South Padre Island

S.P.I (55 images)
Just thirty minutes away from Brownsville is beautiful South Padre Island, the long, slender white sand barrier island that curls around along the coast of Texas. The southern tip of the island is inhabited by dozens of tourist facilities. Expensive ondos and pricey hotels wrap themselves along the Gulf Coast side while cutting a straight line through the center, a main street is lined on both sides by high end gift shops, typical tee shirt stores, a movie theater, rental shops for beach vehicles and restaurants of all types but mostly seafood.

At the northern end of the populated part of the island a turtle refuge cares for wounded sea turtles until they are able to be released to the Gulf.

Empty beaches hold sway north of the turtle refuge. No homes, condos or other edifaces are there to spoil the wilderness. Only a road threads its way a stone's throw from the water allowing access to the quiet beaches.

Crossing back to the mainland on the causeway bridge over the Laguna Madre, we arrive back on the mainland and we are in the quaint town of Port Isabel with its historic lighthouse and dozens of tourist shops.

A couple of years ago Port Isabel had a Porpoise Pachanga event with decorated fiberglass porpoises that were decorated and displayed around town. Two of them are still standing amidst the restaurants and gift shops.

Click a picture to see a larger view.

Crossing the Laguna Madre