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Where To Watch Starship Rocket Launches: Best Viewing Spots
Know Before You Go...
As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, the excitement surrounding rocket launches has reached new heights. South Padre Island, nestled along the southern coast of Texas, has emerged as a prime location for witnessing these awe-inspiring events, particularly the launches of SpaceX's Starship rockets. Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast, photographer, or a curious spectator, finding the perfect viewing spot can elevate your experience to unforgettable heights. Here's a guide to help you discover the best locations for watching the Starship rocket launches in and around South Padre Island.
It is important to remember that these locations are for people who want the best, unobstructed views of the launch from the very beginning. In reality, Starship launches can be seen from all over South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and Laguna Vista. It can be heard and felt with vibrating windows in homes over 30 miles away.
This list is catered more towards photographers that come here on a mission to capture images of the launch, but the information found here can benefit all visitors that are visiting to watch these amazing launches!
ArcTechPHOTO & SpaceX Photography
Have Questions? Feel free to reach out!
Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, I have spent quite a bit of time on Boca Chica Beach and surrounding areas. I have been photographing professionally since 2005 and have been photographing the the SpaceX rocket launches since the Starship SN8 rocket launch on December 9, 2020. Since then, I have managed to capture some captivating images of the SpaceX facilities and various other launches including SN9, SN10, SN24, SN25 and I will be photographing the upcoming SN28.
I have been scouting all potential viewing areas, taking into consideration angle of sun, winds, tides, etc. Here is a comprehensive list of what I have discovered:
Need Assistance With Transportation?
Airport Shuttle / Starbase Tours
Seaside Shuttles offers airport shuttle service to South Padre Island along with tours to Starbase from SPI. You can reach them by visiting:
Map: Most Popular Viewing Spots
Isla Blanca Park - Most Popular/ Large Crowds
Isla Blanca Park - 5.03 Miles / 8.09 Km Away - Photo: Mark Lehmann
ArcTechPHOTO Comment: This is by far the most popular spot to watch the rocket launches for locals and tourists alike. Anticipate large crowds with plenty of vehicular traffic. Make sure you arrive early!!!! People start forming lines by 9 p.m. the night before early morning launches. Traffic on the causeway getting to South Padre Island also backs up to Port Isabel.
Getting There: Public Access with a $12.00 admission fee*. Isla Blanca is located on the
southern-most destinations due to the proximity to South Padre and amenities available for us.
Arriving: Gates generally open between 1 - 4 A.M. on early morning launch dates. You will have an excellent view of the north (left) side of the rocket launch pad from here. Expect heavy crowds and amazing energy all around you. Plan on getting there before the gates open for best chances at finding parking. This will generally require some dedication if you are serious about scouting the best location for taking amazing photos!
What to Bring: Bring your chairs, umbrellas, and refreshments. You will meet plenty of rocket enthusiasts here and have a great time while you wait for the launch. Restrooms, water fountains, showers, and various other amenities are available here. There is a public boat ramp, but that may be closed on launch dates. Those that are not staying on South Padre Island need to get on the causeway early to avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic on the bridge during the early morning of the scheduled launch dates.
Optimal Conditions: Light N winds, cool, dry air, and partly cloudy skies to soften the light. The day or two after a cold front is usually very nice. Clouds can soften the harsh direct sunlight and adds texture to your images around the rocket.
Challenges: It can be difficult to find a good spot with so many people around you. Taking a step ladder and tall tripod helps! The area is prone to windy and/or hazy days; sometimes fog. Heat distortion coming from the rising heat off the ground is seen during the hot, summer months. Shooting from an elevated location can help reduce the heat distortion through your viewfinder. The rocket will be to the south of you, so you may be shooting straight into the sun's rays.
More Information: Get to know Isla Blanca Park with VisitSPI.com! You can take a tour of Isla Blanca Park by visiting: https://visitspi.com/beaches/isla-blanca-park-beach/
Interested in Watching From Isla Blanca Park?
Plan on leaving early. It is best to ride a bike to Isla Blanca or walk on the beach to reach here. There are so many cars and parking can be an issue, including the traffic leaving the park after the launch.
Additional Resources:
https://visitspi.com/beaches/isla-blanca-park-beach/
https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/spacex/
https://www.faa.gov/space/stakeholder_engagement/spacex_starship
About the Photo:
I photographed the IFT-5 launch from the Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island. It was an early morning launch and people were forming lines by 9 p.m. the night before. They allowed us into the park at 1:00 a.m. and I managed to get a good parking spot near the statue. I stayed up all night chatting with people and it was an overall good experience!
Highway 48 - Avoids Large Crowds
Highway 48 - 6.33 Miles / 10.18 Km Away - Photo: Daniel Sanchez
ArcTechPHOTO Comment: There is plenty of space alongside Highway 48 to watch the rocket launch. You just have to be mindful of the traffic traveling at high speeds.
Getting There: Public Access. Highway 48 connects Brownsville to Port Isabel, Texas. Parking is free and will be along the highway. There is currently construction taking place with the new LNG facility being built along 48. This is a great option for those who wish to bypass the crowds at Isla Blanca Park. You will be facing the left/rear side of the rocket from this angle.
Optimal Conditions: Light N winds, cool, and partly cloudy to sunny skies. The day or two after a cold front hits is usually very nice. Clouds can soften the harsh sunlight and add texture to your images.
Challenges: Taking a step ladder and tall tripod helps! The area is prone to windy and/or hazy days. Lots of dry, arid land between you and the rocket can cause heat distortion coming from the rising heat off the ground and affecting the clarity of the rocket. This can be especially true during the hot sunny mornings/afternoons. Shooting from an elevated location can help reduce the heat distortion seen through the view finder of your camera. The rocket will be to the SE of you, so you may be shooting into the sun's direction in the morning and early afternoon hours. The closest restrooms/food/drinks can be found at the HEB grocery store, Stripes gas station, or nearby Starbucks in Port Isabel located on the corner of 48/100.
Contributing Photographer: Daniel Sanchez
Interested in Watching From Highway 48?
There is plenty of space along Highway 48 to view the Starship launches. Please be mindful of the traffic and construction taking place for the new LNG facilities.
Update 6/2/2024
The LNG construction is in full effect on Highway 48. Expect more traffic and dust nearby the site.
Long Island Village - Port Isabel, Texas
Long Island Village - 5.29 Miles / 8.51Km Away - Photo: Mark Lehmann
ArcTechPHOTO Comment: This is a great location if you are lucky enough to access it. Heat distortion can be an issue for those using a zoom lens and wishing to capture photos of the tower. Filters may be needed to reduce haze/distortion. There are many cottages with 2 and 3 level balconies along E. Scallop that offer excellent views!
Getting There: Private / Limited Public Access. Long Island Village is a private community located in Port Isabel that is connected by a swing bridge. This is a popular location for media companies to use for their live-streaming channels. Access to this location is allowed by either being a guest of a homeowner that owns in LIV or renting a short-term vacation home.
Optimal Conditions: Light winds, cool, and partly cloudy to sunny skies. The day or two after a cold front hits is usually very nice. The dry, cool air clears out the moisture that can create hazy conditions at the coast. Excellent location during the afternoon hours when the sun is behind the rocket/launch tower.
Challenges: The area is prone to windy and/or hazy mornings/days. Heat distortion caused by rising heat/air off the ground can also be an issue during the hot summer months. Shooting from an elevated location can help reduce the heat distortion seen through the view finder of a camera. The rocket will be to the SSE of you, so you may be shooting into the sun's direction during the morning hours.
Contributing Photographer and Author: Mark Lehmann - https://arctechphoto.com/
Purchase Prints of IFT-10 From Long Island Village: Decorate your walls with prints of IFT-10. Perfect for short-term vacation rentals in Long Island Village!
Interested in Watching From LIV?
You will need to be invited by a homeowner or book a cottage in Long Island Village to gain access onto the property.
Luckily, there are plenty of short-term vacation rentals located in Long Island Village!
Additional Resources:
https://www.longislandvillage.com/default.php
About the Photo:
I photographed the IFT-10 launch from a sea cottage located on East Scallop in Long Island Village. This was taken from a balcony on the third floor using a 150-600mm lens. There were two scrubbed launches and finally got lucky on the 3rd! It was fairly easy to get in and out of LIV and being off the Island allowed me to bypass the traffic on the bridge after the launch. Crowds were light and it was a great experience overall.
Tarpon Haven Rd. - Closest View in U.S.
Tarpon Haven Rd. - 4.00 Miles / 6.44 Km Away - Photo: Mark Lehmann
ArcTechPHOTO Comment: This is the closest civilian-accessible location to watch the Starship launches at Starbase in the U.S.
Getting There: Private / Public Access. This location is public road with privately owned lots to watch Starship launches from. It is available by personal invitation or by reserving a spot on any one of the campgrounds. Optimal shooting conditions are in the afternoon with the sun behind you or any time with a soft/diffused light. Beautiful silhouettes of the rocket are possible at sunrise. You will be facing more of the rear of the rocket/tower from this vantage point. Bring ear protection!
Optimal Conditions: Light winds, cool, and partly cloudy to sunny skies. The day or two after a cold front is usually very nice with the cool, dry air pushing the moisture away from the air, creating a more clear view of the rocket. Clouds can soften the harsh sunlight and add texture to your images. Excellent location during the afternoon hours when the sun is behind you and illuminating the rocket/launch tower.
Challenges: The area is prone to windy, hazy days. Heat distortion coming from the rising air/heat off the ground can be seen in the afternoons from April to October. The rocket will be to the ENE of you, so you may be shooting straight into the sun's direction during the morning hours.
Contributing Photographer and Author: Mark Lehmann - https://arctechphoto.com/
Interested in watching from Tarpon Haven Rd?
6Please visit the following sites to book your tickets:
About the Photo:
I photographed the IFT-6 launch from Tarpon Haven Road in Starbase. I arrived by 7:30 a.m. before the Boca Chica road closure and parked off to the side of an empty lot. The lighting was incredible as it was an afternoon launch and the sunlight lit the rocket beautifully!
Sapphire Condominiums
South Padre Island - 5.99 Miles / 9.58 Km Away - Photo: Mark Lehmann
ArcTechPHOTO Comment: This is an amazing location for an individual or organization that wishes to live-stream the rocket launches with a clear, unobstructed view from the 29th floor with wifi and all the comforts of being in a penthouse. You can view the launch from both balconies, kitchen, and living room.
Getting There: The Sapphire Condominiums is located at 310A Padre Blvd. Units in the south tower generally have the better views.
Optimal Conditions: Light SE winds, cool, and partly cloudy to sunny skies. The day or two after a cold front is usually very nice. Clouds can soften the harsh sunlight and add texture to your images. Excellent location during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours when the sun is in front, side, and rear of the rocket since it launching north of you from this vantage point. The rocket will always be well lit having the sun to your back.
Sapphire Condominiums: Take a tour of the Sapphire Condominiums on South Padre Island with VisitSPI.com! You'll find information on amenities and condos for rent here: https://visitspi.com/condominiums-of-spi/
Contributing Photographer and Author: Mark Lehmann - https://arctechphoto.com/
Interested in going?
You can book this condo by visiting:
https://www.sapphirelaunch.com/
About the Photo:
I photographed the IFT-7 launch from Sapphire 2904 on South Padre Island. I had initially attempted to photograph this launch once again from Tarpon Haven Rd. since the last experience was so much fun. However, I was approached by a Sheriff deputy a few hours before launch and was told that the only way I could be there was by paying $200.00 USD to one of the local establishments for access. I thought that was a bit absurd since it is a public road and I parked off to the side, not bothering anyone. Rather than argue, I immediately left and reached out to the owner of the penthouse. Luckily, they were there and I went straight over just in time to photograph the launch.
Playa Bagdad, Mexico - BEST VIEWS!
Highway 48 - 2.92 Miles / 4.70 Km Away - Photo: Mark Lehmann
ArcTechPHOTO Comment: PLAYA BAGDAD, MATAMOROS, MEXICO IS THE BEST LOCATION AND CLOSEST ANY CIVILIAN NOT AFFILIATED WITH SPACEX CAN WATCH THE ROCKET LAUNCH and by far my favorite spot to photograph the Starship launches! Get ready for some adventure and mariscos (seafood) during your quick 2-nation vacation and enjoy this tranquil Mexican beach town. Playa Bagdad (Boca del Rio) is located on the Mexican side (south side) of the Rio Grande River (U.S./Mexico border) and extends south past Highway 2.
Documents: Passports (U.S. citizens) / Passports/U.S. visa (other nationalities excluded from the U.S. visa waiver program required to venture out here. A valid U.S. drivers license presented by U.S. citizens has been accepted to return to U.S. It is best to have a birth certificate as well if only presenting a drivers license. Possible delays may occur during re-entry, but highly unlikely.
Getting There: Public Access. Is best to cross the border at the Veteran's International Bridge. Please note that they open at 6:00 A.M. It takes approximately 40-45 minutes to reach the mouth of the river after crossing the bridge into Mexico. (It is recommend to cross using the Gateway International Bridge if crossing the border prior to 6:00 A.M.) You will proceed to the feeder road once you cross the bridge and get past the Mexican Customs and Immigration/Military officers. Take a left turn on Lauro Villar (second traffic light after departing the port of entry) at go all the way until you reach Playa Bagdad. You will encounter some traffic in the morning hours due to the Mexican manufacturing facilities (maquiladoras) along the way. It is all free and clear once you pass that for the next 20 minutes or so. you will pass through what appears to be toll booths upon reaching Playa Bagdad. Take a left at the statue right after. Follow the arrows on the road. You will then drive straight until you reach the beach and then take another left (driving north) all the way to the river. It is approximately a 15-20 drive that is beautiful, especially at dawn. Although the sand is pretty compact here and a 4x4 isn't always required, it isn't a bad idea to have one and/or come prepared with a bucket, shovel, tow strap, and air compressor when driving on any beach. I have included a short 5-minute video below detailing how to reach the Boca del Rio in Playa Bagdad.
Optimal Conditions: Light SE winds, cool, and partly cloudy to sunny skies. The day or two after a cold front is usually very nice. Clouds can soften the harsh sunlight and add texture to your images. Excellent location during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours when the sun is in front, side, and rear of the rocket since it launching north of you from this vantage point. The rocket will always be well lit having the sun to your back.
Contributing Photographer and Author: Mark Lehmann - https://arctechphoto.com/
Interested in going?
Email me at info@arctechphoto.com or give me a call/text at 956-772-4206 and I can assist in getting you transportation to Playa Bagdad.
Follow ArcTechPHOTO on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/arctech_photo/
About the Photo:
I photographed the IFT-1, IFT-2, and IFT-3 launches from Playa Bagdad in Mexico. This particular image was from IFT-2 which was also an early morning launch. There were definitely more people watching and we all still had access to park at the mouth of the river. The angle of view from here is the absolute best! It's a mini-adventure getting here but I have had good experiences overall.
Photo Gallery: SpaceX Images by ArcTechPHOTO
