Page 42 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 LOCATIONS South Texas Ecotourism Center Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Port Isabel Lighthouse Black Dragon Pirate Cruise Port Isabel Historical Museum Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier South Padre Island Art Trails SpaceX South Padre Island Convention Center See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Andy Bowie Park South Padre Island Birding Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary See Birding and Nature, p. 4-8 Sea Turtle Inc. South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Sandcastle Village South Padre Island Visitors Center See Chamber O ces, p. 46 Beach Waterpark Isla Blanca Park Port Isabel 14 17 5 8 16 15 7 4 6 Railroad St E Maxan St E Queen Isabella Blvd S Garcia St S Tarnava St Boca Chica Blvd 13 12 11 10 9 2 3 48 4 100 South Padre Island 1 South Texas Ecotourism Center The South Texas Ecotourism Center (STEC) promotes the restoration and preservation of the Valley’s native landscapes, plants, and wildlife. STEC gives visitors the opportunity to experience these things through displays and mini habitats on its property. The center has living models of six different ecosystems that can be found in the Rio Grande Valley. Visitors can view wildlife from their 25-foottall outlook ramp that views into the coastal prairie behind the center. There have been sightings of Nilgai, the Aplomado falcon, and more. There are also hundreds of native plants as well as a butterfly garden to enjoy. The center regularly hosts events and programs. They often hold lecture series that talk about the native habitat, view documentaries about restoration projects, and other events. The center is open every day, with free admission. The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with staff and volunteers to greet and show you around. For more information, visit their website at www.stec-lv.org, check their Facebook (STECLV), or call them at (956) 772-0210. The center is located at 501 W. State Highway 100 in Laguna Vista.
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