Watching a Starship launch from South Padre Island had been on my geeky space bucket list for a while—and we finally made it happen.
A couple of weeks ago, Lisa, Sierra, and I packed up our Bronco and made the drive from Corpus Christi to the island. But this trip wasn’t just for the beach—we were heading there for something much bigger: to witness a SpaceX Starship test flight.
We arrived around 11:30 AM the day of the launch and went straight to Isla Blanca Beach Park. It’s one of the best public spots to view a launch, with a clear sightline across Brazos Santiago Pass toward the launchpad at Starbase, Texas. We lucked out with a great location right along the jetty wall near the iconic Jesus Christ of the Fisherman statue. From there, we had a perfect view of the rocket perched on the pad, ready for its early evening mission.
After setting out our lawn chairs to save our spot, we retreated to the Bronco to stay cool. Sierra stretched out in the back while we kept an eye on the scene and chatted with others doing the same. There was already a growing crowd—a mix of locals, tourists, photographers, and hardcore space fans—all buzzing with anticipation. It felt like a low-key tailgate party with a purpose.
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Countdown to Liftoff
About an hour before liftoff, we returned to our chairs to claim our front-row seats. As we settled in, the Starship rocket started to vent and steam. Fueling was well underway, and you could feel the shift in energy across the area. People leaned forward. Conversations quieted. Cameras were checked and double-checked. I was glued to my 200–500mm Nikon lens and bouncing between that and my binoculars, watching for any movement or clues that launch was near.
Then I saw it. Cooling water began dumping beneath the pad—one of the last steps before ignition. I turned to Lisa and said, “The water’s going.” She asked, “What does that mean?” Before I could finish answering, thick white smoke started billowing from the base of the rocket. The visual countdown had begun.
I whispered, “It’s launching.”
And then it did. Starship lifted off the pad, slowly at first, almost in defiance of gravity, then building momentum as it climbed higher and higher into the sky. The smoke trailed behind it, leaving a path straight into the stratosphere. The roar of the engines hit seconds later—loud, deep, powerful. You don’t just hear it. You feel it in your chest, your bones, even the concrete beneath your feet.
Sierra’s First Launch
Sierra, our chocolate lab, handled it like a pro. She’s always been good with fireworks and gunshots—true Labrador retriever style—and when the rumble echoed across the water, she perked up and wagged her tail, clearly curious but totally unfazed. It was her first rocket launch, too, and she passed with flying colors.
Her reaction added a sweet, unexpected moment of levity to what was otherwise a massive and awe-inspiring event. While we humans were geeking out over smoke and flame, Sierra was just happy to be included and taking it all in like a champ.
Reflections on the Experience
There’s something surreal about watching a rocket launch in person. You think you know what to expect because you’ve seen the videos and livestreams. But being there—seeing it rise with your own eyes, hearing the delayed thunder, and feeling the ground tremble beneath you—there’s nothing like it. It’s awe-inspiring in the truest sense of the word.
For us, this wasn’t just a spectacle—it was a milestone. We’ve visited Starbase up close before, stood in awe of the towering Starship prototypes, and felt the futuristic vibe of Boca Chica. But this? This was our first live rocket launch. And now that we’ve done it, we’re hooked.
Tips for Watching a Starship Launch from South Padre Island
If you’re planning to catch a future Starship launch from South Padre Island, here are a few tips to help make the most of it:
- Arrive early. Isla Blanca Park gets busy on launch days. Get there well in advance to claim a good viewing spot.
- Head for the jetty. The area near the Jesus Christ of the Fisherman statue offers one of the best views across Brazos Santiago Pass.
- Bring lawn chairs. You’ll be waiting for a while, and having a comfortable seat is a game-changer.
- Pack snacks and drinks. Especially if you’re there all day or overnight.
- Use sun protection. Depending on the time of year, an umbrella, hat, or sunscreen will go a long way.
- Binoculars or a long lens are a must. The pad is a few miles away, and optics make a big difference.
- Watch for the water dump. That’s your sign that liftoff is imminent.
- Be prepared for changes. Launches often get scrubbed or delayed. Stay flexible and check SpaceX updates.
Other Things To Do On South Padre Island
Final Thoughts
For us, this was a memory we’ll never forget. A shared moment of awe. A little bit of history viewed from a folding chair on the Texas coast. And while we didn’t camp out or brave the chaos near the launchpad, we still had a perfect view, a peaceful spot, and a front-row seat to the future.
Have you ever seen a rocket launch in person? Tell us about it in the comments—we’d love to hear your story. And if you’re planning a trip to Starbase or just want to geek out with us, be sure to check out our earlier post on visiting Starbase, Texas, for tips, details, and what to expect.
SpaceX is rewriting the playbook on space travel—and we were lucky enough to watch a page turn.
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