SANTA FE POP. 12,863
ALT. 30
MAP R-21/VV-17
SANTA FE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 12408 Highway 6. 409/925-8558.
www.santafetexaschamber.com.
This community merged the towns of Alta Loma and Arcadia. It was named for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad that passed through the area. Originally an agricultural area, its growth is related to its location near NASA, Galveston and Texas City refineries. Events include a golf tournament and Galveston Coun-
ty Fair and Rodeo in April; Hall of Fame Fishing Tourna- ment in May; Captain Cuisine-Epicurean Evening in August; car show in October; Fall Fun Cruise in November; and Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival in December.
SANTA FE MUSEUM—In one of the few remaining original wooden railroad stations in the county, exhibits include original railroad artifacts from towns along the Santa Fe Railroad, including Hitchcock, Alta Loma, Arcadia and Algoa. Free. 409/925-8558.
WINERY—Haak Vineyards and Winery. See WINERIES listing.
SARITA POP. 250
ALT. 34 MAP W-17
The town served as the headquarters of the Kenedy Ranch and the Kenedy Pasture Company. It also is the seat of Kenedy County, the fourth-least populated county in the United States. The town was named by John G. Kenedy for his daughter, Sarita. During spring, Sarita is famous for its colorful display of South Texas wildflowers. Birding also is a year-round activity.
KENEDY RANCH MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS—Visitors learn about Mifflin Kenedy, his family and how their lives were interwoven with the history of the Wild Horse Desert. Hear about three generations of Kenedys, who played an important role in South Texas history and left a legacy of philanthropy. Admission charge. 280 E. La Parra Ave. 361/294-5751.
www.kenedyranchmuseum.org.
SINTON POP. 5,686
ALT. 48 MAP U-17
SINTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 361/364-2307.
www.sintontexas.org.
This town was established in 1885. The greatest population surge came in 1909 when several large ranches divided into smaller farms.
TAFT BLACKLAND MUSEUM—Housed in a building that was once the headquarters for the giant Coleman-Fulton Pasture Co. Exhibits feature antique farm and ranch equip- ment, household items of early settlers, and valuable memorabilia from the Taft Ranch. 301 Green Ave. in Taft. 361/528-2206.
WELDER WILDLIFE REFUGE—This is the largest privately endowed wildlife refuge in the world. Acreage and a large administration museum building occupy a portion of the Welder Ranch, established from a Spanish land grant more than 150 years ago. Call to arrange group tours. North of the city off U.S. 77. 361/364-2643.
www.welderwildlife.org.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND POP. 2,851
ALT. 5 MAP Z-18/CC-21
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND VISITORS CENTER: 610 Padre Blvd. 956/761-6433 or 800/767-2373.
www.sopadre.com.
Incorporated in 1973, this small resort town is on the south- ern tip of Padre Island just across Laguna Madre, the bay separating the island from the mainland. Access is via the causeway on Texas 100. Visitors find a wide range of
128 PHOTO: MICHAEL AMADOR/TXDOT The Victoria Educational Gardens occupy the former site of a WWII training base for fighter pilots.
accommodations: campgrounds, family motels, high-rise luxury hotels, condo rentals, marinas and seaside cottages. Restaurants feature fresh Gulf seafood. South Padre is known for its water sports, including jet
skiing; bay, surf and deep-sea fishing; parasailing; sailing; kiteboarding; wake lessons; and windsurfing. Other island activities include bicycling, tennis, shelling and horseback riding on the beach. The popular Laguna Madre Nature Trail for nature enthusiasts and birders is north of the city next to the convention center. Fishing is available from beach, piers and jetties. Group
boats provide bay and deep-sea fishing for full or half days; charter cruises are available.
www.sopadre.com.
HORSES ON THE BEACH—Enjoy horseback rides along the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre on South Padre Island. Horses are suited for riders of all experience levels, ages 6 and up. Groups welcome. 956/761-4677.
www.horsesonthebeach.com.
ISLA BLANCA PARK—Features a white beach, picnic and playground areas, two beachfront pavilions, fishing jetty, restaurants and clubs, a full-service marina with daily charters, a water park, a sea walk, and boat ramp. Camping facilities include RV sites. Admission charge. 33174 State Park Road 100. 956/761-5494.
www.co.cameron.tx.us/ parks/
isla_blanca.htm.
SCHLITTERBAHN BEACH RESORT—The indoor and out- door waterpark offers tube chutes, uphill water coasters, the Sand Castle water fun house, the Boogie Bahn surfing ride and the award-winning Rio Aventura. Soaring Eagle Zip Line, a specially designed seated ride, opened in 2013. Includes a restaurant and the free use of inner tubes. Admission charge. 33261 State Park Road 100. 956/772-7873.
www.schlitterbahn.com.
SEA TURTLE, INC.—This is the living museum of the “Turtle Lady,” Ila Loetscher. Suggested donation. 6617 Padre Blvd. 956/761-4511.
www.seaturtleinc.org.
TOURS—Breakaway Cruises includes dolphin watches, eco-tours, parasailing, deep sea and bay fishing, fireworks cruises and amphibious tours. 1 Padre Blvd. 956/761-2212.
www.breakawaycruises.com. The Original Dolphin Watch: 33256 State Park Road
100 Ste. 104. 956/761-4243.
www.theoriginaldolphin
watch.com.
Isla Tours South Padre and Captain Murphy’s
Fishing Charters offers bay fishing, deep-sea fishing, firework cruises, dolphin watch and sunset cruises. Sea Ranch Marina. 956/761-4752.
www.islatours.com.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS–PAN AMERICAN COASTAL STUDIES LABORATORY—Features marine life and repre- sentative examples from the Gulf and Laguna Madre, in- cluding fish, mollusks and plants, as well as an extensive seashell collection. 100 Marine Lab Drive. In Isla Blanca Park. 956/761-2644.
www.utpa.edu/csl.
SPRING POP. 56,824
ALT. 101 MAP P-21 SPRING TEXAS VISITORS BUREAU: 888/878-6746.
Settled by German immigrants, the city served as a railroad center in the early 1900s. The population declined until it was caught in the surging growth of nearby Houston.
JESSE H. JONES PARK & NATURE CENTER—The center includes exhibits on plants and animals, as well as a special children’s program. Buildings represent an Akokisa home- stead and Redbud Hill Homestead. A hiking trail mean- ders through woods, over a pond, ending at Spring Creek. 20634 Kenswick Drive. 281/446-8588.
www.hcp4.net/jones.
MERCER ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS— See HUMBLE.
OLD TOWN SPRING—This restored railroad village from the early 1900s includes shops, Texas wine tasting rooms, museums, art galleries and restaurants. Exit 70A off I-45, one mile east or Exit 1960 from Hardy Toll Road on frontage road north. 281/353-9310. www.old
townspringtx.com.
SPLASHTOWN HOUSTON—This water park offers rides, live entertainment and special events. Enjoy the Wild Wave Pool, Tree House Island Adventure, Kids Kountry and the Texas Freefall. Admission charge. 21300 I-45 north. At Louetta Road. 281/355-3300.
www.splashtownpark.com.
SPRING HISTORICAL MUSEUM—Historical documents, photos and memorabilia tell the story of Spring and the surrounding area. Spring Cypress Road and Gentry Street. 281/651-0055.
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