Attractions and Recreation

Andy Bowie Park

Located on the northern end of South Padre Island, this park provides beachfront picnic pavilions, concessions, children’s playground, shower facilities, 18 full hook-up RV spaces, and a ranger station. Group rental facilities are also available with prior arrangement for beach parties. Call 956.761.3704 for more information. Beach Park at Isla Blanca Waterpark

Splash into more than a dozen water attractions, including slides, tube chutes, uphill water coasters, the Sand Castle water fun house and the Boogie Bahn2 surfing ride. A river links the tube chutes and water coasters with the park’s beaches, so guests float between rides on water. Open weekends beginning mid-May; open daily late May through late August, and open weekends only late August through mid-September. For more information call 956-772SURF or go to www.beachparktx. com Blue Star Memorial

The Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers and By-Way Markers are dedicated to all the courageous men and women of the United States Armed Forces who so bravely have fought and gave their lives so that we may all be free. The City of South Padre Island is honored to have one of the By-Way markers located in front of the city hall building located at 4601 Padre Blvd. City Parks

Butterfly Park, located at 4316 Gulf Blvd., is part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge initiative. Mayor Barry Patel signed the pledge on October 22, 2016, declaring the City’s support for Monarch initiatives. The park features a covered picnic bench area, butterfly statue, many varieties of native Rio Grande Valley plants, and beautiful views of the Gulf.

John L. Tompkins Park The John L. Tompkins Park is the core of the citywide system of parks and open space, and the diverse park facilities include playgrounds for tots and kids, a cultural exhibit area, basketball court, skate park, soccer field, exercise benches, walking trails, seating, public restrooms, and parking. Access is available from both Padre Boulevard and the beach creating a systemic connection between inland and onshore. The park is located in the 6200 block of Padre Blvd.

Lis Memorial Park was made possible by a generous donation by Dr. Joseph C. and Jeanne K. Lis. This neighborhood green space consists of a bench that overlooks a wetland area.

Queen Isabella Memorial

Park is located in the median near the crossover at the foot of the Queen Isabella Causeway. Located on this site is a monument to the victims of the 2001 Causeway Collapse, and a bronze statue of Padre Balli, the Island’s namesake.

Turtle Park is dedicated to Ila Loetscher, also known as the “Turtle Lady”. She was a pioneer in Sea Turtle research and preservation as well as the founder of the Sea Turtle Rescue Center also located on South Padre Island. Turtle Park is located along E. Morningside Street and consists of a small pavilion, two shade structures with tables, and an infant playground.

Water Tower Park is located on the corner of Laguna Boulevard and W. Huisache Street at the base of the Water Tower. The park consists of a half basketball court, several modern children’s play structures, and shade structures with tables. Public restrooms are also available.

Commemorative Air Force Transportation Museum

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Transportation Museum features displays that include 8 flying WWII aircraft, and numerous vintage, operational ground and support vehicles. Most artifacts in the museum were provided by South Texas families, which provides an up-close and personal touch to the displays. Group and school guided tours are available yearround with advance notice. The museum is located at the historically significant Port Isabel –Cameron County Airport, directly across the Laguna Madre from South Padre Island. For more information, including directions to the museum go to www. rgvcaf.org, or call the Museum Director, David Christopher at 970.397.4604. Diving South Padre Island

South Padre Island offers several diving locations including the vertical reefs of oil platforms, numerous wrecks along the Devil’s Elbow, the Liberty Ship Reef System, Texas Underwater Park and the Texas Clipper. For more information about diving South Padre Island go to www. divesouthpadre.com Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center

The Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center, located at the base of the causeway in Port Isabel, is a great place for children and adults to learn more about dolphins and the many other species of marine life the beautiful Laguna Madre Bay and Gulf of Mexico have to offer. For more information call 956.943.6626 Edwin K. Atwood Park

Located 1.4 miles north of Andy Bowie Park on Park Road 100, Edwin K. Atwood Park has an elevated plaza with five pavilions, new restrooms, a community rinse station, two new beach dune walkovers for pedestrians to access the beach, an environmentally friendly permeable pavement parking lot, a parking area for four food truck concessions, and a beach novelties and umbrella concession. There is also a vehicular beach access road which opens up twenty miles of beach driving for the more adventurous. Call 956.761.3704 for more information. Fishing

South Padre Island is home to approximately 600 species of fish and boosts over 60 different charter companies and personal guides to take you on the fishing trip of your life. Best of all, the Island provides year round fishing opportunities from the Gulf of Mexico to the Laguna Madre Bay and of course the ever favorite surf fishing. If you bring your own boat, four bayside public boat ramps are available at Jim’s Pier, Palm Street Pier Restaurant & Bar, Parrot Eyes Restaurant & Watersports, and at the end of Polaris Street. For more information on fishing go to www.spichamber.com or call 956.761.4412 Golf

The South Padre Island Golf Club is located a short 20-minute drive from the Island at Laguna Vista. The club offers an 18-hole

72-par championship course and provides a beautiful lateral view of the Island, and is decidedly different with rolling green hills and “wildlife corridors” of native brush. For more information call 956.943.5678 or go to www.spi golf.com Isla Blanca Park

Located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park is the crown jewel of the Parks system. Over one mile of pristine beach along the Gulf of Mexico that offers an abundance of beachfront recreational facilities. Major renovations in 2018 and 2019 included the addition of an event center and an amphitheater, new pavilions with concession areas, beachfront boardwalks, beachfront parking, walking trails and dune walkovers. Visitors can also enjoy fishing on the south jetty, restaurants, retails shops, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley marine exhibits, and the Beach Park at Isla Blanca. There is a full-service marina with a public boat ramp, daily fishing charters, dolphin watch cruises and watersport activities (snorkeling, diving, jet skis, parasailing, etc.). With close to 600 R.V. sites, Isla Blanca is not only one of the biggest parks in Texas, it is also the best. If you do not have an RV you can still enjoy an overnight stay at the park in one of eight cabanas. Each cabana sleeps 4 and has air conditioning, a shower and bunk beds. For more information call 956.761.5494.

Land, Sky and Water Adventures

South Padre Island is where dreams come true for those that love land, sky and water adventures. There are several places on the Island to rent just about anything you can think of that will let you propel through the water, swim with the fish or soar with the birds. Waverunners, stand up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and banana boats, just to name a few, can be rented for as little as one-half hour to whatever your heart desires. Kiteboarding and windsurfing are also popular water sports and the shallow water of the Laguna Madre and the brisk winds provide the perfect playground for these activities.

There is also a wide array of opportunities to tour the Island by land and water. From amphibious vehicles to catamarans and horseback riding — we have it all! Pick your favorites and make a day of it! There is nothing more breathtaking than the view of the Island from the sky, so for the more adventuresome don’t forget to try your hand at parasailing, or ziplining. Our birds are friendly and enjoy the company. Swimming with the fish on a half-day or full-day snorkel trip is another experience that should be had by all.

Another favorite water adventure and big treat for the nature enthusiast is the dolphin. South Padre Island has its very own families of Bottlenose dolphins that live in the rich waters of the Laguna Madre bay and can be seen near shore playing and frolicking in the waves. Our dolphins are wild and free, can be seen year round, and live their entire lives here raising their babies and feeding on the rich food sources the surrounding waters of the Island have to offer. Please remember it is against the law to swim with, feed or touch wild dolphins. There are numerous dolphin watch boats that provide tours of our waters and our beautiful dolphin. Point Isabel Lighthouse Complex

The Point Isabel Lighthouse Complex, located at 421 Queen Isabella Blvd., is home to the Point Isabel Lighthouse and the Keeper’s Cottage. The lighthouse is the only one on the Texas coast open to the public. The replica of the Keeper’s Cottage at the base of the lighthouse serves as a visitors center. The complex is open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information call 956.943.2262 Port Isabel Historical Museum / Treasures of the Gulf Museum

The Port Isabel Historical Museum is housed in the historic Champion Building which was built in 1899. The museum is a state-of-the-art facility housing hands on exhibits, audio presentations and videos that commemorate the history of the area. The museum has two exhibit levels, a theater and gift shop. On the south end of the building is the famous “fish mural” painted in 1906 by a local fisherman. The Treasures of the Gulf Museum tells the story of the three ill-fated Spanish ships that wrecked off the northern end of the Island in 1554. Hands on displays allow visitors to try on period clothing and map out a treasure site. There is also a children’s section with a small scale ship and a Children’s Discovery Lab. Both museums are located at 317 E. Railroad and are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information and current admission prices call 956.943.7602 RGV Reef

RGV Reef is a result of a vision to build a great place to fish 13 miles northeast of the South Padre Island Jetties. The goal of this amazing project is to put more fish back in the Gulf of Mexico than is taken out, primarily Red Snapper, by alleviating a juvenile snapper survival bottleneck caused by a lack of habitat. Mortality is high on the flat bottom of the Gulf. The idea came out of scientific research at the experimental level. RGV Reef will be the first reef to provide that habitat on a large scale. All deployments are positioned and spaced in ways and numbers that can be used for scientific research. Most of the local research has been spearheaded by Dr. Richard Kline with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the projects primary science advisor. What is being done is on the cutting edge of marine science, and The Harte Institute of Corpus Christi and University of Texas Galveston also have research projects in the reef.

What has resulted is basically a net-less aquaculture driven by creating a cradle to adult fish habitat for reef fish, primarily Red Snapper. It also turns out when you get it right for all the life stages of Red Snapper, you have a reef for all fish. Worms, shrimp, and turtles, too. At 1,650 acres, it’s the largest, and most complex, artificial reef off the Texas Coast. The large size is to accommodate the very first industrial scale reef fish nursery in the Gulf of Mexico.

The people behind this amazing project, Friends of RGV Reef, are long time recreational , commercial and charter fishermen, scuba divers, marine biologists leavened with contractors, busi-

nessmen and ranchers, all working together, striving to create a self sustaining artificial reef with the steppingstones of habitat to actually increase the fish population. For more information about this project go to www.rgvreef.com Sandcastle Trail

There is a reason we are the Sandcastle Capital of the Universe. Where else can you visit and see sandcastles year round? Not only can you see completed sand sculptures, but you might also catch one of the local masters working on their latest project on the Sandcastle Trail. Because our sand sculptures are made of sand and water, they are vulnerable to the time, weather and people. Our local masters, and their assistants, work year round to maintain our sand treasures.

A longtime dream of South Padre Island Sandcastle Master Sandy Feet, work began on the individual sculptures that makeup the Sandcastle Trail in the summer of 2013 after a financial commitment in matching funds was received from the City of South Padre Island.

Everyone loves to see a beautiful sandcastle created by a talented artist. There are currently 25 sandcastles located all over the Island just waiting for you to stop by to see, and of course take photos. Stop by the SPI Chamber Information Center at 610 Padre Blvd. or the Visitors Center at 321 Padre Blvd. to pick-up a copy of The Art Trails map of the locations, and while you are there be sure to take a look at the sandcastle located out front on the street. Do not forget your camera because you will want your picture with this one to share with friends and family.

Please remember that while our sandcastles love to be viewed, and have their picture taken, they are vulnerable to human hands. Please look as long as you like and flash those cameras, but please do not touch. Sea Turtle, Inc.

Turtles have feelings too. Did you know that picking a turtle up by its shell without supporting the tummy is like being lifted by our finger, toe nails or hair? Founded by Illa Loetscher, affectionately known as the “Turtle Lady”, this enviro-friendly organization is dedicated to caring for and educating the public about endangered sea turtles. A boardwalk connects the rehabilitation center to the 30,000 square foot Education Center, which includes six aquarium-style tanks, an amphitheater, indoor museum display and larger gift shop. The Education Center not only enhances the Island, but potentially makes Sea Turtle, Inc. the premier sea turtle facility in the United States. Located at 6617 Padre Blvd., the facility is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information call 956.761.4511 or go to seaturtleinc.com. If you see a sea turtle, call the TURTLE HOTLINE at 956.380.9677.

Sea Turtle Art Trail Sea Turtles are “hatching” all over the Island! Seven very talented local artists used their creative vision to transform fiberglass sea turtle forms, wearing nothing but a rough factory priming, into an amazing work of vibrant art that you do not want to miss seeing. And guess what? Our turtles LOVE to have their picture made with our visitors, so snap away and be sure to post and tag your location. You will be the envy of all your friends. Stop by the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Information Center at 610 Padre Blvd. or the Visitors Center at 321 Padre Blvd. to pickup a copy of The Art Trails map of all the locations. South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

Located 3.5 miles north of the causeway at 6801 Padre Blvd., the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary facility includes a 10,000 square foot Nature Center with an exhibit hall that takes visitors on an educational voyage from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, through the dunes on our beautiful beaches and into the Laguna Madre Bay. The Center also features over 3,300 feet of boardwalk, 50 acres of wetlands, a 5-story observation tower, 5 bird blinds, a gator pond, Sulcata Tortoise exhibit, gift shop and butterfly garden. While you are there you definitely want to take time to meet Big Padre, the resident 12’7” alligator, and don’t forget to feed the gators in the Gator Pond. For more information about the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator

Sanctuary, see page 41, call 956761-6801 or www.spibirding.com South Padre Island Convention Centre

The South Padre Island Convention Centre, with its breathtaking view of the Laguna Madre Bay, offers 45,000 square feet of meeting space that can be utilized in a variety of configurations. The Convention Centre has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, which has strengthened the buildings structure, improved its functionality, and increased its aesthetic value. Primary facilities include an unobstructed 22,500 square feet of Exhibit Hall space with a clear ceiling height of 36 feet for large meetings and sporting events; a 2,633 square feet conference auditorium; with 8 breakout rooms for concurrent sessions and 9,000 total square feet of breakout space.

The South Padre Island Convention Centre is a premier destination venue to book your next meeting, convention, concert, special event, athletic competition or much more! Call 800-OK-PADRE or email info@ sopadre.com University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Lab

The Coastal Studies Lab located at Isla Blanca Park, on South Padre Island, was established in 1973, and is dedicated to providing educational opportunities, enhancing research, engaging in public service, and providing community outreach related to coastal and marine concerns in the Gulf of Mexico with special emphasis on the South Texas region. The lab exhibits marine life such as crustaceans and marine vertebrates, and plant life. Throughout the year, educational classes are held for both residents and visitors. Classes during the winter months are held for our Winter Texans, and classes during the summer include a very popular kid’s camp. The lab is open to the public for self-guided tours Monday through Friday 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., and is also open for group tours, by appointment only, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information, or to schedule a tour, call 956.761.2644, email coastal@utrgv.edu or go to their website at www.utrgv.edu/csl Whaling Wall #53

Another stunningly beautiful site to see at the Convention Centre is the famous “Whaling Wall #53” by acclaimed environmental artist Wyland. Wyland wanted to show homage to whales and other creatures of the sea by devoting his talent to painting 100 walls across the world. His “Whaling Walls” serve as a perfect way to capture the grandeur of his subjects since drawing giant whales on small canvases became extremely limiting. The walls of the South Padre Island Convention Centre provided the 53rd life size canvas for the Wyland project; the first of its kind in Texas, and along the entire Gulf Coast. Spanning 153 feet in length, covering 3 walls and 23 feet in height, it took over 111 gallons of paint, 100 volunteers, and nearly four days to complete.

To view this magnificent wall 24 hours a day stop by the SPI Convention Centre at 7355 Padre Blvd. ` sopadre.com

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