Gulf Coast & South Texas - Texas - page 573

Harlingen has so many chain hotels that some brands have more than one location. Rates
are rather cheap but note that the drive to South Padre Island's beaches can take an hour or
more from here.
Foodwise, it's more chains, except for lots of cheap and cheerful Mexican joints
scattered amidst the motels.
Information
Texas Travel Information Center ( 956-428-4477; 2021 W Harrison St; 8am-5pm) This excellent visit-
or center at the junction of US 77 and US 83 has maps, brochures and other information
about the region and the entire state.
Getting There & Away
Valley International Airport (HRL; 956-430-8600; www.flythevalley.com ; Loop 499) The airport is 3
miles east of downtown and has service from United Express to Houston and Southwest
to and from Houston and Dallas. It's a popular link for South Padre Island and the Rio
Grande Valley.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
From the moment you step out of your car at this 70-sq-mile federal preserve (
956-748-3607; www.fws.gov ; per vehicle $3; gates dawn-dusk, visitor center 8am-4pm) , northwest of Port
Isabel, you are surrounded by birdcalls. You may think you've stepped into the Hitchcock
movie or are trapped in a hellish version of the old Woolworth's parakeet department, but
you haven't. The calls soon blend into a mélange of melodies that cause you to stop and
just listen.
The land is a veritable avian playground (more than 400 species have been spotted);
wetlands, thorn brush, trees and grasses offer something for everything with feathers. The
refuge is also home to the rare, but rather cute, ocelot, a relative of the jaguar.
Wildlife Tours ( 956-748-3607; www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org ; tours $4-25; schedules vary) are a
great way to spot and learn about the park's abundant wildlife. Run by volunteers, they are
much recommended. Tours include ones by tram and kayak in addition to guided walks.