Things To Do in South Padre Island
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South Padre Island Attractions
Shipwrecks, tempests, and war, as well as some of the happier aspects of life along the southern Texas coast, are the focus of the Museums of Port Isabel. Museum headquarters are in the Port Isabel Historical Museum, 317 E. Railroad Ave., Port Isabel (tel. 956/943-7602; www.portisabelmuseums.com); another is called the Treasures of the Gulf Museum; and there's also a historic lighthouse. These are in downtown Port Isabel, are within easy walking distance of each other, and make for a good activity on a rainy day. Allow a half-hour to 1 hour to visit each one.
The Port Isabel Historical Museum, located in a restored 1899 Victorian commercial building, houses exhibits that describe the history of the area from the time it was a supply depot during the Mexican-American War, through the Civil War, and the area's development as a shrimping and fishing capital. There are interactive exhibits, a large display of Mexican-American War artifacts, and a fascinating 1906 Victor Morales "Fish Mural." The displays about shipwrecks will interest kids and adults alike. Nearby, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum focuses on three Spanish shipwrecks which occurred in 1554 just off the coast. Exhibits include murals, artifacts, and various hands-on activities, including a children's discovery lab. There is also a theater and gift shop.
The Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, at the west end of the Queen Isabella Causeway, is hard to miss. This 72-foot-high lighthouse, which helped guide ships through Brazos Santiago Pass to Point Isabel from 1852 until 1905, now affords panoramic views of Port Isabel, South Padre Island, and as far as the eye can see out over the Gulf of Mexico. Also on the property is a replica of the lighthouse keeper's cottage made from the 1850 blueprints for the original. The cottage contains exhibits on the history of the lighthouse, and there's a picnic area.
Both museums are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm (last entry at 3:30pm), and the lighthouse and cottage are open daily from 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm). Admission to each site is $3 adults, $2 for seniors 55 and older, $1 for students with ID, and free for children 4 and under. Combination tickets for all three sites cost $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $2 for students.
- Landmark
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park
This 1852 lighthouse, which helped guide ships through Brazos Santiago Pass to Point Isabel until 1905, now affords panoramic views of Port Isabel, South Padre Island, and as far as the eye can see out over the Gulf of Mexico. Also on Lighthouse Square is a recently constructed… - Zoo/Aquarium
Sea Turtle, Inc
Each of the seven worldwide species of sea turtles are either threatened or endangered, and five species are found in the Gulf of Mexico. Sea Turtle was founded in 1977 by Ila Loetscher, affectionately dubbed the "Turtle Lady," for the main purpose of protecting and preserving the… - Landmark
Whaling Wall
This magnificent large mural, entitled "Orcas of the Gulf of Mexico," envelops a building next to the Laguna Madre Nature Trail at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. Internationally known environmental artist Wyland chose South Padre Island for his 53rd mural (the only one in…
South Padre Island Nightlife
Not far away are two places that have ample deck space above the water. Louie's Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd. (tel. 956/716-6406), is a large and popular establishment serving American food and operating a full bar. During high season, they have live music nightly. Wahoo Saloon, 201 W. Pike St. (tel. 956/761-5344), is smaller and simpler. On Fridays during the summer, the city puts on a small fireworks show after dark, which can be enjoyed from any of these places.
When in need of a proper beach bar where you can work your toes into the sand while enjoying a cold beer, cross to the ocean side of the island and head to Wanna-Wanna, at the Island Inn motel, 5100 Gulf Blvd. (tel. 956/761-7677).
