The south end of the island is completely built up with hotels, restaurants, condo, subdivisions and tourist shops. But, as you drive about 10 miles out on the narrow strip of land that is the island, there is open sandy land, on both sides. At some point it becomes park. We stopped at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. This is a really neat area that has boardwalks out into the muddy flats that are between the ocean and the land. It is a bird and alligator sanctuary, and about 500 different types of birds fly through this area each year, at various times. Lots of migrating birds. However, this, apparently wasn't the peak season. The walk on the boardwalks was really nice, and we did see some birds, fish, tortoise, and alligators.
We had lunch, then drove further out on the island. The road ended with sand dunes on both sides. This is NOT a protected beach area. Cars are allowed to drive on the beach, so there is a lot of traffic right at the water's edge where the sand is harder. with folks sitting and laying on the sand just a little ways off to the side. Beautiful sand with lots of sea shells. We walked over the dunes and found a nice place for Peter to sit while I walked in the water's edge, finding sea shells, and enjoying the waves.
It is such a difference, being near so much water again. We haven't see any since California. It also feels like we have made a big circle, since we were on the Gulf Coast in Florida last winter. Now we are on the Gulf Coast in Texas. I have to say that the Gulf Coast here is not as dramatic or as breathtaking as the Pacific coastline was. Also, it is hot and humid! 85 degrees in March! We went from being too worried about the pipes freezing to air conditioning.
South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center photos:
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| From the observation tower at the Nature Center |
South Padre Island Gulf shore beach photos:
Sunshine RV Park, Harlingen, Texas photos:
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