Calida’s guidebook
Local Beaches
Breathtaking views of the beginning & end of every day... watch the sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico and the sunset into the Laguna Madre !
There is a new pavilion with a shaded boardwalk, restrooms, showers, snack venders, & lots of parking.
This is where ‘the jetties’ is located, which is fun all on its own. The jetties is a man made channel which allows the barges to gain access into the Port of Brownsville, as well as ANY off shore boats to gain access into the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre. If you are an early riser, the jetties offer great (for this area) snorkeling on the beach side. You want to arrive early (before waves start breaking) and just swim along the rocks. There are small species of tropical fish, sea urchins, sea anemones, octopus, stingray, limited coral, as well as a variety of large ocean fish. If the water is too rough, you can always fish…this is a GREAT fishing spot. If the water has surf… this is where the local surfers migrate and that is always fun to watch! The dolphins love to play on the channel side of jetties, so you will have plenty of dolphin sightings.
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Isla Blanca Park
33174 State Park Rd 100There is a new pavilion with a shaded boardwalk, restrooms, showers, snack venders, & lots of parking.
This is where ‘the jetties’ is located, which is fun all on its own. The jetties is a man made channel which allows the barges to gain access into the Port of Brownsville, as well as ANY off shore boats to gain access into the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre. If you are an early riser, the jetties offer great (for this area) snorkeling on the beach side. You want to arrive early (before waves start breaking) and just swim along the rocks. There are small species of tropical fish, sea urchins, sea anemones, octopus, stingray, limited coral, as well as a variety of large ocean fish. If the water is too rough, you can always fish…this is a GREAT fishing spot. If the water has surf… this is where the local surfers migrate and that is always fun to watch! The dolphins love to play on the channel side of jetties, so you will have plenty of dolphin sightings.
This is area is loved by the locals. If you head north on Padre Blvd, you will enter a remote area. This area is considered a National Park, so construction is not allowed. This paved road cuts through the sand dunes for a few miles, and is a fun experience. Please be careful for sand drifts over the road and without warning…the road just ends into a huge sand dune (but don’t worry, they provided a stop sign)!
If you are adventurous, there are three beach accesses along this road. This is the area you can drive on the beach, all the way to the Mansfield Cut (60 miles of beach driving). There is a required day pass which is $10 per car. This is a popular stretch for sunbathing, swimming, surf fishing, and all around beach fun! If you decide to do this… pay attention to the tide charts & have supplies in case you get stuck. The further North you drive on the beach, the less people you will encounter. If you do get stuck, there are plenty of people that will pull you out for a large amount of money and possible damage to your vehicle. We also have a group of locals that have a FB page called ‘rgv mud and sand recovery’ that just enjoy the challenge…provided you have cell service.
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Andy Bowie Park
7300 State Park Rd 100This is area is loved by the locals. If you head north on Padre Blvd, you will enter a remote area. This area is considered a National Park, so construction is not allowed. This paved road cuts through the sand dunes for a few miles, and is a fun experience. Please be careful for sand drifts over the road and without warning…the road just ends into a huge sand dune (but don’t worry, they provided a stop sign)!
If you are adventurous, there are three beach accesses along this road. This is the area you can drive on the beach, all the way to the Mansfield Cut (60 miles of beach driving). There is a required day pass which is $10 per car. This is a popular stretch for sunbathing, swimming, surf fishing, and all around beach fun! If you decide to do this… pay attention to the tide charts & have supplies in case you get stuck. The further North you drive on the beach, the less people you will encounter. If you do get stuck, there are plenty of people that will pull you out for a large amount of money and possible damage to your vehicle. We also have a group of locals that have a FB page called ‘rgv mud and sand recovery’ that just enjoy the challenge…provided you have cell service.
The Flats :
This area is located behind the convention center on the North side of island. There is a required day pass which is $10 per car. You can reach the bay with your car, sometimes the entrance is soft sand (so be careful), but after initial entrance the sand is moist and totally safe with a car. On windy days, this area is popular with kites! It is fun just to be a spectator. You have kite boarders in the bay (not sure how they don’t run into each other) & kite fliers on the land. The water is clear & shallow and offers good wade fishing…make sure you do the stingray shuffle! There is also good snorkeling in this area because of the good visibility, lots of fish, stingray, crabs & seahorses to be seen! The seahorse live in the seaweed, so grab a chunk and shake it to watch a seahorse swim away!
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South Padre Island Convention Centre
7355 Padre Blvd The Flats :
This area is located behind the convention center on the North side of island. There is a required day pass which is $10 per car. You can reach the bay with your car, sometimes the entrance is soft sand (so be careful), but after initial entrance the sand is moist and totally safe with a car. On windy days, this area is popular with kites! It is fun just to be a spectator. You have kite boarders in the bay (not sure how they don’t run into each other) & kite fliers on the land. The water is clear & shallow and offers good wade fishing…make sure you do the stingray shuffle! There is also good snorkeling in this area because of the good visibility, lots of fish, stingray, crabs & seahorses to be seen! The seahorse live in the seaweed, so grab a chunk and shake it to watch a seahorse swim away!
This beach is accessible through Brownsville and access is FREE. Once you go thru a check point you are officially on Boca Chica beach. This is also where they built Space X, our launching pad for rockets. This beach is in the Unites States and VERY remote, but its about an hour drive from our home…if that’s what you are looking for, it is well worth the drive! There are 5 ‘beach shacks’ that are privately owned and off grid. None of them are occupied full time, but simple ‘getaways’! This beach is where the mouth of Rio Grande River (our border with Mexico) runs into the Gulf of Mexico. This area is wonderful for beach combing, fishing, swimming, camping and ATV’s. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings while visiting this beach, it is remote and right along the US/Mexico border.
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Boca Chica Beach
This beach is accessible through Brownsville and access is FREE. Once you go thru a check point you are officially on Boca Chica beach. This is also where they built Space X, our launching pad for rockets. This beach is in the Unites States and VERY remote, but its about an hour drive from our home…if that’s what you are looking for, it is well worth the drive! There are 5 ‘beach shacks’ that are privately owned and off grid. None of them are occupied full time, but simple ‘getaways’! This beach is where the mouth of Rio Grande River (our border with Mexico) runs into the Gulf of Mexico. This area is wonderful for beach combing, fishing, swimming, camping and ATV’s. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings while visiting this beach, it is remote and right along the US/Mexico border.
Beautiful views with affordable drinks and live entertainment
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Surf Motel & Boomerang Billy's Beach Bar
2612 Gulf BlvdBeautiful views with affordable drinks and live entertainment
Port Isabel
Small fishing community with the ONLY connecting bridge to South Padre Island
The Lighthouse Square (956) 943~2262 has a number of fun little shops and cheap eateries while walking around visiting the 3 historical museums. The museums open from 9am~5pm and you can purchase individual site tickets ($4adult & $2child) or combination site tickets ($9adult & $4child) at the Keepers Cottage. Port Isabel Historical Museum is great for history buffs, but children will most likely be bored! This has a nice collection of exhibits & local artifacts from the Mexican~American War until now. It is small, but a good place to start your trip to learn the history of this area. Port Isabel Lighthouse is a long climb of metal stairs to the top, but once arrived…the views of the surrounding areas are spectacular. Treasures of Gulf Museum is dedicated to 16th century shipwrecks, with murals, artifacts, & interactive kids activities.
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Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park
421 E Queen Isabella BlvdThe Lighthouse Square (956) 943~2262 has a number of fun little shops and cheap eateries while walking around visiting the 3 historical museums. The museums open from 9am~5pm and you can purchase individual site tickets ($4adult & $2child) or combination site tickets ($9adult & $4child) at the Keepers Cottage. Port Isabel Historical Museum is great for history buffs, but children will most likely be bored! This has a nice collection of exhibits & local artifacts from the Mexican~American War until now. It is small, but a good place to start your trip to learn the history of this area. Port Isabel Lighthouse is a long climb of metal stairs to the top, but once arrived…the views of the surrounding areas are spectacular. Treasures of Gulf Museum is dedicated to 16th century shipwrecks, with murals, artifacts, & interactive kids activities.
Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center (956)299~1957 open from 10am~3pm and located between the lighthouse and Pirates Landing. This is a small, educational rescue center with touch tanks and aquariums… THERE ARE NO CAPTIVE DOLPHINS. This is the home of our local Dolphin Whisperer, Scarlet Colley. If you plan on taking a dolphin watch tour, I strongly suggest to opt for a dolphin experience with Scarlet and her dog. She truly has a special bond with our local dolphin tribe, and takes you on a small pontoon boat to personally meet them! The cost for this magical hour long experience is $25/person and only has room for 6 people!
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Sea Life Center Marine Touch Tanks
West Garcia StreetDolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center (956)299~1957 open from 10am~3pm and located between the lighthouse and Pirates Landing. This is a small, educational rescue center with touch tanks and aquariums… THERE ARE NO CAPTIVE DOLPHINS. This is the home of our local Dolphin Whisperer, Scarlet Colley. If you plan on taking a dolphin watch tour, I strongly suggest to opt for a dolphin experience with Scarlet and her dog. She truly has a special bond with our local dolphin tribe, and takes you on a small pontoon boat to personally meet them! The cost for this magical hour long experience is $25/person and only has room for 6 people!
Black Dragon Pirate Ship (956)943~6283 is a modern day replica of a 17th century Galleon and docked behind Pirates Landing in Port Isabel. These cruises are ALOT of fun for the whole family. All cruises include a crew of professional, quick witted pirates entertaining with pirate stories, face painting, treasure hunt, water pistol battle, and sword fighting! The cost is $38
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Black Dragon Cruises
501 E Maxan St
Black Dragon Pirate Ship (956)943~6283 is a modern day replica of a 17th century Galleon and docked behind Pirates Landing in Port Isabel. These cruises are ALOT of fun for the whole family. All cruises include a crew of professional, quick witted pirates entertaining with pirate stories, face painting, treasure hunt, water pistol battle, and sword fighting! The cost is $38
Isabel's Cafe
102 TX-100YUMMY....
Manuel's
313 E Maxan StYUMMY ....
Joe's Oyster Bar
207 E Maxan StYUMMY...
South Padre Island
Beach Resort At South Padre Island
100 Padre BlvdSouth Padre Island Adventure Park
21040 State Park Rd 100Gravity Park
106 West Marlin StreetSkydive South Padre Island
2812 Padre BlvdAmerican Diving
33256 State Park Rd 100Sea Turtle, Inc.
6617 Padre BlvdSouth Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
6801 Padre BlvdSouth Padre Island Farmer's Market
8605 Padre BoulevardBlackbeards'
103 E Saturn LnYUMMY....
Padre Island Brewing Co
3400 Padre BlvdYUMMY.....
Dirty Al's
33396 State Park Rd 100YUMMY....
Off the Beaten Path
getting away from the tourist traps....
located in the town of Laguna Vista (about 10min away). This is a full service golf club along the Laguna Madre featuring an 18~hole course complete with water hazards & sand traps for any skill level to play. Also features a pro shop and a restaurant.
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South Padre Island Golf Club
1 Golf House Rdlocated in the town of Laguna Vista (about 10min away). This is a full service golf club along the Laguna Madre featuring an 18~hole course complete with water hazards & sand traps for any skill level to play. Also features a pro shop and a restaurant.
located on the Backside of Bayview (about 15min away) off of FM510 and has become known as THE South Texas Luckenbach. There is a jam night every Wed night at 7pm and every Sunday at 5pm live music & family~style BBQ served at 6:30pm. If you’re looking for a South Texas honky tonk experience…this is it!
Harley's Beer Garden & Country Store
39018 Centerline Rdlocated on the Backside of Bayview (about 15min away) off of FM510 and has become known as THE South Texas Luckenbach. There is a jam night every Wed night at 7pm and every Sunday at 5pm live music & family~style BBQ served at 6:30pm. If you’re looking for a South Texas honky tonk experience…this is it!
considered safe for American travel, but I suggest to park your
car on US side for $3 and walk across. This is a great day trip if your looking for CHEAP margaritas,tacos, dental work, trinkets, bottles of liquor (need to pay the duty fee when crossing & limited to 3 bottles), or prescription medication.
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Nuevo Progreso
considered safe for American travel, but I suggest to park your
car on US side for $3 and walk across. This is a great day trip if your looking for CHEAP margaritas,tacos, dental work, trinkets, bottles of liquor (need to pay the duty fee when crossing & limited to 3 bottles), or prescription medication.
open from 9am~5:30pm located in Brownsville situated on 31 acres. The admission is $11adult & $9.50 for children. There are always coupons available. The zoo houses 400 animal species 7 over 250 tropical species
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Gladys Porter Zoo
500 E Ringgold St open from 9am~5:30pm located in Brownsville situated on 31 acres. The admission is $11adult & $9.50 for children. There are always coupons available. The zoo houses 400 animal species 7 over 250 tropical species