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Welcome To South Padre IslandArea Attractions |
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Entertainment Parks:Gladys Porter Zoo- The Gladys Porter Zoo is a 31-acre preserve of lush tropical
plants and some 1,800 animals, the Gladys Porter Zoo is known for its successes
in breeding endangered species of wildlife. Opened in 1971 as one of the first
zoos in the country with no barred cages, most animal species are displayed in
settings that closely resemble their own natural habitats. In a mere ¾ mile
trek, a visitor will encounter a diverse ensemble of animals and plants.
Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park - Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark on South Padre Island offers the latest and greatest in water attractions. Located on the south end of South Padre Island next to Isla Blanca Park, Schlitterbahn Beach is spread across 26 acres. Open 4 pm-10pm Monday -Friday and 11 am- 10pm Saturday and Sunday.
Valley Race Park - The thrills and excitement of both greyhound and horse
racing at the Valley's premiere entertainment facility. Valley Race Park has
year round full card simulcast racing from the finest racetracks throughout Texas
and the United States. Live Greyhound Racing returns November 29th, 2002. Wildlife RefugesLaguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Laguna Atascosa NWR is the largest protected area of natural habitat left in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, an oasis for wildlife with few alternatives. Open daily from sunrise to sundown (about 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.). $2 per vehicle From South Padre Island, take Highway 100 out of Port Isabel and exit right on Farm Road 510 at Laguna Vista. Continue 5.4 miles to the Cameron County Airport road. Take a right and continue approximately 7 miles to the visitor center.
Sabal Palm Audubon Sanctuary - The Sabal Palm Audubon Center is dedicated to providing visitors, from school children to birders, with a uniquely Audubon nature experience. The Center also contains educational displays, a wildlife viewing area, and small gift shop. Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily Sanctuary Trails are open year-round 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Along the banks of the lower Rio Grande
is the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,088 acre refuge established in
1943 for the protection of migratory birds. Considered the ‘jewel’ of
the refuge system, this essential ‘island’ of thorn forest habitat
is host or home to nearly 400 different types of birds and a myriad of other
species, including the indigo snake, malachite butterfly and the endangered ocelot.
The Visitor Center is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving, Christmas
Day and New Year's Day) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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