Andy Bowie Park. Four miles north of the Queen Isabella Causeway. Picnic pavilions, children's play ground. Day-use fee is $4 per vehicle. 956/761-2639

Gladys Porter Zoo. One of the top 10 small zoos in the country. The zoo is a 31-acre preserve with more than 1,800 mammals, birds, and reptiles. Located at Ringgold and Sixth streets in Brownsville. Open daily from 9 a.m. to sundown. Adults $6; children $3. 956/546-7187

Isla Blanca Park. At the south end of the Island. RV camping, two picnic pavilions, jetty fishing. Dolphin Cove Oyster Bar, Sea Ranch Marina. Day-use fee is $4 per auto and $2 per motorcycle. 956/761-5493

Island Cinema North. 4700 Padre Blvd. Four screens. Matinee price: Hotline: 956/761-7828

Confederate Air Force/Rio Grande Wing. Historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 12-18, $4 for seniors, children ages 12 and under free with adults. Located at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, 955 Minnesota, Brownsville. 956/541-8585

Island Equestrian Center. Horse and pony rides daily on the beach north of city limits. Guides and instruction available. Early bird special. Combination snorkeling and horseback rides available. Call for reservations. Open daily 8 a.m. to dark. 956/761-HOSS or 1-800-761-HOSS (4677)

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. A 45,000-acre federal preserve for wildlife and bird watching on the mainland. Open daily from sunrise to sundown (about 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.). $2 per vehicle. 956/748-3608

Laguna Madre Nature Trail. The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is a 1500-foot boardwalk overlooking four acres of wetlands next to the South Padre Island Convention Centre. Visitors can observe many species of birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Laguna Station. Located on South Padre Island, Laguna Station offers a variety of exciting aquatic adventures to Boy Scout Troops and Coed Explorer Posts. Fishing, sailing, SCUBA and Island adventures round out the opportunities. Laguna Station also offers off-season camping and programs to church youth groups and other youth groups. For more information, please call Glenn Harrison, director of Laguna Station, at 956/423-0250, or write: Laguna Station, Rio Grande Council, 1301 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen, TX 78550.

Matamoros, Mexico. Bargain shopping for silver, leather goods, and handicrafts at vibrant Mexican markets. Traditional dining and historical museums. Thirty minutes from the Island. Escorted tours available.

Port Isabel Lighthouse. An 1853-era lighthouse with panoramic views of the Laguna Madre bay. Currently closed for renovation.

Sea Turtle, Inc. Once the home of the "Turtle Lady," Ila Loetscher. Educational shows featuring endangered sea turtles on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Padre Blvd near convention center $2 donation at the door.

Whaling Wall. Internationally-known environmental artist, Wyland, picked South Padre Island to paint Whaling Wall #53, his only wall in Texas. Wyland is planning to paint 100 walls during his career to educate people on the importance of marine conservation. Located at the S.P.I. Convention Centre. Can see it for free.

The University of Texas-Pan American Coastal Studies Laboratory. Several aquariums containing sealife indigenous to the area, as well as an extensive shell collection. Located in Isla Blanca Park. Open Sunday through Friday from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Free admission to the lab, but must pay $4 admission to the park. 956/761-2644.