Page 44 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 the 1554 Shipwreck, has one of the largest collections of relics from the U.S. Mexican War, and offers a timeline of Port Isabel’s development into a major fishing port including the history of the Texas International Fishing Tournament. The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission prices are adults $5, seniors $4, students $3, and $2.50 for Veterans. For more information, visit www.portisabelhistory.com or call (956) 9437602. Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier No fisherman should miss a visit to Port Isabel, a tiny town that serves as the gateway to South Padre Island. Billing itself as the “Boating and Fishing Capital of Tropical Texas,” a long fishing pier located adjacent to the Queen Isabella Causeway is just the place for anglers to try their hand at catching speckled trout, black drum, whiting, and sheepshead. Krispy Krunchy Chicken and the Cannon Bar are located next door so you can have a meal or kick back and enjoy a drink. General admission is $9.75 per pole, $9.25 for seniors, $8 for veterans, and $2.75 for spectators, plus tax on all admission prices. The pier is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, weather permitting. Bay Charter captains are available at Pirate’s Fishing Pier, visit website for details. For more information, call (956) 943-7437 or visit www.piratespier.com. South Padre Island Art Trails Discover South Padre Island through two unique public art experiences that showcase the Island’s creativity, culture, and coastal charm. The Sandcastle Art Trail features more than 30 incredible sand sculptures created by local and internationally acclaimed artists. Scattered throughout South Padre Island, each sculpture celebrates the Island’s history, wildlife, and beach culture, making every stop a memorable photo opportunity. Continue your artistic adventure along the Sea Turtle Art Trail, where 13 beautifully painted fiberglass sea turtles can be found at businesses and attractions across the Island. Each sculpture was transformed by a local artist, resulting in a one-of-a-kind collection that reflects the creativity and personality of South Padre Island. Pick up a printed trail map at the South Padre Island Visitors Center, located at 321 Padre Boulevard, or explore both trails with the interactive digital map at VisitSouthPadreIsland.com. SpaceX Boca Chica is where nature and space combine with the new SpaceX launch site. The site is testing the Starship, a rocket designed for missions to Mars. You can find out more about the Starship at https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/. Find a link to their live stream at https://www. sopadre.com/spacex/. SPI Convention Center From large-scale conferences and trade shows to sporting events, concerts, festivals, and community celebrations, the South Padre Island Convention Center is where many of the Island’s biggest events come to life. Located just minutes from the beach, the facility offers 45,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 22,500-square-foot exhibit hall that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Planning a visit? Check the event calendar to see what’s happening during your stay. The South Padre Island Convention Center is located at 7355 Padre Boulevard. For more information and upcoming events, call (956) 761-3000 or visit VisitSouthPadreIsland.com. SPI Visitors Center Start your South Padre Island adventure at the Visitors Center, where friendly staff can help you discover the best places to eat, explore, and experience during your stay. Pick up complimentary visitor guides, Island maps, event information, and local recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. Located at 321 Padre Boulevard, the South Padre Island Visitors Center is your gateway to everything The Island has to offer. Andy Bowie Park Those wishing to spend a day enjoying the waterfront on South Padre Island will want to visit Andy Bowie Park. The park features a boardwalk to the beach, a pavilion, and picnic
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