Page 45 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 tables, and is a must for bird watchers because of the many water birds that live in the area. Located at 7300 N. Padre Blvd., about 5 ½ miles from the Queen Isabella Causeway, the park office is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the entrance fee is $15. For more information, call (956) 761-3704. Sea Turtle Inc. Sea Turtle Inc., founded in 1977, is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to protecting sea turtles on a global scale. After opening the world’s largest full enclosed sea turtle hospital in the world, the organization works towards securing a world with thriving sea turtle populations through a four-tiered mission that includes conservation, medical care, applied research, and education programs. Sea Turtle Inc. treats hundreds of sick or injured sea turtles while also maintaining a strong focus on public awareness, receiving a quarter of a million visitors each year. With its impactful blend of hands-on conservation and education, Sea Turtle Inc. continues to inspire local communities and global audiences to join in protecting sea turtles for generations to come. For more information visit the website at www.seaturtleinc.org or check out their social media pages: www.facebook.com/SeaTurtleConservation, www.instagram.com/seaturtleinctx/, www.x.com/SeaTurtleInc, www.tiktok. com/@seaturtleinc. Sandcastle Village The Holiday Sandcastle Village can be found on South Padre Island on W. Ling St., right under the Ferris Wheel and across from Louie’s Backyard. The Village was first erected to be a holiday village for Christmas but has evolved to feature sand exhibits of other holidays including Valentine’s Day, graduation, Fourth of July, and more. The rotating exhibit is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there is no charge to view but donations are accepted. For more information on the Sandcastle Village, visit www.sandcastlevillage.com or find them on Facebook where there are regular updates of who is working and what they are working on. Details on upcoming events, including unveilings of new works, can be found on the website and social media as well. Beach Waterpark Texas’ most innovative waterpark is nestled along the beach on beautiful South Padre Island. Splash into more than 2 dozen water attractions, including slides, tube chutes, four uphill water coasters, the SandCastle water funhouse, and the Surf Rider inland surf attraction. An award-winning river links the tube chutes and water coasters with the park’s beaches, so guests float between rides without having to get out of their tube. Amidst the fun, there are various options available for food and drinks throughout the park. The event center is officially open; a perfect venue for weddings, quinceañeras and corporate events. Also, Beach Waterpark is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is currently in the process of bringing new attractions to the park. The park is located at 33261 State Park Rd. 100, on South Padre Island and is open starting weekends beginning mid-April until mid-May. Then it is open daily from mid-May to early August, and open weekends from early August to mid-September. Tickets for one day or two-day admission, group admission, as well as season passes and rentals for cabanas and palapas, are available online at www.beachwaterparktx. com Call (956) 772-SURF (7873) or visit www. beachwaterparktx.com for more information and full hours. Isla Blanca Park A favorite destination among island lovers, this park located at the southern tip of South Padre Island has pavilions, shaded picnic areas, walking trails, a full-service marina, a fishing jetty, and full hook-up RV sites. The University of Texas-RGV Coastal Studies Laboratory, with examples of marine life from the Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico, is located inside the park. The lab is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information on the lab call (956) 761-2644. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and the admission charge is $15 per vehicle. For more information, call (956) 761-5494.
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