South Padre Island

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!

Final Days on South Padre Island and Happy Easter!

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!