Dolphin and Nature Research Center, Port Isabel, Texas, United States of America

Situated in Port Isabel, Texas, near the bridge heading to South Padre Island, Dolphin and Nature Research Center is a non-profit facility that stands with a mission to educate the community about the bottle nose dolphins that are native to the said island and the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the center gives visitors the chance to have a close encounter with many of the wonderful aquatic creatures that are native to the area through numerous aquariums and touch tanks. Fishes, starfish, hermit crabs, octopus, and crabs are some of the animals that can be seen at the property.

Apart from aquariums, Dolphin and Nature Research Center also entertain visitors with boat tours that will take people out to the sea to see the dolphins. Just a short walk from the center is the Port Isabel Lighthouse, which is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Museums of Port Isabel are also must-see sites as they offer interesting histories of the city and Spanish shipwrecks. To the west of Port Isabel is the city of Los Fresnos, where visitors can stay at Port Isla Inn that features an outdoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour front desk, and vending machines. At South Padre Island, Peninsula Island Resort & Spa is one of the top-rated resorts as it offers an array of accommodations with beautiful views of the beach. Plus, it is close to Isla Blanca Park, where guests can try different activities like snorkeling, parasailing, and others.