Islands in the Sun Part 2: South Padre Island

However, exotic birds, endangered turtles, WW II aircraft and the chance to visit Mexico make the area a popular weekend destination for San Antonio residents. Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuges support more than 500 different bird species, including at least 31 species found noplace else in United States. The warm, fertile waters of the Laguna Madre support more birds, as well as the best wade, surf and deepsea fishing in Texas.

A few endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles still lay eggs on island beaches. Ila Loescher, the Turtle Lady, of South Padre Island has turned her home into a turtle rehabilitation center. You might visit Tuesday or Saturday to see rare Atlantic green sea turtles. A $1.00 donation is requested to support the turtle planting in Laguna Madre and elsewhere.

In nearby Harlingen, 142 aircraft of the Confederate Air Force include 61 different types flown during WW II. Any aircraft addict will stall here. Besides the airplanes and the ongoing restoration work and testing in CAF hangers, a huge collection of nose art and more than 50,000 examples of WW II memorabilia delight aviation buffs.

Brownsville is just minutes away. Its Gladys Porter Zoo ranks as one of the ten best in the United States. There are no cages, and the zoo is open every day of the year. Five 18 hole golf courses and the distractions of Matamoros, just across the Rio Grande River, offer enough for several weekends.

South Padre Island Visitor and Convention Bureau; Box 3500, South Padre Island, TX 78597 800-992-4753(TX) or 800-992-7263(US)

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