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Top 5 South Padre Island Area Attractions

By , About.com Guide

South Padre Island has much more to offer than just surf and sand. While vacationing there, visitors can choose from a wide variety of activities and attractions to fill their time between trips to the beach.

1. Schlitterbahn Water Park

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Get wet at one of the top waterparks in the country. Schlitterbahn Beach also features restaurants and evening entertainment.

2. Point Isabel Lighthouse

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Located in Port Isabel, one of the oldest towns in Texas, the Point Isabel Lighthouse served mariners along the Lower Texas Coast throughout the Civil War and into the 1900s.

3. Museums of Port Isabel

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Located just across the bay, the Museums of Port Isabel celebrate the history of Port Isabel, South Padre Island and the Lower Laguna Madre area.

4. Sea Turtle Inc

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South Padre Island's Sea Turtle, Inc. is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, particularly the endangered Kemp's Ridley. Sea Turtle, Inc. also offers education tours, giving visitors an up-close look at these magnificent creatures.

5. Gladys Porter Zoo

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Located less than 30 minutes from South Padre Island, Brownsville's Gladys Porter Zoo first opened its doors in 1971. Since then the zoo has garnered international acclaim for its impressive list of species and unique exhibits.
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