South Padre Island

30 04 2022

Sunset over Laguna Madre, South Padre Island

It’s April 30th and we’ve just crossed the Queen Isabella Causeway on our way back to Harlingen from South Padre Island.  We’ve been on SPI for 30 days, and have thoroughly enjoyed exploring familiar as well as some new island hangouts.  For 2 weeks during our stay, family from Washington state joined us on the island for fishing, relaxing and more good times.  We visited Boca Chica to check out the progress at SpaceX, explored some of Brownsville & Port Isabel, cruised the Brownsville Ship Channel and enjoyed our time on the island.

Lunch Atop a Skyscraper, Sergio Furnari at Space X Boca Chica, TX

Space X Starbase Launch pad, Boca Chica, TX

As in years past, we stayed at Isla Blanca Park, this time occupying end sites C282 and C321,  These end sites provide a bit more space,  privacy and good views of the Brownsville ship channel as well as the SpaceX manufacturing and launch facility across in Boca Chica.

Boardwalk, Isla Blanca Park, South Padre Island, TX

Isla Blanca Park, South Padre Island, TX

The Cameron County Amphitheatre and Event Center is literally across the street from our sites.  On April 9th, Clint Black was to perform, so we were anxious to enjoy an evening concert right in the RV park.  However, the weather had other plans.  By mid-afternoon winds were gusting over 30 MPH. And, by showtime, gusts were topping out around 40MPH.  As expected, the concert was cancelled due to these winds and never rescheduled during our stay.

Clint Black at Cameron County Event Center

A highlight of the trip was a Port of Brownsville tour on Breakaway cruises.  We last sailed with Breakaway in 2015 on this same tour which includes cruising the 13 miles from the outer jetties through the deep water ship channel to the port.  The Brownsville port serves as the southern most gulf port establishing it as a lead carrier for products bound for both US and Mexican destinations.  They also have a huge shipbreaking operation and large shrimp fleet.

Port of Brownsville, first ever LNG fueled container ship.

Also during our stay on the island, Sea Turtle Inc. hosted a public release of patient turtles.  Among the Atlantic Green sea turtles released were Sublime, Tumble, Blessed, Mushroom, Ciabatta, and Cowgirl.

Sea Turtle Inc. patient release

And as usual we explored various restaurants and bars on the island.  Old favorites included Painted Marlin, Longboard Bar & Grill, Meatballs Café, South Padre Island Brewing Company, Mahi Nicks, Pelican Station, Tequila Sunset and several others.  New this year was the wonderful breakfast or brunch spot, Yummies Bistro, a new find of Cobbleheads Bar & Grill in Brownsville and Josephine’s Kitchen, another delicious breakfast restaurant on the island.

Meatball Cafe, South Padre Island, TX

We’ll be at Tropic Winds in Harlingen for a few days before starting our trip north.  From Harlingen we’ll be visiting a favorite park, Goliad State Park in Goliad, TX.  More from Goliad…

 


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South Padre Island

1 05 2021

SpaceX Starship SN15

We’ve just departed South Padre Island after spending nearly a month on the island. We were originally scheduled to depart around the 28th, but SpaceX has continued to “tease” us with the possibility of a launch of Starship prototype 15. After two static fires last week to test the Raptor ignition system, we were hoping that the launch was imminent. But, sadly, as we cross the Isabela Memorial Causeway bridge, SN15 is still standing at-the-ready on the launch pad at Boca Chica.

We were parked in sites C405 and C363. C405 is a back-in site that overlooks the new Cameron County Event Center and C363 is a convenient pull-thru end site with plenty of space. We’ve been in these sites before. And, while they don’t provide ground-level views of the SpaceX launch pad, any launch would quickly be viewable above the event center.

Isla Blanca Site C405 with USS Nassau being towed to Brrow

After last year’s Covid shutdown, we were anxious to enjoy the restaurants and beach-front grills of the island. Upon arrival we’re still almost 2 weeks until our 2nd vax appointment – so, we’re focused on outdoor dining venues. The good news is that this presents a whole new list of possibilities. Our first “discovery”, actually a recommendation from a friend, is Pelican Station in Port Isabel. This upscale restaurant has a nice patio overlooking the laguna & bridge and features wonderful fresh seafood, steaks and burgers. We also found Mahi Nic’s – a small outdoor dining venue between Dirty Al’s and Sea Ranch very near the campground. Nic’s features burgers and fish tacos all serviced with a massive amount of delicious fries. Their beer & wine license reduces the drink options, but what more do you need with fish tacos than a cold Dos XX?

South Padre Island Sand Sculpture Trail

And, speaking of Dirty Al’s. We also enjoyed an evening on their marina-side patio. Great food, good service and even live music! For beach “dives”, we checked out Boomerang Billy’s at the Surf Motel and Seaside Bar & Grill at the Holiday Inn Beach Resort. While we can’t recommend the food at Billy’s, we did enjoy the Gulf view and the cold margaritas. The Seaside Bar & Grill was a total “do-not-return” experience. While the drinks weren’t bad, the environment is completely gross. The ever present gulls and grackles are allowed to steal anything they can find from behind the bar – sugar packets, jelly containers and left-over food – then scatter the remains around the restaurant. And, with combo locks inoperative, the restrooms have been turned into public facilities and that are some of the dirtiest we’ve ever seen. This place needs to be visited by the local health inspectors – they’d probably get shut down!

South Padre Island Sand Sculpture Trail

Following our typical tradition of Sunday Pizza Night, we enjoyed great pizza from both Russo’s and Meatball Café. And, in a return to an old favorite, we enjoyed the open air dining at Painted Marlin – twice!. We still think this is perhaps the best restaurant on the island!

From the island, we’ll spend 1 night in Tropic Winds in Harlingen and then start our trip home. Currently we’re planning to visit By the River in Kerrville, San Angelo State Park near San Angelo, the new Retreat RV Resort in Lubbock and Clayton Lake State Park outside of Clayton, NM. More from the road home…

AFTERWORD: On May 5th, 4 days after we left South Padre, SpaceX launched SN15 and had the first successful flight and landing of a Starship!  Maybe next year!


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Categories : Spring Road Trip 2021

Departing South Padre Island

1 05 2019

We’ve just spent 2 weeks on South Padre Island enjoying nearly all of our favorite eateries on the Island: Lobo del Mar (formerly Palm Street Pier), Tom & Jerry’s, Painted Marlin, Padre Island Brewing, and the Café on the Beach at The Palms Resort.  We also enjoyed two evenings at one of the newest establishments, Long Board Grill & Bar right across from Lobo del Mare on Palm Street.  This new venue is all about entertainment with an over-water stage providing the audience great views across the Laguna. Covered and uncovered decks with comfortable seating and a typical “island” menu of fish, tacos and burgers made this new place one of our favorites.

The new construction at Isla Blanca Park is progressing.  The new amphitheater looks nearly ready to open, the new north beach pavilion has working lights and landscaping and the new south pavilion was just getting it’s roof.  The new boardwalk area connecting the two pavilions is about half way complete.  New roadways and parking lots are under construction.  With Easter on the first weekend we arrived, these new parking lots and the beach was packed for the Semana Santa holiday.  The old bait & beer shop is still standing at the jetty, and the original bathhouse and boat launch is still in place, now right behind the new Cameron Country Event Center (and amphitheater).  Nearly all other shower houses in the RV park are closed for remodeling.

Across the Brownsville ship channel, work continues to progress on the new SpaceX facility.  Gleaming in the sunlight, quite visible from South Padre, is a test version of the Star Hopper – a short tethered rocket being used to test the Raptor engines.  We kept a close eye on the ‘hopper, hoping to view some sort of rocket test.  We even drove over to Boca Chica one afternoon to see the progress of the SpaceX facility.

Our sites this year were perhaps the best ever – #C400 and #C401.  These sites overlook the ship channel and the new events center & amphitheater.  They have lots of sandbur avoiding concrete, as well as a garden area providing privacy and wind break.  And, as it turns out, best view of the Starhopper across at Boca Chica!

 


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More from South Padre Island

3 04 2018

Nightly Sunset Bagpipes at Lobo del Mar

After watching the beach crowds grow over Easter weekend, today the beach and the RV park looks nearly abandon.  A cold front has slid down across far south Texas, bringing overnight temperatures into the 50’s and a refreshing north breeze and lack of humidity.  But, these northerners never last long, we’re headed back to the mid-80’s by mid week.

After the crowds left, we’ve enjoyed breakfast/brunch at the favorite Café on the Beach in the Palms Resort and a new discovery, Manuel’s in Port Isabelle.  We’ve returned to the Painted Marlin for dinner – where the food is great and the service is hit or miss.  We’ve also tried the new Meatball Restaurant for birthday dinner – the pasta was awesome, the lasagna only so-so.  But, overall, a nice restaurant with good service, we’d try it again. On Friday we’re back for the music of Chuck and Earl at Lobo del Mar.  On Sunday our pizza came from Russo New York Pizzeria, a new restaurant in South Padre. Good pizza, and a nice restaurant that would be a great dinner choice.

Sunset at the Painted Marlin, South Padre Island

Winds are always a factor in this area – but this year with gusts topping out near 50MPH, it seems more crazy than “normal”.  And, with nearly constant construction work around us – the dirt piles thick on everything outdoors.  We’ve scheduled Sierra Mobile RV Wash for Saturday while the construction project pauses for the weekend and we can hopefully depart with clean vehicles.  As usual, the guys at Sierra do an excellent job – starting with a complete roof cleaning, RV wash and hand wax and finishing with a wash and wax of the trucks.  Everything looks great – one again, great job guys, thanks!  And, their parts department even special orders parts for us during our stay – thanks!

Hand Washed and Waxed by Sierra Mobile RV Wash

 

Next stop, back to Harlingen for a few days and we’ll start the northbound trip.  More from there…


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Good Morning from South Padre Island!

2 04 2018

After spending 2 nights in Harlingen, we arrived to Isla Blanca RV Park on Sunday.  With winds continuing to be forecast in the 20-25 MPH range, a fairly early start from Harlingen insures we’ve crossed the Queen Isabelle causeway to the island before noon.  Major beach and RV park refurbishment plans announced last year make it a bit uncertain what we’ll find.  But, other than some road closures, sites are abundant and we’re parked at C406 and C405, prime sites that back-up to the south fence with great views overlooking the Brownsville Ship Channel.

Isla Blanca RV Park, C405 & C406

 

On this far south end, the former rec hall, life guard building and old beachfront bar have been demolished and are being replaced with a 4000 person amphitheater.  This location will provide prime viewing opportunities across the channel to Boca Chica where the new SpaceX facility is being built.

SpaceX Launch Facility coming to South Texas

Following a Sunday tradition, our first outing is to pick up a pizza at D’Pizza Joint.  Formerly available for delivery, apparently Isla Blanca Park no longer allows food deliveries through the gate. During the week we enjoy lunch at the Padre Island Brewing and our first Friday night dinner at our favorite waterside grill, the Palm Street Pier.  Under new ownership, the former Pier is now called Lobo del Mar Cafe – but other than a few deleted menu items, not much has changed yet.

Friday Night sunset at Lobo del Mar

Things are still quite busy on the Island.  Spring Breakers are still hanging out and the big Easter weekend has been ramping up since Good Friday.  This year we’re scheduled to be on South Padre Island for 3 weeks – so more from here as we enjoy living on Island Time.

Easter Sunday on South Padre Island

The ‘Padre” of South Padre Island – Padre Jose Nicolas Balli


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Final Days on South Padre Island and Happy Easter!

18 04 2017

The Painted Marlin, SPI

As expected, Semana Santa was busy on the Island.  During an unplanned grocery run on Saturday the causeway bridge is nearly bumper to bumper all the way across to Port Isabel.  Beyond, reports say that it was a 45 minute trip the last 10 miles or so into Port Isabel.  Definitely one of those weekends you are best on foot or a bike.  Fortunately neither route is required to reach the small island market The Blue Marlin.  We’re quickly in and out and back to calmness of Isla Blanca RV park.

Before our departure from the island, we enjoyed two new restaurants – The Painted Marlin and Parrot Eyes – both directly on the water overlooking the Laguna. We enjoyed a few cocktails and snacks at the Painted Marlin, but would definitely return for a full meal.  Seating is inside or outside over the water, with a small marina beyond.  The wait staff are friendly and efficient.  We’ll be back.  Our dinner at Parrot Eyes was just as good.  With outdoor seating, we enjoyed items from hamburgers to fried shrimp and oysters.  Another place we’ll revisit upon our return to South Padre.

As usual, it’s been a great time on South Padre.  Cameron County has big refurbishment plans for the RV park with new facilities to include an amphitheater, a sea side boardwalk and a swimming pool.  Nothing has started on this effort yet, but we’ll be anxious to see the progress next year.

Arriving back at Tropic Winds

Tropic Winds Site #242

After packing up on Tuesday morning we’ve made the short 40 mile trip back to Tropic Winds in Harlingen.  We’ll spend 4 nights here, resupplying the pantry and fridge.  We took advantage of Walmart’s online ordering from South Padre and will pick up the products at the local store in the next day or two.  This is a good option for travelers who know they will be in a Walmart town at some point in the near future.  With a 7 day grace period, travel schedules aren’t all that critical and the overall process is very efficient – you even get to skip the checkout lines!


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Chillin’ on South Padre Island

13 04 2017

After arriving on South Padre last Sunday the 2nd, we’ve checked out all of our favorite places by the following weekend. The beer and burgers are still great at the Padre Island Brewing Company.  Palm Street Pier, with our favorite entertainers – Chuck and Earl – keep the place dancing on Friday and Sunday nights. Saturday morning finds us having delicious Bloody Mary’s and breakfast at the Palms Resort Cafe.  And yesterday we enjoyed dinner at Tom and Jerry’s.  We’ve picked out a few new places we want to check out before departing the island.

The Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill

Sunset from “the Pier”

Palm Sunday the 9th of April, marked the official start of Semana Santa, the most important Mexican holiday season after Christmas.  All week we’ve watched as additional visitors set-up RVs here at Isla Blanca Park.  No doubt the parking lots and beaches will be overflowing by Friday afternoon.  Once the Easter festivities have quieted, we’ll make our way back to Harlingen for a few days before starting the trip back north.

More from South Padre as Semana Santa gets rolling…


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From South Padre Island

10 04 2016
Isla Blanca Park Beach Pavilion

Isla Blanca Park Beach Pavilion

We’re just into the second week of living on South Padre Island and already have a good start at visiting our favorite places as well as exploring a few new ones. We’re once again parked at Isla Blanca County Park, right on the southern tip of the island with good views over the Brownsville ship channel.  As in years past we’re occupying end site C363 and right behind it, site C361.  Our former end site C321 was not available due to new long-term residents from MN, Mary and Chuck.

Pirate Ship Entering Laguna Madre

Pirate Ship Entering Laguna Madre

On Thursday evening we had dinner at PadreRitas Grill.  We hadn’t realized until we pulled into the parking lot that we’d visited Rita’s a couple of years ago.  This laid back bar and grill offers a good selection of seafood, pasta and Mexican dishes.  With an outside deck overlooking Padre Blvd, this eatery is OK, but not one of our favorites.

Tom & Jerry's Beach Club Bar & Grill, South Padre Island

Tom & Jerry’s Beach Club Bar & Grill, South Padre Island

A new discoveries is Tom and Jerry’s Beach Club Bar & Grill at 3212 Padre Blvd.  With a huge menu, this place is somewhat reminiscent of a TGI Friday’s.  They offer interesting daily combos such as Taco & Tecate Tuesday’s, Burgers & Bock Wednesdays and Fish Fry Fridays.  They also advertise “Happy Every Hour” with $2.75 draft beers.  Our server at Tom and Jerry’s was great and made this a very enjoyable visit – we’ll be back!

On Sunday morning we decide on breakfast at The Palms Resort Cafe.  Tucked behind the small Palms Hotel, this is a great place for gulf views, tasty meals and awesome Bloody Mary’s.  With a standing room only crowd on Sunday, the service suffered a bit, but overall we really enjoy this small out of the way cafe.

Isla Blanca Beach, South Padre Island

Isla Blanca Beach, South Padre Island

Sunday evening once again finds us at the favorite Palm Street Pier enjoying the entertainment of Chuck and Earl (and company) in their traditional jam session.  As usual, Palm Street doesn’t disappoint with good food, good service and fun times.

On a practical note, the Bluewater Laundromat takes over as the best laundry facility on South Padre.  Immaculately clean, albeit a bit pricy, the Bluewater has dozens of extra capacity washers and dryers or will wash, dry and fold your laundry for you.  The Kwik Wash Laundry on Amberjack St. was a good stand-by. But their much older facility that’s not all that clean makes Bluewater is a much better choice.  Plus, as a bonus, the Bluewater is just down the block from the Palm Street Pier!


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Categories : Texas Roadtrip 2016

Sites at Isla Blanca, South Padre Island

2 04 2016

During the check-in procedure at Isla Blanca we found that reservations may now be made for any week or longer period.  Having occupied basically the same sites for the last 4 years, we decided it was time to look around a bit and see what else might be available.  Of highest priority is some type of view of the ship channel.  Ship traffic this year seem slow, but in past years the view of the massive cargo ships or tankers that look like they are nearly within arm’s reach is amazing.

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca (L-R) 403, 404, 405, 406

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca, (L-R) 403, 404, 405, 406

The best sites for a channel view are along the fence – in the area that we normally park in, sites C406  through C399.  We initially were assigned site C404.  But, after backing into this rather tight site with no patio or even grass, we opted for the more open site C361. C403 has perhaps the most space of any along here, and C401 has a great patio area both on the side and the rear – making 401 & 402 or 402 & 403 great companion sites.  Of course, the absolute best channel view sites are S15 through S23 in the “premium” section.

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca 361/360

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca 361/360 (and 363/362 on left)

Between the two areas are some other interesting sites.  East of the standard rows, there are what appear to be compounds that allow 2, 3 or even 4 RV’s to share a large patio area.  Site C469 combined with D17 or D19 would offer great space and views as long as companion sites were not occupied.  Nearby, directly backed to the fence, are good sites C131A, C131, D20 & D21. Any of the sites at the row ends (C215, C173 & C154) would also offer lots of space a views.

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #D17-C131

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #D17-C131

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #D17

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #D17

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #469

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #469 – site D21 & D20 (occupied) in background

During this year’s visit, the ant and sandbur populations seem to be at their peak making cement or brick patio sites seem very worthwhile.  Some good “patio sites” include C201 & C202.  Unique “pull-in” sites C184 & C185 with a nice garden and C238 with taller trees for a good wind block.  Another interesting corner “pull-in” site would be C242.

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #184

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #184

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #185

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #185

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca sites 201

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca, #201

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca sites 201/202

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca, Sites 201/202

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #238

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #238 (back-in)

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #242

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #242

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca, Site #404
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca 361/360
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca, Sites 201/202
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #201
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #185
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #184
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #238
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #210
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #242
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #469 – site D21 & D20 (occupied) in background
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #D17
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca #D17-C131

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Island Time, South Padre Island, TX

1 04 2015
South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park

We’re back on “Island Time”.  After spending 3 nights at Tropic Winds RV Park in Harlingen, we’ve made the short drive to the gulf coast, crossed over the Queen Isabella Causeway and are parked at the Isla Blanca park for the next 2 weeks.  This is our 3rd visit to SPI, always in sites C321 & C363 that overlook the Brownsville Ship Channel and fishing area. We’ve arrived just ahead of the big crowds that are expected for Semana Santa or Holy Week ending on Easter Sunday.

As luck would have it, good  friends Wendy and Mark are also here on the island for one more night before beginning their trip back home to Winnipeg, Canada.  We join them at the KOA Kampground for a few beers and great conversation as well as an introduction to their “puppy” Roper – the newest addition to their family.  It’s been two years since we first met in Lajitas, TX and it’s great to catch up with them again.  Safe Travels Mark & Wendy!

We’ll lay low during the big Easter weekend, and then venture out as the crowds leave.  We want to get back to the Palm Street Pier Bar & Grill, the Padre Island Brewing Company and Isabel’s Café for some home cooked Mexican breakfast.  And, we’re always on the lookout for new, fun places.  More from SPI as our 2 weeks progress…

South Padre Island, Isla Blanca Park
South Padre Island
South Padre Island

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