Visit SpaceX | Things to Do in South Padre Island

If you’re on the hunt for things to do in South Padre Island, our island-oasis in Texas is home to swimming, fishing, and shopping galore.

Located on the coastal tip of the state, South Padre Island boasts recreation, sightseeing, and tons of activities. Among them — is SpaceX, the famous (and heavily talked about) attraction that’s bringing in visitors from all over the world.

Let’s take a closer look at what exactly SpaceX is and what you can expect from your next visit!

What is SpaceX?

Founded by Elon Musk, the SpaceX South Texas Launch Site is a spaceport and test site being built at Boca Chica Village. Located 40 miles from South Padre Island, SpaceX will provide an exclusive launch site.

Although there are no public tours of SpaceX available at this time, the Starship building site can be seen from Boca Chica. You can venture there by car or maybe, witness the next launch attempt right from your hotel room on South Padre Island.

Where is Boca Chica?

Boca Chica, as many say, is where the U.S. ends and Mexico begins — the place where South Padre Island meets an undeveloped coast. South Padre Island is considered the closest lodging to the Boca Chica area, where visitors have a range of dining and hotel options right near the launch site.

What Spacecraft Is Being Built?

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket (both referred to collectively, as Starship) are designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. It’s said that Starship will be the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed — and that it will be able to carry more than 100 metric tones to Earth orbit! Orbital-flight is targeted for 2020 — which means the things to do in South Padre Island just got a whole lot more galactic.

Other Things to Do on South Padre Island

If you’re looking for things to do on South Padre Island, SpaceX is just one of many. You can go dolphin watching, sand castling, sport fishing, or even take a private cruise around the island. Visit Sea Turtle Inc. for a taste of marine conservation or spend the day sunbathing with Beach Park at Isla Blanca. You can also visit Gravity Park for go-carts, reverse bungee, and a miniature golf course.

Whatever you choose, when you plan for your next visit to South Padre Island, make sure to put SpaceX on your vacation bucket list. Whether you view it up close or from afar, this is something monumental you won’t want to miss!

From all of us at Beach Park Texas, thank you for reading along. We look forward to welcoming you to our island soon. From SpaceX to beyond — we’re sure you’ll find many moments that propel you into the great beyond.

We look forward to welcoming you to our warm, wave-filled, and wonderful island soon.