Sea Turtle Inc.
Rescue and rehab for Gulf turtles.
South Padre Island
A long sandy Gulf island near Mexico, with warm water, a sea turtle rescue and famously busy spring-break crowds.
Padre Island National Seashore, to the north, is the world's longest undeveloped barrier island. SpaceX's Starbase rockets launch nearby at Boca Chica.
- Best Time
- April to June, September to November
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 5.5 hours from San Antonio, with an airport at Harlingen.
What to See
1 of 3 are freeDolphin watching
Boats from the bay side.
Boca Chica
Road views of the Starbase site when it's open.
Know Before You Go
- March is packed with students.
- The road to Starbase may close for launches.
Where to Stay
Stay on the island.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Texas list.