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Space Exploration & Coastal Adventure
5 activities
TRIP'N'AI
Boca Chica (Starbase), Texas
Experience the cutting edge of space exploration at SpaceX's Starbase, enjoy Boca Chica's natural beach beauty, and sample local cuisine on a quick, action-packed solo visit. Perfect for rocket fans and curious travelers!
Daily Itinerary
Activities
Day Theme: Space Exploration & Coastal Adventure
Drive to Starbase via Highway 4
Take the scenic 40-minute highway drive from Brownsville straight to Starbase. Pass through marshlands and enjoy unique anticipation as rockets gradually appear on the horizon.
Duration: Plan for about 40 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (road closures during tests/launches)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Morning for best lighting and minimal crowds
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Rare chance to drive up close to an active spaceport.
Take the scenic 40-minute highway drive from Brownsville straight to Starbase. Pass through marshlands and enjoy unique anticipation as rockets gradually appear on the horizon.
Duration: Plan for about 40 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (road closures during tests/launches)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Morning for best lighting and minimal crowds
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Rare chance to drive up close to an active spaceport.
Starbase (SpaceX) Perimeter Viewing
Wander the public roadside at Starbase and take photos of towering rockets and support infrastructure. Watch for live operations and possible test announcements. Public tours are not available, but photography and observation from public areas are welcome.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 60-90 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Accessible daylight hours (subject to closures)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Late morning
Popularity Rating: 5/5
Spotting a Starship prototype
If you're wondering what to order, Marvel at full-scale rockets just meters away from the fence.
Here's what you need to know: One of the only places on Earth to see interplanetary spacecraft being built up close.
Wander the public roadside at Starbase and take photos of towering rockets and support infrastructure. Watch for live operations and possible test announcements. Public tours are not available, but photography and observation from public areas are welcome.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 60-90 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Accessible daylight hours (subject to closures)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Late morning
Popularity Rating: 5/5
Spotting a Starship prototype
If you're wondering what to order, Marvel at full-scale rockets just meters away from the fence.
Here's what you need to know: One of the only places on Earth to see interplanetary spacecraft being built up close.
Boca Chica Beach Walk
Enjoy the serenity of one of Texas’ last undeveloped beaches. Walk along the shore, watch the waves, and look back for striking photos of the Starbase launch towers silhouetted against the sky.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (road closures may apply)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Late morning/early afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Beach/Sand & Rocket Photo
If you're wondering what to order, Capture the juxtaposition of pristine beach and futuristic rockets.
Here's what you need to know: Unspoiled Gulf Coast scenery with a space-age twist.
Enjoy the serenity of one of Texas’ last undeveloped beaches. Walk along the shore, watch the waves, and look back for striking photos of the Starbase launch towers silhouetted against the sky.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (road closures may apply)
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Late morning/early afternoon
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Beach/Sand & Rocket Photo
If you're wondering what to order, Capture the juxtaposition of pristine beach and futuristic rockets.
Here's what you need to know: Unspoiled Gulf Coast scenery with a space-age twist.
Lunch at The Vermillion
Relish fresh Tex-Mex and seafood at a classic Brownsville eatery known for its warm hospitality and inventive local cuisine. Their shrimp tacos & ceviche are especially popular.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Tex-Mex & Seafood cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Lunch & dinner
Popularity Rating: 4.3/5
Shrimp tacos
If you're wondering what to order, Locally sourced gulf shrimp with fresh toppings.
Here's what you need to know: 50+ year local institution for south Texas flavors.
Relish fresh Tex-Mex and seafood at a classic Brownsville eatery known for its warm hospitality and inventive local cuisine. Their shrimp tacos & ceviche are especially popular.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Tex-Mex & Seafood cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Lunch & dinner
Popularity Rating: 4.3/5
Shrimp tacos
If you're wondering what to order, Locally sourced gulf shrimp with fresh toppings.
Here's what you need to know: 50+ year local institution for south Texas flavors.
Explore Brownsville Historic Downtown
If time allows before heading home, stroll downtown Brownsville. Enjoy vibrant street murals, coffee shops, and local shops. The area reflects a blend of Texan and border culture.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free-$
Duration: Plan for about Flexible
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Daylight hours
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Afternoons
Popularity Rating: 4.2/5
Local coffee shop
If you're wondering what to order, Try Mexican hot chocolate or iced coffee.
Here's what you need to know: Cultural immersion in a historic border city.
If time allows before heading home, stroll downtown Brownsville. Enjoy vibrant street murals, coffee shops, and local shops. The area reflects a blend of Texan and border culture.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free-$
Duration: Plan for about Flexible
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open Daylight hours
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Afternoons
Popularity Rating: 4.2/5
Local coffee shop
If you're wondering what to order, Try Mexican hot chocolate or iced coffee.
Here's what you need to know: Cultural immersion in a historic border city.
Accommodation
Hampton Inn & Suites Brownsville
Comfortable, mid-range hotel with breakfast included and quick access to Highway 4 for Boca Chica/Starbase visits. Convenient for resting after a day of exploring.
Local Tips
- Check SpaceX’s official closure schedule before visiting: Boca Chica Beach and Starbase Road may be closed for rocket activity.
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat—shade is minimal and the sun is intense.
- Mobile service can be spotty; set your GPS route earlier.
- Pack out any trash and respect the dunes—rare wildlife habitats are protected.
- For the best rocket photos, zoom lenses and sunrise/early morning light yield the best results.
Photo Spots
- Starbase perimeter fence (with rockets in frame)
- Boca Chica Beach (dunes and launch facilities together)
- End of Highway 4 (where the river meets the Gulf)
- Historic murals in downtown Brownsville
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