d suggest the incense kind of repellent for the balcony, candles don’t stay lit, but mainly a problem on way to & from beach.
Oh, and the construction next door is only a minor nuisance, but may bother some people more.
We had a truly good, long, relaxing visit!!
Perfect place if you want to escape all the covid mess. The beach was very private. Bring mosquito spray because we got eaten alive.
The house was clean. It was stocked pretty well with pans and such for cooking. No complaints really. We had a nice time there and would stay again.
Amanda D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified
6/10 Okay
Sandi R.
28 Feb 2020
Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house but overdue for an update
Upon check in there should have been instructions on how to operate TVs and stereo. Very musty smell in kitchen in all cabinets. All 3 beds were super hard. A foam topper should be available. Front room couch was totally worn out, it needs replacing. Kitchen was not appointed well. No cookie sheets, pizza sheets, only one hot pad. 2 kitchen towels is not enough. I’m sure you have a list of what should be in rental properties and many things are missing from that list. Electric problem in the middle of the night! Wow! The response when we had a problem was very good. Kevin and team did a great job. We loved the neighborhood the location was wonderful. Home just needs some love. Sandi Ridenour
This is the only VRBO rental that we have stayed at more than once. The house is nice but we love the location! It is right next to a boardwalk to the beach and the neighborhood is exclusive. That part of the beach is isolated from the busy side of the island. You truly feel like you have the beach to yourselves. I also highly recommend SPI Umbrella and Chair Rentals. They will set up your beach furniture for you and take it down every day so you don’t have to carry all of that to the beach.
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Verified
6/10 Okay
Tim W.
18 Mar 2019
Great for place for family fun on the beach
Family and kids loved it. So 5 Stars for a great time. Easy access to the beach and the property is private, secure, quiet and comfortable. However, the property really is in need of some TLC and updating on both the interior and exterior. More discriminating travelers may not care too much for the slight musty odor that permeates throughout the home due to moisture and humidity. The housekeeping could have been a touch better as well. If you have elderly family members or very young kids ... be mindful and careful of the tiled stairway leading to the second and third levels as they can be a bit of a challenge ascending and descending. If this were a hotel or resort, we would probably think twice before returning to the same property in the future. Overall impression and rating is 3.5 Stars -- though this property has plenty of upside potential with improvements. The convenience of having a kitchen to prepare family meals combined with privacy and easy beach access is a big plus.
Tim W.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Aften O.
7 Sept 2018
Amazing Family Vacation!
The house was fantastic and you just can't beat the views of the ocean. There were a few updates that were needed with loose cabinets and the doors were very tough to lock but other than that everything was great. The Shores community was also very beautiful but very empty. It felt like a ghost town which was a bit odd for Labor Day. We had no complaints about this however as we had the luxury community pool to ourselves and practically an entire private beach! We rented a canopy and chairs for three days on the beach and had to do very little but walk out to the beach and relax. We had an amazing time with family and our dogs and cannot wait to go back. We will definitely stay at The Shores again!
Aften O.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jesse E.
29 Jul 2018
Absolutely Great Views!! Great created memories!
Just spent 5 nights at the Portofino. Had a wonderful time with my family. Can we say tons of cabinet space in the master bedroom? Wow!! Luxury at an affordable price.
During our stay we had one kitchen cabinet fall, a little water drip in the oven area and I also notified maintenance about some shutters coming out. Response time to the issues was fast and Franke took measures to fix the issues. To me, these were minor setbacks and not destroying to our stay.
We all loved the trail to the ocean. And the Shores community is fabulous. This home doesn't have a pool, but we really didn't miss it because we were right at the beach the whole time. The neighborhood is quiet, safe, and very inviting. Romantic for couples and also very kid friendly. We found plenty to see on the island. I highly recommend a stay here. I am sure to be back.
Jesse E.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
8/10 Good
Jean A.
10 May 2018
Perfect location beachfront
The property is in a lovely gated community steps away from the private beach access. The house is nicely furnished and clean. There are two very steep stairwells which can be difficult if not used to stairs. The views are gorgeous and the beach is beautiful and clean. Management was slow to respond on some needed repairs, but that did not hamper enjoyment of our stay. The location is perfect.
Jean A.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
beachhouse B.
26 Apr 2015
House+location+location+location=equals your own piece of heaven on earth
Our extended family of five; Grandpa, Grandma, Son, Daughter-in-law, 7 year old granddaughter rented this home last week. It was a wonderful vacation; house is 95% of reason why it was so awesome. House is located on private beach section of Island. With two decks complete with Adirondack chairs (family room, master bedroom) that face the Gulf & two decks (extra bedroom, upstairs bedroom) that face the bay. You will have a front seat to sunrises, sunsets. Family room has comfortable furniture; will make you reluctant to get up once you sit down. Kitchen has impressive gas stove, state-of-the-art double built-in ovens, large, new refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher. All three bedrooms have uber-comfortable KING size beds. Each bedroom has it's own bath. The master has a bathtub that is big enough that the 7 year old thought it was a "baby swimming" pool; there is a large walk-in shower. The other bathrooms have nice size bathrooms with showers. Maytag washing machine & dryer must be VERY, VERY new & are wonderful. Wash machine plays a song when you lift lid; dryer has push button options that make it fun to toss wet clothes in. Those doing laundry have fun without knowing they are doing chores. Downside to house (really no downside, just an advisory: house has very slick, granite/rock tile on all floors. And they have added a shiny finish to already slippery tile. The only thing we found that did NOT slip were BARE feet. There are 17 slippery steps up from the garage to the main level; 18 more slip-in slide steps to the master. Would not recommend this for families with young kids) Beach info: there is a "public walkway" just a few steps south of the house; in 3-5 min you will be on the sand looking at the Gulf water. The walkway has a standing shower you can use to rinse off the sand that will cling to your body when you head home. A local told us that the first 3 miles of the island is inhabited; the other 30+ not. You can drive north on the beach, the whole length of the island. Need a car that wont get stuck. Further north, less people, more dunes, serenity. Recommend: Grape Vine Café & Coffeehouse (bunny shaped pancakes & amazing parent breakfasts), Original Dolphin Watch, Pirate's Landing Restaurant-Port Isabel - A+ fish tacos/atmosphere, Sea Turtle Rescue, Dolphin Whisperer-make sure you get Scarlet..we didn't but still a good experience. But Scarlet is who you want...
beachhouse B.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
John and Betty T.
13 Feb 2015
The Perfect Vacation!
I am very late in posting this review. We rented this home for a week in October of 2013, not the Date that posted - i could not go back to October of 2013. Anyway, you need to know how AWESOME this vacation rental was! This rental was so easy, so relaxing, so absolutely perfect! We will definitely plan to come back. But next time I would like to stay for a month! The owners were honest with no hidden "gotchas!" They were helpful and accomodating yet allowed us total privacy with no surprise drop-in visits. This home has given us many sweet memories. I can't wait to come back!