This condo and its location are amazing! Our hosts, Wanming and Eric Smith, are very friendly, attentive, and helpful; both in regards to the property and in assisting us in having a fantastic time on North Padre Island.
The condo is situated on an off-the beaten canal: a nice, quiet location. A family staying in a condo next to us had good luck fishing right off the dock. There is a pool very nearby in the condo complex. The rooms are tastefully decorated, clean, and well-furnished. There is even a propane grill on the deck overlooking the canal. The kitchen had enough plates, silverware, and glasses; as well as enough open space in the living and dining room; to outfit a dinner for 14 people! (This is remarkable: in our experience, some 2-br vacation rentals barely have enough dining materials for 4 people.)
I highly recommend kayaking around the canals during your stay. The fisherman are friendly as they cruise back and forth from Laguna Bay; we saw many species of shorebirds; and the diverse waterfront properties are fun to observe. The oceanfront beach is a pleasant 1.5 miles' walk, bike, or drive, as is the popular La Palma Mexican Restaurant (very yummy, inexpensive, and enough food for 2-3 meals!). Eric and Wanming told us that during an Alaskan friend's recent 3-week visit, they ate at that restaurant at least 20 times!
Two more tips: bonfires on the beach are a must-do (Eric will provide advice on where to get wood), and swimming November through February is absolutely possible! The latter is remarkable for me, a current Maine resident, where swimming, even in August, is a rare possibility.
We can't wait to return, even though it's only 3 months from now! Thank you so much, Wanming and Eric!