South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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19 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- cat womanAtlanta, Georgia21 contributionsMust GoThis was one of the highlights of our trip! For a small additional fee, you get a short class on their alligators, then get to take photos with a baby alligator! We were also able to take photos with a python named Lola. It was way cooler than I could have imagined, and our group (ages 35 to 50) all thoroughly enjoyed it along side many ages, including kids. We spent a couple hours there. You could easily spend more or less depending on how in depth you want to explore. There was a person working there named Phillip who was very kind and knowledgeable and eager to share his knowledge with you if you were interested (we were, and loved getting a chance to speak with him about the gators and the rabbit especially).Written January 8, 2023
- travelingmanIllinoisBranson, Missouri73 contributionsExcellent AttractionVery nice and relaxing view of nature. The complex consists of a museum and observation tower connected to a raised walkway that spans a large area. Many displays and shaded areas to learn about the various plants and animals that inhabit the area. Takes at least an hour to see everything, however if you watch the movies allow more time. There is a elevator in the observation tower, so you don't need to climb the stairs. Cost about 10.00 for adults, less for seniors and children. Worth the money. Very good for adults and also kids.Traveled as a coupleWritten September 25, 2022
- Karen LWadsworth, Ohio3 contributionsIt’s just a gatorGreat place. Attended a special event , the winter outdoor wildlife event. What a deal. The $7 admission included the center plus the speakers and a LIVE raptor show. Fun and educational. The boardwalks run past alligator ponds wetland, shore areas and wading ponds. There must have been 20 gators in the juvenile pond. Great value for the money.Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,421 reviews
Excellent
1,037
Very good
295
Average
63
Poor
17
Terrible
9
chatonette
Warwick, UK7 contributions
Dec 2022
I have some serious concerns about the welfare of the rabbit on site, Winston. Rabbits need to have the companionship of at least one other rabbit—Winston is a single rabbit. In order to display their natural behaviours including running, jumping, digging, foraging and rearing up on their hind legs, they need proper enclosures, at least 9ft x 6ft—Winston’s enclosure looked like it was about 4ft x 2ft. The height needs to be at least 3ft—Winston’s appeared to be about 2ft on one side, and the other side was split into two levels, which looked like they were about 1ft high each. Rabbits like somewhere to hide, as a safe haven when they feel like they are danger, and as a place to relax in safety. Winston’s enclosure is completely exposed, without a hiding place, and without straw to burrow into. Winston shouldn’t spend a miserable life confined to a hutch, alone and with little or no space to exercise, mostly because his owners don’t realize what’s involved in caring for him. If you can’t commit to giving rabbits what they need to live full and contented lives, then rabbits are not for you.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phill N
312 contributions
Dec 2021
Since this attraction opened we have been stopping by to view the birds and now the alligators. In the UK our Astoria population is very seldom seen, and here they are striving.
I hope everyone realizes what a special place is the South Texas ecosystem.
I hope everyone realizes what a special place is the South Texas ecosystem.
Written December 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika H
26 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
Terrific guided 2 hour birding tour starting at 8:30 am (book it online) and led by Javi, naturalist, just $5 in addition to admission and absolutely worth it. Short, level boardwalk (about 3/4 of a mile) covering several habitats (salt water mangrove to the bay to fresh water) with a variety of birds frequenting each area. Tranquil stroll with lots of stops to admire the many birds. Javi set up his own telescope for us, in order to highlight certain birds, their plumage and even a huge shell. He was extremely knowledgeable and delighted in pointing out the different birds to us.
There is also a small alligator habitat at the beginning of the bird walk.
Great experience!
There is also a small alligator habitat at the beginning of the bird walk.
Great experience!
Written February 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mienie
Harker Heights, TX16 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
I was very excited to visit the facility, since I am an avid birdwatcher and nature enthusiast. We fed the tortoises and then walked along the boardwalk towards “Big Padre’s” area. The workers were trying to motivate the alligator into showing himself to the bystanders. He did not come up to the surface, and the one worker started poking him with a pipe. At first he used a short pipe, but the alligator tried to hide in deeper waters and then he continued to harass him with a longer pipe. I asked them to stop, but they continued to poke the alligator and agitate him so that he could get out of the water and the spectators could take a picture of him (I assume). Then the other worker started splashing the water with a broom. This really annoyed the poor animal and he was outraged when he arose out of the water and made a deep sound and bit off the bottom of the broom. Of course this was applauded by the small audience, since conservation apparently equals sensationalism. I felt sick to my stomach and reported the incident to the person working at the cashier register and she was not overly friendly and referred me to the manager. He was professional and agreed that this type of treatment is unacceptable. I had to leave the facility, because the lack of respect towards nature under the artificial label of “conservation” broke my heart. Please, that animal has the right to peace. How many times should he be subjected to this type of harassment in a day?
I was trying to escape the rat race only to be reminded of the preposterous commercialization and insensitive treatment of animals and the gorgeous coast.
What a horrific experience.
I was trying to escape the rat race only to be reminded of the preposterous commercialization and insensitive treatment of animals and the gorgeous coast.
What a horrific experience.
Written November 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
curioustraveler65
Richardson, TX85 contributions
Feb 2020
We visit the Birding Center each time we visit South Padre Island. On this trip we took a guided bird walk there for the first time.
We were on the walk for 3 hours, and enjoyed every minute of the time. Our volunteer guide, Robert, is very knowledgeable as well as friendly and patient. He answers all questions about the center's birds and wildlife, and seems to enjoy the experience as much as the visitors do.
Bird walks occur at 9 am and 1 pm, but I recommend the morning walk if possible because the birds seem to be more active and abundant in the morning.
Binoculars are available for rent ($3.00)
We were on the walk for 3 hours, and enjoyed every minute of the time. Our volunteer guide, Robert, is very knowledgeable as well as friendly and patient. He answers all questions about the center's birds and wildlife, and seems to enjoy the experience as much as the visitors do.
Bird walks occur at 9 am and 1 pm, but I recommend the morning walk if possible because the birds seem to be more active and abundant in the morning.
Binoculars are available for rent ($3.00)
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn A
7 contributions
Feb 2021
The birding center is a must for Padre Island visitors. The boardwalks make it easy for anyone to enjoy an incredible day watching area and migratory birds. Binoculars are available from the center at little cost and enhance the visit. The entrance fee is very reasonable and allows visitors to come and go throughout the day. This time was my 3rd visit, and I'll go back every time on on South Padre Island.
Written February 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deb0217
Dallas, TX119 contributions
Jul 2020
This is a fun place to visit. It was hot when we went, but the boardwalk has a lot of great things to look at and informational boards along the way. We loved feeding the alligators and tortoises! The inside museum offers a lot of good information and live animals to look at. The view from the observation tower makes a great photo! They also had good enforcement of COVID-19 precautions... face masks required inside and on the boardwalk when physical distancing is not possible.
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoxieV
Bradford, PA211 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was great, well worth the small amount they charge. While there, you walk on raised walkways throughout a nature preserve. We saw multiple alligators, turtles, fish and many species of birds. They have a gift shop and some inside displays that are all included in the cost. You go at your own pace, and the entry fee is good for the entire day so you are able to come and go. Definitely spend some time here.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leighhushfield
Fate, TX5 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The birding center was very attractive and the boardwalk area well maintained. The cost is also very reasonable. We really enjoyed the alligator talk and watching them feed “big padre”. The only drawback was there were no birding guides because of COVID. The guides are really what you are paying for because you can park and walk the boardwalk for free. I still feel it was worth the investment.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta B
Cibolo, TX138 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
The center gives a talk on alligators where you can hold a baby alligator and get a picture. The walk is on wooden boardwalks where you get a good view of Laguna Madre and go through surrounding wetlands. We saw a number of birds, fish, and crustaceans. The center has a small museum and gift shop as well as a bird tower to see more of the area. It does cost money to go in. Nice walk and I enjoyed reading the signs explaining the local wildlife.
Written June 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisTinaJimLori2016
Monroe, WI5 contributions
Hopefully making a trip there in a couple of weeks. Was wondering if there will be a lot of different birds this time of year?
Hank956
Brownsville, TX1,062 contributions
Water birds and pelagic possible.
Bring great pair of binoculars or camera.
Sabal Palm will give you a different types of birds, inland...
Enjoy
lisafoto
Madison, AL4 contributions
Is this open during December?
cristin26
austin1 contribution
Thank you for your interest in the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
Please visit our website for updated information, cost and schedule of events.
visit our website for more information.
we are only closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas day and Easter Sunday.
Thank you,
rf s
Pearland, TX
When is a good season to visit the center? Is July/August too hot for the birds?
Alita B
South Padre Island, TX
It is very hot here in South Texas during July and August. I recommend coming in the morning for the best viewing of the resident birds.
The best seasons to see a lot of birds would be during Spring and Fall Migration. March - May and Mid August to November.
January and February are great to view the wintering birds along with our shorebirds.
Thank you!
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
- South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center:
- (0.02 mi) Claytons Resort
- (0.13 mi) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach
- (0.15 mi) Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront
- (0.12 mi) BEACHFRONT COMPLEX--CONDO IS PRIVATE & FULLY RENOVATED!
- (0.14 mi) Gulf-front condo w/ patio & pools, hot tubs, tennis, gym - 1 small dog OK
- Restaurants near South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center:
- (0.13 mi) Bar Louie - South Padre Island
- (0.13 mi) On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
- (0.22 mi) Clayton's Beach Bar and Grill
- (0.21 mi) Barry's Bistro on the Beach
- (0.22 mi) Barry's Beach Bar
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,037 |
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Very Good Reviews | 295 |
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center Photos | 809 |




































































