Interested in an amazing visit to Starbase Texas? Please share this visit guide and follow @StarbaseTourist for updates
Comment with any questions or helpful info.
Why visit Starbase Texas?
@SpaceX is developing the largest and most advanced #Starship rocket and the South Texas #Starbase facilities are available to see up close to witness history being made. There is no substitute to experiencing this area in-person which tremendously adds to the enjoyment of watching the progress online. All this is taking place next to beautiful Boca Chica Beach and nearby tourist destinations of South Padre Island and Port Isabel.
How can you not be excited after watching these SpaceX videos!
Flight 5 with first-ever Booster catch: https://t.co/qd7dndWJWN
Flight 7 Booster catch: https://t.co/8oexwTdHSz
https://t.co/jEsvD8AjnS
Where is Starbase?
Starbase is at southern tip of Texas near Rio Grande River bordering Mexico on Gulf of Mexico. Nearest city is Brownsville (18 miles to West) Port Isabel and South Padre Island are only 5 miles North across bay but requires 38 miles drive around Brownsville port channel. Map: https://t.co/PUkwgLbIHY
Getting to Starbase
Distances to Starbase from: Brownsville International airport 18 mi, San Antonio 310 mi, Austin 370 mi, Houston 400 mi, Dallas 575 mi. Once in Brownsville, take Hwy 4 (Boca Chica Blvd) East to Boca Chica Beach. Bring ID as there is Border Patrol checkpoint when returning on Hwy 4
Brownsville South Padre Island International (@BRO_SPI_Airport) is the closest airport and has rental cars available. As you exit the airport, checkout the map and Starship flap for photo opportunities: https://t.co/fdeWHdooNE
What to expect at Starbase
Info from SpaceX (sign): https://t.co/VvTqlGPRKI… There are no public restrooms or food at Starbase. Nearest services are 18 miles back west along Hwy 4. So, recommend restroom stop in Brownsville on-way and pick-up a meal for picnic on the beach with amazing views!
Starbase Maps
Starbase site overview: https://t.co/cVK6PrN58l
Bird-eye view of Factory and Launch Site: https://t.co/W2GseGc9U1
Launch Site Labeled Diagram: https://t.co/t51OvBRdwi
Build Site & Massey’s Labeled Diagrams: https://t.co/M6v6A3cktk
Follow @BingoBoca and @RGVaerialphotos for latest updates
Starbase Sites/Stops
Driving along Highway 4 you’ll see the tall Starbase buildings. First stop is at the large Starbase sign: https://t.co/9djmIm23RR…
Rocket Garden (no longer accessible up close): https://t.co/I28lpWQ1xe
Airstream Trailer Park (Olympus Mons) – no longer here and replaced partially with parking lot: https://t.co/gCiyaoL0tL
Production site / buildings: https://t.co/qEqoDPxGNk
SpaceX Restaurant “Flaps”: https://t.co/AOKZsQ9eLX
Boca Chica Village: Please refrain from visiting these streets as these are private homes and respect their privacy.
Orbital Launch Site: Getting to site: https://t.co/P8EwkVbQm1
Painted Starbase sign: https://t.co/U8aBHMwk72
Behind the scenes webcams: https://t.co/qA8XD1moZ8 @NASASpaceFlight
Base Camp Zero: This group is often parked along Launch site near Boca Chica Beach. Stop by to say hello and please consider donating what you can to support them giving away thousands of activity books and swag for kids. https://t.co/oxymcKxafV @clwphoto1
Keep the area clean: https://t.co/PVI2IUoMkd
Boca Chica Beach
Walk or drive along beach: https://t.co/ArTsNLOKej
Drive North to reach Del Mar Beach and view of South Padre Island: https://t.co/dzhh4ZbjTl
Itinerary / Planning your Visit
Best time to visit? Whenever you can get here! There are always many amazing things to see and they are constantly changing. Of course seeing a full Starship stack on the orbital launch mount is an extra special view. Plan for multiple days and be flexible. Road closures are frequent and will prevent access to the SpaceX and Boca Chica Beach areas. Road is typically not closed on weekends so recommend include weekend day in your visit plans.
Follow @Bclosures for closure info and website https://t.co/EQv3KGVDeg…
What is the next launch date?
Well, that answer is likely not available until just a few days prior and subject to change. The term “NET” (No Earlier Than) will be a starting point but assume delays.
Checkout @Erdayastronaut and @NASASpaceflight video on the subject https://t.co/Fb9JLWlLv2…
Where to Stay
Recommend stay on South Padre Island: https://t.co/7epsvGLn1h
For a unique experience, stay at the Rocket Ranch (@RocketRanchTX)
https://t.co/ItVhSzyiwY
Isla Blanca RV Park: https://t.co/9AB7pB941l
SPI KOA: https://t.co/WSCW4u8iRz…
Other private options: @barracudabayspi
Where to watch SpaceX launch and static fire test activities
Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island (#IslaBlancaPark) is best public area to view
https://t.co/7idAPbauSP
https://t.co/pcs7bZ22JS
Plan to stay on SPI to avoid bridge traffic: https://t.co/GkaYEpQAqs
Rocket Ranch (@RocketRanchTX) is a unique private location. Advance reservations tickets are required.
https://t.co/tMharufztJ
https://t.co/cIEZg5WU1e
High floor and south facing hotel balcony on south end of SPI: https://t.co/LF3iFhBKOQ
Raptor Roost: https://t.co/GyP3KVRWNg
Other private viewing options: @StarFleetTours@BocachicaMaria1
Surrounding Areas to Visit
Brownsville: https://t.co/fVyCBJV98o
Port Isabel (@VisitPortIsabel , @pi_chamber): https://t.co/q3hqSxTBiG
South Padre Island (@visitsouthpadre): https://t.co/q3hqSxTBiG
https://t.co/2H4LkOe8nx
Favorite Food/Bar Places
Hopper Haus Bar (Port Isabel, @HopperHaus, #Barbase): https://t.co/ewTnWgqXTZ
Longboard Bar & Grill (SPI) Common spot for SpaceX employee after launch hangouts https://t.co/Hd5x0u3KuT
Bar Louie (SPI, @BarLouie): https://t.co/GhxEs0bI0m
Clayton’s Beach Bar (SPI, @ClaytonsSPI): https://t.co/ESFcRK2JgN
Padre Island Brewing Company: https://t.co/m87e7V7peR
Ceviche Ceviche (SPI): https://t.co/YQS8tSCLwf
Food Trucks (SPI): https://t.co/lEn8IxLt62
Space Dog Station (Downtown Brownsville): https://t.co/QfRn6vOrXh
Camping on Boca Chica Beach
Overnight camping is allowed, although recommend do as a group and take security precautions.
https://t.co/Mp5oTCSFsB
https://t.co/Dnzx2BhvSf
Cyber Beach Group: https://t.co/ieIPlNYBSD
@winespringcafe
Hopefully you found this guide helpful. Please follow @StarbaseTourist for more info and like/repost to share with others.
@BoosterTribe First Starship Ship to return to Starbase! Hopefully will stay intact for at least awhile. Maybe they will re-fly more hardware from it. We should have another Ship from a tower catch before too long.
Breakfast at Yummies Bistro on South Padre Island came with a surprise: an astronaut and a SpaceX logo drawn in our lattes! ☕🚀 Thank you for making our morning so sweet. This little island community really does love the mission. 🤗❤️
@XanderSky Seemed like a good puzzle to solve with increasing odometer reading while driving to get to the matching altitude. At least Colorado is the best state for range of altitudes. @Grok what is the lowest and highest altitudes of public roads in state of Colorado?
FORTE / Ship 40 Update 🚀⛴️🌎
Almost home! Heavy lift vessel Forte - with Starship Ship 40 on deck - about to enter the Gulf. With ~887 nm to Brownsville at 14.3 kn. Wed October 7 at 9 AM CDT arrival on AIS.
The Yucatán Channel has many cruise ships. Will we see images? 🧐
The statue of Prometheus is finally finished.
It was cast in Paris, crossed the Atlantic, and was assembled at Starbase. It took us 100 days to go from nothing to this.
People of the West, we have lived through an era devoid of dreams, devoid of destiny.
But the time has come to reclaim our dream of antiquity.
In a few months, we will start building a new city. It will be the most magnificent city in all of history.
After all, the great dream of the West has always been to rebuild Rome.
Come walk beside us in this endeavor. The world is waiting.