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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 observing 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 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 - https://www.danielsancheztimelessphotography.com/

ArcTechPHOTO Comment:  This is the closest civilian-accessible location to the launch tower/pad in the U.S.

Getting There: Private / Public Access.  This location is privately owned and is available by personal invitation or by reserving a spot on the campground.  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:  Carlos Nuñez - https://www.cnunezimages.com/

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/