Sand Dunes and Empty Beaches Location: North
of City Limits Directions: Drive north on
Padre Blvd. to beach access #5 or #6. Head north
on the beach to find your secluded getaway. 4 wheel drive is highly recommended, but on
low tide 2wd access is possible. If you don't want to drive on the sand, then go to the end of Park Road 100, it dead ends in the middle of tall sand dunes with a great view of the bay and surf. Nice place to watch the sunrise or sunset, or take the kids to romp in the dunes. Padre Island, the longest undeveloped barrier island
in the world, stretches for 110 miles along the Texas
Gulf Coast. The national seashore occupies miles of
uninhabited island paradise, a place where sandy beaches
are met by the warm and gentle waters of the Gulf of
Mexico. Padre Island is named for Padre Jose Nicolas
Balli, who built a mission on the island in the early
1800s to Christianize the native Karankawa Indians.
The sand dunes north of city limits is the perfect getaway
if you are looking for your very own private stretch
of beach. Camping is allowed and free. Driving is allowed
on the beach, you can drive nearly 30 miles on the sand
until the Port Mansfield jetties. Four wheel drive vehicles
are recommended for driving on the sand, otherwise you
can drive to the end of the paved road, Padre Blvd,
and climb up one of the tall sand dunes that borders
the national seashore, where you have a stunning view
of both the bay and Gulf. It is a great place to enjoy
our beautiful sunsets over the Laguna Madre, sunrise
over the surf, and a perfect spot to relax and look
at the stars. This is a highly recommended activity
for kids!
City and County Beaches
Location: East side of Island Directions: There are public
beach access points every couple of blocks.
Turn off of Padre Blvd. on any cross street
to get to Gulf Blvd.and park at one of the
public beach access points to get to the city
beaches. Or visit one of the county beach
parks on the southern or northern ends of
the Island. The beaches of South Padre Island are the number
one attraction for many Island visitors.
There are no privately owned beaches in Texas, so
everyone is welcome to enjoy every inch of the entire
coast line. There are beach access points every few
blocks along Gulf Blvd, or you can go to one of the
county park beaches where you'll find pavilions with
picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms, and showers.
Travel Channel names South Padre Island as one of
America's best beaches for family beach travel. When
summing up America's best beaches, the Travel Channel
says "Calling all soccer moms: It's time to kick
off your work pumps and throw on your flip-flops.
Treat yourself to a relaxing day at the beach. These
kid-friendly beaches are just the place to unwind
with the family. Don't worry. While you peacefully
soak in the sun, your children will be entertained
with plenty of activities on and off the beach. South
Padre Island is perfect for vacationing families and
honeymooners. This beach is for the value-conscious
traveler."
Just remember to please leave only your footprints
in the sand.
The Gulf of Mexico and The Laguna Madre
Location: The Gulf of Mexico is on the East facing side
of the Island. The Laguna Madre is on the
West facing side of the Island. Directions: Turn right off
of Padre Blvd. on any cross street to get
to Gulf Blvd. to get to a public beach access
for the Gulf of Mexico. Turn left off of Padre
Blvd on any cross street to get on Laguna
Blvd. The waters surrounding our barrier Island provide
for many unique opportunities. Surfing, swimming,
fishing, dolphin watching, sailing, snorkeling,
scuba diving, jet skiing, wind surfing, and kite
boarding are just a few of the activities taking
place daily in the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre
here at South Padre Island. Isla Blanca Park on
the south end of the Island is commonly known as
the best surf in the Gulf of Mexico, our gentle
waves make South Padre Island the perfect spot to
jump right in and learn how to surf. The Island
boasts some of the best fishing in the country.
Whether you are going fishing off of the jetty,
wade fishing along the beach or in the Laguna Madre,
or going on a bay fishing or offshore fishing charter,
you are likely to hook into some red snapper, grouper,
redfish, snook, flounder, trout, tuna, marlin and
more. The Laguna Madre is a very popular spot for
wind surfing and kite boarding, and is known as
one of the best places in the United States to catch
some good clean wind and ride in the beautiful shallow
waters of the bay.
Sea Turtle, Inc.
Location: 6617 Padre Boulevard
South Padre Island, Texas 78597 Phone: 956- 761-4511 Website Map Sea Turtle, Inc. was formed to aid and assist in
the protection of Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle - and to
ultimately restore the ridley population to a level
that will ensure its survival. Through the years Sea
Turtle, Inc. has expanded its scope to actively support
the conservation of all marine turtle species. To
achieve its goals, they. provide educational programs
to schools, tourist bureaus, civic organizations and
new media. Sea Turtle Inc is committed to rehabilitating
injured sea turtles for their return to the wild.
Each day, a volunteer meets visitors at the facility
and talks about the different species of sea turtles,
their importance to the environment, and what we as
individuals can do to pull them back from the edge
of extinction.
South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sealife Center Location: Lighthouse
Square in Port Isabel at
110 North Garcia by Pirate's Landing Phone: 956-299-0629 Website Map
Discover the spectacular diversity of nature that
South Padre Island has to offer. Learn about dolphins
in the wild and sea life. Experience hands on marine
life with various touch tanks and aquariums. Hold
starfish, urchins, live snails, and other creatures.
Help feed the octopus, moray eels, hermit crabs, sea
horses and many more! Daily presentations on the dolphins
of South Padre Island given by the local dolphin research
team. Learn about our real-world dolphins; how they
live and interact with both each other and their environment.
University of Texas Pan American Coastal Studies Laboratory
Location:100
Marine Lab Drive
South Padre Island, Texas 78597 Phone: 956-761-2644 Website Map
The Coastal Studies Laboratory's public display
area contains representative species of fauna and
flora from the immediate area of the Lower Laguna
Madre, Gulf of Mexico, and South Padre Island. The
laboratory is open for public visitation 1:30 to 4:30
P.M. Sunday through Friday. Organized school groups,
civic and other groups should arrange to visit Monday
through Friday 8:00 A.M. to noon. These groups should
call at least one week in advance to arrange a time
and date.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Centerand World Birding Center Location: Laguna Madre Nature Trail
7355 Padre Blvd
South Padre Island, TX 78597 Phone: 956-761-3005 Rare Bird Alert: 956-584-2731 Website Map
On its 50 acres near the convention center, the
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center presents
a model of the rich habitats that contribute to this
very special place. Dune meadows, salt marsh and inter
tidal flats are all represented here, along with thickets
of native shrubs and trees that are irresistible to
migrating birds in their season. South Padre Island
is a crucial first landfall for birds making a difficult
cross-Gulf migration from Southern Mexico and northern
Central America. Especially after a spring storm,
wooded lots of the island teem with an eye-popping
rainbow of warblers, tanagers, orioles and thrushes.
Wetlands harbor a range of shorebirds and waterfowl,
while endangered species such as the Brown Pelican,
Piping Plover and Peregrine Falcon may be found here
as well.
Wyland Whaling Wall#53 Location: 7355 Padre Blvd,
South Padre Island Convention Center,
South Padre Island, TX 78597 Phone: 956-761-3000 Map
The South Padre Island Convention Center boasts
one of only 100 Wyland Whaling Wall murals. The mural
titled "Orcas of the Gulf of Mexico," depicts
life-sized killer whales and is number 53 of Wyland's
Whaling Walls series. The murals are intended to increase
awareness of dangers faced by the world's marine life.
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site
Location: 421 Queen Isabella
Blvd./Highway 100 Port Isabel, Texas 78578 Phone: 956-943-7602 Website Map
The Port Isabel Lighthouse was constructed in 1852,
near sites of Civil War Battle of Palmito Ranch (1865)
and Mexican War Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de
la Palma. Of the 16 lighthouses originally constructed
along the Texas coast, Port Isabel is the only one
open to the public. With a perch 50 feet above the
ground, it is always popular with photographers and
other visitors, because they can enjoy great views
of South Padre Island and the beaches. In fact, a
number of couples have climbed the 75 winding stairs,
including 3 short ladders, to exchange wedding vows
on top of the tower. Facilities: The grassy knoll
where the lighthouse sits is ideal for strolling and
relaxing, and the facilities are for historical study
and scenic viewing. Picnic tables are also available.
Museums of Port Isabel Location: 317 E. Railroad Ave.
Port Isabel, Texas 78578 Phone: 956.943.7602 Website Map
The MUSEUMS of Port Isabel is a complex consisting
of three diverse facilities, the Port Isabel Historic
Museum, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, and the
Point Isabel Lighthouse. All three are within walking
distance of each other and are open year around to
the public.
Treasures of the Gulf Museum puts the
spotlight on three Spanish shipwrecks. Meeting their
fate in 1554, just 30 miles north of Port Isabel,
and brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on
activities. Also featured is a Children's Discovery
Lab, Ship Theatre and Nautical Gift Shop. Port
Isabel Historical Museum is a state-of-the-art
facility is located in the Champion Building. Built
in 1899 as a dry goods store and residence, it now
houses two exhibit levels, a theater, a gift shop
and one of the largest collections of Mexican artifacts
from the U.S. - Mexican War. The facade 'features
the famous fish mural' painted in 1906 by a local
fisherman. Constructed in 1852, the Point
Isabel Lighthouse was built to protect
and guide ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier
islands. In 1952, the Lighthouse was opened as a State
Park and remains the only lighthouse on the Texas
coast open to the public. The Lighthouse Keeper's
Cottage which is on the grounds of the lighthouse,
houses the Chamber of Commerce. The Keepers Cottage
is open to the public. FREE history of the lighthouse
display & local information.
South Padre Island GolfClub Location: 1 Golf House Rd
Laguna Vista, Texas 78578 Phone: 956-943-5678 Website Map Golf Course Details -
Around every every bend, after every hole at South
Padre Island Golf Club you will find yet another reason
our golf course is considered the finest in the Rio
Grande Valley. Enveloped by nature and removed from
the traffic and busy pace of this modern age, the
course South Padre Island Golf Club is truly an oasis.
Golfers come from far and wide to golf with us, won't
you do the same? Pro Shop -
The pro shop at South Padre Island Golf Club carries
a range of golf equipment from many of the top name
brands, at competitive prices. Practice
Facilities - We offer a full size driving
range, beautiful short game area, and large putting
green to help improve your golf skills. There is no
better time to improve your golf game. Don't forget:
lessons are available from our full staff of golf
instructors. Always strive for your best round. Restaurant
& Bar - When you need a quiet place
to visit with clients or to enjoy a relaxing moment
after your round, stop by the clubhouse here at South
Padre Island Golf Club. Our restaurant and patio are
wonderful places to rest, surrounded by the beauty
of our club, or host your next dinner party. The delicious
cuisine from our kitchen will have you back each week
for lunch and dinner.
Gladys Porter Zoo Location: 500 Ringgold Street
Brownsville, Texas 78520 Phone:956-546-2177 Website Map
The Gladys Porter Zoo is an oasis nestled in the
center of Brownsville, Texas. With 26 acres of lush
tropical plants and some 1,600 animals, the Gladys
Porter Zoo is known for its successes in breeding
endangered species of wildlife. In a mere ¾
mile trek, a visitor to the Gladys Porter Zoo will
encounter a diverse ensemble of 377 species of animals
and 225 species of plants. The park is divided into
four zoogeographic areas: Africa, Asia, Tropical
America and Indo-Australia. There is also a Herpetarium
and Aquatic Wing, a Free-flight Aviary, Macaw Canyon,
Bear Grottos, and a California Sea Lion exhibit.
Small World features a nursery and an animal contact
yard where children can touch and interact with
domesticated animals. Large numbers of wild birds
find sanctuary on the Zoo grounds, drawn to the
plants and waterways that provide them with food
and shelter. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Location: Rio Hondo, Texas 78583 Phone: 956-748-3607 Website Map
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is located
on the lower Gulf Coast about 25 miles east of Harlingen,
Texas. It is the southernmost waterfowl refuge in
the United States. It also provides habitat for 10
federally endangered or threatened species and has
the most bird species documented (411 species) of
any national wildlife refuge. Typical of the Texas
Coastal Plain, the refuge is virtually flat with most
elevations below 5 feet above sea level. The landscape
is an interspersed pattern of meandering resacas (oxbow
lakes), lomas (brush-covered sand/clay dunes), coastal
prairies, and wetlands.
The south Texas landscape is a unique blend of temperate,
subtropical, coastal, and desert habitats. Mexican
plants and wildlife are at the northernmost edge of
their range, while migrating waterfowl and sand hill
cranes fly down for the mild winters. This combination
makes Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge world
famous for its birds, and home to a mix of wildlife
found nowhere else.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is the largest
protected area of natural habitat left in the Lower
Rio Grande Valley, an oasis for wildlife with few
alternatives. The refuge's 45,187 acres become more
valuable with each acre lost to development--valuable
to wildlife and valuable to those who enjoy wildlife
in wild lands. Ocelot, Texas tortoise, green jays,
chachalaca, and javelina prefer the dense thorny brush
land areas of the refuge, while alligator, least grebe,
and black-bellied whistling ducks choose the ponds
and resacas. Desert dwellers like roadrunner, verdin,
and cactus wren inhabit the scrub areas, while species
like roseate spoonbill, egrets, and herons join black-necked
stilt, American avocet, and piping plover at the shore
of the Laguna Madre.
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