South Texas · Tech & Space · Beaches
Starbase & Boca Chica
Brownsville, Texas
Family friendlySpaceX's Starship launch site on the Gulf — rockets on the pad beside wild beaches and wildlife refuges.
Highway 4 closes during tests and launches. Watch from South Padre Island's beaches or Isla Blanca Park instead.
Know before you go
Plan your visit
Nearest town: Brownsville · About 0.5 hrs from Brownsville
- Best season
- Fall through spring
- Time needed
- Half day
- Cost
- Free
- Getting around
- Highway 4 can close during tests — check closures.
- Reservations
- Watch launch schedules; book SPI lodging early on launch weeks.
For families: Bring sun protection; no services at Boca Chica.
Where to eat
Vermillion
Brownsville institution since 1950s.
Family friendlyTaquería Gars
Barbacoa Sundays.
Things to do nearby
Boca Chica Beach
Wild beach beside the launch site.
Gladys Porter Zoo
A beloved Brownsville zoo.
Family friendlyBeaches 40 minutes away.
Hours and details change — check before you go.
Also nearby
South Texas · Beaches
South Padre Island
Warm Gulf water, sea turtle rescue, birding boardwalks and a front-row seat to Starship launches.
Gulf Coast · Beaches
Padre Island National Seashore
The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world — dunes, shorebirds and sea turtle releases.
Gulf Coast · Beaches
Port Aransas
A laid-back island town reached by a free ferry, with fishing piers, golf carts and fresh Gulf seafood.
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